Undead Gned

The Headdress of Knowledge was losing its wisdom and fading fast into oblivion. For numerous millenia, it had wandered magically in the underground abbey of Gnewminster. Its former owner had been slain during the beginning of the Ice Gnoblin Wars inside the abbey where it now resided. Trapped inside and buried under who knew how much snow and ice, the Headdress had watched the ice worms consume the decaying remains of….of…..of…..Oh, it couldn’t remember who now, as it had recently consumed that bit of information to remain sentient.

It didn’t have much knowledge left to consume. Originally designed to harbor knowledge and pass that on to its bearer as needed, it would normally remain powered through the consumption of radiant energy given off by permafrost crystals. These crystals had to be specially crafted by infusing gnoblin shaman magic with the aurora’s colorful lights. Unfortunately, the last of the crystals had withered away numerous ages ago.

Acutely aware of its plight, it had begun to do what any other sentient being would do, search for other means of survival. When it found none, it panicked. Perched as it was atop a large tome that a scribe had been copying, it magically absorbed to tome. Pleasantly surprised at this infusion of power, it feasted on other tomes in the abbey - novels, history and poetry. It even discovered a way to drain the magic from other magical items. Needless to say, the abbey was practically empty and the Headdress had resorted to consuming its own stored knowledge.

Now, very little knowledge remained. The Headdress slumped on the desk next to the last remaining tome. Actually, a partial tome that the scribe from long ago had not yet finished. Deflated. Droopy. Dingy. Depressed. Its lackluster appearance no longer resembled its former icy-white-blue sheen.

Over the passing years, decades and centuries, the Headdress had emanated magical tendrils seeking a new bearer. However, this process was tedious and immensely costly in terms of power. During the last millennium in order to preserve its sustenance for as long as possible, it had only done this once every century. Sadly, there were just too many gnoblins consumed with hatred or malice making them unreceptive to the vibes portrayed by the Headdress. In one last desperate attempt, the Headdress consumed the final tome and sent forth a powerful tendril that mixed with the aurora. This tendril found its way to the heart and mind of a gnoblin shaman whose name was Gned.
Gnow that’s Gnomazing!

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Gned danced up a storm! Well, not literally but boy oh boy, did he enjoy dancing, especially since he was wearing his newly created polar bear fur lined moccasins. “Wow! These things are gnomazing!,” Gned said aloud. “Do-bee-von-do-bee-do-bee,” he chanted excitedly. After leaving his tribe and going rogue in the harsh, arctic environment that the goblins called home, he had originally questioned his decision for many moons. But, never ever did he ever once question dancing.

Nine years ago and a day it had been since he left his tribe. Yet, he didn’t regret it. He’d actually grown tired of so much useless bloodshed. So often, it was just in the name of revenge. The problem with this concept was that the slaughter of fellow gnoblins was endless. One could always justify the taking of life in a conflict that had ragged across the tundra for as long as anyone could remember.

True, it was dangerous wandering out on the tundra alone. If spotted by hunters, he had to run. After all, they didn’t know his intent and might choose to throw spears rather than parley. Additionally, there were the bears, snow leopards and yeti. Yikes! Unpredictable weather also always kept him on his toes. Miraculously, he’d survived against all odds. He’d even befriended an arctic fox! After it passed away while in labor, Gned managed to nurse two of the kits to adulthood. And now, one of them had a couple kits of its own.

As it was late spring, game was a little easier to come by. Migratory birds had returned and their eggs made delicious breakfasts. Plants like dandelions, arctic lichens and rhubarb were providing various greens for salads. Over the coming months various fruits like Curlewberries, Bilberries, and Cranberries would ripen, which could be eaten, dried and even stored in various locations to be dug up when food was less plentiful. Plus, Gned liked burrowing animals the foxes helped capture as well like hares and marmots.

They considered themselves to be most fortunate when they came across a partially frozen polar bear, which had apparently drowned due to shifting ice. Gned had been dancing one night and the auroras guided them to it. Oh, how they had feasted. Full tummies seemed to make everyone happy! Moreover, he’d been able to salvage most of the hide, which he’d fashioned into moccasins, a scarf and a nice bedroll. “Life is good,” Gned said to noone in particular as he petted his favorite fox. “Who could ask for anything more?” he asked and smiled.

To be continued....


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