Ariel Forgenson

Lean, not strong, but he is fast. He's more defined in mind than body.

He's got two arms, two legs and a head.

Glowing gold eyes that betray his Celestial heritage.

He has a tan line on is left ring finger.

Dimpled smile.

Eldritch Blast and Invocations.

Skull ring on his right pinky. When the skull is removed, it reveals his family crest. It's a secret signet ring.

When Ariel's Father, Lord Malous Forgenson, Merchant-Admiral of the DeVerona fleet, went on a trade negotiation trip to Kaliningard, he met his negotiating counterpart, the Solar Adrian, disguised as Adrijana Cvetković, Solian Ambassador for maritime trade with Leep. Despite his pregnant wife back in Leep, Lord Forgenson allowed himself to fall for the beautiful Krilitarian. Two months later, after a successful trading agreement, Lord Forgenson received a letter explaining Adrijana's pregnancy.

Forgenson then had Adrijana brought to Pompi for the remainder of her pregnancy, under the pretense that she's just a "friend that needed help." Many months later, there was a child in the nursery, but no sign of Adrijana, except for one note that Lord Forgenson never gave anyone apart from her son. It read:

Lord Malous Forgenson, Merchant-Admiral of the DeVerona Fleet:
My son, whom you will name Ariel, is not all that he seems, for I am not all that I seem. I am Adrian, a Solar of the Glorious Domains of Heaven. Our son will be special. Not like other humans, or even like any other race. He has Celestial blood running through his veins. Raise him as the son he is. When he is ready, tell him who he is. I love him, but I cannot stay away from Heaven any longer, and the Planes are too dangerous for a mere mortal like my child. Keep him safe.

— Love, Adrijana

Lord Forgenson then raised both of his sons as brothers, and they grew quite close. When they were thirteen, they made a deal. Marius, Heir to the title, would receive the title and the administration duties that fall with it, continuing on in formal aristocratic education, while Ariel would learn the trade of the sea, and, hopefully, inherit the title of Merchant-General of the DeVerona fleet. A team, inseparable since birth, they would forge ahead together. They knew Ariel was adopted. Lord and Lady Forgenson made that clear as day. Lord Forgenson confessed to his wife and two children the truth about Adrijana when Lady Forgenson was dying of pneumonia. She died mere hours after his confession. The boys were seven.

In their formal education, the boys had to become an aide to a noble of Pompii. Lord Forgenson took his heir as his aide, as was proper and expected, but Ariel needed his own master. Lord Forgenson suggested his boss, Popenelli DeVerona, Lord-Admiral of the DeVerona fleet. Popenelli took Ariel under is wing. And while the boys would discover they would have been much better with opposite masters (Marius got sea-sick, and Ariel got bored), Ariel did find one thing at Popenelli's home. The one thing that got him going in the morning was breakfast in the kitchen. The thing that lifted him out of the late morning slump was luncheon on the green. And the thing that made him dream well at night was Supper with the Family. But the most important part of those three meals was Angela.

Angela DeVerona was the prettiest girl in the entire world. Her green eyes, her chocolate hair, her Dragonian complexion, all of these things were mere parts to the greater whole. Angela was kind, considerate, not like other people that only saw him as the second son of a foreign merchant. And most importantly, she was his age.

After his year as Popenelli's Aide, he begged Popenelli to give him another job, as Marius had wanted to try being Popenelli's aide for a while. Popenelli needed no persuasion. He saw ho happy Ariel being around made his daughter. So he allowed him to be Angela's personal gardener. Angela and Ariel began courting when they were thirteen. Popenelli, after a year of courting, suggested a trial by fire. Or, more accurately, by water. If Ariel and Angela's relationship could survive a year of being apart, they could get married. So as Marius continued to apprentice under Popenelli, and Angela waited, Ariel joined his father's crew as Cabin Boy and Captain's Aide.

For a year, they suffered no contact excepting letters, but they made it through. When the DVS Alfonso landed back in Pompii for the first time in a full year, Ariel and Angela could hardly contain themselves. On Angela's fifteenth birthday, three months after Ariel's, they were wed. They lived happily for two years, especially with Ariel's promotion to Lieutenant Commander of the DVS Alphonso. They had beautiful twins within their first year, and they had another on the way. Then disaster struck.

Ariel was on shore leave when, in the middle of the night, Angela and the babies were taken. Right under Ariel's nose, and he didn't wake up. The only clue was a note left on Angela's pillow. It read:

Your father made many enemies where you were conceived. Don't make the same mistake as him.

Ariel vowed that he would get his family back. And kill anyone that got in his way. He wasn't trained in fighting techniques of any kind. But he knew one way to get power immediately. Sell his soul.

He had read in his studies about an Ice Devil named Raveth the Despicable (sometimes referred to as the Insatiable). So he found everything he could on summoning devils. And he did. He made a deal with Reveth. Give him power to find his family and live with them in this life. Raveth could have his soul in the next. And Raveth could give Ariel missions to do whenever he wanted. Ariel just needed to save his family. He'd figure out the whole "sold his soul" thing later.

He then went to Kaliningard to try and find the people that kidnapped his family, but first, he signed on as Commander of the ship Gunnir's Gunboat.

Formal Aristocratic Education until he was thirteen.
Learning on the job with his Dad until he was seventeen.

Briefly Interned as an aide to Doux Popenelli DeVerona, Administrative Head of the DeVerona Fleet, when he was 10-11.

Gardener for Popenelli DeVerona from 11-13.

Cabin Boy and Captain's Aide on the DVS Alphonso from 14-15. Lieutenant Commander on same from 15-17.

Commander of Gunnir's Gunboat from 18-current.

Marriage.

He feels as if he abandoned his wife and kids. He writes to Angela in his journal every day. He's going after them, but now he's afraid the trail's gone cold.

He beats himself up for his family's kidnapping that happened right under his nose.

He's very good at getting what he wants, either through persuasion, intimidation, or lying.

Chaotic Neutral: He's selfish, but he does have a list of people he will act selflessly for:

• Lord Forgenson
• Marius
• Angela
• Marianne and Maranelli (the twins)
• His unborn child (probably born now, but they hadn't chosen a name)
• Lord and Lady DeVerona
• Possibly his mother, Adrijana

Gambling:

• Drinking while Gambling
• Gambling without a budget
• His winning streak being mentioned. He'll immediately cut out, because he believes that's jinxing it.
• Counting money before the game ends.

Drinking:

• Drinking while Gambling.
• Drinking Rum while not on a ship.
• Drinking anything but Rum while on a ship.

Ship:

• He believes in certain signs that bring good luck. For instance, it is considered lucky to start a voyage on a Sunday. This day is seen as favorable because it is associated with rest and new beginnings. Another good luck charm is the presence of a four-leaf clover. Finding one is rare, and its unique shape symbolizes hope. Sailors often keep one aboard for protection against misfortune. Additionally, a ship that crosses the path of another vessel is thought to bring positive energy. Crew members might cheer or offer a small ritual, believing that this encounter will ensure a safe journey.
• On the flip side, sailors are cautious about various omens that signify bad luck. One popular belief is that whistling on board a ship can tempt the wind to create storms. This superstition persists as a reminder to respect the power of nature. Carrying bananas on a ship is another widely held belief associated with bad luck. Historically, trade routes that involved bananas often saw tragic accidents, leading to this superstition. Many sailors avoid bringing bananas on board to prevent any potential misfortune. Sailing on a Thursday is often deemed unlucky, as it is linked to the god of storms, Thor. For this reason, many prefer to plan their voyages on more favorable days, staying clear of Thursday traditions.
• Animals have special meanings in the world of sailors. For instance, albatrosses are seen as good luck. When one is spotted, it is thought to indicate a successful voyage. Conversely, having a woman on board is often considered unlucky. This superstition has deep roots and reflects historical beliefs about women in maritime culture. Some sailors still prefer an all-male crew to avoid potential burdens. Cats, particularly black ones, hold mixed feelings among sailors. While some believe they bring good fortune, others see them as omens of bad luck. The views on cats vary widely, adding to the mystique of maritime superstitions.
• Rites for favorable winds are crucial for sailors setting out on voyages. These rituals are performed to invoke the sea gods for safe and speedy journeys. Common practices include offering small sacrifices or making prayers aboard the vessel. Some sailors even toss coins or flowers into the sea to seek blessings. These acts are not just symbolic; they reflect deep respect for the unpredictable power of the ocean.
• The Line-Crossing Ceremony is a time-honored tradition celebrated when a ship crosses the Equator. This ritual marks a sailor’s transition from a “pollywog” (one who has never crossed) to a “shellback” (one who has) During the ceremony, the crew participates in playful mock initiation rites. They may dress as sea gods, sprinkling water on pollywogs while shouting joyful chants. This fosters unity and creates lasting memories.
• Naming and launching a ship is a significant event steeped in tradition. Before a vessel takes its maiden voyage, a naming ceremony is often held. Sailors believe that renaming a ship without proper rites can bring bad luck. Therefore, it is common to perform de-naming and naming ceremonies to appease the sea gods. A bottle of champagne is typically smashed against the bow as a sign of good fortune. This joyful event bonds the crew and sets a positive tone for future journeys.
• See https://seafaringhistory.com/maritime-superstitions-exploring-sailors-beliefs-and-rituals/ for a full list of superstitions

The greed of Ravesh and his drive to find is family.

Savvies:

• Persuasive tactics.

Ineptitudes:

• Most anything physical.

Likes:

• Citrus fruit, especially Lemons.
• Pasta. Favorite food: Tortellini.
• Other Italian food.
• Alcoholic beverages (in moderation)
• Sailing.
• Leading.

Dislikes:

• Solian cuisine.
• Administrative duties.
• Failing.

He will do anything to save his family. Even sell his soul.

He's very selfish and protective of only a small number of individuals. Everyone else can go to hell as far as he's concerned.

Flips a coin to pass the time.

Well-kept. He was raised as a noble.

Father: Doux Malous Forgenson, Merchant-Admiral of the DeVerona fleet. Mentor character and father-figure. He's the on-sea master of the fleet.

Father-in-law: Doux Popenelli DeVerona, Lord-Admiral of the DeVerona fleet. Mentor character and father-figure. He's the administrative master of the fleet.

Brother: Mister Marius Forgenson, heir apparent to the Forgenson Title. Brother and best friend. Being groomed to take over Lord DeVerona's position, as he has no sons of his own.

Mother-in-law: Lady Maria DeVerona. Mother-figure.

Adoptive Mother: Lady Forgenson (deceased). Lord Forgenson's wife.

Absentee Mother: Adrijana Cvetković, real name: the Solar Adrian. Solar of the Glorious Domains of Heaven.

Wife: Angela DeVerona. The only child of Lord Popenelli DeVerona.

Twin kids: Marianne and Maranelli.

Newest Kid: Unknown name.

Captain: Gunnir, Captain of Gunnir's Gunboat.

Crew of Gunnir's Gunboat: Jaques, XO; Mordecai Marconi, MC; Mr. Whathurn, Nav; Lossa, Helm; Rigephiu Gac, Carpenter.

His father is the Admirality Head of the DeVerona Fleet.

He believes in Pallacism, but ever since he sold his soul, he stopped praying and worshiping.

Very apt at social interactions.

Flips a coin on the regular. When nervous, he fiddles with his wedding ring under his shirt or twists the skull ring around his finger.

Gambles for a hobby.

Italian accent.

Individually broke, but family wealth.