Post by Fyremage on Dec 27, 2017 16:58:41 GMT
Captain James A. Rackham
”There should be a ‘Captain’ in there somewhere...”Full Name: “Captain” James A. Rackham
Nicknames: "The Antillian," "Alabaster Rackham," "Captain," "Jay Rackham"
Age: ”Age is but a number, love…”
Height: 5’-10”
Weight: 180 lb
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Ginger
Skin Tone: Fair
Voice Example: Toby Stephens
Theme: Hans Zimmer - He’s a Pirate
”And then I said... HAAAH, and... then I says...'Sounds like yer compensatin' fer something.”
The legend that is 'Captain' James A. Rackham is fraught with overinflated rumors and disproportionate accounts of his exploits. The manner in which he styles himself is a gritty, weathered mariner/pirate that's seen near all the world has to offer. The only thing remotely well established about the man at this point in time is that he frequents bars and taverns, spending whatever gold he has on drinks and pleasurable company, and giving voice to whatever ear open to listening about the life he has supposedly led. His appearance is another constant that flies in the face of most legends about him. Some tales give weight to an imposing figure that could best near any man (even remarking a daring face-off against a company of Rjillish Knights) in solo combat. What is seen however, is an average sized man, standing roughly at five foot - ten inches and weighing in at about one hundred and eighty pounds. His hair is (when clean) a brilliant golden color, with reddish undertones. A running joke surrounds the man regarding what the initial 'A' means in his name, which has given birth to some of the nicknames he is also known as. To date, there is no record of what his actual middle name actually is, and good luck trying to get him to tell you. Some things to be aware of regarding him is he is a skilled swordsman (although his usual beleaguered gait and general 'half drunken' demeanor may factor in on that, as opponents likely expect him to be an easy mark), and he is an above average shot with a bow/crossbow. Given his lifestyle as a brigand and widely regarded charlaton, he also has the skillsets required to fill nearly any role aboard a ship, be it a navigator, gunner, shipwright, and so on, which lends further credence that he may very well be a ... Captain...
All of that being said, you probably don't want him performing any type of medical care on your person. That's a subject of another story altogether...
Background
Because so much of what we know about who he is can be regarded as unreliable, the only real way to get a measure of James Rackham is to spend enough time with him (as unpleasant as that may be.) If one were to do so, however, and after sitting through the boisterous, loud, and at times strange antics of the saucy old pirate, one can find the heart of a complex, guarded, and scarred individual. When given enough time, and once one has dug to the heart of certain topics, it is possible to see him forcefully change the subject or simply say he doesn't want to talk about something. It isn't common, but it has happened on occasion. Rum seems to be the best catalyst to have these types of conversations with him. One of the more widely considered 'truthful' stories about Rackham (a story he hardly shares, unless the aforementioned rum is involved) is the story of how he started his life of traveling the galaxy. At a young age, he stowed away aboard what appeared to be a mundane shipping vessel in the effort of escaping his abusive father. The ship departed, sailing out into the open sea prior to his presence being discovered, after which he was forced to 'earn his keep' until they arrived at the next port of call. Yet, unknown to him at the time, that would never happen. A mutiny occurred aboard the ship, which resulted in the captain being strung up and thrown overboard and his first mate assuming command. Rather than being abandoned as was to be his fate under the previous captain, the first mate developed a fondness for 'old James’ as he came to be known. And so began the life of the infamous pirate James Rackham, where he never looked back since.
His career started slow, namely in the raiding of shipping lanes en route between Routaille, Aladeen, and Alendron, until he finally came into the command of his own vessel known as the Baudy Dancer, a curious ramshackle schooner that bore more than a few... modifications. What became of the ship over time is a subject of divergence and debate, as it is rumored he lost it in a drunken gambling stupor one too many times, or that it was lost in uncharted waters (associated with a shipwrecking... incident.) The truth of what happened is really only known by the man himself.
Over the past five years, James has 'allegedly' turned over a new leaf. The famed pirate, who once had preyed upon the shipping lanes of reputable couriers and trading companies, and even the occasional 'honorable' smuggler, has seemed to turn to a quiet life of a humble seafarer. On the surface, it seems very much true that he has abandoned the life of piracy. Of course, they say the best pirate is the one that doesn't get caught.
"Carve this indel... infidel... illeg... ahem... permanently on yer minds everyone, as the day you almost captured Captain James A. Rackham!"
"You see here, ser... I thor'oghly believe this to be a misunderstanding. I just wanted to take a look at there ship, as it were. I know! It's because Oi'm Antillian, isn't it? Fekking racist..."
"If oi' were as drunk as most people believe I am, but in actual fact I am not, whereas most would assume so as I always carry a bottle of summat' or other with the intent, but not necessarily true accomplishment of consuming said contents in their entirety thereof rendering myself inebriated: but only allegedly – naturally, then by the stars I would 'ardly be con'ienable enough to speak clearly. Imagine tha'..."
Special Note: No one knows what an Antillian really is. Supposedly, Rackham escaped shipwreck on a series of devoid islands, which were dubbed 'The Antillians" in the stories he tells, but none of this is substantiated fact.
Equipment and Effects
One thing of note is James does seem almost unhealthily attached to a small collection of personal effects.
- A light and surprisingly ornate crossbow, which has an easy draw but deceptive punch.
- A nicked, slightly curved cutlass with a curious depiction of what appears to be a planet with carved landmasses on the pommel.
An alabaster carving of seemingly unknown origin, which serves little purpose save the sentimental.