Admiral Earl Grey
Born as an orphan on September 9th, 1662, in the Kingdom of Albion's capital of Oldcastle, James Grey had no prospects in life and seemed destined to a future of poverty. Seeking an escape from the stratified society of Albion, he enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1678 at the age of 15. He traveled across Albion and her colonies, proving himself a capable and vicious enforcer of authority. It is unknown if he blackmailed his captain for it, but he eventually attained the rank of lieutenant in 1680. His future, for a time, seemed to be at sea.
In the 1690s, Lieutenant Grey fought in battles against the great pirate crews of the New World, as well as against the Royal Armada of the Southern Empire. In 1703, Captain Grey would command the frigate HMS Harrier during the Royal Navy's bombardment of the Principality of Palischia's siege on Port Charlotte. The inability of the Royal Navy to dislodge the "barbarians" of the North created a deep-seated resentment for any that stood against the will of his king. Disillusioned with his career, he retired his commission and entered politics in Oldcastle.
In 1707, he would be contacted by Lord "Willy" Wentworth, Don Carlos de la Cruz, and other aspiring Great Albine and Kingdom of Herabria merchants to join them in the creation of the Grand Maritime Union (GMU). The Grand Maritime Union would direct its efforts in creating as many monopolies on trade goods as it could, and Captain James Grey would act as an enforcer of contracts on behalf of the GMU-affiliated Lionheart Shipwrights. In 1711, Lord Wentworth would use his influence to assist Captain Grey with purchasing a title of nobility as an earl. He would be made an admiral with Lionheart Shipwrights in 1712.
Miscellaneous Information -
Personality Trait: Grey exudes calm authority, his voice rarely rising even in the heat of battle. He believes order and discipline are the cornerstones of naval supremacy, and he thrives on strategy and measured actions.
Ideal: Duty. Grey is a steadfast servant of the GMU, believing its dominance is essential for global order and the prosperity of civilized trade.
Flaw: Arrogance. Grey’s belief in the GMU’s superiority blinds him to the cultural value and resilience of those he sees as "pirates" or "barbarians," often underestimating his enemies.
Bond: Grey’s loyalty to the Union Board and its ideals is absolute, but he also feels a personal kinship with the officers who serve under him, ensuring they are well-trained and supported.
Goal: Grey seeks to cement the GMU’s control over the the sea and stamp out piracy entirely, leaving behind a legacy as the architect of a new era of naval dominance.
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