Duncan Corvimac Gotlbrand

Master Engineer Duncan Corvimac Gotlbrand

At first glance, one would be forgiven for seeing just another craftsman Viid in this individual. Gnarled and calloused hands, a bit of a ruddy face, thick hair and beard, unassuming and sturdy build like most of his kin. He does not dress as one might expect, preferring simple, practical clothing, thick and well worn, workmans clothes. Oil and grease stains much present, perhaps lending to the idea that this unassuming dwarf works in a Ghel plant, or on the railyards perhaps. In a manner of speaking that is not incorrect. At closer inspection, one notes the infamous work goggles, the patch upon the right breast of his clothes, that of a locomotive smokestack, the black smoke pouring forth in the shape of a capital 'G'. This engineer and inventor is no mere employee or maintenance staff of the rail lines or any particular company. No this rather outspoken, intelligent, hard-working Viid is actually the inventor of the locomotive, and more specifically, the Gotlbrand Engine. It is his work that has powered Suranth, and the rest of the continent in fact, full speed into an era of industrial revitalization and growth.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Master Engineer Gotlbrand cut his teeth for many years in the Suranthi military, specifically involved in all manner of research and development projects. It was here he first stumbled upon the theory and idea of locomotion, for he realized just how much raw energy was generated by burning coal, which mostly was just used for heating purposes at the time, especially in garrisons. He was always one thinking outside the box, and knew that for a long time, paper designs had existed for some sort of large transport rig on tracks, meant to help travel or move things extremely long distances over land quickly. But the power source had always been a problem. Gotlbrand came up with his first generation prototype whilst in the army, though it had many flaws and was widely inefficient. But the theory was sound, in controlled experiments, he could utilize his prototype engine to move an object.

After seven decades, he took his first exit option and buy out of the service, taking the lump sum and, in an admittedly dangerous gamble, put it all into building two more prototypes, including a small stretch of tracks and well a locomotive. His tests here were more promising, but it would take him almost forty years, working odd jobs, barely surviving, constantly at risk of losing everything, in the name of science. He went hungry some days. He went sleepless many nights. But after four decades of Viid stubbornness and engineering prowess, and sheer commitment, he did it. The fifth generation engine, what we now call the Gotlbrand Steam Engine, was born.

At the time, Gotlbrand was merely trying to address a perceived logistics issue for communities within Suranth's interior, as well as the issues of naval shipping in the northern waters. Trying to help his country and his neighbors. On some level he perhaps realized the larger potential of what he was doing, but if asked, he won't admit to such. Regardless if he was or wasn't aware, his invention and subsequent notice of the Suranthi business world and government officials to the potential benefits of this new technology has led to, and directly fed, this era of revitalization and industrialization across Valerick. By his two hundred and eightieth year, you could travel around all of the northlands by rail. By his three hundred and eleventh birthday one could travel by rails to Nightvale form Geata-Iarainn. By his three hundred and forty-first year, you could travel to almost any city, in every country on the continent by locomotive.

It was an era of rapid growth and change, and though most people see him as a hero, many amongst the 'traditional' nobility all across Valerick, but especially in Suranth, despise the Viid engineer, for his face represents the sort of drastic socio-economic changes that threaten their position, and power. It threatens their absolute control of those whom live 'under' them, and threatens their wealth as well. It threatens feudalism as a concept, successfully so, allowing people more consistent, safer and swifter mobility, more access to opportunity. As a direct result of this, he was formally recognized two decades ago by Lord Protectorate Azulron, and has been appointed, on Azulron's order, to the provincial governmental council, giving him a significant influence in guiding provincial policy and growth. This move was and is openly opposed by at least two of Azulron's regional leaders, staunch traditionalist nobles whom come from multi generational family wealth.

Gender Identity

Male

Sexuality

Duncan, even with all his achievements, somehow (likely by never sleeping it would seem to some) is also a good, traditional, loving family Viid. He is married to one Nazril Vantorinionle Torvot, whom in a non-traditionalist, and therefore, very 'Duncan' approach, did not adopt his clan name. They have two children, a son Vonist, and a daughter Azrya.

Education

Duncan is a well educated Viid, even among the prestigious likes of his engineering guild brethren. He graduated top of his class at Fúsdomia ol Lliibitor at Shuiptar in An Pointe Thoir, perhaps the most prestigious engineering institute in all of Valerick, and most assuredly in all of Suranth. Not only was he top of his class, he spent near a decade and a half acquiring his full education in architectual and mechanical engineering, instead of just one or the other. From there he joined the army, and spent seven decades learning and mastering his crafts in the field. He helped build forts, create new artillery and siege weapons, amongst many other things. When he could take his first exit option, he did. The rest, as they say, is history.

Employment

He spent his first seven decades in the military, as part of the Suranthi Engineering Corps, spending time in many divisions and units. From there, after leaving, he worked many consulting gigs, single hire contracts here and there, to continue to fund his experimentation with what would eventually become the Gotlbrand Steam Engine. Now? Between his massive royalties for that invention, and his position on Durin Provincial Council, he makes a very hale, hearty, and healthy living. Well deserved of course. He also volunteers his time, free of charge, four times a week at his old stomping grounds, Fúsdomia ol Lliibitor at Shuiptar, after working with the institute to add two courses into the mechancial engineering program, in year six and seven, to introduce the base theories of, and then get hands on with, this new important technology. Besides this, in year seven, Gotlbrand also helps get any student so inclined, normally about six or seven of them, in the door with one of the railyard mechanics as an apprentice. Gotlbrand himself also uses this as a recruiting tool for his own business interest, always keeping keen eyes for students whom show the sorts of understanding and problem solving skills and drive as he did, and oft will hire at least one such student out the gates for Gotlbrand Engineering and Machining, his own, comparatively, modest business interest. They manufacture steam engines of course, but also prostethics, boiler systems for people's homes, and more. They are the first, oldest, and arguably most reliable, company in the steam industry.

Accomplishments & Achievements

Graduated top of his class in both Mechanical and Architectural Engineering

Is one of the minds whom helped plan, and then build, the An Pointe Thoir docks and defenses, along with being involved in coming up with what is now the standard layout of naval garrison docks and shipyards.

Invented and patented the Gotlbrand Steam Engine, which basically means he invented locomotion.

Invented and patented the GALRT system.

Appointed as one of the seats in Durin's Provincial Council, the governing body for the province, by Lord Protectorate Azulron himself.

Failures & Embarrassments

"Failures? aye I had t'ose too. Plenty o' 'em. Or I mean I guess I did, by most people's standards. Ye see, I nae saw failures. Every prototype, every mistake? They weren't failures, they was lessons. Ye see science, like love, isn't about bein' right every time. Its about nae ever makin' the same mistakes twice. T'e only way technology moves forwards is by failure. Failure isn't failure. Failure is the challenge. It is the logistical problems ya set out ta do battle with. 'Cause history and news nae remember t'e failures along the way once ye succeed. They be forgotten, left ta t'e wayside. So nae I've never failed. 'Cause ye only fail if ye give up.

Duncan Corvismac Gotlbrand's answer when he is inevitably asked about his failures along the way by a student in his first lecture, every year.

Mental Trauma

Duncan doesn't talk about his time in the service much, however he did see combat five times, and lost some dear friends.

Current Status

He is an important advisor for Lord Protectorate Azulron, and is the sitting chair of the Engineer's Guild in Suranth.

Current Location

An Pointe Thoir

Species

Viid {Dwarves}

Ethnicity

Suranthi

Other Ethnicities/Cultures

• Durinist

Date of Birth

4th of Agun, 1213

Year of Birth

1213 SuD 382 Years old

Birthplace

An Pointe Thoir

Pronouns

He/Him

Gender

Male

Eyes

Earthy Brown

Hair

Dark Brown, kept short, just about ear length. His beard is much longer and more full, down to about the middle of his belly, worn in two thick braids, bound with thin copper wire.

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Pale cream colored, rather common amongst northerners, though his is near permanently blotched and stained in spots by oil and grease.

Height

1.33 meters (4' 4")

Weight

86 kg (190 lbs)

Belief/Deity

Sir Kartheart

Aligned Organization

Durin Province

Other Affiliations

• Suranth

Known Languages

Dwarhbe, Valarian, Elven, Halfling, Gobbok