The Ember & Iron
Leilon’s main blacksmith and essential pillar of the town’s infrastructure
"I’ve seen master smiths in Neverwinter, Luskan, Baldur’s Gate... but I’ve never met one so damned good at making weapons who clearly hates doing it. Varrak swings that hammer like it insulted his mother."
Overview
The Ember & Iron is more than just a forge—it’s a cornerstone of Leilon’s survival. From mining tools to structural metalwork, it keeps the town moving, standing, and defended. The steady clang of hammer-on-steel is one of the oldest rhythms in town.
Proprietor
Varrak Emberbluff, a broad-shouldered red dragonborn with fire-darkened scales and a voice like a furnace backdraft, oversees the forge. Once a weaponsmith in a major city, Varrak left behind the world of war-forging to make a quieter life.
He joined Leilon’s city council to represent its laborers and miners, but finds himself once again near the forge’s edge of politics and steel.
Philosophy and Change
Varrak originally refused to make weapons or armor, stating plainly,
"This isn’t a damn adventurer’s forge."
But as Leilon grows and the Vexmoors bring their influence, trade traffic, and unwanted attention, the need for local defense has become undeniable.
Reluctantly, and with bitter pragmatism, Varrak now forges weapons and armor—not for glory, but because Leilon can no longer afford to import its survival from Neverwinter.
Services
- Mining tools
- Horseshoes and transport fittings
- Reinforcement brackets and building hardware
- Weapons and armor (available upon request, at full price, and with a heavy sigh)
Secret
Varrak is secretly crafting a personal set of armor for his teenage half-human daughter—a project of care and quiet hope. He doesn't speak of it, but the work is meticulous and beautiful.
Trade Notes
- Offers discounts to anyone who brings him rare ore or special metals
- Despises cheap scrap
- Will still refuse silvered weapon requests unless given a very good reason
Roleplaying Details
- Gruff, principled, and slow to trust
- Loyal to Leilon, frustrated with the Vexmoors but too practical to oppose them directly
- Treats good work with respect, regardless of race or class
- Keeps a close professional respect for Calaethar Willowshade
- Has a long-standing argument with Willem Harrow about the price of horseshoes
Price List
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pickaxe (Miner’s) | 3 gp | Rugged iron pick, balanced for both mining and close combat in a pinch. |
| Shovel (Heavy Iron) | 2 gp | Durable enough for hard-packed clay and gravel; doubles as a crude bludgeon. |
| Hammer, Mason’s | 2 gp | Used for shaping stone and breaking rock; often carried by repair crews. |
| Hinges (per set of 2) | 1 gp | Steel hinges, forged in batches. Used for gates, chests, or trapdoors. |
| Reinforcement Brackets (4) | 5 gp | Adds structural stability to wagons, doors, or armor plates. |
| Horseshoes (Set of 4) | 1 gp | Standard iron shoes. Installation extra (1 gp). |
| Chain (10 ft) | 5 gp | Thick, clinking iron chain. Can hold about 300 lb. |
| Iron Spikes (10) | 1 gp | Used for climbing, setting traps, or reinforcing wood. |
| Iron Pot or Pan | 2 gp | Heavy and simple cookware. Popular with both miners and traveling sellswords. |
| Shield, Reinforced Rim | 15 gp | Wooden shield edged with iron; +1 to AC as normal, but advantage on STR saves vs shoving once/day. |
| Smithing Services – Blade Sharpening | 1 sp per blade | “Don’t bring me junk.” Varrak will grind and oil metal blades. |
| Smithing Services – Armor Patching | 5 gp | Adds temporary reinforcement to a set of light or medium armor (lasts 1 week of use). |
| Custom Metalwork (per hour) | 3 gp/hour | Varrak can make brackets, hinges, braces, tools, or even custom symbols—if you don’t get fancy. |
| Iron Studded Reinforcement (for Leather Armor) | 35 gp | Adds 1 lb but upgrades a suit of leather to studded leather equivalent. 3-day turnaround. |
| Heated Branding Iron (Custom Shape) | 15 gp | Make your mark—literally. Often used on cattle, crates, or unfortunate bandits. |
| Fine Ore Discount | Varies | Varrak will offer up to 50% off a custom job if you bring him high-quality or rare ore. He won’t thank you. |
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