Ibrahim Jifari
Captain Ibrahim Jifari (a.k.a. Ibn, Pops)
"What do you think of Mer?" Garlon asked, as they sipped whiskey by the fire.
"Now that is an interesting question," responded Ibrahim, his interest piqued. "Why do you ask?"
"On the last voyage, we hit some weather," Garlon was silent for a few minutes, thinking of crew that had sailed with him for a long time that had been lost in that typhoon. "I bumped up against a typhoon. We lost some sailors overboard. The next thing I know, a Mer was on the deck yelling over the storm for me to turn astern. We did, and broke free of the storm that was pulling us in. She guided us a bit further, maybe spending six hours on the deck, then dove back into the sea."
"Mer can be strange and dangerous," said Ibrahim. "There are Mer like that, who will help you, and Mer that will jump on the deck and guide you right into a reef. I've lost a few ships that way, not many, as I'm careful about my hires." He smiled slightly and nodded at Garlon.
Staring into the fire, lost in thought, while rain pounded the world outside Garlon wondered had the strange Mer-woman appeared simply to gain his trust and destroy him later? Had her assistance been an offer of friendship? His ship had been sailing low in the water, with an expensive cargo of spices and cloth from the Southern Continent.
"Mer can gauge displacement, son." Ibrahim finally said, breaking the silence. "If that Mer-woman was going to try to ruin you, she would have done it on that journey. It's a good four months before we can sail again, the season is upon us now.
"I received this by post today." Garlon passed a letter to his father.
"To Captain Garlon Telasin, Greetings:
Recognizing the banner of your ship, I assisted you against the first typhoon of this season. Please do not return by that way to sea for the next few months, as the sea is warm and will not lose heat easily. The way to the Northern Continent will be clear in a few weeks, if you must sail.
I learned your name from one of your surviving sailors. My clan and I rescued as many as possible, and they are currently safe on the Isle of Epiconia. It is home to some Islanders who have a trade in fishing and tourism during the cool season, and I have been assured of their safety. Epiconia can always use a few extra hands to help with mending nets and pots in the rainy season.
Your crew seem to respect you and say you are fair. They are for the most part free of prejudices against Mer, although one did fight so hard he ended up drowning. I am sorry for that.
If you would like further assistance or would like to discuss an agreement, please return post to the Halajaa Inn in Harbah Harbor. The proprietors remain friendly with me and will trade.
Yours in Peace,
Saiith"
A frown had formed between Ibrahim's brows as he contempleted the letter.
"She helped you, and now we find most of your crew safe. I believe we can trust her, at least to an extent."
Handing the letter back, Ibrahim stood, back to the fire.
"I have known a few Mer in my time. This one I have met before, which is why she knew my colors. We have been friendly, although I am not sure that we have been friends. I have traded with her, and with her clan. She is of the Clan of the Octopus."
"I am not sure what that means." Admitted Garlon
"There are ten clans of Mer that do not bother Landsmen much, and two that do. To be fair, they often bother the other clans as well. Octopus Clan is more friendly with some Landsmen than some of the other clans."
"Hmm." Garlon stared into the fire, lost in thought.
"We are not too far from Harbah." He finally said. "I will return her post."
Ibrahim smiled. "Ships that have Mer friends rarely sink."
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Healthy, well muscled, excellent health
Body Features
Medium brown skin tone
Facial Features
Sharp facial features
Identifying Characteristics
Has an octopus tattoo on most of his back, extending over his right shoulder as a symbol of friendship with the Mer Clan of the Octopus.
Physical quirks
Right handed, commanding posture.
Apparel & Accessories
Dresses according to profession most of the time.
Specialized Equipment
Expert swordsman, uses a dirk defensively.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
He began as an accident, as many Mid-Continent Landsmen did that year. The summer festival day was warm, and the liquor and ale ran a bit too freely. It wasn't as if Neelia wasn't willing, it was just that once the sun rose, she found her partner gone, and never knew who he was. Ibrahim was considered a child of the Sea god, like many of his year-friends.
The family raised him, and Ibrahim wanted for nothing. He was well educated during the rainy season, and apprenticed to a different ship every year until his majority at age 21. His mother and grandparents were adamant about wanting him to see how different Captains handled ships. From his 18th year on, Ibrahim sailed with Captains that were capable of intercontinental sailing, according to his Family's wishes.
At age 21, he took the test for Master Sailor and passed easily. At age 25, he passed the test for intercontinental sailing. Ibrahim has the distinction of never having lost a ship to a typhoon or pirates. His grandfather, who had been a sailor himself until being put ashore except for short fishing trips by an accident that left him legless below the knee, had informed Ibrahim early about Mer. The young man was both curious and wary, which saved him twice when his charts showed reefs and thrice in a storm when Mer helped him through a few tight spots.
By age 35, Ibrahim had been successful enough to amass a fleet. He legally could call himself "Admiral," but prefers to be known as Captain.
One of the few Intercontinental Captains that remains friendly with Mer, Ibrahim lets each Captian make their own decision regarding them. He understands that Mer are individuals, but hopes that his Captains can make at least cordial relations with the friendly ones.
Gender Identity
Male
Sexuality
Bisexual
Education
Business and general education through his Family schooling, Master Sailor certification and Intercontinental Captain's certification through the Merchant Fleet Academy, Mid Continent.
Employment
Owner of a fleet of merchant vessels
Accomplishments & Achievements
Has never lost a ship to typhoon or pirates
Intellectual Characteristics
Logical and even tempered with above average intelligence and business acumen.
Morality & Philosophy
Lawful to Neutral good, depending on the situation.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Loves sailing and business, knows no other life, wants to leave a good life for his son.
Savvies & Ineptitudes
Excellent sailor, may possibly drink a bit too much on land, and is not as agile on land.
Likes & Dislikes
Loves whiskey. Likes beer. Likes water. Dislikes fruit juices and sweet liquors.
Virtues & Personality perks
Quick to make a decision, even tempered, fair
Vices & Personality flaws
really likes whiskey
Hygiene
Excellent personal hygiene, is rarely home during the dry season, engages a housekeeper.
Social
Family Ties
Mother, Grandparents, adoptive Son
Religious Views
Honors the Sea God Tydar
Social Aptitude
Charismatic, self assured, businesslike
Mannerisms
Commanding, authoritative, expects people to do what they are told
Relationships
History
Ibrahim met Garlon when the boy applied as a seaman on Ibrahim's ship. The 13 year old had a look about him that showed Ibrahim he would do what was needed, no matter what. He couldn't use a non-experienced sailor, but he did hire Garlon on as a cabin boy. Over the next several years, as Garlon grew, Ibrahim mentored him, first teaching him the way of the sea, but later realizing he loved the boy like the son he never had. Eventually, he and Garlon adopted each other.
Nicknames & Petnames
Pops
Shared Acquaintances
Saiith of Octopus
Legal Status
Parent/Child, adoptive
Wealth & Financial state
He is extremely wealthy due to trade, but has a significant amount of money tied up in future trade. Unbeknownst to his crews, he has provided for their families if they do not make it home. He pays fair wages, and provides training to crew willing to learn. He does not tolerate any abuse of female crew. He has several female captains.
Species
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Captain. Has enough ships to call himself Admiral, but refuses.
Year of Birth
1247 E.O.
48 Years old
Circumstances of Birth
Unexpected
Birthplace
Domah, Mid Continent
Spouses
Siblings
Children
Current Residence
Domah, Mid Continent
Gender
Male
Eyes
Brown
Hair
Black
Height
6'2"
Weight
215 pounds
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