Gorthal Greyfin
Warlord of the Bloody Leviatans Gorthal Greyfin (a.k.a. "Iron Gills")
Brief Overview
Gorthal Greyfin is a towering force on the high seas, a veteran pirate lord whose presence alone is often enough to quell dissent. Known for his brutal, no-nonsense approach to piracy, he has built his reputation through sheer force of will, unbreakable resilience, and an unwavering loyalty to those who have earned his respect. His legendary endurance stems from a near-death experience early in his career—one that left him with the distinctive artificial gills that now mark his name. Though not as politically shrewd as some of his peers in the Black Council, his raw power, fearsome reputation, and long history on the seas ensure his voice carries weight.
Gorthal’s approach to piracy is straightforward: hit hard, take what you want, and leave nothing to chance. He views excessive scheming as a weakness and has little patience for pirates who rely on deception over strength. Despite this, he is not without a code—his loyalty to Orlann Veskar and those he deems worthy is absolute, and he does not break his word. He is often seen as the enforcer of Reaper’s Port, ensuring that the unruly elements of the city remain in check through intimidation and overwhelming displays of force.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Gorthal Greyfin was not always a pirate—he was once a soldier in the Daxin Navy, a brutal enforcer who made a name for himself in large-scale naval engagements. However, his unwillingness to take orders from lesser men, combined with his growing dissatisfaction with the rigid structures of military life, led to his eventual desertion. Fleeing into the lawless waters of the open sea, he fell in with a crew of mercenaries and pirates, eventually finding himself aboard a vessel commanded by a younger Orlann Veskar.
During one of their earliest campaigns, Gorthal was thrown overboard in the middle of a storm, nearly drowning before being fished out by a rogue aetheric engineer. To save his life, the aetheric engineer grafted artificial gills onto his neck, allowing him to breathe underwater. This transformation marked the beginning of his ascent—he no longer feared the depths, and his strength and tenacity only grew.
Over the next several decades, Gorthal carved his place in the pirate world, building the Bloody Leviathans into one of the most formidable boarding crews on the seas. His heavily reinforced warship, The Juggernaut, became infamous for its ramming tactics, breaking through enemy lines and overwhelming them in brutal melee combat. His loyalty to Orlann Veskar has remained steadfast, and he often serves as the Black Council’s unofficial enforcer, ensuring that no pirate grows too bold without consequence.
Education
Trained in naval warfare, tactics, and siege maneuvers during his time in the Daxin Navy.
Extensive firsthand experience with aetheric enhancements and their applications to combat.
Well-versed in hand-to-hand combat, heavy weaponry, and maritime siege tactics.
Morality & Philosophy
To maintain order in Reaper’s Port. Gorthal sees himself as the last line of defense against weakness and disarray in the city.
To solidify The Bloody Leviathans as the most feared boarding crew on the seas. He wants his name to be spoken in fear by naval captains and pirate lords alike.
To outlive all challengers. He has no intention of being undone by schemers or cowards—he will die fighting, if he dies at all.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Orlann “Black Tide” Veskar – His oldest and most trusted ally. Though Orlann is the more cunning of the two, Gorthal ensures his word is backed by strength.
Cassian Stormfall – A begrudging respect. They operate very differently, but Gorthal acknowledges Cassian’s effectiveness.
Reaper – A longstanding aquaintance. While Gorthal finds Reaper’s ideals distasteful, their torrid history has kept them from being directly at odds.
Mariva “Seablood” Vask – A wildcard in his eyes. He respects her command over the sea, but he dislikes the unpredictability of magic in warfare.
Evony “Riptide” Selarne – Suspicious of her scheming ways. He finds subtlety distasteful and does not fully trust her.
The Bloody Leviathans Crew – His most loyal followers, hardened warriors who have stood by his side through countless battles.
Current Location
Currently Boarded Vehicle
Age
52
Date of Birth
27th of Decaden, 422 AEL
Birthplace
The Sunken Keep
Children
Current Residence
Reaper's Port
Pronouns
He/Him
Sex
Male
Presentation
Masculine
Eyes
Piercing Amber
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Mottled Bronze Scales, with darker, storm-worn patches from years at sea
Height
7' 2"
Quotes & Catchphrases
“If you want mercy, ask the sea. It won’t give you any either.” (Before executing a captive rival captain.)
“A ship is only as strong as its hull, and a crew is only as strong as its captain. I don’t tolerate weak hulls.” (His reasoning for ruthless discipline among the Iron Tide.)
“You talk too much. I don’t need words to win a fight.” (His usual response when negotiations stretch too long in the Black Council.)
“I should have died in that storm. I didn’t. That means the sea isn’t done with me yet.” (Speaking of his near-death experience.)
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
