Mildred Irondrake

Mildred Irondrake (b. 762 NE) is a renowned dwarven gunsmith and inventor from Cloudbreach, best known for creating the Ironbarrel, a multi-ammo gun designed to hold multiple rounds of preloaded black powder ammunition. Born into an influential family in the Holds of Baston, Mildred left his homeland after rejecting its ongoing war with the elves. He moved to Cloudbreach, where he initially worked as a blacksmith before transitioning to firearms after the introduction of black powder weapons in 792 NE. By 795 NE, he had developed the Ironbarrel, a weapon still in its prototype stage but already being tested by adventurers like Elora of the Vandals of Fate.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Early Life

Mildred Irondrake was born into an influential dwarven family of peerage in the Holds of Baston in 762 NE. His family was heavily involved in political and military affairs, and as a youth, Mildred was expected to follow in their footsteps, supporting the ongoing war between the elves and dwarves. However, despite his aptitude for craftsmanship, especially in forging blades during his apprenticeship, Mildred became disillusioned with the war and its toll on both sides. He was not drawn to the endless conflict and violence that consumed the Holds of Baston.
As a young Dwarf with ideals that diverged from those of his kin, he made the difficult decision to leave his homeland upon completing his apprenticeship. In 785 NE, he relocated to the bustling coastal city of Cloudbreach, far from the mountains of his birth and their political struggles.

Life in Cloudbreach

Cloudbreach, located in the Drumhampton Province, proved to be a fertile ground for Mildred’s inventive mind. Known for its booming trade and maritime activity, Cloudbreach became a melting pot of ideas and cultures, and Mildred was drawn into this vibrant environment. He initially continued his work as a smith, forging blades and weaponry for the city's adventurers and guards. However, Mildred’s interest soon shifted when, in 792 NE, black powder weapons were first imported to Cloudbreach from the distant city of Freeport. The introduction of muskets and the possibilities they presented fascinated him.
Mildred became one of the first in Cloudbreach to deconstruct and study how these early firearms functioned. Though his early years in Cloudbreach were spent honing his skill as a blacksmith, it became clear to those who knew him that Mildred had an insatiable curiosity for new forms of weaponry and technology. Over the course of five years, his workshop became a place of innovation, as he strove to improve upon the musket designs and adapt them to his own vision.

Invention of the Ironbarrel

In 795 NE, Mildred Irondrake made a significant breakthrough that would cement his name in history. Building upon the musket design, he invented the Ironbarrel, a multi-ammo gun capable of being preloaded with multiple rounds of ammunition. This was made possible through the use of new ammunition he developed that came preloaded with black powder, increasing efficiency and speed in reloading. This innovation made the Ironbarrel a potentially game-changing weapon, especially for those who needed to fire multiple shots in quick succession, such as the adventuring parties of Cloudbreach.
Only a few prototypes of the Ironbarrel exist as of now, and it remains an experimental weapon. One of these rare prototypes was gifted to a Ratcatcher named Elora, a member of the notorious adventuring party, the Vandals of Fate. Elora's use of the weapon in the field has been crucial in testing its capabilities under real-world conditions, and stories of her exploits have begun to spread, bringing greater attention to Irondrake’s invention.

Personal Life

Despite his significant contributions to firearms technology, Mildred remains a private individual, largely shunning the spotlight. His workshop in Cloudbreach is a modest affair, though his influence within the city’s crafting circles has grown steadily. He is known for his meticulous nature and his quiet, thoughtful demeanor. Many of his peers in Cloudbreach describe him as a man who speaks little but observes everything. He has few known close relationships, although he has become somewhat of a mentor to a younger generation of smiths and inventors in the city.
Mildred has also been noted for his rejection of the politics that once surrounded him in the Holds of Baston, remaining firmly apolitical in Cloudbreach despite the political machinations of the city's ruling class and the influence of the Vimor Empire. He is said to live a simple life, dedicating his time almost entirely to his craft and inventions.

Personality Characteristics

Representation & Legacy

While the Ironbarrel is still a new and experimental weapon, it has the potential to revolutionize the way battles are fought, particularly in urban environments where rapid reloading can make the difference between life and death. As Mildred continues to refine his designs, it is likely that his influence on firearms development will grow. His decision to abandon the traditional dwarven smithing of blades for the emerging world of firearms reflects his forward-thinking approach and sets him apart from many of his contemporaries.

Related Reports

• Session 30: Blood of a Champion