Gumple Stilt-Shins

Grumple was an ornrey old gnome who lived in a small village, and had a normal life. But one day, when he decided he needed to get away from the town for a bit, having been bothered by the local kids a few too many times, he went for a walk in the woods.

On his walk, he forgot himself for a while, wandering out aimlessly for hours. Grumple walked, and walked until he happened upon a hag. The hag offered him hospitality in her hut, complete with a warm cup of tea as well as either pleasant conversation or or peace and quiet, upon request. At first, Grumple chose the latter, though it wasn't long before he found himself chatting up the old hag, discussing various gossip, and complaining like old folks do. The old man made himself at home, and the both of them couldn't be happier with the situation.

It was just as Grumple was about to leave that the hag made him an offer. No one knows what the deal was that the hag proposed, only that Grumple accepted, and his payment would be claimed at a later date.

Grumple continued on with his life as if nothing happened, for some time. He returned to his home, to the village, and went back to his rountine. But it was not to last. One day, when Grumple had almost forgotten about that day, the hag returned. She entered his home without invitation or preamble, and demanded payment. Grumple had learned about hags in the time since their deal, and he was ready for her. Grumple struck down and devoured the hag, ending any sway she might have had over him.

Though it seemed that, even in death, the hag wasn't quite finished with Grumple. The old gnome slowly became more twisted over time. His features became slightly stretched or contorted, just enough to notice. His complexion took on a slightly sickly color. And as time went on, he began to develope eldritch abilities.

These changes didn't go unnoticed by the townsfolk, dispite Grumple's self imposed quarantine to his home. At first it was a very passive reception. Parents told their children they are never to go to Old Man Grumple's. Neighbors, concerned he might be ill, coming to check on him. But after some time, as the old man's visage became worse, the concern turned to apprehension, and then rejection. The townsfolk were happy to keep Old Man Grumple in his house where he belonged. And finally, one day the tension between Grumple and the town boiled over.

Rumors had already taken hold in the community about Grumple practicing dark rituals. The strange noises, lights, and smells emanating from his home providing ample fuel for the fire. And after people in the town started taking ill, crops failed, sickness plagued livestock, and enough was enough when a child came up missing. No one ever found definitive proof that Grumple was responsible for any of the misfortune befalling the village, but his strangeness and their desperation was enough for them.

Old Man Grumple was torn from his house, the gnome's protests falling on deaf ears as he was dragged to the cliff outside of town. Just as the mob was about to toss the old man to his death, there was a pause. They didn't want the foul sorcerer coming back to the town should he survive, so the townsfolk came to an agreement. Grumple was going over that cliff, after they cut off his legs. So Old Man Grumple, legs gone just below the knee, took a lethal plummet to the ground. And the townsfolk continued on with their lives.

Much time had passed, just enough for the town to almost forget about Old Man Grumple, when they recieved a ghastly visitor. A tall, shadowy figure stood at the edge of the village. He was the height of a man, but his body was small, and his legs thin and spindly. Townsfolk were impailed on his wooden stilts, as the visitor trampled through the village, people succumbed to plagues in an instant, and others simply eviscerated. All but one survivor fell victim to the familiar stranger's onslaught. The terrified young man fled, bringing with him tales of a twisted, bloody gnome that loomed like a giant, with legs made of wood and claws like an animal. Thus began the legend of Grumple Stilt-Shins.

Known Traits and Behavior

Grumple Stilt-Shins has been known to be viscious in combat. His primary method of attack consists of the wooden stilts that make up the lower half of his legs. They are deadly and have a long reach, allowing him to keep a safe distance from his victims should they be the sort to fight back. Dispite his small appearance, Grumple has been known to have incredible strength, and though one may be understandably tempted to knock him over to gain the advantage, such a tatic would prove inefective. Not only this,but he boast a resistance to mundane, nonsilver, weaponry. He's also been known to have some innate spellcasting abilities, including both destructive abilities, as well as manipulative spells. All accounts from those involved in skirmishes with Grumple Stilt-Shins have reported seeing him disappear and reappear across the battlefield.

His favored targets are small towns, villages, and hamlets; and within those he expresses a particular hatred toward children, the ones he finds most irritating are attacked first. When Grumple Stilt-Shins appears in an area, he tends to stay until he finishes slaughtering whatever inhabitants happen to live there.

Methods of Elimination

While groups experienced with combating monsters will be able to fend off Grumple Stilt-Shins, simply defeating him in combat with not suffice. If he is slain, he will reappear in a random location nearby, the next day. If one burns an effigy of him, it can ward him off from a specific location for a short time. Doing so will divert his attention elsewhere, as if the area was obscured. If Grumple appears to be targeting anyone individualy, this method can protect them temporarily, though they must stay quiet, produce no light, aside from that of the burning effigy, and otherwise not draw attention to themselves. Even then, this protection is temporary, and loses effectiveness over time.