Cpt Hank

## Captain Hank

### Occupation

Captain's Table Member (1030-present, 97 years) Captain of the "Demeter" (1026-present, 101 years), First-Mate of the "Leviathan's Fury", (1021-1026, 5 years)

### Class

Fighter

**Captain Hank** is a prominent Minotaur pirate captain and influential member of the Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS) on the continent of Venthalia. He is the captain of the ship "Demeter", with Bones currently serving as First Mate, and has been a member of the Captain's Table since 1030 AV. Hank is known for his intelligence, eloquence, and strong opposition to slavery, and has been instrumental in recruiting sailors and naval personnel for the CFS. Originally from the distant land of Kotyan, Hank immigrated to Venthalia in 1019 AV, seeking new opportunities and a life free from the destruction that plagued his homeland.

## Immigration and Joining the CFS

Captain Hank, originally born as Hankarion Bornial Rex in 977 AV, hails from Kotyan, a distant and mysterious land located thousands of miles across the sea in the continental archipelago known as the Tip. As the native homeland of Minotaurs, Centaurs, and Merfolk, Kotyan has been embroiled in a millennia-long power struggle among the three groups, resulting in a never-ending cycle of violence and destruction. The specific details of Hank's life in Kotyan remain largely unknown, as he has been reticent to divulge information about his past. What is certain, however, is that the devastation and chaos that plagued his homeland ultimately prompted him to seek a new beginning in Venthalia. Hankarion arrived in Venthalia in 1019 AV at the age of 42, during the reign of Queen Lysandra IV. He was immediately drawn to the Confederation of Free Sailors and their core values, which resonated with his own beliefs, particularly his staunch opposition to slavery and his disgust for the Althean monarchy's hypocrisy. Hank quickly joined the ranks of the CFS and was given the nickname "Hank" by the crew of the “Leviathan's Fury,” under Captain Clara Stormrider, his first crew.

## Table Status and Captaincy

As a member of the CFS, Hank demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and rapidly gained popularity within the organization. By 1026 AV, he earned his own captaincy, and just four years later, in 1030 AV, he secured a seat at the Captain's Table. As the oldest and longest-serving captain in the CFS, Hank is an extremely influential and respected figure within the organization. Under his command, the Demeter, originally a captured Royal Navy galleon known as the "Lady Maria," has conducted successful ambush raids against the Althean Royal Navy and the Klans. Hank's initial years in the CFS were marked by daring raids on Klans and Royal Navy ships, which not only boosted the Confederation's reputation but also helped Hank build a loyal crew. Under his leadership, the Demeter became one of the most feared and respected ships in the CFS fleet. His ability to navigate treacherous waters and outmaneuver enemy ships became the stuff of legend, further cementing his place in pirate lore. Over the years, Hank became known for his tactical prowess and skill as a naval strategist. He led Confederation forces in several critical engagements, including the Battle of the Ebonfall Fleet in 1045 AV, where the CFS successfully fended off a massive raid on Santigo Bay by a combined Althean and Ousurferian fleet. This victory was a turning point for the Confederation, as it demonstrated their ability to not only survive but also thrive against powerful adversaries. He has been instrumental in convincing countless sailors and navy personnel to defect to the CFS or, at the very least, to switch to a non-sailing profession. Hank's achievements have earned him the reputation of being the Confederation's most successful recruiter throughout its history. Over the years, the crew of the Demeter has included many influential figures in the CFS, such as Esmerelda Punrar, Captain Helga O'Barrel, Captain Lasko Loggins, Captain Day Arnn, and most notably, Captain Xalvador Kassel, who was formerly the first mate of the Demeter. Hank's leadership has been instrumental in shaping the careers of these prominent figures, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of Confederation members. Many modern members of the CFS, especially those born into it, have known Hank as a prominent figure, political icon, and Confederation hero for their entire lives. Despite his imposing Minotaur heritage, Hank defies the typical stereotype of a brutish Minotaur, displaying exceptional intelligence, education, and eloquence. Now at the age of 150, he wears bifocal glasses and continues to lead his crew with wisdom and experience.

## Influence and Legacy

Despite his numerous accomplishments, Captain Hank remains a private individual, keeping the details of his past life in Kotyan closely guarded. This air of mystery only serves to enhance his legendary status within Venthalia's pirate community. His unwavering commitment to the CFS and its core values has transformed the organization into a formidable force against the Royal Navy and the Great Fleet of Klans. As a key player in the organization's history, he has played a significant role in defining the Confederation's goals and values, as well as shaping its future. As an influential figure within the organization, Captain Hank has mentored and trained numerous young pirates, instilling in them the values of freedom and individual liberty that he holds dear. Many of these proteges have gone on to become respected captains in their own right, further spreading the ideals of the Confederation throughout Venthalia. This commitment to mentoring has earned him the admiration and respect of his fellow pirates, making him a valued member of the Captain's Table. In addition to his military achievements, Hank has used his position within the CFS to champion the eradication of slavery. He has been involved in numerous anti-slaver raids, working tirelessly to free enslaved individuals and bring them to the safety of the Confederation territories. His work has saved thousands of lives, as well as strengthened the Confederation's resolve to fight against the oppressive systems that perpetuate slavery.

Despite his many accomplishments, Captain Hank remains a humble and private individual. It's reported that he often retreats to his quarters to read and write in his personal journals, which he has maintained since his arrival in Venthalia. These journals, filled with tales of his adventures, battles, and encounters with various figures throughout the continent, have become treasured artifacts within the CFS. It is rumored that upon his eventual passing, the journals will be placed in the Captain's Table's archives, to serve as a testament to his remarkable life and legacy. As he continues to lead the Demeter and serve on the Captain's Table, Captain Hank remains a living legend in Venthalia's pirate community. His steadfast commitment to the Confederation's values, his unwavering opposition to slavery, and his extraordinary achievements have made him an enduring symbol of freedom and individual liberty. His story serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance, conviction, and the indomitable spirit of those who defy the odds in pursuit of a better world.