Born in 1810 AF, he was raised during the harshest years of The Burn, Captain Maxwell “Max” Orion Hawkes’ life was shaped by adversity.

Max's life as a young man is one shrouded in a veil that he cannot even penetrate. Traces of memories remain that resurface some times in his dreams some times when something triggers those memories, but they are largely that, a constellation of unconnected memories and feelings 

Max arrives in Millmore one of the westernmost cities of the Eldwell Empire at the young age of 16.

During his first ten years in service (1832-1842 AF, Max distinguished himself in over 30 engagements against the Leidenstein Navy. His altruism and skill earned him the Purple Heart for Bravery and the Distinguished Valor in Service of the Empress. However, it was during the Battle of the Three Volcanoes in 1850 AF that Max’s life would change forever. In a brutal engagement, he lost his left eye and, tragically, his beloved Captain Bridges within minutes of each other. Despite the heavy damage to the Stargazer, Max led the remaining airfleet to victory and safely returned to the shipyards of Etherdrift Island.

For his valor, Max was awarded the captaincy of the Stargazer and the White Feather of the Skyforce, an honor that elevated him to the rank of Knight of the Royal Order of the Rose, officially making him a noble and a captain. Over the next 20 years, Captain Hawkes commanded the Stargazer with distinction, earning the respect of his peers and the admiration of his superiors. Despite numerous recommendations for promotion, Max humbly declined, choosing to serve where he felt he was needed the most.

In 1857, Empress Sophronia II recognized Max’s exceptional service by awarding him the Electrum Venerable Cross of The Radiant Shield. With his 25 years of continuous service complete, Max was honorably discharged. The Empress offered him an Admiral’s pension, which he graciously declined, stating, “There are people who need this more than I do.” Instead, he requested the Empress’s permission to commission a ship to cross the Ichor Sea and explore the unknown lands beyond in the name of the Empire.

Moved by his request, Sophronia, after consulting with the Admiralty, made Max a countreoffer: full ownership of the Stargazer, the cost of wages for his standard crew, an Imperial Seal appointing him as an Ambassador of the Empire, and a complete refurbishment of the Stargazer at the Etherdrift Naval Shipyards. For the first time in his life, Max accepted the Empress’s generous offer.

In 1863 Max founds the Stargazer Exploration Company "SEC" and receives his officially Letter of Marquis from the Eldwell Navy .

Since then, Captain Hawkes has attempted two crossings of the Ichor Sea, each time venturing deeper into uncharted territories and reporting his discoveries back to the Admiralty. Although he has yet to successfully cross the sea, his efforts have expanded the Empire’s knowledge of the mysterious lands beyond. As of 1869 AF, the Stargazer is undergoing a new refit, equipped with a newly developed ship-wide Electrum Shield by Tesla Aeronautics. In the meantime, Max and his crew are ferrying diplomatic envoys between Edison and the Thierry Free States and serving as an escort for the under-construction Imperial Dreadnaught Aeolus, commissioned as part of the newly formed Radiant Shield’s naval force.

Despite his many accomplishments, Max remains a man of simple pleasures. He enjoys drawing and swimming in his free time, often finding solace in these solitary activities. Due to his adopted father's initial pressure, fencing, is one of the most social activities that he enjoys, Max can often be found in the, Erodotus Ecole d'Escrime in Stormwatch While he is loved and respected by his crew, Max tends to keep away from large crowds unless social engagements demand his presence. His preference for quietude makes his home in Highcliff ( Gravenfall Island a perfect retreat, where he can study maps, analyze weather patterns, and engage in thoughtful discussions with other captains and whalers who frequent the Ichor Sea.

Captain Hawkes has also been convinced to share his knowledge and experience by teaching a few hours each semester at The Radiant Shield Academy, primarily on air-naval tactics. However, his lectures often evolve into discussions about the qualities of a good leader and the importance of respecting the opinions of specialists, regardless of their status or rank. His unique perspective and wisdom have made him a beloved figure among the academy’s cadets, who eagerly anticipate his classes.