The Winch-Master

The Winch-Master controls the only route between the Bottom and the High-Rock. If he doesn’t like you, you don’t go up.

This makes him, functionally, the most powerful person in Greystone above the level of Mayor Krell. Krell commands; the Winch-Master decides who Krell ever gets to command.

Notes for the GM

The Winch-Master has no published stat block because his power is logistical, not martial. He’s an Ironbrand-trained engineer who runs the lift’s steam systems, the filter protocols at the cliff base, and the records of who has and hasn’t yet completed the three-day Ashborn-screening wait.

In a combat encounter he is a Soldier-tier civilian — competent with a wrench, unwilling to fight if the lift isn’t already broken. His real threat is denial of access. Anyone who needs into Greystone on their schedule, not his, has a problem only he can solve.

Plot Anchor

In the “Sabotage” hook, the Winch-Master is either the saboteur or the man best positioned to identify the saboteur. The GM decides which.