GEARSPARK MINER
GnomesMining Engineer & Safety Inspector
"Every miner who goes underground trusts that the people above ground have done everything possible to keep them safe. Breaking that trust isn't just negligence—it's murder.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Deep Mines, Outer Gearhaven
- Civilization
- Gnomes
Appearance
• Clothing: He wears heavy canvas clothing reinforced for mining work, heavy boots with steel toes and slip-resistant soles, and a helmet with an integrated light source. His belt holds an impressive array of safety tools. • Distinguishing Marks: A scar on his face from a cave-in, permanently dust-stained skin, and a tattoo of a safety lamp on his arm.
Relationships
- Family - A wife who worries about his dangerous work, children who've chosen safer professions, parents who are proud of his "important" work
- Allies - The Miners' Guild, safety advocates, fellow engineers who share his dedication
- Rivals - Mine owners who see safety as an expense, corrupt inspectors who take bribes
Personality
- Traits: Obsessively safety-conscious, genuinely cares about miners' wellbeing, frustrated by corner-cutting management, surprisingly knowledgeable about geology
- Mannerisms: Checks safety equipment constantly, speaks in terms of risks and countermeasures, knows the mines better than the surface
- Voice: Rough and direct, with occasional passionate defenses of worker safety
Backstory
Gearspark became a mining engineer after his brother died in a preventable accident. He's dedicated his life to improving mine safety, developing techniques and equipment that have saved countless lives. He maintains that no ore is worth a miner's life and that safety is always cheaper than accidents.
Daily Life
His days are spent in the mines, inspecting conditions, training miners in safety procedures, and investigating incidents. He frequently works irregular hours when emergencies arise. His evenings are dedicated to reviewing safety records and advocating for better conditions.
Secret
Gearspark has discovered evidence of systematic safety violations in the city's most profitable mine—violations that the owners are hiding with bribes and intimidation. He's gathering evidence but knows that exposing the truth will make powerful enemies.
Story Hooks
- 1 Gearspark needs help gathering final evidence against the corrupt mine owners, offering his mining expertise in exchange.
- 2 Someone has learned about his investigation and is trying to silence him; he needs help protecting himself while deciding how to proceed.
Narrative Value
Worker advocate and safety expert. Provides mining expertise, access to labor networks, and raises questions about profit versus safety. His investigation adds urgency and moral stakes. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════