I have been exploring Morgrim's character and story more and have been drawing and writing a bit to tell/show his story, I hope that you guys enjoy.
Note: Also having first made Morgrim's character years ago now, I don't feel that his story is very thought out and I wanted to try and expand on my thoughts and fill in holes or even rewrite pieces so his story makes sense.
This is a short story that's about Morgrim getting interviewed about his families business and him taking over.
(full story under cut)
The early morning sun cast its golden light across Marleybone’s bustling streets, illuminating the gleaming facade of Sigilbound Metallurgy. Within the forge’s grand hall, Morgrim Thunder, the new head of the renowned company, prepared for a crucial interview. Seated at a sturdy oak table, he faced Reginald Quill, a seasoned journalist known for his incisive questions and relentless pursuit of the truth.
Reginald adjusted his spectacles and eyed Morgrim with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. “Mr. Thunder, thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Sigilbound Metallurgy has been a staple of magical craftsmanship for generations, but your family’s recent controversies are well-documented. How do you plan to address the mistakes of your predecessors while steering the company towards a better future?”
Morgrim, dressed in a neatly tailored suit, leaned forward, his expression a blend of determination and introspection. “Thank you for having me, Reginald. My father, Maugrim Thunder, was a brilliant businessman, but his approach often left much to be desired in terms of ethical considerations. We’ve sold our enchanted metals to anyone with the means to pay, regardless of their intentions or the potential consequences.”
Reginald nodded, his pen poised over his notepad. “Indeed, Maugrim’s dealings with less savory figures were a point of contention. How do you intend to change this perception and shift the company’s direction?”
Morgrim took a deep breath, his eyes reflecting a resolve forged from both experience and aspiration. “My vision for Sigilbound Metallurgy is one of transformation and integrity. We will maintain our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, but moving forward, we will implement a rigorous vetting process for our clients. It’s important that we sell our enchanted metals to those whose use aligns with ethical standards.”
Reginald raised an eyebrow. “That’s a bold step. But how will you balance this new ethical approach with the company’s financial stability? After all, the lucrative deals with less scrupulous buyers were a significant source of revenue.”
“Change often comes with challenges,” Morgrim admitted, “but I believe in the strength of our reputation and the quality of our products. By aligning ourselves with values that resonate with the broader community, we can build new partnerships and open up avenues for growth that are both profitable and principled.”
Reginald’s eyes softened, a hint of admiration in his voice. “You’re proposing a shift from merely being a successful business to becoming a force for good in the magical world.”
“Precisely,” Morgrim replied, his voice steady. “It’s about leaving a legacy that we can be proud of. We must acknowledge our past and learn from it, but we should also strive to build a future where our impact is positive and our values are reflected in every piece of metal we forge.”
Reginald scribbled furiously, capturing the essence of Morgrim’s words. “And how do you plan to address those who might be skeptical of your intentions?”
Morgrim smiled, a glint of hope in his eyes. “Actions speak louder than words. We will let our commitment to ethical practices and quality craftsmanship demonstrate our sincerity. Transparency and accountability will be the cornerstones of our new approach. Over time, we hope to earn back the trust that may have been lost and prove that Sigilbound Metallurgy is forging a new path forward.”
As the interview concluded, Reginald extended his hand, shaking Morgrim’s firmly. “Thank you, Mr. Thunder. It sounds like Sigilbound Metallurgy is on the brink of an exciting transformation. I look forward to seeing how your vision unfolds.”
Morgrim nodded appreciatively. “Thank you, Reginald. I appreciate the opportunity to share our plans. Here’s to a future that honors our past but builds something better.”
With a final exchange of smiles, Reginald departed, leaving Morgrim to contemplate the journey ahead. The forge’s fires roared in the background, a symbol of the heat and intensity of the changes to come.
I wanted to have some of the pieces of Morgrim’s story written down, so have this short story in Maugrim’s (Morgrim’s father) POV of how Morgrim got his scar.
Note: I did some rewriting since I wrote about how he got his scar year ago at this point and I didn’t like how it was written, so I am rewriting it now.
(Full story under cut)
It was early summer in Marleybone, the day warm and mild, the skies casting a gentle glow as it turned twilight. I could hear the streets humming with activity, but my attention was on the upcoming high-stakes business meeting with the Sforza family. A Valencian family, known for their expertise in crafting exceptional steel weapons, their reputation as master duelists and merchants of war was unmatched.
Walking down the cobbled street of Barkeley Square, I was accompanied by my fifteen-year-old son, Morgrim. He had expressed a desire to be more involved in the family business (and to impress me, no doubt) by participating in this crucial negotiation. Eager to show his dedication, he had insisted on attending the meeting, hoping to prove his worth.
We neared an ornate building, then were greeted and directed to proceed to an opulent chamber where the Sforza family awaited. The air was thick with the tension of impending negotiations. The Sforza family, with their elegant attire and commanding presence, greeted us with the cold professionalism that marked their dealings. Their son, Giulio, was also present—a young Valencian of similar age to Morgrim, known for his skill with a blade and his fierce demeanor.
The discussion that followed focused on the metal supply that we’d be providing to the Sforza family. We talked about the essential qualities of the metal: they wanted the product to exceptionally strong and durable, capable of withstanding intense combat without breaking or bending. Additionally, the metal had to retain a sharp edge over time and have certain magical properties to enhance its effectiveness in battle. The Sforzas were surprisingly transparent about their plans: the metal was intended for crafting weapons to be sold to anyone willing to pay, thus fueling the conflicts that were currently plaguing Valencia.
Morgrim though, stupid and eager it seemed to impress, spoke out of turn, challenging the ethics of the Sforzas' business practices. His impassioned (and naïve) critique was ill-received. The Sforzas became offended by his audacity, and the atmosphere grew tense. I could feel the weight of Morgrim's error, and my frustration began to simmer. The head of the Sforza family, with a cold stare, demanded a duel between Giulio and Morgrim—a customary practice in their culture to settle disputes and teach lessons. Though I knew the duel would be harsh, I accepted the challenge, believing it was necessary to preserve the business relationship. It would also teach Morgrim a valuable lesson.
The duel took place in a secluded courtyard, the glow from the lanterns giving sufficient light and casting long shadows on the ground. Morgrim and Giulio faced each other, their swords raised. As the duel commenced, Giulio’s strikes were precise and deliberate, each movement calculated to inflict pain rather than defeat.
I will say, Morgrim didn’t perform poorly in the duel; he showed commendable skill and determination. However, Giulio was simply a more seasoned and adept fighter. Despite Morgrim’s efforts, Giulio’s superior technique and experience ultimately prevailed, demonstrating why the Sforza’s were master duelists.
When Giulio went for the final blow, his blade sliced across the left side of Morgrim’s face. It was a deliberate and calculated action. He created a deep gash, beginning just above Morgrim's eyebrow and extending over his eyelid and down his cheek. It was meant to be a lasting mark. This severe scar given as a reminder of the night's events, and Morgrim's ill-placed bravado. Given as a reminder. A stark symbol of the consequences of speaking out of turn. To be honest, Morgrim was fortunate that the wound did not cost him his eye.
With the duel ended, Giulio as the victor, and his message made clear through the inflicted scar; I watched with a mixture of wounded pride and regret. Morgrim, though hurt, had endured the lesson. As we returned to the negotiating table, Morgrim bleeding still, I told him sternly that he needed to learn his place and when to speak—and when to remain silent. His actions had consequences, and this was the price he paid.
We concluded the deal and left the Sforzas. As we walked home, I couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment. The scar on Morgrim's face would be a constant reminder of this folly and the harsh reality of business dealings. I hoped that this painful lesson would serve Morgrim well in the future, but I couldn't ignore the bitterness of the experience. The cost of maintaining our business relationships often came at a steep price, and Morgrim's lesson was a stark illustration of that reality.
