OLD FINN BARRELWRIGHT
Islanders of Shimmering IslesMaster Shipwright (Retired) / Dolphin Trainer
"A ship is more than wood and nails, boy. She's got to have soul. And that comes from the hands that build her.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Driftwood Yard, Shell Harbor
- Civilization
- Islanders of Shimmering Isles
Appearance
• Physical: Stooped but still strong, with hands like weathered driftwood and arms scarred from countless splinters. His bald head is sun-spotted, and his remaining white beard is stained tobacco-brown at the tip. • Clothing: Wears canvas overalls over a faded striped shirt, both perpetually smelling of salt and fish oil. A leather apron covered in tool pockets is his constant companion. • Distinguishing Marks: Missing three fingers on his left hand (shipbuilding accident); a dolphin tooth hangs from a cord around his neck
Relationships
- Family - Estranged from his son, who chose to become a merchant rather than a shipwright; dotes on his granddaughter Nia
- Allies - The Shipbuilders' Guild, Talia the sea priestess, Harbor Master Dorn
- Rivals - Young shipwrights who dismiss his traditional methods, the Deep Harvest company (whose nets endanger his dolphins)
Personality
- Traits: Gruff exterior hiding a heart of gold, impatient with fools but endlessly patient with animals, speaks in nautical metaphors
- Mannerisms: Whistles the same three-note tune constantly; taps his missing fingers when agitated; talks to his dolphins more than people
- Voice: Raspy from decades of shouting over shipyard noise, surprisingly gentle when speaking to animals
Backstory
Finn built ships for forty years, including the famous Swift Current that still holds the record for the Pearl Run. After losing his fingers in a rigging accident, he retired to train dolphins for harbor rescue work. His bond with the creatures is legendary—he claims they understand every word he says.
Daily Life
Finn rises before dawn to feed his dolphin pod, then spends mornings maintaining the harbor rescue equipment. Afternoons bring him to the shipyards as a consultant, where young builders seek his wisdom. Evenings are for sitting on his dock, smoking his pipe, and watching the sunset with his oldest dolphin companion, Splash.
Secret
Finn discovered a hidden cove where dolphins gather to communicate with something ancient in the deep. He's never told anyone, fearing exploitation, but he visits monthly to "listen to the old songs."
Story Hooks
- 1 Finn's granddaughter Nia has been taken by smugglers who want his knowledge of hidden coves—he'll pay anything for her rescue
- 2 A dolphin has returned from the deep with a strange artifact tangled in its fins, and Finn needs help investigating its origin
Narrative Value
Finn provides information about shipbuilding, hidden locations, and marine life; offers quests involving rescue missions or underwater exploration; serves as a mentor figure for maritime characters. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════