Brusque

Summary

Brusque is a merchant priest who operates both a cart in the New Smoke Market and maintains a secret hideout tent in the Underground Tunnels beneath New Smoke. During Session 8, Brusque served as the party's introduction to the merchant culture of New Smoke, providing them with 45 gold coins and imposing a strict 15-minute deadline for their shopping. A self-described "fat man" from "far, far to the south," Brusque demonstrates a sharp business acumen and limited patience for those who question his expertise in commerce. He is an adherent of what he calls "the Church of the Coin" and wears the distinctive vestments of the Merchant Priests. Brusque employs a pair of twin siblings—a boy and a girl in their early twenties—as assistants at his cart. The character is voiced by Shawn, the campaign's Game Master.

Appearance

Brusque wears vestments made entirely of pine cones, which serve as the identifying uniform of the merchant priests. Despite the uncomfortable appearance of this suit, Brusque explains that the pine cones wear away on the inside over time, making it more comfortable than it looks. However, the suit prevents him from sitting, forcing him to stand all day in his cart. This constant standing has resulted in notably large calves, which Brusque describes as telling "the story" of his occupation. Brusque is a fat man, a description he confirms without taking issue.

History

Session 8

Brusque encountered the party at his cart in the New Smoke Market. When asked his name, he took a moment to consider whether he wanted to share it before introducing himself: "My name. Now that you've asked and I've had a moment to consider whether or not I would like to share that with you. Is Brusque."

When questioned about his pine cone vestments, Brusque explained their significance: "This is. This is the. The vestment of me and of my ilk and I the merchant priests. We are adherents to the. Of commerce. We wear these vestments to identify one another." He confirmed that standing in the suit all day had indeed affected his calves.

The interaction turned tense when Sucks Benedict, described by Brusque as "the ragged teen, who appears to have grown up beneath some sort of pier," questioned whether Brusque understood marketing. Brusque took offense at this challenge to his expertise: "Allow me a moment to reflect upon what just happened. The ragged teen, who appears to have grown up beneath some sort of pier, just asked me, a lifelong adherent to the Church of the Coin, whether or not I know how to market." He responded sharply: "Then get the fuck out of here."

Despite his irritation, Brusque reminded the party of his generosity: "I think that you will find if you were to look back on our dealings thus far, I've been exceedingly generous both with my coin and with my patience." He had given them 45 gold coins for shopping but imposed a strict time limit, counting down from 15 minutes and periodically reminding them: "You now have 14 minutes" and "You have 13 minutes."

When the party's cart needed to be collected from outside, Brusque sent his two assistants—twin siblings who are "quite Spry"—to retrieve it. When Sucks Benedict asked if the two assistants were "together" in a romantic sense, Brusque responded with concern, clarifying that they were siblings who "were born within moments of each other" from the "same" parent. Brusque emphasized being "deeply concerned" at the very suggestion of a romantic relationship between them, making their sibling status explicitly clear.

The party split up to shop under the time pressure. Brusque remained at his cart, where he kept a charcuterie and cheese board hidden away.

Episode: "Session 9"

While the party conducted business on the surface of New Smoke, Goober remained behind in the Underground Tunnels. Brusque maintained a secret hideout tent in the tunnels, located approximately six feet from where Goober had been left. Upon discovering Goober sitting alone, Brusque descended the ladder from his tent and invited him to share tea, demonstrating a hospitable side to the merchant priest. The two spent time together while the rest of the party was absent, with Brusque keeping Goober company in the depths beneath the city.

During this encounter, Brusque was also referred to as "Bralis," suggesting either an alternative name or title used in different contexts.

Key Attributes

Occupation: Merchant priest operating a cart in the New Smoke Market
Religious Affiliation: Adherent to the Church of the Coin, a faith centered on commerce
Origin: From "far, far to the south"
Distinctive Clothing: Pine cone vestments that identify him as a merchant priest
Physical Traits: Self-described fat man with notably large calves from standing all day
Personality: Business-focused, impatient with those who waste his time or question his expertise
Speech Pattern: Direct, occasionally cutting, with a tendency to pause mid-sentence
Possessions: A cart in the market, a hidden charcuterie/cheese board
Business Practice: Generous with coin but strict about time limits and efficiency
Employees: Two twin siblings in their early twenties (a boy and a girl) described as "quite Spry"