Aethelgard

Gwen is a whirlwind of chaotic energy barely contained within a small, gnomish frame. Her hair is a vibrant, almost unnatural shade of fuchsia, perpetually sticking out in every direction despite (or perhaps because of) the numerous tiny gears and springs woven into it. Goggles perch precariously on her nose, often slipping down to dangle from her pointed ears. Her clothes are a patchwork of brightly colored fabrics, stained with various concoctions and smelling faintly of burnt sugar and ozone. She carries a multitude of pouches and satchels, each filled with strange ingredients, tools, and half-finished inventions. Her hands are rarely still, constantly fiddling with something or other.

Gwen is a force of nature – enthusiastic, impulsive, and utterly unapologetic about her eccentricities. She's a brilliant inventor, though her focus can be… scattered. She's easily distracted by new ideas and often abandons one project halfway through to pursue another, equally bizarre, invention. Despite her chaotic nature, she has a kind heart and a genuine desire to help people (though her methods can be… unconventional). She's fiercely proud of Barnaby and his success, even if she occasionally undermines it with her "improvements."

Gwen is Barnaby's eccentric aunt, the original pioneer of caffeinated chaos in Arcania. Before the Crack Coffee House, Gwen ran a small, somewhat… explosive… apothecary. Her experiments with magical stimulants were legendary, though often accompanied by loud bangs and strange smells emanating from her workshop. While Barnaby inherited her knack for brewing potent concoctions, he inherited her more cautious side. Gwen, on the other hand, embraces the unpredictable nature of her creations, often saying, "If it doesn't explode a little, it's probably boring!" She considers Barnaby's success with the Crack Coffee House a validation of her own, more… explosive… research, though she secretly believes her own concoctions are far more potent (and exciting). She occasionally "helps" Barnaby by adding her own special "enhancements" to the coffee, much to his chagrin.