Cpt Lavinia Tooms

## Captain Lavinia Tooms

### Occupation

Captain of the Skylark (1120-present, 7 years), Owner and Operator of the Tooms Shipyard (1116-present, 11 years)

### Crew

The Skylark, Captain

**Captain Lavinia Tooms** is a distinguished Baagian shipwright, metallurgist, and captain from Burth Port. She is best known for her mastery of Waveforged Steel technology, her ownership of the Tooms Shipyard, which she expanded into the largest commissioning shipyard and ship equipment emporium in Venthalia, and as captain of the "Skylark", an elite traveling workshop in the form of a galleon.

## Early Life

Lavinia Tooms was born in 1100 in Burth Port, to Adriano and Lisa Tooms, a wealthy and influential Baagian family involved in merchant and trade activities. Her father, Adriano Tooms, was a legendary shipwright and metallurgist who invented Waveforged Steel, a highly durable and visually unique metal. The family's prosperity was primarily due to the proprietary knowledge of the metallurgical recipe for creating Waveforged Steel and the success of the Tooms Shipyard. At the age of 16, Lavinia inherited her father's shipyard and business following his mysterious assassination. The identity of the assassin and the motive behind the murder remain unsolved, but Lavinia has always suspected the involvement of House Gambilici.

## Waveforged Steel

The invention of Waveforged Steel by Adriano Tooms marked a turning point in Venthalia's maritime industry. This groundbreaking alloy, a blend of exceptional rigidity, melting temperature, and resistance to shock fractures, while remaining impossibly lightweight, has become an invaluable asset in shipbuilding, gunsmithing, blacksmithing, and beyond. Adriano's genius, combined with his unwavering dedication to perfecting this new material, resulted in a metal that would soon become a highly sought-after commodity. The secret to Waveforged Steel lies in its proprietary recipe, now known only to Lavinia Tooms. This exclusivity has not only safeguarded the Tooms family's position in the maritime sector, but has also fueled an insatiable demand for the miraculous alloy. This singular knowledge, passed down from Adriano to Lavinia, has solidified their reputation as leaders in maritime innovation and has made the alloy synonymous with modern state-of-the-art shipbuilding. As the sole possessor of the recipe, Lavinia finds herself at the epicenter of this frenzy, catering to a clientele eager to harness the remarkable properties of the alloy. From military vessels to luxury yachts, Waveforged Steel has become synonymous with cutting-edge maritime technology and unwavering quality.

Recognizing the immense potential of her father's invention, Lavinia offers high-priced services to create custom ship armor plating from the incredible alloy. This venture has not only expanded the reach of Waveforged Steel but has also allowed Lavinia to capitalize on the insatiable demand for her secret metal. Through her expertise and commitment to quality, Lavinia Tooms continues to revolutionize the maritime industry, cementing her legacy as a titan of innovation and progress.

## Career

From a young age, Lavinia Tooms displayed an uncanny aptitude for engineering and business, traits that would ultimately shape her destiny. Upon taking the helm of the Tooms Shipyard, she set her sights on transforming the modest operation into the largest shipyard in Venthalia. With her tenacity and innovative thinking, Lavinia steered the shipyard to unprecedented heights, adding a diverse array of products and services to the company's offerings. From armor and weapons to munitions and various ship supplies, the Tooms Shipyard became a one-stop-shop for maritime needs.

Lavinia is widely regarded as the best Venthalian shipwright currently alive, and her expertise is highly sought after by clients all over the continent. Lavinia's elite clientele includes wealthy members of the Althean Royal Navy, the Confederation of Free Sailors, the T&K Co Company Fleet, and numerous international commissions from across Daunt. Her ability to cater to a wide range of needs and preferences has made Lavinia an indispensable asset to maritime powers across the continent, and her continued innovation promises to shape the future of shipbuilding for years to come.

As a testament to her ingenuity, Lavinia built and captains her own galleon, the "Skylark." This floating marvel serves as a mobile ship-workshop, enabling Lavinia to bring her unparalleled artisan skills directly to her clients as she sails around Venthalia. The Skylark's unique capabilities have further cemented Lavinia's reputation as a trailblazer in the maritime industry, showcasing her ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

## Crew

The Tooms Shipyard in Burth Port is a bustling hub of activity, with a diverse array of ships docked in the harbor, ready to set sail to all corners of Venthalia. At first glance, it may seem like any other busy port; however, upon closer inspection, one notices the remarkable makeup of the staff and crew, which is predominantly made up of young girls under the age of 20, the majority of which are often overlooked in traditional trade industries. Cpt Tooms prides herself on providing girls a chance to prove themselves and develop their capabilities under Lavinia's mentorship. Tooms is known for hiring runaways, homeless children, and orphans who are in desperate need of a safe haven and a purpose in life. By offering them steady employment and the opportunity to learn, she instills in them a sense of worth and accomplishment, transforming their lives in unimaginable ways. The environment at the Tooms Shipyard is one of camaraderie and mutual support, as these young workers band together to overcome the challenges that come with learning the ropes of the ship trade. The Skylark, a renowned ship in the Venthalia maritime community, exemplifies the values Lavinia holds dear. With a crew of approximately 100 young individuals, the Skylark is a symbol of hope and perseverance for those who may have been deemed "lost" by society. Under the guidance of experienced sailors and tradesmen, the crew members learn essential skills, such as navigation, ship maintenance/construction, weaponsmithing, and trade negotiations, while forging strong bonds with their peers.

## Relationships and Reputation

Lavinia's partnership with Professor Ardd Boyett, owner of Boyett Industries and a Head Professor at the Goldsea Institute, has been a mutually beneficial endeavor. In exchange for a commission cut and the promotion of Boyett's inventing/alechemy business, Lavinia has exclusive right to sell magical weapons and munitions crafted by the esteemed artificer. This collaboration has not only bolstered both their businesses but also expanded the availability of advanced weaponry to clients, ensuring the continued success and growth of their respective industries.

Lavinia's expertise in shipbuilding and Waveforged Steel technology has caught the attention of the Royal Navy. Consequently, she has fostered a strong working relationship with them, providing state-of-the-art vessels and weaponry to support their efforts in protecting the Kingdom's shores and interests. This alliance has further elevated her status as a maritime powerhouse, as the Royal Navy relies on her expertise to maintain their dominance in the region. Lavinia's association with T&K Co, a prominent shipping and logistics company, showcases her ability to forge strategic partnerships. Through this collaboration, Lavinia has been able to expand her shipping capabilities and reach, while T&K Co benefits from her advanced ship designs and technology. This symbiotic relationship has resulted in a more efficient and effective maritime industry, contributing to the overall prosperity of Venthalia. Lavinia's relationship with the Confederation of Free Sailors, a collective of pirates seeking fair treatment and representation, demonstrates her commitment to promoting equality and justice within the maritime community. By supporting their cause and advocating for their rights, Lavinia has become an influential figure among independent sailors, earning their trust and respect. Although both the Althean Royal Government and the T&K Co have threatened legal or financial ramifications for providing services to the CFS, neither entity can really afford to not have the services of the Tooms Shipyard or the Skylark available.

While Lavinia has been careful to maintain a discreet profile in her business dealings, it is known that her father, Adriano, had connections to House Gamibilici and the powerful crime syndicate. Adriano allegedly provided smuggling services for the mob, playing a vital role in their illicit activities. The nature of Lavinia's relationship with the mob remains unclear, but her decision to steer her business ventures towards philanthropy and legitimate enterprise speaks volumes about her character and intentions.

Lavinia Tooms has left an indelible mark on Venthalia's maritime industry, transforming it through her innovations, strategic partnerships, and philanthropic efforts. Through her relationships with Professor Ardd Boyett, the Royal Navy, T&K Co, and the CFS, she has made a lasting impact on the continent's maritime success. Although her father's connection to the Gambilici crime syndicate casts a shadow on her family's past, Lavinia's commitment to forging a brighter future for young aspiring tradesmen, alongside her highly refined skillset, have cemented her as a Venthalian hero and icon.