The Coalvein Forge

in Banderez

The Coalvein Forge sits near the edge of the Hollow, its squat stone walls and heavy timber supports weathered by years of heat, smoke, and storms. Built partly into the slope of a low rise, the forge seems anchored to the earth itself, a sturdy, soot-blackened shape among the leaning shacks and muddy lanes of Banderez. Smoke curls steadily from a wide, brick chimney, carrying the scent of burning coal and hot iron across the district. The exterior is a patchwork of salvaged metal sheets and dwarven-carved stone plates—practical, fire-resistant, and unmistakably crafted by hands that value durability above appearance.

The sign hanging above the reinforced doorway depicts a stylised hammer striking an anvil, sparks leaping outward in bright dwarven rune-shapes. Though faded, the sign is meticulously maintained. Even in Banderez’s decline, the Coalvein Forge stands as one of the town’s few reliable institutions: a place where iron still sings, tools are made true, and honest labour holds the dignity the Hollow has nearly forgotten.

Inside the Forge

Inside, the air is thick with heat, ringing steel, and the smell of coal dust. The main workshop is dominated by a broad-chested, soot-darkened dwarf with silver-streaked beard and deep-set burnt-umber eyes (Garrik Coalvein), who works the anvil with slow, deliberate strikes. His powerful frame moves with practiced discipline, every blow measured, every motion efficient, though grief etches itself into the way he pauses between tasks.

At the grinding wheel, a muscular dwarven woman with braided auburn hair, heavy shoulders, and a steady, flame-bright gaze (Dalmara Forgeheart) sharpens a half-finished axe head. Sparks dance around her boots as she works, muttering dwarven oaths when the wheel sticks or when Garrik pretends not to hear her advice.

Sweeping metal shavings from the floor is a lanky human boy with short brown hair, freckles across his nose, and a hopeful eagerness in his posture (Edric Vannor). He watches Garrik constantly, absorbing every bit of technique he can catch between chores.

Near the storage racks, a small dwarf boy with soot-smudged cheeks, wiry arms, and wide, earnest eyes (Togrin Coalvein) sorts metal scraps with great seriousness. He glances between Garrik and Dalmara often, desperately hoping to live up to both.

The forge does not bustle like the taverns—it grinds, hums, and breathes like a living engine of heat and purpose.

Services

The Coalvein Forge produces practical, reliable metalwork for the people of Banderez, specialising in tools made from salvaged metals scavenged across the Hollow and surrounding roads. Shovels, hinges, horseshoes, lockplates, nails, and repaired farming implements fill most of their orders, though Garrik occasionally accepts commissions for weapons when the work suits his temperament. Repairs are done quickly and honestly, with prices adjusted depending on a customer’s coin and character. Dalmara handles most day-to-day transactions, while Garrik focuses on the heavier hammering that demands dwarven precision. Apprentices clean, sort scrap, fetch water, and assist with small tasks under watchful eyes. Though rugged and rough around the edges, the forge is one of Banderez’s most dependable services—and one of the few places where honest work still means something.

Shop NPCs

Dalmara Forgeheart

Dwarf (Female)
Description: A sturdy, flame-tempered dwarven woman with braided auburn hair, strong shoulders, and sharp eyes that glitter like molten metal. Her movements are precise and forceful, showing the confidence of someone who has lived her entire life in the roar of a forge.
Speech & Mannerisms: Speaks bluntly and loudly, contrasting Garrik’s quiet rumble. She mutters dwarven curses at stubborn tools, gestures with iron tongs, and fixes apprentices with fierce, encouraging glares.
General Information: Dalmara is Garrik’s trusted forge-hand and one of the few who can match—or outmatch—his technical skill. She keeps the shop running smoothly, handles customers with firm practicality, and treats the apprentices like kin. Rumours hint she once hoped for more than partnership with Garrik but hides those feelings behind steel-hard professionalism.

Edric Vannor

Human (Male)
Description: A lanky teenage boy with short brown hair, bright hazel eyes, and the eager, earnest posture of someone desperate to prove himself. His clothes are perpetually dusted with soot, and he carries a collection of small burns earned with pride.
Speech & Mannerisms: Talks quickly when excited, quietly when focused. Fidgets with scrap metal when nervous, nods vigorously at instructions, and frequently steals glances toward Garrik to gauge approval.
General Information: Edric is Garrik’s primary apprentice, taken in after showing unusual talent with makeshift tools. He works hard, listens closely, and idolises both dwarves of the forge. Though inexperienced, he shows real promise and may one day become a smith in his own right if hardship doesn’t swallow him first.

Togrin Coalvein

Dwarf (Male)
Description: A small, wiry dwarf boy—barely past childhood—with soot-smeared cheeks, bright coppery hair, and hands already calloused from sorting scrap and carrying coal. His wide eyes radiate fierce determination and youthful hero-worship.
Speech & Mannerisms: Speaks in hurried bursts, stammers when nervous, and straightens his posture whenever Garrik looks his way. Drops tools in excitement, then immediately tries to pretend he meant to.
General Information: Togrin is a new apprentice and likely a distant cousin of Garrik’s clan. Recently taken in to learn the basics, he idolises both Garrik and Dalmara and dreams of forging great works someday. He has much to learn—starting with not touching heated metal twice.