i imagined it as a self-insert.

For the back story for the 2 Npc
Our Blacksmith doesnt really has a backstory.
Ment to be a bit of an odd goofball who already came around in the continent and even knows the more dangerous spots on the map.
Often visited Merchant Crossing for work.

Visual i imagine the basic blacksmith bearded, with a belly, darker hair.

Sherman Introduces hisself in the story with
Sherman. Professor of the Lestorian Science Corporation.
Even though its a Corporation and not directly ruled by the king, they working closely together with the kingdom and therefore have knowledge about some state secrets. Not sure how far i will get into that part of lore between end of chapter 2 and early chapter 4.
But the king basically knows about there current project and the Stone-Battery they found was already used to power lights and experiments with heating up buildings. Nothing was made known about that project to the public yet though. And its there first contact with an power source.

Visuals Lab coat, glasses, blonde groomed hair, healthy body not extremly nerdy or anything.