Among Baldass’s most steadfast companions was Torren Blackroot, a broad-shouldered woodsman and master brewer whose family claimed descent from an ancient @Downland Giant. Whether truth or tavern embellishment, few doubted giant blood flowed through his veins; Torren stood a head taller than most men, could split an oak with a single swing of his worldwood axe, and was said to carry full ale casks beneath each arm as though they were buckets of water.
Though renowned for his immense strength, Torren believed that a shared drink could prevent more battles than any blade. His famous Blackroot Stout was brewed from mountain spring water, smoked barley, and bitter pine tips, with a @Blackheart Berry that gave it its unique flavor. Veterans swore a single mug could steady trembling hands before battle. Even Baldass was said to refuse no campaign without first sharing Torren’s ale around the evening fire.
Old brewers of the @Blackroot Brewery in @Barony of Sardoria still repeat an old toast attributed to him:
“Raise your mug before your sword. If words fail, then drink again. If drink fails… well, that’s what the axe is for.”