Madriz Alcig

**Madriz Alcig** is a Dragonborn wizard of considerable skill and cunning, currently serving as the First Mate aboard the "Jericho", commanded by Captain Genesis Shrout of the Genesis Klan. Born into the Great Fleet of Klans as a free citizen, Madriz chose a life of piracy after an illustrious academic career at the Goldsea Institute. Known for his ruthless demeanor and mastery of the arcane arts, Madriz has become an invaluable asset to the Genesis Klan. His actions have had far-reaching consequences, most notably in the life of Bones, a Kobold who escaped the harsh apprenticeship under Madriz to find freedom and purpose.

## Early Life and Education

Madriz Alcig was born in the port city of Sladeion in the year 1107 AV. His father, Iulio Alcig, was a seasoned sailor who served aboard the "Piercer," a vessel commanded by the esteemed Captain Fjeseth Moonrucker. Iulio was a man of harsh discipline and stern resolve, traits that he hoped to instill in his young son. Madriz's mother, Sarê, is a skilled alchemist and healer who has a small apothecary in Sladeion. It was from her that Madriz inherited his initial curiosity for the arcane and the natural world. The Alcig household was one of contrasting influences: while his father regaled him with tales of high-seas adventures and battles, between bouts of verbal and physical abuse, his mother nurtured his intellectual curiosity with alchemical experiments and ancient lore. At the age of 12, following the mysterious death of his father, Madriz made the life-altering decision to run away from home. His departure was fueled by an insatiable desire to learn more about the arcane arts, a subject that had fascinated him since childhood. His journey led him to the Goldsea Institute, the esteemed academic institution renowned for its magical and general studies programs. Upon his arrival, Madriz was immediately captivated by the scholarly atmosphere and the wealth of resources at his disposal. It was here that he would meet Wydler Moon, a young Orcish runaway, also from the Klans. The two became fast friends, united by their shared history, fascination with the arcane arts, and the lore of piracy.

Under the mentorship of Professor Harmen Cagle Sylis, the head of the Wizardry Department, Madriz and Wydler embarked on an academic journey that would shape their futures. Professor Harmen, known for his revolutionary approach to teaching wizardry, took a particular interest in both students. He recognized their innate talents and encouraged them to delve deeper into the practical applications of magic, often providing them with rare texts and materials for their studies. Under his guidance, Madriz honed his skills in spellcasting, becoming one of the most promising students in his cohort. Madriz also excelled in minor studies, in both the History and General Studies Department, and the Artificery and Alchemy Department. In the year 1124 AV, Madriz graduated with honors, a testament to his academic prowess and relentless dedication. Despite receiving numerous offers for apprenticeships and scholarly pursuits, Madriz chose a different path. Inspired by the pirate lore he had studied and the freedom it promised, he made the decision to return to the Klans. His close friend Wydler Moon, however, chose to join the Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS), marking a divergence in their paths and dramatically souring their friendship. Both would go on to make their marks in the world, forever shaped by their years at the Goldsea Institute and the mentorship of Professor Harmen.

## Life Aboard the Jericho

Upon his return to the Klans, Madriz Alcig found himself at a crossroads. Armed with an academic background and a mastery of the arcane arts, he sought to carve out a place for himself within the pirate-infested waters of Venthalia. His eyes were set on the Jericho, a brigantine captained by Genesis Shrout, Lord of the Genesis Klan. To earn his place aboard the vessel, Madriz had to prove his worth. He did so by volunteering for a perilous mission to intercept a T&K Co vessel laden with valuable cargo. Utilizing his arcane skills to manipulate the winds and create illusions, Madriz played a pivotal role in the mission's success. Impressed by his cunning and magical prowess, Captain Shrout offered him a place on the crew. Within the year, he was offered the position of First Mate, a role that Madriz eagerly accepted.

As First Mate, Madriz quickly established himself as an indispensable asset to the Genesis Klan. His arcane abilities were employed in a myriad of ways, from bolstering the ship's defenses to launching devastating attacks against enemy vessels. His leadership style is characterized by a blend of intellectual rigor and ruthless efficiency, traits that endeared him to some while instilling fear in others. Captain Shrout found in Madriz not just a competent First Mate, but also a like-minded individual. Their relationship evolved into a partnership of mutual respect and shared ambitions. Although he does not share in the faith of Cpt Shrout, his studies in world cultures, history, and scholarly aptitude have aided his captain's sermons, alongside assisting Cpt Shrout in drafting new scripture for Gruumsh in Common. His cruel and cunning nature often led him to employ harsh methods to maintain discipline and achieve objectives. This approach garnered him both respect and animosity among the crew, creating a divisive atmosphere that he skillfully navigated. Despite these internal tensions, Madriz's effectiveness as a leader and a wizard remained unquestionable. His actions have significantly furthered the Genesis Klan's objectives, whether it be intercepting T&K Co vessels, engaging with the Althean Royal Navy, or capturing valuable slaves for the ship's coffers.

## Bones

When Bones, a blue Kobold of mysterious origin, hatched aboard the Jericho, he found himself thrust into a life of servitude and hardship. Madriz Alcig, ever the opportunist, saw potential in the young Kobold and took it upon himself to mold Bones into a useful asset. As his personal assistant, Bones was exposed to the darker facets of the arcane arts, a realm in which Madriz was a master. The apprenticeship was grueling and abusive, to say the least. Madriz subjected Bones to long hours of arcane study and practice, often pushing the Kobold to the brink of his physical and magical limits. Bones would be forced to aid in alchemical experiments as well, with at one point Madriz shaving his horns down, both for ingredients, and as a cruel punisment. Yet, in this harsh environment, Bones discovered his own latent talents for the arcane, talents that would later serve as the foundation for his own freedom. Madriz's interest in Bones was not purely academic; it was also tinged with a sense of curiosity and perhaps even a modicum of respect. The Kobold's quick grasp of complex spells and his resourcefulness in applying them were traits that Madriz could not ignore. However, this did not soften his approach. Madriz continued to employ cruel methods in his training, using Bones' magical progress as a means to further the Klan's objectives. Whether it was employing Bones in the capture of slaves or using his arcane skills to gain an advantage in naval skirmishes, Madriz saw the Kobold as a tool to be wielded.

The relationship reached a breaking point when Bones, no longer willing to endure a life of enslavement and abuse, took drastic measures to secure his freedom. In accordance with the Klan Kode, Bones earned his freedom by killing Emil Grock, the Bosun of the Jericho. While Madriz was undoubtedly angered by the loss of a valuable asset, there was perhaps a begrudging acknowledgment that Bones had, in a twisted way, applied the lessons he had learned. The Kobold had used his arcane knowledge and resourcefulness to change the course of his life, attributes he had honed under Madriz's unforgiving tutelage. In the years that followed, Bones would go on to become the First Mate of the "Demeter", serving under Captain Hank in the CFS. His life stands as a testament to the resilience of the spirit and the transformative power of knowledge, even when acquired under the harshest of conditions. For Madriz, the legacy of his relationship with Bones is more ambiguous. On one hand, it serves as a validation of his teaching methods, however cruel they may have been. On the other, it raises questions about the morality of his actions and the true cost of the arcane knowledge he so zealously pursues. The fact that Bones was able to secure his freedom due to Madriz's rare lapse in judgment—forgetting to chain him back to his post—serves as a poignant reminder of the fallibility even the most cunning individuals can exhibit. This oversight not only cost Madriz a valuable asset but also allowed Bones to apply the harsh lessons he had learned in a bid for his own freedom.