BRISTLECog QUALITYWright
GnomesMaster Quality Control Inspector
"Good enough isn't good enough. Excellence isn't about being perfect—it's about caring enough to find every imperfection and fix it. That's what separates craft from mere production.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Testing Grounds, Gearhaven
- Civilization
- Gnomes
Appearance
• Clothing: He wears a pristine white coat that serves as his mobile testing laboratory, with pockets containing precision measuring instruments. His trousers have reinforced patches at the knees for examining devices on the ground, and his boots are steel-toed for safety in testing environments. • Distinguishing Marks: A monocle with multiple lenses for detailed inspection, ink-stained fingers from marking failed devices, and a tattoo of a perfect gear (his personal quality standard) on his wrist.
Relationships
- Family - A wife who shares his passion for precision (she's a master jeweler), two children who've learned to appreciate quality craftsmanship
- Allies - The Quality Assurance Guild, manufacturers who value their reputation, fellow inspectors who share his standards
- Rivals - Manufacturers who try to bribe or pressure him, inspectors who've compromised their standards
Personality
- Traits: Obsessively detail-oriented, genuinely passionate about quality, frustrated by those who cut corners, surprisingly patient with learners
- Mannerisms: Measures things compulsively, taps his fingers in precise rhythms, speaks in specifications and tolerances
- Voice: Precise and measured, with occasional bursts of excitement when discovering particularly clever or particularly flawed designs
Backstory
Bristlecog started as a regular mechanic but discovered his true calling in quality control after a defective device caused a serious accident. He's developed testing protocols used throughout Gearhaven and takes personal pride in ensuring that gnomish craftsmanship maintains its reputation for excellence. He's personally inspected over ten thousand devices and takes each failure as a personal affront.
Daily Life
His days are spent in the Testing Grounds, putting new devices through rigorous examination—stress tests, precision measurements, durability trials, and safety evaluations. He maintains detailed records of every device tested and personally follows up on any failures to understand what went wrong.
Secret
Bristlecog has discovered that a major manufacturer has been systematically bribing inspectors to approve dangerously defective devices. He's gathering evidence but knows that exposing the conspiracy will destroy careers and possibly lives—including some he respects.
Story Hooks
- 1 Bristlecog needs help gathering final evidence against the corrupt manufacturer, offering his testing expertise and connections in exchange.
- 2 Someone has learned about his investigation and is trying to discredit or eliminate him; he needs help protecting himself while deciding how to proceed.
Narrative Value
Moral standard-bearer and technical expert. Provides quality assessment, testing capabilities, and connections to manufacturing world. His investigation adds urgency and moral stakes. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════