200 years ago, the drow House Oblodra from the drow city of Menzoberranzan raided a series of Svirfneblin mining expeditions from the city of Blingdenstone. Only one gnome eventually escaped back to Blingdenstone. He refused to discuss what happened in Menzoberranzan, although while sleeping he would sometimes sleep-talk about dark rituals -- and his children and many of his descendents developed psionic abilities early in childhood. (Tie-in: soulknife subclass.) For those who practiced their abilities, many gnomes would begin to exhibit limited magical abilities -- and to dream of a dark, shadowy copy of their home. (Tie-in: Shadow touched feat.) After the fall of Blingdenstone, the surviving members of this family tree began to train as spies to protect the remaining Svirfneblin refugees.
In modern day (1492 DR), Druthig Dustmolder lives near Mithral Hall. (Refugees from Blingdenstone relocated here after their city was destroyed in Menzoberranzan in 1371 DR.) Born in 1461, he followed in his family's profession and became a spy. Having heard that the drow mercenary group of Bregan D'aerthe may be expanding its operations in Waterdeep, a city in which the organization has minimal contacts, Druthig was dispatched on his first solo, longterm assignment to assess for any threats and report back.