Dilash Ulhuzwi'yu

In my humble opinion, relying on magic hollows a person out, leaves 'em weak. Got plenty of cures for the body's aches and pains - not so for the soul. So why rely on it? Why not reserve the arcane for emergencies, and stick to the tangible world to push you forward?

— Dilash Ulhuzwi'yu

Dilash Ulhuzwi'yu is a mechanic and shipwright from the Democratic Republic of Biin in northern Thurásin, renowned for their developments in steam propulsion technology, and designing some of the most mechanically advanced ships of the day.

History

Born in the outlying eastern islands of Biin, Dilash had intended to follow in the family tradition of sailing and seamanship. Unfortunately for them, the Biinamii navy in their youth did not accept sailors who could not cast magic, and few commercial sailors showed interest in them. Not to be deterred, Dilash turned to trying to work for docks and shipyards, eventually being employed by a local outfit that made fishing boats.   Ever with an eye towards improvement, Dilash began experimenting with rudimentary machines in their spare time, finding ways to make their work match the efficiency of their magically-inclined coworkers. Around the year 3 Return (36 Years Ago), they turned their attention to trying to automate rowing, which inevitably led to exploring ways to portably power their myriad machines.   They figured out a basic steam engine in 5 Return, which they convinced their boss to install in a boat with a small propelling paddle. Performing admirably well, Dilash was allowed to continue developing the engine, while their boss touted its benefits to their shipwright colleagues.   News of this device would eventually reach the Biinamii navy who, always looking for experimental ways to gain an advantage over their neighbour, arranged a meeting with the inventor to discuss plans. The result of these talks was a simple paddle steamer, the Dhiqan, which launched in 19 Return, and utilised its consistent speed to operate as an efficient packet ship.   Though happy with the ship, the time, expenses, and training associated with it led the navy to forego commissioning further steamships, and Dilash returned to commercial work, though remained on call when repairs were required.   Their next steamship would be the Yuvqaru, which Dilash designed for "local merchant" Aavtyash Ulqarast in 24 Return. Launched 3 years later, it made significant manufacturing improvements on the Dhiqan, and the inventor considered it a crowning achievement. It was to their great horror, then, that their client was revealed to be a pirate from neighbouring Xiy Kiiquldast, who utilised her ship's efficiencies to become Admiral in 34 Return (5 Years Ago).   It was this event that finally convinced the navy to procure another ship from the famed inventor, this time a dedicated warship with a more improved steam engine, which could hold its own with the fleet's fiercest. Determined to rectify their mistake in trusting Ulqarast, Dilash set to work, with the ship ultimately christened Gajaraqlin and launching in 38 Return.