Ariben Cobblecloak

Before the catastrophe that turned Gearspindle Island into a zombie-infested wasteland, Ariben Cobblecloak was part of a respected gnome family deeply involved in magical research, engineering, and alchemical experimentation. The Cobblecloak family was among the most prominent on the island, known for their ambition and innovation—qualities that would ultimately lead to their downfall.

The Cobblecloak Family of Gearspindle Island

Jever Cobblecloak (Father)

Role: Lead Arcanist and Chief Researcher

Specialization: Arcane Engineering & Magical Infusions

Personality: Visionary, obsessive, and highly intelligent

Fate: Escaped to Frandyln after the disaster

Jever was a brilliant yet reckless arcanist who pushed the boundaries of magical science. He spearheaded the Grand Arcane Resurgence Project, a bold experiment aimed at fusing necromantic energy with clockwork constructs to create an eternal workforce of self-sustaining, magically-powered automatons. Unfortunately, something went terribly wrong, unleashing the zombie virus instead. Though Jever survived and fled to Frandyln, he never revealed the full truth about the accident, leading some to suspect that he knew more than he admitted.

Vistina Cobblecloak (Mother)

Role: Artificer & Tinkerer

Specialization: Arcane Constructs & Golemancy

Personality: Pragmatic, fiercely protective, and skeptical of Jever’s ambitions

Fate: Presumed dead on Gearspindle Island

Vistina was a highly skilled artificer and construct engineer, specializing in automaton design. While she supported Jever’s research, she had grave concerns about the project’s risks. The night before the disaster, she supposedly had an argument with Jever, warning him of the potential consequences. When the outbreak occurred, she remained behind on the island to activate containment protocols and protect the evacuation efforts. Her current status remains unknown, and some theorize that she may still be alive—either trapped or turned into something... unnatural.

Thimble Cobblecloak (Younger Brother)

Role: Student of Magical Studies

Specialization: Biomancy & Healing Magic

Personality: Shy, bookish, and idealistic

Fate: Escaped to Plumefall, now a healer

Thimble was the youngest member of the Cobblecloak family, always buried in books, fascinated with biomancy and restorative magic. Unlike Ariben, who had a rebellious streak, Thimble was quiet, introspective, and more interested in fixing people than breaking them. He was away from the main laboratory when the accident occurred, allowing him to escape with the other refugees. He later settled in Plumefall, where he became a healer—though he struggles with survivor’s guilt and wonders if his mother could still be alive.

Relationships

Ariben Cobblecloak

Rival

Towards Fip "Brittlehorn" Goldscale

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Fip "Brittlehorn" Goldscale

Rival

Towards Ariben Cobblecloak

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Extended Family & Associates

Uncle Rigby Cobblecloak – A gnome merchant and financier who funded many of Jever’s projects. He was visiting Frandyln when the incident occurred and now distances himself from the disaster.

Cousin Kiprick Cobblecloak – A rogue and treasure hunter, last seen trying to return to Gearspindle to salvage artifacts from the ruins. His fate is unknown.

Myron Clocksprocket – Jever’s close colleague and co-researcher, rumored to have been the first victim of the outbreak.

Spouses

Siblings

Ariben’s Role Before the Disaster

Before the incident, Ariben was more of a troublemaker than a researcher. He had returned to Gearspindle after graduating from Strixhaven, not because he was interested in his father’s work, but because he had nowhere else to go. He spent most of his time tinkering with minor inventions and avoiding responsibility, though his skills in traps and survival would later prove invaluable during the escape.
It remains unclear whether Ariben had any direct involvement in the accident but given his history with reckless behavior and questionable decisions, it’s possible that he unknowingly played a role in the experiment’s failure.