Ryke Gildren, like his father, was born into a life of plundering and adventure. Hailing from The Meranesian Islands, Ryke comes from a family of pirates. His mother, Merilia, passed away minutes after Ryke’s birth. Raised by his father Abrynt, captain of the “Maelstrom,” Ryke learned hard work and dedication at a young age. Having no mother, his only goal was to make his father proud. At age 7 he learned to read maps and navigate the sea. At age 9 he wielded his first sword, and at age 10 he finally got his first taste of fortune after stealing a gold necklace from a man in a small fishing village. He had mastered everything his father had taught him, and as a gift was given his father’s black and gold cloak, officially becoming part of the crew. Ryke had finally felt his father’s approval, and wanted nothing more than to live the pirate’s life until his dying breath. However, all good things come to an end.
16 year old Ryke was fast asleep when he awoke to the smell of smoke and the sound of screaming. Grabbing his sword and cloak, he charged out the door only to find his father tied to the crow’s nest, beaten and bloody. Bodies lay across the deck, and his father was surrounded by fellow crewmen screaming and yelling with swords raised high. One word came to Ryke’s mind...mutiny. Before he knew it, he was grabbed by two gargantuan men and dragged up to the top of the deck, where Barethorn, his father’s First Mate, was standing. Barethorn had declared himself the new captain, and sentenced Abrynt to death. The two massive sailors turned Ryke towards his father, as Barethorn quickly drew his pistol and fired a shot into Abyrnt’s skull. Ryke, filled with rage, broke from the men’s grasp and charged Barethorn. Before he could make it, he felt the handle of a pistol against his head, and saw nothing but black. Hours later, he awoke adrift at sea on a piece of the Maelstrom, with nothing but the clothes on his back and revenge on his mind. Finally arriving upon shore, Ryke sets with all he knows: piracy, survival, and revenge.
