Baron von Hafn

The briny father of wayward sailors.

Captain Baron von Hafn (a.k.a. Grommet)

Captain von Hafn is a capable fighter and an intelligent sailor, but what makes him a great captain is his knowledge of the strengths of his crew. His shrewd tactics have only succeeded because he was able to leverage the talents of his crew and ship.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Though his military days are long behind him, he keeps up a well regimented workout routine to maintain a strong physique. While strong, he is not very big. Though handicapped with only one arm and one eye, he has become incredibly able to the point where it prevents him from being able to complete only a handful of tasks. His extensive time at sea can be seen in his coarse skin and calloused hands.

Identifying Characteristics

One arm - his remaining arm is quite strong. It more than makes up the difference. You wouldn't guess just how strong he is from looking at him, though, as his build is quite average.
One eye - though his eyepatch is stylish and expensive, it is practically invisible next to his gorgeous green eye. It has striking clarity and vibrance. A beautiful sight to behold.
Course and calloused - his hands and skin look like well seasoned meat. Rough to the touch one would think he is half salt, or at least has saltwater running through his veins.

Apparel & Accessories

• Blue Qakari Navy coat
• Purple Quatrian Navy cape
• Pauldron of the Admirality
• Assortment of expensive rings
• Bag of black powder
• Cutlass

Specialized Equipment

• Necklace of Luck

Mental characteristics

Personal history

As a child, Baron loved the ocean. While his parents couldn't afford to travel on the ocean much, they took trips to the shore whenever they could. He would play captain with his friends, and loved pretending to be a heroic swashbuckler.
In school he did well, but was most interested in extra curricular activities. He was fortunate enough to attend a school that had sailing lessons. He also joined the fencing team. Academically he was average except when it came to history - there he excelled.
His last few years of school he won championships in fencing, even winning an international tournament his final year. He loved every minute of it, getting to live out his fantasies more and more.
After graduation, he attended the Millenia Academy. There he studied naval history, trying to learn as much as he could about tactics. His goal was to use this time to make himself a strong candidate for the Officer Academy and join the Qakari Navy.
As a cadet in the Qakari Officer Academy he was frequently ahead of his peers. Physically fit, studied in tactics and history, and charismatic - he was an ideal cadet. When he graduated, he received commendation and was sent to serve aboard some prestigious ships to test and train him.
A year after he made it to his first ship, the Obor-Qakari war began. His ship was returning from patrolling in the north, missing much of the early battles. When he arrived back at the capitol, an Ilengalese spy called Cactus came aboard. The two struck a quick friendship, though duty kept them separate.
Baron witnessed a few defeats, wishing he could have done more to lead. After surviving four battles, three of which he survived aboard sinking ships, he was promoted lieutenant and assigned to the Mackinaw as first mate.
As a young lieutenant in the Qakari navy he quickly made a name for himself with his great intuition and knack for tactics. During the Battle of Kopa Reef  he took command of the Mackinaw after his captain was killed in a cannonade. He maneuvered the ship into a key position, allowing allied ships to make an escape while the Mackinaw's guns, and lumber, covered them. At the end of that battle, the Mackinaw barely limped away. He earned the nickname Grommet as a humorous, though grateful, jab.

He rose through the ranks fast, eventually getting promoted to captain. As a captain served as first mate to an Admiral aboard the Colossus. Not long after taking this new position, his fleet was ambushed en route to defend a trade fleet. While he recommended retreat, the admiral wanted glory and victory since the qakari fleets had won so few battles. In one particularly brutal broadside Baron was hit in the left shoulder. He awoke weeks later in a hospital on land, missing his arm.
His friend, lieutenant Wyldscale (nicknamed Gorgon), stayed by his side until he recovered. Unfortunately, it was with little good news. The admiralty wanted his testimony on what had happened, though the admiral had already blamed him for the defeat.
Upon delivering his testimony, he and Gorgon were not held solely responsible for the defeat, though they were both demoted and reassigned. While waiting for their new ship to arrive, they spent a lot of time together. Gorgon helped Baron with his rehab and recovery, and Baron helped Gorgon with tactics and negotiation. Most importantly, their shared dissatisfaction with Qakar grew as much as their friendship.
When the Golden Harpy arrived, they were more than prepared. The Harpy was a ship that mostly patrolled safer waters protecting trade ships. Baron and Gorgon worked to gain the trust of the crew and serve their new captain. Slowly but surely, the crew came to trust the wounded war hero.
When the Harpy was locked in combat with a pirate ship, Baron initiated a mutiny. He was able to defeat and capture the pirate ship, letting the captain and any crew who did not wish to mutiny take it, unarmed, while Baron left with the Harpy.
It wasn't long before the rest of the crew decided to leave. They didn't want to be pirates and had no interest in going too far from Qakar. Eventually they were able to crew the ship with who they have now.
Qakar wouldn't be the only nation to hold a grudge against Baron. He assisted both Quatria and the native Dracolians against Madrane. While there is an open bounty on all of the crew members of the Golden Harpy, only Madranians are interested in collecting it, though few are able to set sail or track him. His status as an enemy of Madrane and his reputation affords him safe harbor in many cities.
Nowadays he acts primarily as a naval bounty hunter. While between bounties, and sometimes while hunting bounties, they hunt for treasure. Of course adventure and piracy are always there if he or the crew get bored. And he will happily pay for information regarding a certain gouge happy gremlin who snuck up on him and took his eye.

Education

Public Qakar education

• Champion fencer during school
• Took sailing lessons
• Excelled at history

Graduated from the Millenia Academy with honors

• Studied Naval history
• Seconded in Fraeling history

Graduated Qakar Officer's Academy

Accomplishments & Achievements

Medal of Valor for acts during the Battle of Kopa Reef

Pauldron of the Admirality awarded for continued acts of heroism and bravery in service to the Qakari Navy

Morality & Philosophy

He and his crew are treasure hunters first, mercenaries second, and pirates third. The crew are a tightknit party that has grown very close. Anything that threatens one of them gets a response from all of them.

Social

Speech

His voice is deep and booming. It is excellent for managing the crew of a ship. Even during a battle in a storm and choppy seas he can be heard barking orders. His voice is also quite hoarse, almost as if it is coated in a fine layer of salt as well.

Wealth & Financial state

Depends on how things have been going. On average, quite rich.

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Currently Boarded Vehicle

Golden Harpy

Ethnicity

Qakari

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Captain of the Golden Harpy 
Scourge of The Madrane Empire
Yeoman of Quatria

Date of Birth

35 Fen, 25 OA

Year of Birth

25 OA 45 Years old

Current Residence

Golden Harpy

Pronouns

He/him/they/them

Gender

Male

Eyes

Lime Green

Hair

Long, black, and rough

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Tough and dark

Height

6' 0"

Weight

200 lbs

Owned Vehicles

• Golden Harpy

Crewmates