Duribard

"*Never. . . . I’ll not invite you into my home. Not ever. Lord Albion should have killed you ten times over.*"
―Duribard[[The Court of Five Thrones, Chapter 21: Fracture]]

## General details

### Relatives

Unnamed mothers, unnamed fathers, unnamed sisters

### Roles or Vocation

Primary systems weaponeer for the Seelie fae

## Physical description

### Hair color

*Unknown*

**Duribard** is a Seelie dwarf and former comrade of Gwyn ap Nudd's from when Gwyn served in the Seelie military, and Gwyn used Duribard's life debts to obtain weaponry for the Unseelie Court, while depleting equipment stores from the Seelie Court.

## Appearance

Duribard is a short, squat dwarf with burly arms and curly hair. His head is square and he has small eyes and a weathered face.

## Personality

Gwyn claimed Duribard was, 'Quite a reckless young fae' back when they fought together, and also described him as loyal but foolhardy. Duribard is stubborn, and felt so betrayed by Gwyn's hiding his true alignment that he harbors violence towards Gwyn. When Gwyn came to collect his life debts from Duribard, the dwarf was rude and hostile throughout the conversation. Gwyn noted that only the life debt held Duribard back from physically attacking Gwyn.

Duribard breeds tiny sparrows and is very fond of them.

## Life

Duribard once worked alongside Gwyn in the Seelie military in weapons repair, though he would also often be out on the front lines just to make sure his weapons worked. Gwyn saved his life three times, and thus Duribard owed him three life debts. Duribard later became the primary systems weaponeer for the Seelie fae, thanks to Gwyn's recommendation to the Oak King.

Duribard was present during the end of the battle with Nwython and likely saw what Gwyn did to Cyledr.

Duribard currently lives in a villa built with yellowing limestone. Gwyn sought him out while taking advantage of the many life debts that various Seelie fae owe him. Duribard at first attempted to make him leave, but Gwyn forced his way inside Duribard's home using his Kingship. Gwyn demanded the delivery of 40 trebuchets to the Unseelie Court for the fulfillment of half of one of his left debts. When Duribard attempted to argue, Gwyn threatened him into submission. Duribard agreed to make him the 40 trebuchets, but Gwyn insisted that Duribard steal them from the Seelie instead, and Gwyn also ordered him not to tell any of his peers about what Gwyn asked of him. Gwyn stated he'd return for the incendiary cannons later.

Because Gwyn only told Duribard not to speak to Albion or his 'peers', Duribard spoke about the debt to those he considered beneath him, which allowed the tale to spread, thus leading to Albion soon discovering what Gwyn was doing and causing many other Seelie fae who owed Gwyn debts to begin hiding away.

## Skills

As a weapons engineer, Duribard is skilled in the maintenance and creation of weaponry.

## Relationships

#### Gwyn ap Nudd

Gwyn asserted that he is fond of Duribard and used to drink with him, sharing stories, through which Gwyn became familiar with Duribard's family and hobbies. While Gwyn might have liked Duribard in the past, it's implied that Gwyn's 'continued fondness' is because of Duribard's position to craft and/or steal equipment from the Seelie Court and give it to the Unseelie Court, and how the information Duribard shared can be used by Gwyn to keep the dwarf in line. Duribard despises and fears him.

## Quotes

* To Gwyn: ‘I fought by your side,’ Duribard said, shaking his head slowly. ‘I helped you. Over and over again. We all did. We worked for you. You don’t know what your lie has done to us, the Seelie. You don’t even care. And you don’t know what we’ll do to you, if we get the chance.’

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 not\_poignant. “The Court of Five Thrones.” *The Fae Tales Verse. Archive of Our Own,* 12 December 2014. https://archiveofourown.org/works/1749290/chapters/6186821. Chapter 21: Fracture.