Coal was his inspiration. A simple material, it nevertheless had amazing qualities that any upstanding citizen should respect. It had many uses and contributed to the very foundations of civil society. When properly ignited, to it even the most obdurate metal will yield, the better to be employed for humanity’s use. There’s a lot people could learn from studying coal, he believed.
When raiders came to his village, he stood with the men and women who risked their lives by standing against the hostile force. He had never been in a fight before, not one where life and limb were truly at stake, and he expected to be more anxious, more nervous at the prospect. Clad in his heavy leather apron, large hammer held easily in calloused hands, he instead felt a resolute calm about the whole affair. He had a job to do, and he would do it to the best of his ability.
When he struck, it wasn’t the wild swing of a madman with a sword – it was the practiced, measured, steady rhythm of an experienced blacksmith, one whose entire body was comfortable with the motion. Over and over again he rained blows on the aggressors, with little more fanfare or emotion than if he were repairing a wagon axle or field plow. Ultimately, it was just more work, putting his skills to the best use for the community.
Years later, still carrying a hammer and his heavy leather apron wherever he traveled, he thought back on his humble beginnings and remembered with tempered pride the appreciation of his village for his valiant efforts.
Suggested Class: Fighter
Suggested Alignment: Lawful Good, Lawful Neutral, Neutral Good
Special thanks goes out to the late David and Leigh Eddings for the character Durnik from the Belgariad and Mallorean book series.
