Cpt Taves Bartnick

## Captain Taves Bartnick

### Occupation

Captain's Table Member (1123-present, 4 years) Captain of the "Norktomb Chap" (1123-present, 4 years), First-Mate of the "Brewboy Jack, (1117-1123, 6 years)

### Class

Fighter

**Captain Taves Bartnick** is an infamous figure in the Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS) and the maritime world of Venthalia. At the age of 21, he serves on the CFS Captain's Table, and is the captain of the brigantine the "Norktomb Chap". Wydler Moon currently serves as his first mate.

## Early Life and Introduction to the Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS)

Taves Bartnick was born in 1106 AV. He was an orphan from the streets of Shtic Corprius, a former holy site that house the tomb of Ventus, now an impoverished community on the outskirts of Althea Prone. He grew up alongside his childhood friend, Mane Avner, a fellow orphan. The two boys considered each other as brothers. At the age of 9, he stowed away on a T&K Co vessel, hoping for a new start in Ousurferia. Unexpectedly, the ship was besieged by the Brewboy Jack, a famed ship of the CFS captained by Cpt Lasko Loggins. Bartnick managed to endear himself to the pirates, saving his life and impressing Captain Loggins. He was brought into the CFS by Captain Loggins in 1115 AV.

## Ascension to First Mate and Mentorship

In 1117 AV, at the age of 11, Cpt Taves Bartnick was appointed as First Mate of the Brewboy Jack. This decision, made by Captain Loggins, was met with skepticism and derision from many within the CFS due to Bartnick's young age. However, Taves quickly proved his doubters wrong. He demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities, a keen understanding of maritime strategy, and a fierce commitment to the Confederation's values. His appointment as First Mate marked a significant milestone in his life, affirming his place within the CFS and setting the stage for his future exploits.

During his time as First Mate, Bartnick was under the direct mentorship of Captain Loggins and Esmerelda Punrar. Loggins and Punrar, both seasoned sailors and respected figures within the CFS, recognized Bartnick's potential and nurtured his growth. Cpt Loggins provided Taves with the knowledge and skills he would need to thrive in life at sea, while Esmerelda taught him the values of chosen family and community bond. Bartnick was a quick learner, demonstrating a keen understanding of navigation, combat, and the complex dynamics of life within the CFS. His mentors recognized his potential and nurtured his growth, providing him with the knowledge and skills he would need to thrive in this new environment.

Despite his rapid rise within the CFS, Bartnick's journey was not without its challenges. He faced opposition from some members of the CFS who doubted his abilities due to his young age. However, Taves remained undeterred. He faced these challenges head-on, using them as opportunities to prove his worth and demonstrate his leadership abilities. His resilience and determination earned him the respect of his peers and superiors alike. His triumphs served as a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship and the potential for greatness that lies within even the most unexpected individuals.

## Ascension to Captaincy

In 1123 AV, Cpt Bartnick's hard work and dedication paid off when he became the youngest Table Member in Confederation history, securing his captaincy. This promotion marked a significant milestone in his journey, affirming his status as a leader within the CFS and setting the stage for his future exploits as the captain of the brigantine known as the Norktomb Chap, a captured T&K Co vessel formerly known as the "Gilded Gull". Today, Cpt Bartnick is a respected figure within the CFS, known for his strategic brilliance, leadership abilities, and unwavering commitment to the values of the Confederation. After gaining captaincy, he traveled back to Shtic Corprius, in the heart of Kingdom territory, to recruit kids he grew up with for his crew. It was here that he reconnected with Mane Avner, who had developed into a prominent drug dealer in the community. Mane Avner joined the crew of the Norktomb Chap in late 1123 AV, where Cpt Bartnick named him as First Mate.

## Captain of the Norktomb Chap

The crew of the Norktomb Chap is entirely made up from young men under 20, all runways and orphans. Cpt Bartnick, at the age of 21, is simultaneously the oldest member on the ship and the youngest Captain in the CFS. Cpt Bartnick is known for his natural savant level abilities for strategy, both in combat and naval warfare. In 1124 AV, the crew accepted 16 year old Wydler Moon, a runaway from the Klans and a recent honors graduate of the Goldsea Institute's Wizardry Program. Moon, an Orc, was met with intense hostility from within the CFS at first, but through the support of figures like Cpt Bartnick and Esmerelda, along with proving himself as loyal to the cause through his selfless actions, quickly elevated his status to that of a Confederation hero. Not much is known about Wydler Moon's life before the Institute, as he keeps his personal life incredibly secret.

In 1125 AV, Mane Avner was fired and banished from his position and the crew of the Norktomb Chap for unknown reasons. The crew has sworn to secrecy at the word of Cpt Bartnick. Mane Avner has since defected to the Great Fleet of Klans, where he serves as the captain of the Hellhound, and is a known high ranking member of the Jadeye Klan. Following the departure of Avner, Wydler Moon was promoted to First Mate, a position he still holds to this day.

## Relationships within the CFS

### Lasko Loggins

Cpt Bartnick's relationship with Captain Lasko Loggins is one of the most significant in his life. Cpt Loggins was the one who brought Cpt Bartnick into the CFS and served as his mentor during his early years in the Confederation. Cpt Loggins recognized Cpt Bartnick's potential and nurtured his growth, providing him with the knowledge and skills he would need to thrive in the CFS. Cpt Bartnick looks up to Cpt Loggins as a role model and a father figure, and his guidance played a crucial role in shaping Cpt Bartnick's leadership style and values.

### Douglas

Another significant relationship in Cpt Bartnick's life is with Douglas, the current First Mate of the Brewboy Jack. Douglas, a mute Human immigrant from Therios, was rescued during a slave rescue operation in 1108 AV. He became a trusted and loyal ally to Captain Loggins, eventually rising to the rank of First Mate following Cpt Bartnick's ascension to captaincy. Cpt Bartnick and Douglas share a close bond, forged through shared experiences and mutual respect. Despite Douglas's inability to speak, the two communicate effectively, with Cpt Bartnick often relying on Douglas's wisdom and experience when making decisions.

### Captain Ada Rymer

Captain Ada Rymer, a fellow former crew member of the Brewboy Jack and a renowned figure in the CFS, is another individual Cpt Bartnick holds in high regard. Cpt Rymer, known for her audacious exploits and commitment to the abolition of slavery, serves as an inspiration and older sister to Cpt Bartnick. Despite their different backgrounds - Cpt Rymer being a former slave and Cpt Bartnick an orphaned stowaway - the two shared a common goal of fighting for freedom and justice. Cpt Bartnick's respect for Cpt Rymer is evident in his leadership style, which, like Cpt Rymer's, emphasizes strategic brilliance, audacious "fuck you" spirit, and a deep commitment to the values of the CFS.

### The Crew of the Norktomb Chap

As the captain of the Norktomb Chap, Cpt Bartnick has formed significant relationships with his crew members. His crew, entirely made up of young men under 20, all runaways and orphans, look up to Cpt Bartnick as a leader and a mentor. Despite his young age, Cpt Bartnick has shown a remarkable ability to inspire and lead his crew, earning their respect and loyalty. His relationship with his crew is characterized by mutual respect, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to the values of the CFS. Cpt Bartnick's ability to connect with his crew on a personal level, understanding their struggles and aspirations, has played a crucial role in fostering a strong and cohesive crew.