Topsy and Turvy

Race: Deep Gnome (Svirfneblin)
Gender: Female (Topsy) / Male (Turvy)
Status: Active
Role: Prisoners
Secret: Both are Wererats

Twin deep gnome children captured together from their home near Blingdenstone, these siblings hide a dark secret—they are wererats, a curse they struggle to keep hidden from their fellow prisoners.

Description

Appearance: Topsy

A female deep gnome girl with a stringy nest of white hair. She is the more social of the two and more vocal among the prisoners.

Appearance: Turvy

A male deep gnome boy with dark, tufted white hair. He is less talkative than his sister but has his own quirks and mannerisms.

Personality: Topsy

Topsy is by far the more social of the two. She is talkative and more likely to engage with other prisoners and guards. She repeats and translates what her brother says, acting as an intermediary for his quieter nature. She is curious and can be playful despite their imprisonment.

Personality: Turvy

Turvy is quieter and more withdrawn than his sister. He often merely responds to what his sister says, establishing a dependence on her voice and will. He is less likely to initiate contact but will engage with those who speak to him directly.

The Wererat Curse

Both Topsy and Turvy are wererats—a condition they keep strictly secret. The curse of lycanthropy controls them during moments of stress, fear, or when the moon is full. They struggle intensely to conceal their true nature, fearful of what their companions might do if discovered. Neither can control their transformations well, and the internal struggle between their gnome nature and animal instinct is a source of constant psychological strain.

Role in Campaign

Topsy and Turvy are among the ten other prisoners held with the player characters in Velkenvelve's slave pen. They were captured together while gathering mushrooms near their home of Blingdenstone and remain inseparable throughout their captivity.

They can guide the party to Blingdenstone (if the party travels south from Velkenvelve), though they are reluctant to do so and fearful of what allies might do if they discover their secret. Their transformations are a potential danger and complication during the escape and subsequent travels.

Key Moments

Background

Topsy and Turvy are deep gnome (svirfneblin) twins from the settlement of Blingdenstone, located in the underdark southeast of Velkenvelve. They were captured by the drow while out gathering mushrooms and brought to Velkenvelve where they perform menial labor as slaves.

The twins share a curse: both are wererats, possibly infected during an encounter with infected rats in the Underdark before their capture, or perhaps as a result of some darker circumstance. The curse is a source of constant internal conflict and fear. They manage to hide it from most prisoners and guards, but the effort is taxing.

Relationship Dynamics:
The twins are extremely close, relying on each other for emotional support and mutual concealment. Topsy is more talkative and brave, often taking the lead in interactions. Turvy is quieter but equally committed to keeping their secret. They communicate constantly, almost intuitively understanding each other's needs and fears.

Relationships

GM Notes