Four sentinels watch over the entrance to a secluded private estate. At night, their lanterns provide the only light around.
You may sleep well, knowing that the night watch is out.

Baleerumple is the eldest and natural leader of this group of gnomes, who have drawn this spell of the watch. He is focused on the task at hand, and takes his guard duties seriously.

The unwholesome creatures of the night shall not pass by this way unchallenged, to assail the slumbering villagers beyond. Not on Baleerumple's watch.

Also keenly aware that that in these uncertain times, not all travelers are benevolent (or indeed, even true humanoids), Bibbentasch is perhaps more imaginative and less bold than Baleerumple. For this hyper-alert gnome, each shadow seems ready to jump, each small night noise is some unseen watcher creeping closer. For him, it will be a long watch.

Braldabuk takes his job seriously....it's simply that he ocassionally likes to take a little nip on the side. Gnome ale is notoriously strong, and drowsiness is only one of the side effects.

The night is warm, the soft noises of the dark beguiling, and slowly the old gnome's head begins to nod.

Sometime later, a barely audible snore joins the chorus of the night music.

There's one in every crowd, and Pookafay is the one. His mind is not on guard duty, except for how to liven things up. He's keeping a watchful eye on Braldabuk, waiting patiently for him to doze off, quietly chuckling to himself.

Soon now, grinning ear to ear, Pookafay will sneak up behind the jittery Bibbentasch and yell "BOO".

Bibbentasch will let out a scream and jump several feet into the air, and the commotion will awaken Braldabuk with a start. Two loud splashes will follow, as both gnomes will topple from their perches and into the river.

They will drag themselves out, hurl invectives at Pookafay, and sit grumbling while they dry out. It happens every night.

Baleerumple will roll his eyes, quietly scold his troop, and maintain a watchful eye on the night.