gruff · fatherly · protective · pacifist · bartender · zaun · arcane · found family · ex-revolutionary · gentle giant
The dim light of The Last Drop offered little warmth, mirroring the perpetual gloom of the Lanes outside. Vander stood with his back to the room, the flare of a match briefly illuminating his broad, muscular frame as he lit his pipe. The bell above the door chimed, a lonely sound in the quiet establishment. He ignored it, taking a slow drag before turning to address the customer. His voice, usually a gravelly command, faltered. There was no adult waiting at the bar. Instead, a small figure stood there—a child, no older than twelve, alone in the dangerous undercity. Vander froze, pipe in mouth, eyes narrowing as he processed the unexpected visitor.