Dame-Engineer Branwen Stoltenberg

Branwen Stoltenberg teaches that a duel begins before anyone draws a blade. The terms, the witnesses, and the reason for the challenge all matter, because a contest without agreed limits can become an excuse for murder.

As dueling-master of the central foundry guild, she has trained workers, heirs, and officers who rarely meet as equals elsewhere. Her fees change with demand and with a student’s ability to pay; she is willing to charge a wealthy lord enough to keep a promising apprentice in lessons.

Blade of the Foundry carries her between guilds and disputes. Her white uniform and the dueling scars on her cheek are familiar to people who have watched her demonstrate a lesson with unnerving calm. Stoltenberg enjoys a worthy opponent, but she takes greater pride in a student who knows when not to fight. Anyone hiring her should be prepared to hear the conditions before hearing the price.