Alfred Nabel

Alfred Nabel was a gnomish inventor of genius-level intellect. One of his inventions served as a basis for the Grapeshot bomb.

Biography
After years of research, Alfred discovered an explosive substance which he intended for usage in mines and quarries. Unfortunately, others came to realize it worked just as well to bring down castle walls and even began to consider using it in open battle.

When Alfred learned his discovery was turned into a weapon, he burned his lab and killed himself. The Council of Mages than stopped his invention from spreading.

Trivia

 * He's an obvious reference to Swedish chemist and philanthropist Alfred Nobel, who invented the dynamite.