Ardd Boyett

## Professor Ardd Boyett

### Occupation

Artificery and Alchemy Department Head (1085-present, 42 years), Owner and Operator of Boyett Industries (1078-present, 49 years), Professor at the Goldsea Institute (1032-present, 95 years)

### Class

Artificer

**Professor Ardd Boyett** is a renowned Gnomish artificer, alchemist, and inventor, currently serving as the Head Professor of the Artificery and Alchemy Department at the prestigious Goldsea Institute on Wizard Island. He is also the founder and owner of Boyett Industries, a leading technological innovator in Venthalia, specializing in the invention, manufacturing, and selling of potions, enchanted artifacts, weapons, armor, and munitions.

## Early Life

Ardd Boyett was born in 988 AV to a humble Gnomish family in the bustling city of Monkton, a part of the Free Trade Cities during the reign of Queen Lysandra IV. Growing up in an environment that celebrated personal passions, young Ardd developed a keen interest in alchemy and distillation. Alongside his younger brother, Albin, Ardd found himself engrossed in exploring new methods and techniques to synthesize and distill various narcotics such as marijuana and magic mushrooms. The Boyett brothers quickly gained fame in their local community for their remarkable talent in creating pure distillate extractions from natural substances. Their inventive spirit and passion for alchemy were admired by the citizens of Monkton, who encouraged the siblings to further their knowledge and expertise in the field. Recognizing the potential of their skills and the wealth of opportunity that awaited them, Ardd and Albin decided to enroll at the prestigious Goldsea Institute in 1001 AV. At the Institute, Ardd and Albin were fortunate to study under the tutelage of the renowned Dragonborn alchemist, Professor Burak Albarazi. Professor Albarazi's mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping the brothers' future, as they honed their craft and rapidly emerged as exceptionally talented alchemists. Under his guidance, Ardd and Albin were able to refine their techniques and expand their understanding of the complex world of alchemy.

While at the Goldsea Institute, the Boyett brothers were introduced to a diverse range of courses and disciplines, which further fueled their passions. They excelled in their studies, garnering the respect and admiration of their peers and professors alike. Their dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed, as they soon caught the attention of other esteemed faculty members at the Institute. As the brothers neared graduation, they dreamt of co-owning an Alchemical Apothecary in a bustling city, like Ousurferia or Althea Prone. The prospect of applying their knowledge and skills to create a thriving business that catered to the needs of their clients inspired them to pursue their studies with even greater zeal.

## Education and Career

While both Ardd and Albin Boyett excelled in their studies of alchemy at the Institute, their interests and paths began to diverge as Ardd became increasingly intrigued by the emerging field of artificery. Under the guidance of the renowned alchemist and mathematician, Professor Catina Clarke, Ardd delved deep into the world of artificery, which combined his passion for alchemy with the precision and innovation of mathematics and engineering. As the field of artificery developed, Ardd became enamored with its potential applications, such as creating intricate mechanical devices, imbuing everyday objects with magical properties, and constructing powerful automatons. This fascination with artificery led Ardd to remain at the Goldsea Institute to pursue further studies and research in the field, while his brother Albin, still passionate about alchemy, decided to graduate to start an alchemy business in the city of Althea Prone.

Under Professor Clarke's mentorship, Ardd Boyett's expertise in artificery grew exponentially, and he soon became an influential figure within the field. In 1085 AV, when Professor Clarke passed away, Ardd was the natural choice to succeed her as the Head Professor of the Artificery and Alchemy Department at the Goldsea Institute. His appointment was met with widespread approval, as his peers and students alike recognized his exceptional talent, dedication, and innovative spirit. Under Ardd Boyett's leadership, the Artificery and Alchemy Department experienced rapid growth, attracting talented students and researchers from across the realm. The department expanded its curriculum and research facilities, enabling scholars to explore new frontiers in both alchemy and artificery. This progress not only solidified the Goldsea Institute's reputation as a leading center of learning and innovation, but also positioned Venthalia at the forefront of technological advancement.

## Boyett Industries

Founded in 1078 AV by Ardd Boyett, Boyett Industries began as a small alchemical apothecary and supplies store in the merchant district of Wizard Island. The store was initially focused on providing high-quality alchemical ingredients, potions, and other magical supplies to the local community of wizards and alchemists. Ardd primarily hires talented students from within his classes to manage the day-to-day operations of the store, utilizing his flock of students gifted in alchemy to ensure the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction. Upon Ardd's appointment as the Head Professor of the Artificery and Alchemy Department, he saw an opportunity to expand the scope of Boyett Industries. Drawing upon his extensive knowledge of artificery and inspired by the potential applications of his research, Ardd began developing a range of enchanted naval applications. This included the invention, manufacturing, and selling of magical cannons, munitions, and ship parts designed to revolutionize maritime warfare and exploration.

As Boyett Industries entered the realm of enchanted naval applications, it quickly gained a reputation for its cutting-edge products and innovations. Ardd's magical cannons boasted increased firepower and accuracy, while his enchanted munitions were capable of elemental effects, such as igniting enemy ships or creating powerful whirlpools. Additionally, Ardd developed ship parts imbued with magical properties that enhanced a vessel's speed, maneuverability, and durability, making them highly sought after by naval commanders and merchants alike. With its newfound success in the maritime industry, Boyett Industries rapidly grew into a technological powerhouse. Its headquarters on Wizard Island expanded to include state-of-the-art research laboratories, as well as advanced workshops that train and employ skilled artificers, alchemists, and engineers. Ardd ensured that Boyett Industries maintained strong ties to the Institute, fostering a collaborative environment that facilitated groundbreaking research and innovation. Boyett Industries' impact on the maritime world is significant, with its products and innovations becoming essential components of Venthalian maritime culture.

## Partnership with Captain Lavinia Tooms

Ardd Boyett's professional relationship with Captain Lavinia Tooms, distinguished Burth Port shipwright, metallurgist, and captain, began when their paths crossed while Tooms was docked at Wizard Island. They quickly recognized their shared passion for innovation and the potential synergies between their respective fields of expertise. This meeting of minds laid the foundation for a strong partnership that would prove to be mutually beneficial for both parties. Boyett Industries supplies Captain Tooms with a range of enchanted and artificed ship weapons, munitions, and alchemical rations, tailored to her exacting specifications. Ardd's products enhances the performance and capabilities of Tooms' craft, making formidable vessels with unparalleled speed, firepower, and resilience. This collaboration has not only allowed Tooms Shipyard to produce cutting-edge naval vessels but also solidified its reputation as a leader in the industry. In return, Captain Tooms promotes and sells Boyett's inventions and products through her well-established businessfront, which caters to a broad clientele that includes naval commanders, merchants, and privateers. The shipyard showcases Boyett Industries' innovations, allowing clients to experience firsthand the benefits of Ardd's magical cannons, munitions, and ship parts. This exposure significantly expanded Boyett Industries' reach and customer base, further cementing its status as the leading supplier of enchanted naval applications.