Ian Blackwood

At a young age, Ian was taken in by his cousin James Blackwood to live at the Blackwood estate in Holywood, Ireland. He lived for several years at this location, learning about ships, and combat from the sailors in the port of Belfast, only a few miles away from the estate. James taught his younger cousin how to fence and shoot, saying, "These are the tools used by Gentlemen to kill each other in a civilized manner, should you ever find yourself in a duel." Ian began to study the commentaries of Caesar as well as learning Latin and Greek, becoming proficient in these areas as well as horseback riding, hunting, and having a little bit of fun evading sailors by climbing and swinging through the rigging of their ships, however this was not done without a few bruises and dunks in the harbour.

In 1716, James' wife, Katrina died of smallpox, James went half mad and disappeared to join the Royal Navy. The house was declared unclean and Ian, 14 at the time was taken in by the priory school nearby. In two years, word came that James was killed in action against Brethren forces in the capture of Tortuga, Ian was released from the school to make a living of his own. His first action was to plea to authorities to allow him to inherit his cousin's estate, as he was next of kin to James. However the authorites refused to give him the estate as all documents regarding his relation to James had been mysteriously destroyed. Placed on the streets the now 16 year-old Ian signed on to the Regalia which was a merchant vessel destined for the Caribbean. En route, Ian learned that they were carrying supplies to pirates in Marsh Harbour. He gathered some of the crew that signed on with him at Belfast and told them of this treason. Together they overthrew the pirate leader and incarcerated the conspirators. As he was the most learned man aboard, Ian assumed control of the vessel, and, with the help of his crew, made his way to the Board of Marque who were impressed with his accomplishments. They sent him to be apprenticed to the Sea Wolves, which were a semi-secretive organization of pirate hunters led by Captain Declan Ross.

After 2 years of apprenticeship, Ian was commissioned as second officer to Captain Griffin L. Thorne of the Sea Wolves. After distinguishing himself in combat several time he was given a command of his own, a leaking bucket of a 'Halifax' class schooner. However he was able to proceed to Jenny Bay to be initiated as a full fledged Captain of the Sea Wolves. Shortly after heroism in the battle of Jenny Bay, he was offered membership into the Saint George Squadron of the White. As the Squadron did not conflict with his duties as a Sea Wolf, Ian readily accepted and is now serving the Crown in the Caribbean until he has the money to return to Ireland and buy his family estate back.



Blackwood Arms