Character Brief: Dobrin Hammerstone

Dobrin is a dwarf of the small Hammerstone Clan, a family with a proud tradition of being blacksmiths, which in turn is part of the larger Wildhammer Clan living at Aerie Peak. Born after the War of the Three Hammers (-137), when the three major dwarven clans (Bronzebeard, Wildhammer, and Dark Iron) parted ways, Dobrin has only known life in the Hinterlands. Like all Wildhammers, he was raised riding the mighty gryphons of Aerie Peak and battling the forest trolls in the mountian regions. He learned smithing from his father, Mordin, from the time he was a lad.

Dobrin first met Altus Tien while the latter was serving diplomatic responsibilities for the Clerics of Northshire (-8). While there, Altus came to Dobrin for repairs to his horsecart. The two became fast friends, due in large part to a mutual friendly nature. Altus always made time to have a drink or four with Dobrin whenever he visited Aerie Peak: Altus would tell tales of his travels, while Dobrin would regale his friend with stories of battle. After Altus got married, it would be some years before the two friends met again.

Dobrin was reunited with Altus during the Second War (6). When the Tiens came north to Lordaeron following the Horde's invasion of Stormwind, Altus was almost immediately called into action again, as the human kingdoms united to stand against the Orcs. To aid them in their cause, the human kings gained the allegiance of several races, including the Wildhammers and their mighty gryphons. By chance, Altus and Dobrin were assigned to the same battle group. Dobrin met with misfortune in the bloody battle or Dun Algaz, when his gryphon took several arrows in its head and neck and crashed. Dobrin was only lightly hurt, but almost immediately engaged by two Orcs. Quickly dispatching the smaller of the two, Dobrin had not the strength to match the larger Orc blow for blow, and fell before his foe. When the Orc swung his axe for the killer blow, Dobrin managed to deflect it away from his head and chest, but the blade cleaved the lower part of his leg off. Before the Orc could strike again, he was felled by Elven rangers. Altus, who had seen his friend fall, rushed over to offer healing. He managed to heal Dobrin as much as possible, but the Orc's axe had been enchanted with dark magic, and so Dobrin could not gain his leg back.

Dobrin was fitted with a wooden leg, with which he learned how to fight on foot, though he would never fly in battle again. He managed to continue fighting alongside Altus all the way to the Burning Steppes, where the Horde met its defeat (7). After the war, he returned to the Hinterlands and continued plying his trade as a blacksmith. Dobrin also invited Altus and his family to live in the Hinterlands, as they had been left without a permanent home since the destruction of Stormwind. Altus accepted the invitation, rather than return south, and with the help of Dobrin and his clan built a home and farmstead for his family (8).

Dobrin remained close with Altus and his family, teaching the Tien children some things about the Wildhammers. He helped teach them how to care for and even ride the mighty gryphons; he taught them about nature and the vast dwarven history; and, most importantly for Nikolas, he introduced them to the high elves living at the Quel'Danil hunting lodge, to the southeast of Aerie Peak.

When Altus and Naya left for Tyr's Hand (22), Dobrin agreed to keep an eye on Nikolas, who was now spending much of his time with the elves at Quel'Danil. When Nikolas went to help Altus at Darrowshire, Dobrin wanted to go, but didn't for fear his injury would slow Nikolas down (25).

Since then, age and injury have kept Dobrin at Aerie Peak. He serves as a source of familiarity and a foundation for Nikolas during his frequent visits to the Hinterlands. In the last few years, Dobrin has also begun performing diplomatic duties to the Bronzebeard dwarf garrison at Dun Garok, southeast of Hillsbrad.

Dobrin is kind, wise, and often mellow...except when he participates in that most sacred of dwarven traditions: getting sloshed on ale and brew.