Name: Dale Stormbreak
Age: 48 years
Gender: Male
Species: Sea otter
Rank: West Tower Commander
Appearance:
Dale is a burly otter who stands about half a head above most others. His dark brown fur shines in the sunlight and glistens even more when wet. Whatever state his fur is in, however, his brown eyes nearly always twinkle just a little bit brighter. Thick whiskers abound on his muzzle, to the eternal delight and consternation of any dibbun he happens to hug. He has several scars running the length of his body, but no truly disfiguring ones, and none that any other beast who has spent most of their life fighting wouldn’t have. Except, of course, for his missing right eye over which he now wears a black eye patch.
When on or near the ocean or rivers, he usually wears nothing but some red breeches, thus giving him freedom to leap into the water whenever needed without having to worry about ruining fine clothing. Other times, he can be found wearing black pants with a red or white shirt. Take into account the two gold rings hanging off his left ear, and many at first glance take him for a corsair.
Personality:
Dale is the very definition of a jolly beast. He loves to have a good time, a good laugh, and a good ale. Seemingly taking nothing too seriously, he has even been heard to engage in friendly banter against opponents he is fighting. This happy façade only exists when others are around. If by himself, he will often fall into introspection and retreat within himself. When that comes, there is precious little that can cheer him up. One can only wait for him to come out of it on his own. If drunk, he gets even friendlier or even more introspective, but he will also fly into a drunken rage if someone says something that rubs him the wrong way.
The sea otter also cares deeply for anyone under his command. He goes to great lengths to keep them from harm and feels a deep sense of remorse whenever one is killed. The memory of those who have died while under his command are likely what lead to his bouts of depression.
Likes:
Dale is very partial to any kind of alcoholic beverage, although his very favorite is Redwall October Ale. He enjoys spicy foods, although doesn’t like to go overboard. He enjoys keeping his tongue intact. A good spar is something he always enjoys; just a little something to keep his skills from rusting. He also enjoys singing – sea shanties and the like. Over the years, he likes to think he’s developed quite a skill for it. And fishing. He dearly enjoys fishing – with a net or a pole.
Dislikes:
Any incapable leader. He can’t stand to see bumbling fools in charge of others. He isn’t very fond of snow (although cold water doesn’t bother him at all), nor can he abide beasts who make a fuss about getting dirty or wet.
History:
Dale was born along the coast of Southsward. Along with an older brother, he grew up in typical otter fashion. The two brothers were as close as brothers could be. So when Dale ran off to join a ship, his brother was heartbroken. The two never really reconciled. They grew even further apart when their father died and Dale didn’t make it to the funeral because he was off sailing the seas. His skill with the blade increased, and it wasn’t long before he was a prominent member of the crew.
Meanwhile, his brother had taken on more responsibility back at the holt. He settled down with a wife, and had a son. Dale, much to his surprise, was named Godfather of the pup, and he actually managed to see his nephew shortly after the birth. After giving his congratulations, again he was off, this time serving as first mate of a ship.
It was a year before he returned home. And what he came home to was a gutted and burnt-out village. There was no sign of any living creature. Instead, all he found was a single memorial dedicated to the sea otter holt. Dale never really found out what happened, but he blamed himself for it. Saying – rather irrationally – if only he had never left, maybe the holt would have survived.
It was around this time that a young vole named Duran Swiftspike joined the ship’s crew. Duran’s eagerness to learn helped pull Dale out of the depression he was falling into. The two became close friends, more often than not choosing each other as sparring partners when they were able. But the good times were not to last. A battle against a corsair ship turned into a battle against the elements, and their ship was lost to deadly shoals.
Many in the crew were lost, including – so Dale thought – Duran. Heart-wrenching sorrow gripped the sea otter, and he fell to drinking heavily. It was after a particularly wretched night that Dale awoke with a massive headache only to discover his surviving shipmates had convinced him to captain a new ship. Unable to wiggle out of the responsibility, he reluctantly took the job. It turned out to be a cathartic experience for Dale. He was a swell captain who gained the admiration and respect of his entire crew. He managed to put his past behind him, and he sang songs as lustily as anybeast else. He never lost a single crew member.
Again, misfortune struck. It was again during a sea battle, but this time, it was not weather that was Dale’s bane. Another corsair ship came to the aid of the first. The fighting was long and fierce, and Dale lost his right eye. His ship was sunk, and the corsairs left the crew to drown. Somehow, a handful managed to stay alive long enough to be saved by a passing merchant ship.
After that incident, Dale never really fully recovered. Feeling responsible for the loss of nearly his entire crew, the sea otter swore off sailing in a place of command. Instead, he lay hold of a small sailing ship and sailed about by himself, fishing and singing up and down the Southsward coast. He soon became known as the Singing Fisher.
As the seasons passed, Dale went from being a cheery, carefree otter all the time to only that when there were others around. By himself, the tones of his songs were sorrowful. Every year, on the anniversary of the day he lost his ship, he dumps a bottle of ale or wine – whatever he has available – into the ocean in remembrance of all the lives he feels responsible for losing.
Living as solitary a life as he did, it was no surprise that it wasn’t until recently he heard of Black Arch Fort. And who commanded it. At first, he could hardly believe that his old friend was still alive. Without anything better to do, however, he decided to head north to see if it was true that Duran Swiftspike still walks among the living.
Skills/Weaponry:
Dale prefers his trusty cutlass – kept at his waist – that has seen him through many a battle. He also keeps a boarding axe strapped to his back when not in use, and a dagger strapped to his thigh. He can wield most weapons effectively in a pinch, but these are his preferred ones.
Dale has the patience required for fishing, and enjoys doing it. He also can sing a pretty tune at the drop of a hat.
