WHIRRLOCK SHOEMAKER
GnomesMaster Cobbler & Boot Maker
"A good pair of shoes can take you anywhere—make them well, and they'll never let you down.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Sturdy Sole, Gearhaven Merchant District
- Civilization
- Gnomes
Appearance
• Physical: Whirrlock has strong hands from working with leather and a permanent hunch from bending over her work. Her fingers are remarkably dexterous, capable of the fine stitching that makes her shoes famous. • Clothing: She wears practical work clothes with a heavy leather apron, and her boots are always her own creations. Her belt holds her essential tools—awl, hammer, and various needles. • Distinguishing Marks: A small scar on her thumb from an awl slip, and permanently leather-scented skin.
Relationships
- Family - Her son is learning the trade; her daughter manages the shop's finances
- Allies - Customers who swear by her shoes, leather suppliers, other cobblers
- Rivals - Cheaper shoe manufacturers, a former apprentice who started a competing business
Personality
- Traits: Practical and hardworking, surprisingly knowledgeable about feet, deeply committed to quality
- Mannerisms: Checks shoe construction on everyone she meets, taps shoes to test soles
- Voice: Gruff but warm, with a tendency to talk about shoes at length
Backstory
Whirrlock apprenticed under her father, a cobbler who taught her that good shoes are the foundation of a good life. She's been making shoes for over forty years, creating footwear for everyone from street sweepers to nobility. Her shoes are known for their comfort and durability throughout Gearhaven.
Daily Life
She spends her days cutting leather, stitching uppers, and attaching soles, creating shoes that fit perfectly and last for years. Her workshop is filled with lasts, tools, and leather in various stages of work. She employs several apprentices to help with the heavy labor.
Secret
She's created a pair of shoes with hidden compartments and special properties, and she's deciding who to sell them to.
Story Hooks
- 1 She needs rare leather from a dangerous beast for a noble's commission
- 2 Someone is sabotaging her shoes, causing injuries, and she needs help finding the culprit
Narrative Value
Provider of essential equipment and potential source of specialized footwear. Her shoes can have hidden features. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════