Rise of the Runelords

Volioker Briskalberd is a stocky, flamboyantly dressed dwarf with a meticulously groomed braided beard adorned with small metal rings and intricate engravings. His thick, wavy hair is often slicked back or tied in a decorative knot, giving him a dignified yet theatrical look. He wears vibrant, tailored clothing, often in deep reds, purples, or blues, embroidered with golden filigree—a stark contrast to the rough, utilitarian outfits of most dwarves. His piercing dark eyes are always sharp and observant, and his weathered hands are surprisingly delicate, skilled at both crafting locks and appreciating fine craftsmanship. Despite his sturdy frame, he moves with unexpected grace, his love for the performing arts evident in his expressive gestures and dramatic mannerisms. His belt is always lined with lockpicking tools, and he carries a small, beautifully crafted keyring, a symbol of his lifelong dedication to his craft.

Volioker Briskalberd is gruff yet passionate, a perfectionist when it comes to his craft but also a man of deep personal convictions. He has a strong moral code, despising thieves and tricksters, which makes him incredibly protective of his work and distrustful of those who pry where they shouldn’t. Despite his serious and meticulous nature, he has a deep love for the performing arts, revealing a softer, almost theatrical side when discussing plays or poetry. He can be curt and blunt, but those who earn his respect find him loyal, dependable, and deeply proud of his skills. While he rarely speaks of his past, his sense of justice and order suggests a man trying to leave behind a life he no longer wishes to be part of.

Volioker Briskalberd grew up as a street orphan in Magnimar, surviving through wit, quick hands, and an early understanding of locks—both breaking them and making them. Though his past remains mostly a mystery, he eventually found legitimate work under a master locksmith, where his natural talent flourished. As he honed his craft, Volioker developed a deep hatred for thieves and scoundrels, vowing to protect honest folk from the kind of criminals he once ran with. When Sandpoint was founded, he saw an opportunity for a fresh start and set up Briskalberd’s Locks & Keys, becoming the town’s first and only locksmith. Despite his gruff exterior, Volioker is a perfectionist and a craftsman at heart, treating every lock he makes as a piece of art. He’s also a passionate fan of the performing arts, rarely missing a show at the Sandpoint Theater, where he finds inspiration in stories of heroes and redemption—perhaps reflecting his own past.