Merrick "Rick" Landon
Description
Merrick is a middle-aged (42 years old) male Umbriel Elf, with blue eyes, medium build (5'10"), silver hair and tanned skin.
Ship Role
Merrick is the ships Captain, which is a standard ship role, outlined on page 40 of Arcane Minis Skyship Campaigns Rulebook (PDF)
Character
Merrick "Rick" Landon's Character Sheet - D&D Beyond (dndbeyond.com)
Merrick does not have a Character Journal Google Doc
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Race | Umbriel Elf |
| Class | Dual Class Bard / Rogue |
| Sub-Class | Custom : The Academy Primilitus – A Military Bardic College |
| Played By | Ricardo Wallace |
Personal Quest
Hook: Seeking fortune to save his family.
Merrick boarded the Ladies Luck in a desperate bid to save his family from a massive debt. Left without options for financial success after being overlooked for promotion within the Cin’Dar navy, Merrick seeks fortune via a less reputable path.
Hands of Fate
Prophecy
Signs and portents are the life-blood of Sordane. Like all beings adrift on the floating sphere, Merrick is subject to the forces of destiny.
Merrick is “The Fool” - his destiny represents the opening of the ways and doing things not done before. Those born under the sign of The Fool are often cursed with a lack of faith and trust, and an inability to see things through to the end.
Divine Tarot : The Fool
New Beginnings: The Fool embodies the concept of starting fresh and embarking on a new journey. It signifies the potential for exciting opportunities and a clean slate. This card suggests that you are at the beginning of a new chapter in your life.
Unconventional Path: The Fool often represents an unconventional or non-traditional path. It encourages you to follow your own unique journey and not be limited by societal norms or expectations.
Backstory
In the town of Parta, in the sprawling Republic of Cin'Dar, where noble families hold sway and alliances are the currency of power, Merrick "Rick" Landon was born into the esteemed Landon family, known for their semi-noble status and the prestigious transport business they led. The Landons are renowned for their role in bringing Sordite ore back to Cin'Dar, a lucrative trade that showcased the familial determination and ambition.
The Landon family values centered on unity and tradition, and it was no surprise that young Merrick took to heart the legacy that was etched into the family name. Raised in an environment where valor and lineage were celebrated, Merrick grew up hearing tales of his father, Octavian's leadership and his mother, Valeria's shrewd business acumen.
As he came of age, Merrick's path seemed destined when he enlisted in the Republic's naval forces. He enrolled in and graduated from the prestigious Cin’Dar Academy Primilitus, a college famed for training the most elite of the senior officers, generals, and captains of the Cin’Darian military.
On joining the Legionius Nauticus he swiftly rose through the ranks and was eventually granted the esteemed position of Captain of a Rassen Assault Frigate. It was a position that brought him recognition and pride in Ezdin, though not extravagant wealth. His service marked by courage and dedication, Merrick even earned the Crimson Star, the highest medal for heroic service in a combat zone.
Yet, as the wheels of fate spun mercilessly, an ominous event cast a shadow on Merrick's life. The bombing of the sky port of Ir'Dan: a catastrophe that shook the foundations of his family's business, not only decimating nearly 80% of their fleet, including their prized Algor Cruiser "The Valerian Dawn", but also taking the life of his older brother, Tiberius Landon, a tragedy that struck deep into Merrick's heart.
The Landon family mourning their loss, were left reeling from the added financial stress as expeditions are not cheap, and investors expect to be paid for a cargo that now no longer exists. The burden of avenging his brother's death and paying off the family's debts weighed heavily on Merricks shoulders. With a heavy heart, he left his position as a naval officer, setting sail on a new path to carve his destiny anew. Driven by honour, loyalty, and the burning desire for justice, Merrick sought to unravel the mystery behind the bombing and bring retribution to those responsible.
Other Notes
- Once held the rank of Magister Navis (Captain) in the Cin'Dar Legionius Nauticus (navy)
- ⚓The Mystic Typhoon, a Sintel Light Cruiser (100 crew, 22 cannon), on which Merrick first served on after receiving his commission following graduation at the Academy Primilitus. Eventually promoted to First Mate.
- Assigned to the 14th Fleet 2nd Navy, under Navarch Primus (Rear Admiral) Androneous Scoliae, and undertook maritime security missions in eastern 🗺️Bordair.
- ⚓The Valkyrie's Grace, a Rassen Assault Frigate (40 crew, 2 cannon), on which Merrick was captain of before he resigned his commission.
- His father Octavian is a quiet spoken man, saddened by the death of his eldest son and destruction of his business.
- His mother Valeria is the head of the household, and spends her days driving meagre shipping deals with House Marcellus.
- House Landon has fallen on hard times, and have sublet their villa and commercial compound on the outskirts of Parta to greedy members of House Marcellus. Henry Boulderdown, a factor for House Marcellus, oversees the Landon family business dealings. Henry is aloof, happy to benefit from the business relationship, but doing little work himself to drive profits.