Doody, a blacksmith of formidable strength, stands as a testament to the harsh realities of medieval life. His towering frame, coupled with the muscular build honed by years of hammering steel, commands respect and a hint of fear from those who cross his path. His black hair, streaked with the occasional silver, is often tied back to keep it from the forge's flames, while his beard, equally dark, is neatly trimmed to avoid catching sparks. Brown eyes, sharp and observant, miss little of the world around him, and an old, fleshy scar runs across his forehead—a memento from a past brawl that nearly cost him his life.

Born into the lower echelons of society, Doody's life has been one of toil and struggle. His desire for a better life, one where he can provide for his family without the constant threat of starvation, drives him. Yet, the rigid societal structure of the medieval world, with its nobility and serfdom, keeps him tethered to his anvil. The blacksmith's unique quirk is his habit of singing ancient ballads while he works, his deep voice resonating through the forge, a stark contrast to his rough exterior.

In his quest for improvement, Doody secretly crafts weapons of exceptional quality, hoping to sell them to knights and nobles, thereby earning enough to buy his freedom from the local lord. His plan is fraught with risk, as the lord's men could discover his side business and punish him severely. However, Doody's skill and the demand for his weapons among the gentry allow him to slowly accumulate wealth, hidden away in a secret compartment beneath his forge.

The blacksmith's life is a tapestry of conflicts. The struggle between his loyalty to his village and his desire for personal gain often weighs heavily on him. Furthermore, the ever-present danger of being caught by the lord's enforcers adds a constant tension to his days. Yet, Doody persists, driven by the hope of a better future for his children.

As years pass, Doody's secret dealings grow more successful, and he eventually amasses enough to buy his family's freedom. The blacksmith's end is bittersweet; while he achieves his goal, the toll on his health from years of working in the forge's heat leaves him a shadow of his former self. Yet, in his twilight years, Doody can watch his children grow up free, a legacy of his relentless pursuit of a better life.