Pirate King Farah
Pirate King; The Devil of Aljahim Farah
Burning. His lungs were burning. Jeremiah gripped tightly at Vaidehi's arm as he pushed her down the shopping-way. All around him, the stalls and stations were aflame. Alchemist fire, he knew. Goblin-made, judging by the acrid smell. "Try not to breathe. Cover Aman" He whispered, running his right thumb against the arch of Vaidehi's hand.
A sympathetic shot of pain ran up the stump of his left arm from fingers that were no longer there. Even now, he could feel the stinging. The burning of the splashing liquid. Even know, his own screaming still echoed in his ears.
Incompetent. A voice in the back of his head hissed, sounding too familiar. Too close. To near. Good only for tests.
He let out a hiss, and forced both Vaidehi and himself to keep going forward. They had to get out of the tightly packed area of the bazaar. Toward the open areas of the harbor station. The fumes of the reacting chemicals would likely get to them, otherwise. Then, the flames would be the least of their worries. He struggled to catch his breath. Distantly, he heard another round of explosions. He heard auctioneers and buyers alike, start to scream. The stage had been set to explode, then.
If he had any breath left in his lungs, Jeremiah would have laughed. As it were, though, he only coughed, and continued to tug Vaidehi. "This way," He whispered, his voice grating and harsh to his own ears. "The docks--"
"They will see us." Vaidehi says, panicked, even as she grips tightly at the blankets she had managed to rip away from a nearby stall, covering Aman's sleeping form. "They will see me." Jeremiah grimaced.
She was not wrong. The auctioneers hadn't allowed her the scarves or cloaks that she had always worn. They had painted her face and arms with yellow paint, highlighting the red of her skin. There was no way to hide her horns. Exotic, they had called her, a beauty of the east. Worth a pretty fortune. They hadn't even let her hold Aman. Jeremiah gritted his teeth, and spat at the memory.
"We have no other choice." He whispered.
"We could hide."
"Where? No one will take us. No one will not turn us in."
Another round of explosions had Jeremiah closing his eyes. Had him pulling at her to run, until he felt the taste of salt on his tongue, rather than phosphorous and sulfur. He broke down coughing, then. He choked as his eyes took in the grey-green waters of the Golden Strait. Distantly, he heard Vaidehi calling his name, felt her fingers on his face. Distantly, he felt the blankets that protected Aman from the heat and debris. He reached out for them both, blindly. The knotted-off left sleeve of his shirt rested against Vaidehi's shoulder.
That was when he heard a saber unsheathing.
"So, So," The voice was deep. Almost rough. Imperial Common spoken by a non-native tongue. "It would do you very well, Pale One, to take a step away from the girl." Jeremiah heard Vaidehi gasp, and he straightened. He couldn't fight. Not anymore. But he might be able to give her a chance to run. He looked up. He had to blink. He couldn't speak.
Standing before them both was another Devil-kin. Tanned skin; more human-looking than Vaidehi. Booted feet, signifying a lack of hooves. The tail hung freely, unlike how he had seen Vaidehi carefully wrap hers beneath her skirts. Had it been close to two years ago, Jeremiah would have assumed that he had choked on too much of the fumes. But Vaidehi, thank the Gods, whichever there were, existed. So the possibility, he assumed, was there...
But--
The Devil-kin reached out to Vaidehi with their free hand, sword pointed at the ground. Jeremiah forced his body to take two steps forward, placing himself between the two of them. Golden eyes flashed with a fire reflected in their burning surroundings.
Jeremiah swallowed.
The fiery gaze then shifted from his features, to Vaidehi, then back. Slowly, they cooled, and a single eyebrow arched up.
"Oh." The Devil-kin looked from Vaidehi to Jeremiah, as if only just seeing them as a pair. "Of course. You aren't dressed as a Master. You come from the market?" The words were spoken haltingly, as if slightly uncertain of their collective meaning. Jeremiah couldn't bring himself to speak. At his silence, they pointed to the wrist of their sword arm, as if miming shackles. The Devil-kin tilted their head.
Vaidehi was the first to collect herself. "Please." She whispers, her voice desperate, frightened, and scared. "Do not turn us in. We only wish to leave."
"Leave, Red Sister?" The Devil-kin smiles at her, as if in attempt to comfort, and jerks a thumb back to the docks, "I have a ship. It is mine. Asmodeus's Lyre. You can go."
"I... only me?" Vaidehi asks, her grip tightening on Jeremiah's shoulder. He watched as her hand tightened on the blankets shielding Aman. "I won't go alone." She says more firmly. "He will come with me, as will our son." She moves the blankets away from Aman's face. Jeremiah breathed out a sigh of relief as he saw Aman's chest rise and fall. The sleeping draught that the ship-wright had forced on them had kept him asleep throughout the conflict.
"Son?" The Devil-kin blinked, "A baby? With the human?" They looked at Jeremiah, who stood still. Between that and Vaidehi's own silence, they clucked their tongue. "Ah." They sounded sympathetic. "Yes, yes, you go, with your son. Be quick, please. More fighting will happen. Soon. This town will burn." That fire was back in their eyes as they said the words. "Naughty Masters did not remember my first attack. So, now, we attack again. With more fire. Please, Red Sister, get on the ship. My men will not touch you."
"With Jeremiah?" Vaidehi pressed, eyes hopeful as she took Jeremiah's hand.
The Devil-kin stared at him for a moment, eyes calculating and lingering. They settled on his left arm. They settled on his right eye. They trailed up the chemical burns that ran up his neck. They seemed to ponder for a moment, then, finally the Devil-kin said, "Do you... know how to make... potions like what hurt you, boy?"
Jeremiah swallowed, but stared at the Devil-kin. He exhaled, closing his eyes. "I won't use them on people." He said, finally.
To his surprise, the Devil-kin laughed. "Not people, boy. Masters."
"Innocent people will still get caught in the cross fire."
The Devil-kin hummed. "We attack at first bid, and we release the slaves. Only attack the market. Besides," They look at him, something considering in their eyes. "These people allow your trade. Not exactly innocent, no?"
Jeremiah swallows, and without a word, nods. The Devil-kin smiles. "Good, good, I am Captain Farah. Please leave this area. Go to the ship, before my men come. They will bring more fire."
Physical Description
Apparel & Accessories
Farah typically allows themself relatively little embellishment, unlike some of the other Pirate Lords. Instead, they only typically wear gold and silver around the base of their horns and tail. They also have a characteristic ring with a blue gem, likely a lapis lazuli that they wear on their right thumb.
Like many of their crew, Farah also typically wears vials of poison and alchemist fire, which they tend to throw at ships and markets that they are aiming to attack or burn down.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Not much is known about Farah's early upbringing. They have bragged that they grew up on the streets of Lupe, a small coastal town. They have also been reported to say that their mother left them to starve among the rats of the sewers, rather than raise them. It is uncertain how they might have survived this, if true. What is known is that during their childhood, Farah was either sold or captured by slavers, and presented to their first master around the age of 10 to 12.
They did not stay with this man long. After breaking numerous dishes and pieces of pottery, likely intentionally, Farah was quickly shuffled to another owner, followed by another. They gained the reputation of being a troublemaker, though their seemingly corrupt or demonic heritage often acted as a double edged boon. Most masters ended up paying small fortunes for them, and were thus unwilling to maim or harm them despite their actions and mishaps. By the time that they were nearing the age of 18, Farah had gained the reputation of being an 'object' of bad luck. They were sold at a reported bargain rate to a swordmaster's family, the Kirajs, in the City of Brass.
While under the ownership of the swordmaster, Farah became the primary caretaker for the family's middle child, and only son, David. David was born blind, and was an incredibly frail teenager with poor health. Constantly sick, and often bored because of this, David's father, Sahiv, provided him Farah as a body slave and potential companion. Farah has mentioned that they were a poor nursemaid, but that David made a habit of waving away most of his family's concerns regarding them. Farah traveled most places with David, and took up fencing with the other, when David's father pressed him to learn despite his disability. It was under David's ownership that Farah first took to the water in an actual boat.
The heir of the Kiraj family was constantly being sent to the coast as a remedy for his poor lungs. It did not seem to do him much aid, however. David died at the age of 25, in the port city of Umbe, much to his family's grief. As one of his last acts, David attempted to free Farah, though the legality of the action was null, due to Farah being owned by the Kiraj patriarch. When the patriarch refused to accept his son's wishes, Farah ran him through with his own blade, and ran away. It is unknown how Farah managed to escape the City of Brass. Within the year, however, they had managed to make a position for themself, as a Quartermaster on the pirate ship, the Widow's Wail. They brag that they were rewarded this title after stealing notes from the previous Quartermaster, and finding better rates for plundered goods for Captain Cerise Vauxtiere, using them.
After around two years of acting as the Quartermaster for the Widow's Wail, Farah was rewarded with their own ship, which they named Asmodeus's Lyre. While the ship was intended to act as a loyal vassal of the Widow's Wail, this was proven to be false. Farah and their crew quickly took to raiding the Aljahiman coast sides, particularly in the northern and western regions, where slavery is more common. Captain Vauxtiere, however, didn't really see such deals as enough to warrant a conflict of interest, however, as most of her targets were Florin and Cadoran merchant ships. This apathy only increased once Captain Vauxtiere was aided by Farah in attaining the vessel Come What May.
Since leaving the tutelage of the Widow's Wail, Farah has made a name for themself and their crew, terrorizing the Golden Strait and beaching numerous slaving vessels. These vessels are then repaired, their rations and goods are halved, and then they handed over to to the former slaves that were being carried upon them. This has led to the Devil's Lyre amassing a notable loyal network of ships and crews.
Gender Identity
Farah does not adhere to any gender, and prefers to be referred to as "they" or "them". They do seem to prefer female pronouns over male, however.
Sexuality
Farah has not been known to take lovers of either gender. It is thought that they have no care or interest in such matters, though some foolish souls may speculate that this is due to their previous closeness with David Kiraj. The last person who said this, however, was killed shortly after.
Education
Farah is not known to be very educated. They were taught hand-to-hand combat during their training with David, and were taught sailing during their time with him as well. It is not known where they managed to learn numbers, or the script for Imperial or Cadoran Common. It is rumored that one of their former masters may have taught them such, though they were generally never in one place long enough to be taught such matters. Captain Vauxtiere just accepted it as a quirk of the Teifling, and the majority of her and their men seemed to do the same.
Accomplishments & Achievements
Farah has managed to amass close to 30 loyal ships along the Golden Strait and Aljahiman waters. Their cunning and ruthlessness is known throughout Aljahim, having reportedly even been brought to the attention of the God King and Grand Caliph of Brass, respectively. Their name is whispered as a word of hope among numerous enslaved races.
Morality & Philosophy
Farah believes wholeheartedly in the importance of personal choice and freedom of expression. They allow for those underneath them to govern themselves freely, and only tend to step in to act as a relative moderator during disagreements. While they expect for their crew to follow them in fights, they also expect for any concerns or desires to be brought to them. If you do not speak your mind to them, they will take your silence as contentment.
There is only one thing that Farah will not abide under any circumstance, and that is the subjugation of any being aboard their ship. As such, they have never pressed a single person into their service. This often creates gaps in vital positions in Farah's crews. This issue is addressed by them having their crew members train under the precious few that are knowledgeable about the positions. This has led to a unique blends of certain professions and positions, often with a master and apprentice taking up a single position.
Taboos
Slavery and the slave trade are dealt with severely by Farah. Slavers that are caught by their crews are killed, and their bodies are tied to the sterns of the ships to rot in the sea. If a ship under Farah's command is discovered to have aided or even abetted in the slave trade, it is said that Farah themself will go after the ship. Only one such incident has ever occurred, however, the entire ship was sunk without comment and its men were either cut down or drowned.
Social
Contacts & Relations
It is unknown if Farah has any true remaining friends. While they are reportedly charming, once one gets over their appearance, they tend to keep their crew at a relatively far distance. While this is true, there are four people who they undoubtedly respect. The first is Captain Cerise Vauxtiere, their former captain and present equal. She is one of the few people that is allowed to sail unmolested through their hunting ground. Any boats that sail her flag are also granted safe passage. Any ships that make the mistake of attacking said vessels are promptly, and often violently reprimanded.
The second is their navigator turned surgeon Jeremiah de Jorge, and the third is his wife, Vaidehi. While he is not kept as close to the captain as his wife, Jeremiah is granted close to free reign of the ship. It is unknown where the de Jorges came from. However, it can be concluded that Jeremiah had medical training and chemical experience. It has been reported that he may have either been a prisoner of goblinoid forces, or trained under someone researching goblin bombs, due to his ability to work with their poisons and explosives. It is said that his prosthetic hand was a gift from Farah, after the other found an alchemist prisoner aboard a slaver's vessel.
Jeremiah de Jorge, navigator and surgeon of Asmodues' Lyre
The final individual that was reported to have Farah's respect, is perhaps the most contentious. This figure is the late David Kiraj. It is reported that Farah does not speak of David, nor any other of their former masters. However, they refuse to attack the port of Umbe, where David is buried. It is also thought that the ring that they wear on their right hand may have been a keepsake or signet ring from the man that attempted to free them.Family Ties
It is unknown if Farah has any true family ties, though it is unlikely. Recently, they accepted another tiefling by the name of Vaidehi de Jorge aboard their ship. They have taken to calling her their 'sister', and her son has been deemed their 'nephew'. While it is not certain if the two teiflings should be deemed as members of the Captain's crew, the woman and her child have not let the other's side in close to two years. It is thought that they, as well as Vaidehi de Jorge's husband, Jeremiah de Jorge, were emancipated by Farah during one of their raids.
Religious Views
Despite their ship's name, and their infernal appearance, Farah has disavowed Asmodean worship aboard their vessels. It is reported that they favor Darmon and Urian both for their close ties to freedom and their anti-slavery leanings. It has also been said that they are fond of Shalimyr, in proper sailor fashion, though this is less seriously spoken of and more accredited to Farah tossing at least one wine bottle or keg overboard during celebrations to "Appease the Old Man."
Current Location
Species
Ethnicity
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Farah has been titled a Pirate King, the Devil of the Golden Strait, and the Demon of Flame in recent years.
Year of Birth
1665
Circumstances of Birth
Farah was born in the city of Lupe, a small coastal town in Southern Aljahim.
Birthplace
Lupe
Children
Eyes
Gold
Hair
Long and black, typically worn back
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Dark; tanned
Height
5'9''
Weight
150
Aligned Organization
Ruled Locations
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments