(http://a120.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/44/m_a2749ea3143b7816574833906faff667.jpg)<br/><br/>I have been asked to write a short biography of myself for the University's records, now that I am to enter my post-Graduate studies; the biography follows, though I must admit it is somewhat unnerving to describe myself in the third-person narrative.<br/><br/>Elizabeth Penelope Stoker, aged 23 at the time of this writing, was raised in Oxfordshire, England, by Frederick Alan Stoker and Penelope Ann Stoker, Gnomish research professors at Oxford University. Mr. and Mrs. Stoker adopted young Elizabeth at an early age after her mother, Elizabeth Hayes, died of pneumonia. Ms. Hayes was treated in her final hours by Dr. Penelope Stoker, who promised the dying woman that every effort would be made to save and provide for her infant, who was then named after her biological and adoptive mothers.<br/><br/>Raised in a traditional Gnomish household, Elizabeth Stoker was educated in a manner more consistent with a young gentleman than a young lady, including lessons in boxing and fencing, though she fared far better in the latter. It should be noted that she brought fame and honor to the fencing team during her tenure as a member. Her childhood was quite sheltered, and she spent much of her free time assisting her parents with their research as soon as she was able. As a result, she spent most of her formative years among the Gnomish scientific community, leading her to develop a style of speech that is somewhat more blunt than is common among humans. She also grew into an abiding love of the sciences, particularly her father's field, mechanical engineering.<br/><br/>In an effort to ensure that the young woman would not grow too isolated, and to ensure that her University education was free of any sort of nepotism, her parents sent her away to London, where she now resides. She recently completed her Undergraduate work with top honors and patents on a new, concealable rapier that appears to be a pen until it extends to a length of nearly 3 feet, revealing a stiletto-thin blade of surprising strength. Her other patents include a suit of lightweight armor for women designed to be worn under clothes, and an experimental pistol that fires using an esoteric chemical reaction rather than standard combustion. A project involving steam-powered automatons is forthcoming.