The rumor mill on Mudwick Isle has been churning with speculation that Elder Gnarlfang, a respected member of the Goblin Council of Elders, is a gnome in disguise. The evidence: his name begins with the suspiciously un-goblin letters "GN."
Whispers of "gnome sympathizer" and "traitor to the cause" spread through the goblin community, fueled by centuries of distrust and the occasional gnome prank gone wrong. Gnarlfang, ever the quick-witted orator, answered them in a public address that combined linguistic expertise with goblin bravado.
"Fools!" he roared across the council chambers. "My name does not come from some gnome gibberish. It comes from the noble goblin word 'gnarl,' meaning twisted or knotted, after my illustrious lineage of gnarled-nosed ancestors."
He went on to give a detailed etymology, citing ancient goblin texts and obscure linguistic references, and produced a family tree going back centuries to show how common the "gn" sound is in goblin names.
The public, reassured and impressed, accepted the rebuttal. The rumors were dismissed as the work of mischief-makers. Grungle blamed pixies.
The mob then found a new target: Elder Gnurfwick, whose name shares the dreaded prefix. Gnurfwick pleaded, explained his own etymology and produced his own family tree, but the damage was done. Goblins demanded his resignation and accused him of every gnome-related treachery they could think of.
Gnarlfang, watching the witch hunt from a safe distance, has thanked the intricacies of goblin linguistics and the fickle nature of public opinion. He has also stopped introducing himself.
