Dwarf Leader
Usta Kerim is a dwarf who leads a band of Child Gang members in the Undercity, a man of rough manner and commanding presence. In a set-to with Sidra al-Najjar he flung a dagger and wounded her, then closed with her at scimitar's length to do her further hurt.
Through the affray in the alley Usta Kerim barked his orders in a Turkish dialect, asserting his mastery over the gang. He took his own share of injury — burns from Sidra's answering magic, and scorch-marks upon his beard — and was at length knocked senseless by Gizem Faruki after a run of nonlethal blows. His defeat accomplished, the gang fell to doubting their loyalty to him, betraying their youth and their dependence. Upon his person was found a heavy purse of fifty-eight gold, which it was resolved should be shared out among the children he had led.