Hashed out a couple of rough character ideas the past couple days to help fill in some gaps in my roster of characters, in terms of variety, body type and personality. I dunno how much or what I'll do with them yet... we'll see!

Carrick's a devoted blacksmith. His stoic, no-nonsense attitude and gruff demeanor can make it tough to deal with him, and his social interactions are fairly limited thanks to his ultra-devotion to his craft. His impressive physique comes from spending most of his waking moments at the forge or workbench, hammering away at an unending list of projects for a constant flow of customers. His skills are among the best in the land and has earned him a reputation to match.

Miette is Carrick's assistant and shopkeep. The complete opposite to Carrick in terms of personality and physique, Miette is a bubbly shortstack of a mouse, outgoing and engaging customers with an eagerness that can be a touch overwhelming. She's easily excited, and more easily startled, which has caused more than her fair share of chaos in Carrick's shop. Despite that, she works hard, remembers nearly every customer by name, and never misplaces a single coin or item on the shelves (except when she knocks them over, but they're quickly put back exactly how they were before).

Carrick could do without all the high-pitched squealing and ruckus Miette sometimes causes, but her work ethic and ability to keep customers coming back to his shop has never been matched by another assistant of his. Miette wants Carrick to loosen up and be more friendly, and also let her near the forge to learn about blacksmithing, but he's adamant that she's not ready to wield a smith's hammer yet. He pays her well though, and allows her to read his smithing tomes and watch him work on the rare slow days (from a safe distance).

Thanks for reading, and I hope to find some time to expand on these characters in the future!