Wilhelm "Wil" Mountainfoot

Wilhelm "Wil" Mountainfoot is a gnome who was kidnapped at age 60 by a mad alchemist named Varrus the Vile and subjected to horrific growth experiments for 15 years. Forced to drink alchemical mutagens and endure painful transformations, he watched other captives die from failed experiments. His body grew to twice normal human height, and his bones ached constantly.

Escape and Exile

Wilhelm escaped when Varrus's tower exploded during a failed experiment. He wandered the wilderness for 20 years, unable to return home. Too large for gnome warrens, rejected by family who didn't recognize him, and feared by humans who attacked him in several villages, he lived alone in forests, growing increasingly feral and despairing.

The Vale's Choice

Approximately 47 years ago, The Vale itself sensed his pain and drew him in. He was not invited by The Cabal—The Vale chose him directly. The castle provided shelter, and the gardens responded to his touch. The Cabal discovered him weeks later, already integrated, and decided The Vale's judgment was wiser than theirs.

Wilhelm suffers from chronic pain in his joints and bones—the alchemical growth was forced, not natural. He takes special herbal teas from Matron Helena daily. Some days are worse than others, and weather affects him. Despite the pain, he moves with gentle, careful grace, always mindful of the delicate plants under his care.

His massive frame (broader than human proportions) moves carefully to avoid damaging delicate plants. He has a weathered face with kind eyes, calloused earth-stained hands perpetually dirty, and dresses in practical work clothes reinforced for his size. Gnomish features are still visible (large nose, pointed ears) but stretched to human scale.

Wilhelm is terrified of Nixus on a visceral, trauma-response level. Intellectually, he knows Nixus would never harm him, but physically cannot help the fear response when Nixus enters the gardens. He trembles, breaks into cold sweat, and sometimes has flashbacks.

Nixus is deeply pained by this reaction and keeps his distance, coordinating through intermediaries. Other Cabal members gently work to heal this rift. Progress is slow but real—after 40 years, Wilhelm managed to say "thank you" when Nixus sent a pain remedy. Nixus cried for three days.

Wilhelm manages over 40 acres of gardens including meditation groves (students' favorite study spots), herb gardens (supplies Matron Helena's infirmary), magical plant research zones, vegetable gardens (supplies Academy kitchens), memorial groves, and hidden sanctuary gardens.

The gardens have never been more beautiful. Plants seem to grow better, healthier, more vibrantly for Wilhelm. Some students swear they've seen flowers turn toward him like he's the sun. He communicates with plants—a genuine gnomish gift unaffected by his alterations.

Secret Kindness

Wilhelm carves small wooden animals in his spare time and leaves them hidden in gardens for homesick or sad students to find. He never admits he's doing it. Students have collections of "garden spirits" they've found, some keeping them for years after graduation.

Wilhelm has a special bond with Grunda Beastfriend, the Hill Giant stablemaster—fellow "too big/too small" outcast. He's protective of Rowena Nightshade (tiefling healer), recognizing fellow victim of appearance-based prejudice. He's gentle with students who've been transformed, cursed, or altered, understanding their struggle.

On the hardest days, when pain is worst and memories darkest, The Vale shifts paths to guide him to hidden grottos where peace settles like a blanket. Garden spirits (minor fae) sit with him in companionable silence.

• Gnome alchemically altered to giant size (6'8" instead of normal 3'6")
• Kidnapped and experimented on for 15 years by mad alchemist
• Suffers chronic pain from forced growth
• Chosen by The Vale itself, not The Cabal
• Communicates with plants (genuine gnomish gift)
• Gardens respond to his touch, growing more beautifully than ever
• Carves wooden animals for students to find (secret kindness)
• Terrified of Nixus due to trauma, but slowly healing
• Special bond with other outcasts (Grunda, Rowena)
• Still dreams of being gnome-sized, living with family