Eldon Gearsmith, Gnome Monk

The diminutive gnomes – renowned mechanics, engineers, technicians and tool-makers – have made their mark on Azeroth through the application of a collective intelligence and ambition overshadowing that of their larger peers. Although little is known concerning gnomish history previous to the Second War, much of gnomish philosophy and recorded knowledge is focused on forward-thinking, inventive concepts.

Their capital city, Gnomeregan, constructed with the help of their neighbors the dwarves, sits in the snowy foothills of Dun Morogh near the dwarven capital of Ironforge. From this wondrous techno-city, gnomes provided invaluable support in weaponry, vehicles, and energetic troops to the Alliance of dwarves, humans, and high elves.

But when the Burning Legion invaded during the Third War, the gnomes strangely refused to send aid to their allies. It wasn't until the war had ended that the Alliance learned the reason for the gnomes' withdrawal; an ancient menace had risen from the bowels of Azeroth to strike at Gnomeregan. Knowing that their allies priority was defeating the Burning Legion, the gnomes decided to make their stand alone. Though they fought valiantly to save their beloved city, Gnomeregan was lost.

Many gnomes were lost during the fall of Gnomeregan. Some survivors fled and established Tinkertown inside Ironforge, where they quietly went about rebuilding their forces, healing their wounds, and preparing to retake Gnomeregan. Other gnomes spread around the globe to pursue other goals.

You are unique among gnomes. Raised by your great aunt, you spent your time in isolation since before the First War. You are aware of world events though. Your path after your aunt's death has brought you to the inn of Anvilmar in Coldridge Valley in greater Dun Morogh.

I peruse the tavern playing my viola and singing of battles long past, hoping for some coin for my performance

Your performance begins well. Your notes are clear and the chords are a hit. When you begin to sing is when things sour. It begins with the cheers stopping. You notice some patrons turn away and ignore you. Others grimace. Your song is half over and the jeers begin. You hear shouts of "Quit yer yammerin'!" and "Ye don't know what yer talkin' about!" and of course some "Boo!"s.

"Apparently tonight is not being kind to me, may I purchase a pint of mead? Perhaps it will help with my performance!"

The barkeep looks like he's about to scold you or maybe even kick you out as you approach. After your remark though, he closes his mouth and thinks for a second. Without a word, he grabs a mug and fills it. Setting it in front of you, the dwarf locks eyes with you. "Have yer drink. Try again. But no more war songs. We got vet'rans who don't seem ta like yer nonsense." With that said, he steps aside to take care of other patrons.

I finish my glass quickly and jump up on the barstool and begin to play love ballads

You begin to play this lively tune and the atmosphere of the whole tavern changes. Conversations begin again and there's almost no sign of grumbling. You get a drink brought to you and a few coins tossed your way.

I take what little coin I’ve received and approach the bar again, "Sir, I request a meager meal for a meager musician! And something to wash it down with if it pleases you!"
Then I lean in and ask "So why so many veterans, was there a large battle near this city?"

"Ha! No army made its way this far through these mountains. 'Specially not to Ironforge." He takes the coin and pushes open a door behind him and shouts back "Need a plate out here!" Before he returns to you with a new full mug. "Nah. Not that many really. War's been over 'bout four years now."

"So what happened to the enemy? Did they drive them back?"

The barkeep busts out a single, large laugh, "Ha! Well o' course! Else this whole world might be overrun by now!" He laughs again and goes to tend another patron. He comes back very soon with a slightly concerned look on his face. "Been 'bout 25 years since the First War. By my account o' ya that's most of your life. Ya know 'bout the Third War, eh?"

Not much, I know little else outside my home town.

The barkeep nods sagely as he cleans some mugs. "Tha' makes sense. So... ya don' know 'bout tha orcs invading from another world or tha demons who sent 'em?" He whistles in mild amazement. "Yoo might wanna stay in yer home town if ya wanna stay as safe as you have been."

"orcs and demons? That doesn’t sound great."
"But you spoke of the war like it was in the past, so these men must’ve driven them back, right?"

"Aye. Men, dwarf, an' elf stood together to push back the demons. We even stood with the orcs an' their side." He shakes his head, heavy in remembered sadness. "World coulda ended."

"Blimey!" I say, and take a hefty swig. "Wish I’d been around to help. I don’t go look king for fights, but when someone needs protecting, you can be sure I’m getting involved!"

The barekeep smirks and issues a single chuckle. "Is that right? Whatcha been protecting out here?"

"Well as a traveling musician, you inevitably come across the untrained on the road being attacked by bandits and ne’er-do-wells" I say with a wink. "I may be smaller than most, but I know how to handle myself in a tussle"

"Ha! Aye, tha' be true for yer kin, tha' I know." The barkeep sets down the mug he had just cleaned. "If it's protecting others yer after, I might 'ave a job for ya. The wolves 'round here been gettin' pretty brazen. Thin out their numbers some, an' I'll get ya some coin for yer travels. Whatcha say?"

"Wolves were a bit of a problem where I come from. I know how to handle ‘em" Eldon says with a knowing smirk "Who’s paying, and how much?"

He grins big. "I'm payin' and I'll give ya 1 silver per wolf. Bring me somethin' like an ear or whatever to show me yer handiwork. The valley has them practically crawling around. Ya can't miss 'em. Probably out hunting the snow hares."

"Bully! I’ll have more pelts and ears than you’ve ever seen!" And I finish my drink and head out of the tavern

Outside it is cold. While it usually snows in these mountains, it's currently not. The sun is shining and you can see the road slopes down deeper into Coldridge Valley. The valley floor is mostly bare save a scattering of trees. Even from here, you can see a movement that appears to be wolves.

Ok, I’m going to sneak near the outskirts, close enough to get some intel on them (number, size, location, etc) but not so close that they can sense me

As you approach the hunting grounds, you see a single wolf off away from a group. It sniffs along the ground, looking for prey... It doesn't sense you, and you soon see it spot a snow hare.