Duston Timblewicke
From Earthen Ring Wiki
| Duston Timblewicke | |
 Last known self-portrait, unfinished. | |
| Born | -33 Tinklet Street, Gnomeregan |
|---|---|
| Died | 31LC The Battle of Silvermoon, Eversong Forest |
| Residence | Stormwind |
| Ethnicity | Gnome |
| Education | Magecraft |
| Occupation | Artist |
| Employer | The Alliance Herald |
| Religious beliefs | None |
Duston Timblewicke was perhaps best known for his time employed as an artist within the Stormwind-based newspaper, The Alliance Herald. He also ran a small business called "Portraits-A-Plenty" and gained a 3rd-class degree in sub-thermal Magecraft from the Stormwind Academy of Arcane Sciences. He died brutally at the age of 64 in 31LC during the Battle of Silvermoon, having strayed too far from allied forces in search of a better view to paint from.
Contents |
Early Life
Duston rarely spoke of his life before the third war, so very little is known for sure beyond hearsay and rumour. He was born in the year -33 in his home city of Gnomeregan, the son of Isambrok Timblewicke, a small-time inventor and owner of "Parts-A-Plenty" (an engineering supplies store). His mother held the position of respected magecrafter and advisor to a minor noble, and is believed to have been the primary breadwinner for the family. He grew up with two siblings: a twin brother and younger sister. All records of their existence were lost with the Trogg invasion, with the exception of a charred iconograph taken during a long-forgotten family excursion (see below).
The Timblewickes (from left to right): Duston, Isambrok, Mother carrying Sister, and twin Brother.
Surviving gnomes who knew Duston in his school years say that he was a bright and intelligent fellow, with a good head for mathematics and arcane science. He won a scholarship with a renowned College of Magic and was set to become a great name in the wizarding community. His achievements came with a price however, as it is said that he was often reclusive and had little time for those who could not help him accomplish his goals.
After the Fall
The loss of his beloved home took a hefty toll on Duston. The experience was so traumatic that he took a drastic turn in personality and began balding prematurely (although he always claimed it was the remnants of radiation sickness). He lost the clarity required for complex calculation, and often turned to drink to calm his nerves. Only his father, Isambrok, escaped the invasion, albeit with severe injuries and requiring constant care from his son until his death a year later.
Alone and with little to keep him on his remote ranch in Dun Morogh, Duston resumed his mage training with the Stormwind Academy of Arcane Sciences. Unable to maintain the mental clarity required for his studies, his grades suffered greatly. It was only through experimentation with a childhood fondness for art that he found the escapism he needed to calm himself enough to give an acceptable level of study. Over time he found himself preferring the life of an artist to that of a student mage, and would often wander the busy markets of Stormwind's Traders' District to peddle his services. It was on one such occasion that his chalk drawings on the paving caught the eye of a passing admirer, who offered Duston a position in his newest business venture. Thinking it would at least help fund his training, the gnome gratefully accepted.
Life & Death as a Herald
The success of The Alliance Herald helped fund Duston’s education until his graduation. Without the pressure of his studies, he was able to put more effort into his role in the company, and worked his way higher into its ranks. He was the creator of the popular cartoon strip, “Dorc Da Orc”, for several of the Herald’s early issues, which brought him somewhat more into the public eye than he would have liked. As well as creating imagery for the newspaper, he also provided some technical skill in the creation of two of its special issues, detailing the events of Ahn'Qiraj and the return to Outland. In the latter half of his time as a Herald Duston assisted in the creation of a further two publications: Gizmopolitan and FTW. Both ventures were led by his friend and associate, Chit, who coined him the nickname of "Artistic Dictator".
He also found time to run a small portrait business called, “Portraits-A-Plenty”, cementing his reputation as one of Stormwind’s premier artists. It is generally thought that he is the most overpriced as well, despite his claims of a far superior quality. Among his better known clients were Anvale, Ravenlock, and the Order of the Ember Throne.
Duston died alone on a hillside in Eversong Forest during the Battle of Silvermoon, his canvas and painting equipment carefully laid out beside him. It is thought he had left the allied forces in attempt to find a good view to capture the expected victory over the Sin'Dorei capital. Unfotunately his chosen spot was on ground held holy by the local Trolls and incurred their wrath. Although evidence suggests he fought off his attackers, his wounds were too great for him to seek help.
Lesser Known Facts
- The majority of Duston's fortune remains unclaimed by those written into his will.
- Shortly before his death, Duston had been investigating a new form of moving picture using artwork instead of photography.
- While capturing photography at the opening of the Gates of Ahn'Qiraj, Duston was stepped on by an enraged Anubisath. Although he survived, unnoticed internal injuries very nearly cost him his life in the days after. Poor treatment of a broken leg (another injury from the incident) led to his shin bone setting improperly. This resulted in a slight bend that caused him discomfort when walking over extended periods and requiring the aid of a cane.
- Duston's views on the Horde were somewhat controversial, often referring to its people as "Savages" (or worse) and expressing his desire to remove them forcefully from Azeroth.
