Cpt Flintlock

## Captain Fredrico "Flintlock" Faragri

### Occupation

Captain's Table Member (1095-present, 32 years) Captain of the "Dark Thunder" (1090-present, 37 years), First-Mate of the "Dark Thunder", (1076-1090, 14 years)

### Class

Artificer

**Captain Fredrico "Flintlock" Faragri**, renowned as Cpt Flintlock, stands as a formidable figure in the Confederation of Free Sailors. Commanding the revered ship "Dark Thunder", he is a pivotal member of the Captain's Table within the Confederation. His journey from an aspiring gunsmith to a legendary pirate captain encapsulates a tale of defiance, ingenuity, and unwavering loyalty to his ideals. Thrain O'Barrel currently serves as his First Mate.

## Early Life and Education

#### Childhood in Althea Prone

Fredrico Faragri was born in 1042 AV, during the reign of Georgos II, in Althea Prone. Fredrico Faragri's early life in Althea Prone was steeped in the rich traditions of the Bratoli Isles, brought over by his immigrant parents, Martino and Carmen Faragri(née Sanche). Growing up in the vibrant environment of Althea Prone, he was exposed to a diverse blend of cultures and crafts, which deeply influenced his early years. Martino, a master gunsmith working for the Royal Navy, instilled in young Fredrico a deep appreciation for the art of weaponry and mechanics. Fredrico's childhood was marked by the clanging sounds of the forge and the intricate designs of firearms, as he spent countless hours in his father's workshop, learning the delicate balance of precision and creativity required in gunsmithing. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in artificery and his revolutionary approach to weapon design.

#### Academic Pursuits at the Goldsea Institute

In 1066 AV, driven by a passion for mastering the art of gunsmithing and inspired by his father's reputation, Fredrico enrolled at the prestigious Goldsea Institute. It was here that he discovered his true calling in the field of Artificery, under the mentorship of renowned professors such as Ardd Boyett and Catina Clarke. Prof Boyett, known for his groundbreaking work in alchemy and enchanted artifacts, saw potential in Fredrico's unique blend of traditional gunsmithing and innovative ideas. Prof Clarke, guiding him in advanced artificery, helped Fredrico to refine his skills, blending mathematical precision with magical enchantments. His time at the Institute was not just about academic excellence; it was a period of personal growth and ideological awakening. As he delved deeper into the world of Artificery, Fredrico began to question the ethics and practices of the Royal Government, particularly its stance on slavery. This ideological conflict, juxtaposed against his academic achievements, set the stage for his eventual defection to the Confederation of Free Sailors, marking a significant pivot in his life's trajectory.

## Defection to the Confederation of Free Sailors

The culmination of Fredrico Faragri's academic journey at the Goldsea Institute in 1072 AV marked a turning point in his life. His deepening disillusionment with the Royal Government clashed starkly with the values he had come to embrace during his studies. This ideological rift between him and his father, Martino, who remained a loyal employee of the Royal Navy, grew into an impassable chasm. Fredrico, unwilling to support a regime that contradicted his principles, made the irrevocable decision to sever ties with his past. He never returned to Althea Prone, leaving behind his family legacy to forge a new path. His defection to the CFS was not just an escape but a conscious choice to stand against tyranny and oppression. He was drawn to the Confederation's ideals of freedom and autonomy, seeing it as a haven where he could utilize his skills for a cause he truly believed in. Joining the crew of the Dark Thunder under Captain Martin Riipi, Fredrico quickly proved his mettle. His exceptional skills in artificery, honed under the tutelage of Prof Boyett and Prof Clarke, made him an invaluable asset to the crew. The cannons and firearms he designed and crafted were not just weapons; they were symbols of resistance, embodying the Confederation's fight for freedom. His dedication and prowess in battle, coupled with his innovative approach to weaponry, earned him the nickname "Flintlock", a moniker that would become synonymous with rebellion and ingenuity in the years to come. Fredrico's defection to the Confederation was more than a personal rebellion; it was a declaration of his commitment to change the tides of history in Venthalia.

## Ascension and Captaincy

Fredrico Faragri's ascent within the ranks of the Dark Thunder is a tale of loyalty, sharp wit, and a keen sense for justice. Following Captain Martin Riipi's death in 1076 AV, the ship was captained by the former First Mate, Thomas Bunt, with Fredrico being promoted to First Mate himself. His innovative approach to artificery continued to enhance the ship's arsenal, making Dark Thunder a formidable force on the seas. His reputation as "Flintlock" grew, not just for his expertise in weaponry but also for his astute leadership and tactical acumen. In the years that followed, under Captain Bunt's command, Fredrico's loyalty to the crew and the Confederation never wavered. He became a cornerstone of the ship's operations, respected and admired by the crew for his unwavering commitment and innovative strategies.

The turning point came in 1090 AV when Fredrico uncovered a shattering truth - Captain Bunt was secretly a mole for the Tramontano & Kotts Company (T&K Co), a betrayal that struck at the heart of the Confederation's values. Fredrico, confronted with this stark betrayal, was faced with a difficult decision. His dedication to the CFS and its ideals prevailed, leading him to expose Cpt Bunt's treachery to the Captain's Table. The evidence he presented was incontrovertible, leading to Cpt Bunt's execution and a significant shift in the dynamics of the Dark Thunder. Recognized for his integrity and bravery, Fredrico was unanimously chosen by the crew to captain the ship. His leadership was a beacon of hope and resilience, steering the Dark Thunder through turbulent times and maintaining its legacy as a symbol of freedom.

Fredrico's elevation to captaincy was followed by his appointment to the Captain's Table in 1095 AV, a testament to his leadership and commitment to the Confederation's cause. His new role at the Captain's Table allowed him to influence decisions and strategies at a higher level, contributing significantly to the Confederation's endeavors. Captain Fredrico "Flintlock" Faragri's journey from a skilled artificer to a respected leader within the Confederation epitomizes a story of rising through the ranks by virtue of skill, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom and justice.

## Mentoring the Next Generation

Captain Flintlock's role as a mentor and patron of young talent is a significant aspect of his legacy within the CFS. His keen eye for potential and commitment to nurturing the next generation culminated in his pivotal role in shaping the future of Thrain O’Barrel, the son of Captain Helga O'Barrel. Recognizing Thrain's burgeoning interest in Alchemy and the promise he held, Fredrico took a step that reflected not just his dedication to the Confederation's cause but also his belief in the power of education. In 1116 AV, he generously sponsored Thrain's education at the Goldsea Institute, underlining his conviction that the infusion of new, skilled individuals was vital for the continued vitality and innovation within the Confederation. This sponsorship was not a mere financial gesture; it was an investment in the future. Fredrico saw in Thrain a reflection of his younger self – passionate, determined, and eager to challenge the status quo. During Thrain's years at the Institute, Fredrico maintained a keen interest in his progress, often corresponding with him and offering guidance. This mentorship went beyond the academic; it was a cultivation of a mindset that questioned injustices and sought to make a meaningful impact in the world. Upon Thrain's graduation in 1122 AV, Cpt Flintlock welcomed him aboard the Dark Thunder, fulfilling the agreement they had made. Within a year, Thrain's talent and dedication earned him the position of First Mate, a role that Fredrico knew would not only shape Thrain's future but also ensure the continued legacy of the Dark Thunder.