Douglas

**“Douglas”** is a Human immigrant from Therios, who serves as the First Mate of the “Brewboy Jack” under the command of Cpt Lasko Loggins of the Confederation of Free Sailors. Douglas was born in 1092 AV, but nothing else is known about it life before traveling to Venthalia, nor why he did so, as no one in Venthalia has ever heard Douglas speak.

## Early Life and Immigration

Douglas was born in 1092 AV, in the far-off land of Therios, located thousands of miles across the sea in the continental archipelago known as the Tip, and the native homeland of the Leonin and Tabaxi. Despite the many mysteries surrounding his early life, it was clear that Douglas had experienced much hardship and pain before arriving in Venthalia. Driven by an insatiable desire to escape the confines of his past and seek a new beginning, he chose to leave his homeland at the age of 15 and embark on a dangerous journey to the lush and vibrant continent of Venthalia, seeking opportunity. Upon his arrival in Venthalia, he was immediately captured by the Klans and forced into slavery. The cruel and harsh conditions of his captivity took a heavy toll on him, both physically and mentally. Stripped of his freedom, Douglas held onto the faintest hope of one day breaking free from his chains and reclaiming his life.

## Liberation and Joining the Confederation

In 1108 AV, fate intervened when Captain Lasko Loggins and the crew of the Brewboy Jack, assisted by the crew of the Dutchwork launched a daring slave rescue operation on a Klans compound. Recognizing an opportunity to change his destiny, he defied the odds of his captivity, and bravely assisted the crew in their mission, even as he remained shackled and bound. His courage and resourcefulness turned what was originally planned as a routine slave heist on a Klans plantation, into one of the largest Slave breakout operations in CFS history, leading to the liberation of the entire compound, over 180 slaves. The brave, mute teenager caught the attention of Cpt Loggins, who was deeply impressed by the boy's resolve and determination. After the successful rescue operation, Cpt Loggins offered the newly liberated teenager a place on his crew, a chance to leave behind the horrors of his past and find a new path in life. Grateful for the opportunity, he eagerly accepted and began his new life as a member of the Brewboy Jack's crew, carrying with him the nickname of "Douglas" that was given to him in the heat of the moment on the night of the raid, by a member of the crew. Despite his inability/unwillingness to speak, Douglas quickly proved himself to be an invaluable asset to the crew, demonstrating exceptional intelligence, tactical acumen, and unwavering loyalty to Cpt Loggins and the Confederation of Free Sailors.

## **Time Since Joining the CFS**

As the years passed, Douglas rose through the ranks, eventually earning the position of First Mate following the departure of Cpt Taves Bartnick. His silent presence aboard the Brewboy Jack became a symbol of resilience and strength, a living testament to the power of redemption and the indomitable Human spirit. Douglas' origins and the reasons for his muteness remain a mystery to this day. Some speculate that he may have been cursed by a powerful mage or suffered a traumatic injury that left him unable to speak. Others believe that Douglas has chosen to remain silent as a form of self-imposed penance, a reminder of the darkness he left behind in Therios. Regardless of the truth behind his silence, Douglas has become a legendary figure within the Confederation, and the maritime world of Venthalia. His story serves as an inspiration to countless others who find themselves in the depths of despair, a beacon of hope that even in the darkest of times, the possibility for change and redemption still exists.

Douglas spent the rest of years growing into a man aboard the Brewboy Jack and its crew, sharing in the motley family dynamic. Douglas has a close personal bond with Cpt Ada Rymer, with their relationship being best described as one of a younger sibling looking up to an older, more experienced sibling. Both having been rescued by Cpt Loggins from the harsh realities of slavery, they share a common history and deep appreciation for the opportunities provided by their captain. Rymer, who had joined the crew earlier than Douglas, took the young man under her wing, teaching him the ins and outs of life aboard the Brewboy Jack and helping him acclimate to his newfound freedom. In return, Douglas displayed unwavering loyalty and support for Cpt Rymer, as she grew into a formidable sailor, leader and slave liberator. As Rymer's star continued to rise within the CFS, eventually earning her captaincy and a seat at the Captain's Table, Douglas remained a steadfast ally and friend. Their bond, forged in adversity, had grown into a deep, familial connection.

The relationship between Douglas and Cpt Taves Bartnick is the inverse of his and Rymer's, as that of an older, protective sibling guiding and mentoring a younger brother. When Bartnick joined the crew of the Brewboy Jack, he was a young and ambitious orphan from the streets of Shtic Corprius. Douglas was among the few that supported Cpt Loggins' initiative to appoint Bartnick as First Mate at the age of 11. Douglas's guidance and support played a critical role in Bartnick's rapid rise through the ranks, from an orphaned stowaway to First Mate and eventually to captaincy. As one of Bartnick's mentors, Douglas was a source of wisdom, advice, and encouragement, helping the young sailor navigate both the physical and emotional challenges of life within the CFS. In return, Bartnick looked up to Douglas with admiration and gratitude, recognizing the profound impact that his older "sibling" had on his life and career.

Many in the Confederation have wondered why Douglas has not ascended to captaincy himself, as it is unknown why he has not pursued it, even when offered paths by various figures in CFS. Expectedly, Douglas has never explained his intentions, and instead displays his character, loyalty, bravery, and good nature through his actions.