Gertie Groundshaker
Gertie’s rarely happier than when she’s working at a forge, which one might think makes her a typical dwarf. But unlike most of her kin, Gertie isn’t happy making simple swords and axes: she wants to create powerful weapons like the great artifacts of legend. Her old forgemaster insisted that it takes centuries to acquire the skill necessary to make such things and that even the greatest smiths have rarely forged more than one such item, as many claim to lose their enthusiasm for the craft once they’ve created that perfect masterpiece. Further, it takes many such dwarves nearly a lifetime to acquire the necessary materials and specially prepared magical scrolls.
As soon as Gertie’s apprenticeship was up, she packed her bags and left for Silverymoon to learn about how humans and elves approached weaponsmithing. From the humans, she learned that it actually doesn’t take centuries to become truly skilled at the craft, it merely takes drive and dedication. From the elves, she learned that the pursuit of perfection is foolhardy, as there can be beauty in flaws and wonderful surprises from happenstance. And yet, for all the skill she might acquire in working the forge, Gertie would never create the things she wanted without funds or magic.
The humans suggested she get a patron to help with the former, and the elves suggested she find a master to teach her the latter. As soon as she had secured an agreement with a mysterious magical mentor, Gertie set off toward the wealthy city of Waterdeep.
Traits
“I don’t mind rules when there’s a solid reason for them, but I despise rules for the sake of tradition. I’ve been described as ‘intense’, but I think ‘focused’ is a better word.”
Ideals
“I aspire to craft magical weapons and armor like the great forgemasters of legend.”
Bonds
“I’m not one for sentiment, but despite how I left Citadel Felbarr, I want at least one of my creations enshrined in the fortress’s Hall of Dumathoin.”
Flaws
“I might live five hundred years or be squashed by a giant tomorrow, so why wait? I hate waiting.”
“I Know a Guy”
Gertie’s travels and research have introduced her to many of the best smiths across the North, and she’s crafted fine (though sadly mundane) gear for dozens of adventuring heroes. During the War of the Silver Marches in particular, she was drafted by the High Lord’s defense council to forge weapons and armor for the Knights in Silver.
Friends & Enemies
Gertie left Citadel Felbarr on poor terms, with more than one dwarf cursing her for “abandoning” the fortress when the drumbeats of war were sounding all around them. It’s been eight years, though, so surely they’ve long-since forgotten about it.