Ebrus Keghauler
Ebrus Keghauler is a mystery to many, and for good reason. He shows up in Mythrite five months ago with his brother, Bergrem and a fairly decent fortune, large enough to build his own meadery in town. Instead of settling in Mythrilgrist with the other dwarves, he and his brother live in a nice well-kept house in Eronia. He won’t say much of where he comes from, going only so far as saying he came from a small family in Waterdeep. Oh, and he’s a dwarf without a beard.
Rumor says he’s hiding something and is up to no good, that he’s hiding from the law for past crimes. That’s only partially true, however.
In truth, Ebrus was born Ebran Frosthammer, son of Morrik and Mysri Frosthammer. His parents ran a successful tavern in the Brampton district of Baldur’s Gate called the Old Hearth. Ebran and Berthem, the name Bergrem went by previously, brewed drinks while Morrik and Mysri tended to patrons. However, Mysri, the most business-minded of the family, died from injuries after a mugging. Morrik, blinded by grief and too stubborn to accept help from his sons, made a series of bad decisions that landed the Old Hearth in debt. This grabbed the attention of the local criminal organization, the Guild.
The initial deal seemed great. In return for using the tavern as a smuggling den, the Guild would give some money to alleviate the debt. While it provided a cushion in the beginning, Morrik only squandered the money and ended up in debt to the Guild too. After too many failures to pay back, he was killed in a tragic “accident” involving some falling bricks.
Ownership of the tavern fell to Ebran, but he knew his father had too much debt to pay. To avoid the same fate, he took Bergrem, stole a shipment of gold the Guild was currently stashing in the tavern. As an extra precaution, they drove their cart with most of the gold into the River Chionthar, making it seem like they crashed and died with the gold. After exchanging the gold they had left for money and changing their names, the brothers ventured to Mythrite to find a better—and hopefully more peaceful—life away from trouble.
With a stable home in Mythrite and the Keghauler Meadery up and running, Ebrus is determined to not let the events in Baldur’s Gate happen again. He’s devoted to keeping Bergrem, his last remaining family, safe and out of danger. The best way to do that, in his eyes, is to get rich. Money brings power, power brings influence, and influence makes you untouchable. He may just make mead, but it’s what he does best, and he’s going to build an empire from it.
As such, Ebrus often comes across as standoffish and arrogant. While he’s more than willing to talk business and schmooze, he’s not one for idle socializing, and a conversation gone sour can end up sparking his temper.
He usually does well at keeping his pride in check during social situations, but he sometimes slips, which can lead to unfortunate consequences. One of these times became a conversation across town when he made an enemy of Oryn Carmaya, one of the wealthiest and extravagant individuals in town. The story goes that Ebrus wanted to sway Oryn to become a patron of his meadery by sending a couple bottles of mead to his house. In response, Oryn invited Ebrus to his house to discuss it. What was exactly said remains unknown, but Ebrus claims Oryn insulted his mead and proceeded to tell him how to make it better, like some stuffy elf aristocrat would know. It was enough to crack Ebrus, who threw one of the bottles against a painting in Oryn’s foyer, ruining it. The two have never spoken to each other again.
Despite his demeanor, anyone who has worked with Ebrus knows that he’s as reliable as they come to people he considers his allies. He puts pride in his work and honors every contract and promise, providing quality goods to his customers. The prices could be better though.
Relationships
Wealth & Financial state
Middle-class
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