GudnĂ (Broadbeam, Mohawk, Adult)
Gudnà runs her caravans with military precision and flawless coordination. She’s never late (and would be Hella Pissed if Gandalf tried to pull his, “a wizard arrives precisely when he means to,” bullshit on her watch) and is thoroughly prepared for any obstacles the open road might throw her way. She’s strong, adventurous, made for the wild in more ways than one. She prefers the open sky and campfires to stone walls and forge-light, a sentiment she shares with her husband and brother. While the most dangerous roads were challenges to beat on her own time, she found great satisfaction in guiding folks safely through the lands of Middle-Earth.
But, as Sauron’s power grew, the lands between Erid Luin and Erebor became deadlier by the day. Despite this, she risked her skin again and again to get her people to the safety of the Dwarven strongholds, and those risks seemed to pay off. For the longest time, GudnĂ had no casualties, no injuries, not a scratch on any of her charges! But she got cocky. GudnĂ’s last caravan had five deaths: A young miner, a toymaker, an elderly scholar, and two mothers. Gang, meet the guide of Káruun and Belle’s fatal expedition.
Gudnà buried them, and finished the final two weeks of travel on autopilot. She arrived in Erebor, ensured that Káruun and Belle’s daughter (Khel) was brought under the care of her godmother (Alda), and basically shut down. She never forgave herself after the deaths of her charges, and refused to guide anyone to Erebor again, fearing more blood on her hands.
I yoinked @pilkypills idea for Gaulish & Celtic inspo for Broadbeams, so you can thank them for any ramblings I have about GudnĂ in the future!!!
