Drovwin Boltgrove

Drovwin Boltgrove – Master of Clockwork

Drovwin Boltgrove is one of the most respected gnomish mechanists in Bard’s Gate, known for his unparalleled skill with clockwork devices and precision craftsmanship. As a longtime member of the **Grand Gnomish Merchants Guild**, Drovwin’s reputation was once untarnished—until the scandal involving the **Urdlen cult** shook the foundation of the guild. Though Drovwin was not involved in the cult’s dark dealings, the fallout left him uncertain about his future within the guild.

“Precision and integrity—those are the cornerstones of my work. Without them, you might as well be building wind-up toys for children.”

---

Early Life and Rise to Mastery

Born in the industrious gnome borough of **Gildrow’s Well**, Drovwin showed a keen mind for mechanics from an early age. His childhood was spent tinkering in his father’s workshop, where he built his first clockwork device—a simple automaton bird—at just 12 years old. He later apprenticed under **Master Mechanist Jolrik Thimblejack**, learning the intricacies of clockwork engineering and precision metalwork.
By his mid-thirties, Drovwin had earned the title of **Master Mechanist** and established his own workshop, Boltgrove Devices, which quickly gained a reputation for producing everything from fine timepieces to elaborate security mechanisms. Nobles and merchants alike sought his creations, and his success secured him a prominent role within the **Grand Gnomish Merchants Guild**.

“Clockwork is more than gears and springs. It’s a promise of reliability—a kind of perfection that flesh and blood rarely achieve.”

---

The Urdlen Scandal

The guild’s reputation crumbled when it was discovered that several high-ranking members had secretly joined the **Cult of Urdlen**, a dark sect devoted to destruction and greed. Though Drovwin had no ties to the cult, suspicion fell on many innocent members during the aftermath. His name was eventually cleared, but the scandal left him deeply conflicted.
Drovwin now faces a difficult choice: continue his affiliation with the guild in hopes of restoring its honor or distance himself to protect his reputation. For now, he has chosen to stay, determined to **redeem the guild’s name through honest work and exceptional craftsmanship**.
---

The Workshop of Boltgrove Devices

Drovwin’s workshop is a marvel of gnomish ingenuity, filled with whirring machines, intricate tools, and half-finished clockwork devices. The centerpiece of his workbench is always a current project, whether it’s a delicate automaton, a custom locking mechanism, or an experimental timepiece. Every tool is meticulously organized, and the air hums with the faint ticking of countless gears.
Visitors often remark on the **clean, precise atmosphere** of the workshop—almost a reflection of Drovwin’s personality. He is calm, focused, and exacting in his work, with little patience for shortcuts or shoddy craftsmanship. His devices are not only functional but works of art in their own right.

“There’s no greater betrayal than a poorly made lock.”

---

Personality and Motivations

Drovwin is driven by a desire for perfection and a strong sense of personal integrity. Though naturally reserved, he can be warm and generous with those he trusts. His love for his craft borders on obsession, and he often loses himself in his work for days at a time.
He struggles with his lingering doubts about the guild’s leadership but refuses to let the scandal define him. His current goal is to **create a new masterpiece** that will not only elevate his reputation but help restore trust in the gnomish community of Bard’s Gate.
---

Allies and Rivals

• Jolrik Thimblejack – Drovwin’s former master and one of his few confidants. Jolrik has retired but occasionally visits the workshop to offer advice.
• Merissa Cogsworth – A talented locksmith and occasional collaborator. She admires Drovwin’s work but encourages him to be more cautious with his guild connections.
• Grendol Chainclink – A rival mechanist with a more flamboyant style. Grendol resents Drovwin’s precision and discipline, considering him overly rigid.

---

Physical Appearance

Drovwin is a middle-aged gnome with **sharp, intelligent eyes** and a meticulously groomed beard. His hands are calloused from years of fine work, yet his touch remains gentle and precise. He wears practical but well-made clothes, always with a jeweler’s loupe strapped to his head for quick use. Though often covered in smudges of oil and metal filings, Drovwin carries himself with an air of quiet confidence.

“The smallest cog can bring down the mightiest machine—just as a single mistake can undo years of work.”