¶ Notes
¶ Recent Events
- He ran into a burning warehouse (The Red Drake) to help save trapped workers.
- He suffered severe burns, especially to his left side.
- Was accused by Ptarnex Dexarion of orchestrating the explosion as sabotage.
- He was later found recuperating at Lifter’s Mooring, where he shared his suspicions that the fire was due to hazardous Kadiran cargo and possible intentional sabotage.
- Despite his injuries, he remains committed to uncovering the truth and supporting the ongoing strike.
¶ Overview
Guyton Grerton is a prominent and polarizing labor leader in the city of Absalom, particularly known for his charismatic leadership of dockworkers through the union hub known as Lifter’s Mooring. A survivor of both literal and political fires, Guyton stands at the center of a growing conflict between the city’s labor class and elite mercantile interests.
¶ Background
Guyton’s rise began five years prior when a deadly scaffolding collapse at Ogrekin Hall, a warehouse operated by Ptarnex Dexarion, crushed his legs. After Ptarnex refused to pay for his injuries, citing "the cost of doing business," the dockworkers rallied. They raised funds for magical healing, and Guyton emerged from recovery with renewed purpose.
From this crucible, Lifter’s Mooring was born—first a mutual aid lodge, then a full-fledged labor union. Guyton quickly organized nearly all warehouse and dock laborers in the Docks District. His grassroots popularity catapulted him onto the Dock Council and into leadership circles of the Citizens’ League, a populist political faction.
¶ Personality
Guyton is known for his unpretentious demeanor and love of working-class camaraderie—often found drinking among Firebrands or swapping stories in Cayden's Hall. Despite his approachable nature, he is fiercely principled, and his relentless pursuit of justice has made him a folk hero among the working poor, and a "radical menace" in the eyes of the city's aristocracy.
He maintains a sardonic humor even in the face of danger and goes to great lengths to protect others, as demonstrated when he risked his life to rescue survivors during the Red Drake warehouse explosion.
¶ Reputation
- Supporters view Guyton as a symbol of resistance, a man of the people, and the moral backbone of the dockworker movement.
- Opponents, including conservative media and merchant princes, label him as reckless, a troublemaker, and a dangerous agitator they call "Halfhander" in an attempt to diminish his influence.
¶ Known Associates
- Ptarnex Dexarion: Industrialist adversary, owner of the Red Drake.
- The Sooty Lads: Adventuring party that aided Guyton during the explosion and may serve as key allies.
- Citizens’ League: Political organization aligned with labor interests.
- Dock Council: Municipal body representing the Docks District.
¶ Quotes
“You don’t get justice from the likes of Ptarnex. You get it by standing side by side and refusing to back down.”
—Guyton Grerton, post-Red Drake explosion