Geertruud Smallbottom
WFRP4e
Work in progress!
ORC License
Slightly NSFW!
Geertruud Smallbottom's name is synonymous with knowledge about foreign lands, cultures, flora, and fauna in Farenia. Her books and maps can be found in every bookstore and library across the country, all showing signs of well-loved use.In Alana, a world both vast and wide,
There roams a gnome, with auburn hair so bright,
Geertruud Smallbottom, of courage and pride,
On journey, through lands both far and wide.
But, alas, poor Geertruud, hath not the grace,
To keep from misadventure, or mishap,
For she doth fall, into slimy mud, or chase,
Wriggly things, that cling, with teeth, so sharp.
And oft, in these mishaps, doth she disclose,
Bits of her attire, to all who pass,
And oft, she finds herself, in great distress,
With naught, to cover her, but mud and grass.
But, still, she roams, with courage and with heart,
For she hath promised, to see all the lands,
And bring back tales, of adventure, and of art,
To her dear friend, Margo Weedlebeam, her hands.
Thus, in this tale, of bravery, and of wit,
Do Geertruud roam, through lands, both wild and fair,
And through her mishaps, doth still acquit,
Herself, with grace, and courage, beyond compare.
The travels of Geertruud Smallbottom
Initially trained as a magician, Geertruud grew weary of theory and left her apprenticeship
at the Arcane Academy in Bridgeport after a series of mishaps. Packing her essentials into a leather bag, she set sail for Land's End, from where she started exploring Shirki.
After Geertruud sent several detailed letters to her friend Margo Weedlebeam, chronicling her adventures in various lands and cultures, Margo proposed turning their exchange into a business venture. Not long after, while in the capital city of the catfolk, Phurr, Geertruud received a package. Inside was a backpack equipped with all the essentials for a writer, archaeologist, and scout, including a few "special" items enchanted by Margo herself.
Geertruud introduced the Words of Aziz to Farenia, which have become a staple in the Queen's Day celebration and other festivities.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Geertruud by ZeD (commission)
Physical quirks
When excited, she gets an intense hiccup.
Special abilities
Geertruud has an uncanny knack for finding trouble and embarrassing predicaments, often involving damaged or lost clothing. She's also well-versed in plants and edible flora.
Apparel & Accessories
edited photo of a real dress by Tillerz
Geertruud is usually wearing knee-high brown leather boots, a knee-long red corset dress and a white blouse. Depending on the temperature, some things might come on or off.
edited photo of a real backpack by Tillerz
Mental characteristics
Education
Geertruud by Tillerz using MidJourney
Employment
Geertruud serves as the honorary chairwoman of the Perelline Society of Explorers and Finders of Ways, nominated by the Society in her absence for all her detailled maps, and her region and culture descriptions. She is also a member of the Guild of Cartographers, Mapmakers and Scribes, , earning her income through her publishing venture with Margo.
Accomplishments & Achievements
Her published works contain:
- A Comprehensive Guide to Butterflies
- Apes of Calika - A Lustful Species
- A Study of plants and herbs, and which ones you should avoid under any circumstances
- Detailed mappe of Calika
- Pigments of Faith - Religion in Calika
- Never underestimate a dragon
- Onehundredtwentyseven ways to make a decent tea without having actual tea
- Starving To Death? Things You Thought Are Inedible
- Running In Circles
- The Underbelly of the Wild Lands (unpublished yet)
- When North Is South - Finding Your Way Through A Desert
Failures & Embarrassments
Geertruud was known in her village for being a bit clumsy and often finding herself in embarrassing situations.
- When she and her best friend Margo were studying at the Arcany Academy, Geertuud stood up to go to the bathroom one day and opened the door to the small shared living room, not realising Margo and other students were sitting there bunched up, studying spells. As she stepped through the doorway, all eyes were instantly on Geertruud as she stood there completely nude. Everyone gasped with shock at the sight of her standing there, embarrassed and exposed.
- Another time, Geertruud was out exploring when one of her shoes got stuck on a root sticking out of the ground. In an effort to free it, she yanked so hard that she ended up stripping off all of her clothing instead! With her clothing ripped, she frantically tried to cover herself with leaves until someone else came along and offered their help – much to everyone’s amusement.
- One of the most mortifying incidents occurred when she was out with some friends at a local tavern. After a few too many drinks, Geertruud got involuntarily involved in an impromptu game of strip "Three Gnomes", which left her completely naked before the bar patrons - much to their amusement.
- While walking through town on a hot summer day, Geertruud's foot slipped off one of the cobblestones, causing her to fall face first into a large mud puddle. Her friends couldn't help but laugh as they helped pull her from the muck, covered head-to-toe in sludge.
- If there is one thing she regrets, then it is not refusing a present given to her by a tribe, which made her the spiritual guide of the tribe. Soon enough she found out this honour also included a tattoo from neck to ancles.
Social
Family Ties
Religious Views
She believes in what might be most useful in the current situation.
Mannerisms
Geertruud is always referring to herself as "we" and "us". This gets especially annoying for others if it has to do with work. "We need to do this immediately!" Because in this case, she is addressing those other people to do the work. Many of them don't mind, as long as Geertruud is standing around, waiting, and looking pretty.
Relationships
Wealth & Financial state
Her parents started placing all the earnings from the books and maps in Geetruud's room, which looks like a treasure cave by now. If a large enough number of coins makes a heap of gold to become sentient, her room would be the first place where this happens.
Plot Hooks
Lost - There has been no message from Geertruud for three months, whereas she has sent pages and maps every month to Margo (her editor) before. The last message from Geertruud arrived from Bonoloku with her next target location being the Wild Lands.
Rumblings - Strange things are happening since a small wooden box from Geertruud arrived at her parents' house. The box says, "Do not open under any circumstances!!!" Geertruud's parents are looking for some investigators to find out. This could lead into some "Jumanji" game interlude where everyone is playing someone else. As the box is in the room with all the gold, only trustworthy people will get hired, so the PCs will get this job only if they have done noteworthy things before, eg. helping Margo.
Divine Classification
People watching her might title her Goddess of Mishap.
Current Location
Species
Year of Birth
2620 PB
245 Years old
Birthplace
Spouses
Siblings
Children
Quotes & Catchphrases
"Found it! ... whoops, now it's gone again."
"We've been here already, right? Twice, or more often?"
"Ouch, this stings. A lot."
*sigh* "Ripped it once more!"
Aligned Organization
What a lovely and interesting person! She sounds like she's been on many adventurers, I'd love to hear about them some day. These plot hooks especially have me intrigued, and I really like the idea of integrating plot hooks in character articles (might do the same if you'll let me ^^).
Sure do. And thanks. :) I am adding more to this character soon.