GUS "HAMMER" DRIFTWOOD
Islanders of Shimmering IslesShipwright and Carpenter
"A ship is more than wood and nails. She's a living thing, and she knows the hands that built her.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Driftwood Yard, Shell Harbor
- Civilization
- Islanders of Shimmering Isles
Appearance
• Physical: Massively built with the physique of someone who works with heavy materials daily. His skin is dark bronze and scarred, his black hair cropped short. His hands are enormous and permanently calloused. • Clothing: Wears heavy canvas work clothes covered in sawdust and wood shavings. A leather apron protects his front, and a tool belt hangs heavy with implements. • Distinguishing Marks: A missing left ear (saw accident); a tattoo of a ship on his right bicep; permanently wood-scented
Relationships
- Family - Married with young children; his wife manages the business side
- Allies - Old Finn (his mentor), fellow shipwrights, captains who swear by his vessels
- Rivals - Competitor shipyards, clients who demand rushed work, suppliers of inferior timber
Personality
- Traits: Quiet and focused, genuinely loves his craft, surprisingly gentle with wood, fiercely protective of his work
- Mannerisms: Touches wood instinctively; measures things with his eyes; becomes animated only when discussing ships
- Voice: Deep and slow, with long pauses as if choosing words carefully
Backstory
Gus was apprenticed to Old Finn at age twelve and has spent his life building ships. He's known for his innovative designs that combine traditional Islander techniques with methods learned from foreign builders. His ships are prized for their speed and durability, commanding premium prices.
Daily Life
Gus's days are spent in his yard—selecting timber, overseeing his crew, personally working on the most critical elements of each vessel. He inspects every ship that leaves his yard, refusing to let substandard work bear his mark. Evenings find him in his workshop, experimenting with new designs.
Secret
Gus has been experimenting with a revolutionary hull design based on ancient merfolk techniques. He's terrified of the implications but can't stop himself from pursuing it.
Story Hooks
- 1 Gus needs rare timber from a forbidden forest to complete his revolutionary design
- 2 Someone has been sabotaging his ships, and he needs help finding the culprit
Narrative Value
Gus provides shipbuilding services, information about naval architecture, and quests involving innovation and sabotage; serves as a source of practical expertise. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════