Overview

Olten Varro is the no-nonsense dockmaster who oversees all barge and cargo traffic at the Crimmor riverfront. With decades of experience under his belt and a deeply ingrained distrust of shortcuts and smugglers, Olten ensures the flow of goods through Crimmor stays efficient, taxed, and properly accounted for. He’s not part of the Riverhand Exchange, but his role overlaps with them daily, and his approval—or suspicion—can make or break a shipment’s smooth arrival.

Known for his immaculate records, obsession with dock seals, and uncanny ability to spot “creative bookkeeping,” Olten is as much a fixture of the dock as the mooring stones. Traders fear getting on his bad side—while he doesn’t carry a blade, he can delay, detain, or redirect shipments with a stroke of his pen.

Appearance

A man in his mid-fifties with a permanent scowl, sun-darkened skin, and thinning hair combed precisely. His uniform is simple but spotless—gray and black leathers, with a red armband denoting his authority. A brass ring of keys dangles at his side, and a ledgersatchel is always slung across his shoulder. His deep voice cuts through the clamor of the dock with practiced command.

Personality & Traits

• Rigid & Precise: Sees procedure as sacred. Takes pride in efficiency and accuracy.
• Suspicious by Habit: Assumes most smugglers are clever but sloppy—and he knows how to catch them.
• Not Easily Bribed: Has a reputation for integrity and a sharp tongue for those who try to grease his palm.
• Respected: Even those who dislike him respect his consistency and skill.

Duties & Influence

• Oversees inspection and registration of all incoming and outgoing shipments via river barge.
• Confirms merchant seal integrity (like Dorian’s).
• Files manifests, cross-checks weights and volumes, and coordinates with city customs officers.
• Occasionally collaborates with Riverhand Exchange supervisors but remains independent.

Quote Prompts

“Break the seal, and I’ll break your schedule.”
“You can lie to me if you want. But my scale doesn’t.”
“No seal? No offload. Try the black pier if you’re feeling lucky.”

Plot Hooks & Integration

• May notice something strange about a specific barrel or crate and require a bribe or bluff to look the other way.
• Can be leveraged for favors—if players earn his respect with integrity or swift thinking.