Black Jack

Black Jack was a blacksmith on Harlaw in the Iron Islands, and Dagny's caretaker/mentor. He was nicknamed as such because of the constant black soot that caked his face and arms.

Background
Black Jack was born and raised on Harlaw, initially to be a fishermen. He instead took an interest in smithing and was able to procure his own smithy, though it was owned by a greedy landlord. He married late and had only one child, who died during the Summer Plague. A few months later, Black Jack found three-year-old Dagny wandering the streets and decided to take her in. While he initially kept her away from his forge, her interest and natural talent for smithing won him over, and he decided to teach her everything he knew. This included how to maintain a loyal customer base, and also how to navigate the male-dominated world of the ironborn and smithing in general.

He once took a woman home for dinner, but she insulted Dagny's appearance and use of utensils. Black Jack kicked her out for her rudeness, but was harsh to Dagny for some time afterwards. Later on, he apologized for blaming her for the faults of the woman, who he had once held fondness for. Dagny suggested he bring her back when she wasn't around, but he never saw her again.

Black Jack passed away in 367 AC from the Dust Cough, a common illness for longtime smiths. He left Dagny the forge, despite it not truly being owned by him.