The Crew

First Leiftenant MacCartheigh was born to Seán MacCarthiegh and his second wife, Caitlín in Tír Chonaill (present day Donegal). His family had close ties to both " The O'Donnell," Sir Hugh mac Manus O'Donnell, King of Tír Chonaill and to Hugh The Great O'Neill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone, whose sons later touched off the Nine Years War against England.

MacCartheigh's father was heavily, but covertly, involved in the Irish efforts to resist the Tudor reconquest of Ireland. Wanting to keep his son out of the politics of it all, he sent Eric off as a Midshipman aboard a merchant ship.
His travels have taken him as far North as Norway and as far South as the Mediterranean. Before meeting Captain MacLaren, he was an officer on two different trading vessels, and he traded extensively with the Spaniards and the Portuguese. A devout Catholic, MacCartheigh is not at all happy with Captain MacLaren's dealings with the English crown, or the fact that the captain is a Protestant. Henry VIII and Elizabeth's incursions into Ireland have further stoked his distrust of the English. It has been rumored that he once sailed under the command of Gráinne Ni Mháille (Grace O'Malley), the pirate. He flatly denies even knowing O'Malley, perhaps because of MacLaren's dealings with the English.

Eric MacCartheigh

First Leiftenant

Jonae Cortes serves as the ship's cook. She was born Jonae Carmela Velasques de Cortés, granddaughter of the famous Hernán Cortés, the Conqueror of Mexico, and was on his ships from time to time. She grew to love the sea as a way of life. She accompanied her grandfather for as long as she could remember.

During a troubled voyage, she was sold as "man rent" to traders to assure safe passage of her grandfather back to Spain. The Dutch, in turn, sold her to the Carmichael Clan in Lowland Scotland near the town of Ayr. She escaped the fate of being sold as a servant, and was blessed to be handfasted to a Lord for the purpose of children instead. Life in a castle never was quite as adventurous as a life at sea. Her children grew, and her husband was often absent tending to the affairs of state. All the while her longing for the sea grew. Her resentment of Spaniards also grew as the years went by, as she came to the realization that her grandfather would never retrieve her. Jonae found that the Scots had no love for most Spaniards, and she gradually began to resent Spain and her grandfather. Watching the ships come and go became a constant stab of pain. The day she could no longer bear it was the day the Dauntless sailed into port. The temptation to leave with them overwhelmed her. After a very persuasive conversation with the Captain and Purser, she convinced them she would be of value to the Dauntless... a blend of loyalty and hatred.

Word has since reached her ear that her Grandfather was no longer in the favor of the King when he returned to Spain and died of pleurisy not long after.

Maria Elena was born into a life at sea. Her grandfather was the great Spanish explorer and map-maker Alonso Alvarez de Pineda. From time to time she would go out with her father to sea until a fateful trip would leave her fatherless. Being from a well off family she was forced into a marriage she did not want. One day, while a ship was in docks for repair, she met a young man by the name of Fishhook. He was part of the crew on the Scottish sailing vessel Dauntless. The Dauntless was docked in her Spanish homeland for a near two weeks. During this time she began to fall in love with the young Fishhook and he with her. On the night of the Dauntless departure, Maria Elena escaped her fate of a forced marriage and joined the crew of the Dauntless disguised as a man. It is here where she spends her days known as Naughty Knotty Netty. She keeps her identity concealed at all times otherwise she dooms the Dauntless to the depths of the sea by the Spanish army.

	There be Captain Maclaren, The Captain was once a respectable Highland Merchant came down from the highlands, Lock Voil, in Scotland he did, to the lowlands and worked with his Da. Then he lernt of the death of his father and the piraten' of Captain Jasper’s ship. The Captain inherited the whole lot, the Highland Trading Company and all. He set to having the Dauntless built, purpose build to fight! An Armed Merchant ship she is and of a new design, the fastest on the North Sea, even sailin on a bowline. Captain Maclaren set out after those that did him wrong and got license from the crown to do it. Made an uncommon fortune at it too. Getten even he’s done too, taken all he can, other ships too. The Captin hob nobs with the Nobles and the Royals, ‘e’s not let up though on those that wronged him, him and his right fine misses too, …she’s after those that done here family in too. Lady Rebecca Maclaren was born in Norway where her Uncle was a Regent in the “Council of the Relm”. Rebecca’s Father, Ole Kittle, fled to Scotland when the Council was disbanded by the Danish King. Ole continued as a Carpenter in the region of Lock Voil in Scotland. When the battle of Balquihidder broke out, he heeded the call to arms, and in a violent skirmish did save the life of Jasper Maclaren. The Maclaren’s adopted the Kittle’s into their clan and sealed the deal with the betrothal of their children, Thomas Maclaren & Rebecca Kittle. Thomas’ Father was the owner of a prominent shipping company, The Highland Trading Co. A sad day came when the news of his Father’s murder and sunken ship, reached Thomas. He set out to sea in the Dauntless to find his Father’s killer and take over the Family business. Rebecca refused to stay at home, her place was at her husbands side, moreover her Norse blood called her to the sea. Lady Rebecca takes pleasure in the profits of sailing on the Dauntless and has come to enjoy the exotic treasures to be had.
*Captain & Lady Maclaren*
	First Leiftenant MacCartheigh was born to Seán MacCarthiegh and his second wife, Caitlín in Tír Chonaill (present day Donegal). His family had close ties to both " The O'Donnell," Sir Hugh mac Manus O'Donnell, King of Tír Chonaill and to Hugh The Great O'Neill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone, whose sons later touched off the Nine Years War against England. MacCartheigh's father was heavily, but covertly, involved in the Irish efforts to resist the Tudor reconquest of Ireland. Wanting to keep his son out of the politics of it all, he sent Eric off as a Midshipman aboard a merchant ship. His travels have taken him as far North as Norway and as far South as the Mediterranean. Before meeting Captain MacLaren, he was an officer on two different trading vessels, and he traded extensively with the Spaniards and the Portuguese. A devout Catholic, MacCartheigh is not at all happy with Captain MacLaren's dealings with the English crown, or the fact that the captain is a Protestant. Henry VIII and Elizabeth's incursions into Ireland have further stoked his distrust of the English. It has been rumored that he once sailed under the command of Gráinne Ni Mháille (Grace O'Malley), the pirate. He flatly denies even knowing O'Malley, perhaps because of MacLaren's dealings with the English.
Eric MacCartheigh First Leiftenant
	Phelan MacGregor’s family have made their way as sailors for several generations. Phelan’s father, Clayton MacGregor, was an accomplished sailor, Captain of a merchant vessel, and taught Phelan the craft of the sea. One day, while Phelan was still young, their ship was attacked without provocation by an English ship, and none, save Phelan, survived. Phelan vowed to avenge that wrong and, once of age, went to port at Lieth to find a ship to sail in. After months of sailing in ships not worth naming, drinking with sailors not worth their salt, and wenching more than he has memory of, Phelan finally happened upon a hale and hearty crew of Scotsmen and made friends of new acquaintances. After another epic evening of wenching, Phelan woke with a start, and a headache, to find himself aboard a ship at sea, the DAUNTLESS. Phelan took the DAUNTLESS to be a merchant; but, when they set to attack a passing Spanish vessel, Phelan learned t’was a Privateer he was aboard. That day the Captain gave Phelan a choice, sail and fight with Dauntless and earn a share of the prize, or die with their prey. No fool, Phelan fought beside the crew of the DAUNTLESS, and the Captain noted Phelan’s skill with bow, blade, pistol, and cannon. That very day the Captain apprenticed Phelan to the Gunner. During Phelan’s second year aboard the DAUNTLESS the Master Gunner took ill from an infected wound and ne’er recovered. Having proven his worth, the Captain named Phelan as Gunner when the old Master died. Phelan continues to sail with the DAUNTLESS, still hoping to learn of the English ship and crew that killed his father.
Phelan MacGregor Master Gunner
	Lady Swan was born Allyson Swan in northeast Scotland, the second child and only daughter of Brian & Mara Swan. Her mother died shortly after the birth of Allyson’s younger brother, leaving her Da to raise 3 wee ones. He worked with Ronald Gunn, the chieftain of the Clan Gunn. They worked and fought in battle side by side, developing and protecting many profitable business ventures together, including the distillation of fine highland whiskey and the weaving of wool cloth from an expanding sheep flock. Allyson grew up with 2 brothers and the 3 Gunn sons and 1 daughter, tutored along with the lads in all subjects, including the family businesses. She married the middle Gunn heir, Andrew, who died in battle, leaving her a very young widow at age 20. Having inherited her husband’s share of the Gunn lands & businesses, she dealt with her grief by becoming a businesswoman, surprising the family with her skill & wisdom in such matters. Lady Swan met the Maclarens through her husband, who was brought together with Thomas Maclaren in service to the Scottish Queen. The relationship has grown into not only a long-term friendship, but a very profitable business relationship as well. To this day, she follows the distribution of Gunn cargo from port to port on board the Dauntless with the Maclarens. As she travels, she has become a target for ambitious opportunists who seek to add her “assets’ to their own. She has learned artful dodging to avoid becoming a wife and losing her independence. Widowhood has its advantages! If you see her on board the Dauntless, she may be dressed in court dress or as a commoner…….After all, she is a practical woman and noble dress on board ship is a great inconvenience! Please come to meet her!
The Lady Swan
	Fishhook was an orphan boy. He would spend most of his day hanging out at the fishing docks helping out with odd ends and tasks for food and sometimes a copper piece. It was there that he received his nickname Fishhook from the old fish mongers. He grew up on the docks where eventually he found a job on an English fishing vessel. During one of their voyages they had to dock at a Spanish port for repairs. It was there that Fishhook heard news of a Spanish vessel making a voyage to the new world. Fishhook’s sense of adventure caused him to stow away aboard the ship in hopes of making it to the new world. The Spanish vessel was out to sea for two weeks when they discovered Fishhook. They locked him in the brig and it was two months until he was released. The sailing vessel named Dauntless boarded the Spanish ship and as they were loading their plunder they found Fishhook in the brig. They asked him if he would like to go down with the ship or join their crew. Fishhook undoubtedly said yes their offer and this is how he made his way aboard the Scottish sailing vessel Dauntless.
Bos'n Fish Hook - Master Boatswain
	Oh aye, that be Dead Bob we call em. E’s a Scott to be sure, like the most of us , though you can’t tell by looken. From the North of the Highland me’s thinks, ‘e never speaks much of home and family. We think ‘e be an orphan as well, but ‘e never speaks of it. ‘E’s a quiet one ‘e is, nary a bad word or complaint ‘bout nothing. Been with the crew since, well, since before I can remember. I was just a squeaker, a poor orphan me self, but I can remember ‘e was always there, and he don’t look a day older either. E’d always lend an ear, kind as can be, genteel as a lamb, but will give you the fright of your life should you meet him on a boarding. Can’t rightly say when ‘e came aboard, before me it twas, maybe before us all, include the Captain. Me’s thinks ‘e just loves the sea, ‘e never goes to land anymore, just stays aboard, happy and quiet as a clam. Some says h’s got a wife is back home, Mystery Ally‘s her name, though they say her other husbands died fer no good reason, maybe that’s why ‘e stays on ship. That Dead Bob, 'e’s a right fine lad ‘e is!
Dead Bob - Able Seaman


Randall Wright - Ships Purser
	Maclaren? Don’t know if ‘e has a first name, other than gunner, just gunner Maclaren. E’s from the highlands of Scotland like so many of us. E’ sailed with ‘is father since before ‘e could walk, then ‘is brother, but ‘e was never as bright or educated as his brother, the Commodore now. Some call him the Commodore’s idiot brother, most unkind that is, but not altogether without truth me’s thinks, though I wouldn’t say that to ‘is face. He’s a fine seaman though, he can reef knot and splice like the best of them, but with the great guns, that’s where ‘is love is. 'E’d sleep with them if he could, I recon e’ does. No finer gunner I’ve ever seen, can put a shot square on the mark….some say e’ could put a shot right in the enemies barrel if 'e wanted, on a calm day that is. 'E been on the Dauntless since the keel was laid, but fore that he signed under ‘is father, God rest ‘is soul, as able body seaman then. Them bastards, kilt old Captain Jasper and took his ship, Maclaren got away on a beef barrel and a spar, 3 weeks time it twas, to make it back to land and give ‘is brother the bloody news. Then signed on with Captain Maclaren, ‘is brother, on the Dauntless when he set out after the blagarts that kilt ‘is Da. You’d think 'e sails for vengeance, but me’s thinks he just loves his guns!
Maclaren - Gunner (The Commodore's Idiot Brother)
	There once was a helmsman named Rat….but that’s a story for another time! Rat sailed from Norway to Scotland, excited to start anew after Denmark’s take over. But it was to be an ill fated voyage. A Spanish ship, without provocation, opened fire on the unarmed merchant vessel. All she remembers after that was being plucked from the North Sea by the handsome Captain Maclaren. They say she was clinging to a spar like a drowning rat, probably where her name came from. Her family lost, Rat stayed on board the Dauntless, learning the helm, for which she had a keen knack. She seduced Captain Maclaren and they were soon after wed, but her real lust lies in the taking of Spanish ships, many wonder if her revenge will ever be fulfilled. Whether it be on the Dauntless or the Itinerant Rat steers a course hard and true, always watching the horizon for Spanish ships.
Rebecca "The Rat" Maclaren Master Sail maker
	Not much is known about Angus, and his past is shrouded in mystery. Though while on board ship, his skills have been known to be many and useful. In the end, his skills as a Master Cooper became prevalent and essential to the Dauntless and her crew, especially since she had been without a cooper for some time. One might call the scallywag a jack of all trades but only a master of one. Some time he be better at drain'n the barrels than fix'n dem, but no one say much about it. Sober or in his coops, he be a good man. So to let you know a bit of what we do know about the bastard; the crew of the Dauntless pulled his near life-less body out of the vicious sea herself, be'in the only survivor among the wreckage of his previous employ'. He doesn't talk much about his life before his time aboard ship, and some think it be better off that way. There for a long while there had been but a whisper about that fateful morning in the fog when he had been swept up from the sea. Still though, Angus has become a favored member among the crew. He always has a drink to share, a story to tell, and often there seems to be a stagger in his step and a smile on his face. Most of the crew knows him simply as "Cooper." But if you look into his eyes on a still and foggy morning, you can see that there is still some dark secret in his soul. This of course can be easily wiped away with a barrel of port or a bottle of rum.
Angus Brann MacGregor Ship's Cooper
	Jonae Cortes serves as the ship's cook. She was born Jonae Carmela Velasques de Cortés, granddaughter of the famous Hernán Cortés, the Conqueror of Mexico, and was on his ships from time to time. She grew to love the sea as a way of life. She accompanied her grandfather for as long as she could remember. During a troubled voyage, she was sold as "man rent" to traders to assure safe passage of her grandfather back to Spain. The Dutch, in turn, sold her to the Carmichael Clan in Lowland Scotland near the town of Ayr. She escaped the fate of being sold as a servant, and was blessed to be handfasted to a Lord for the purpose of children instead. Life in a castle never was quite as adventurous as a life at sea. Her children grew, and her husband was often absent tending to the affairs of state. All the while her longing for the sea grew. Her resentment of Spaniards also grew as the years went by, as she came to the realization that her grandfather would never retrieve her. Jonae found that the Scots had no love for most Spaniards, and she gradually began to resent Spain and her grandfather. Watching the ships come and go became a constant stab of pain. The day she could no longer bear it was the day the Dauntless sailed into port. The temptation to leave with them overwhelmed her. After a very persuasive conversation with the Captain and Purser, she convinced them she would be of value to the Dauntless... a blend of loyalty and hatred. Word has since reached her ear that her Grandfather was no longer in the favor of the King when he returned to Spain and died of pleurisy not long after.
Jonae Cortez- Ship's Cook
	My name be Mathan "the BEAR" Graham. My father was a warrior 'o Scotland and rather well traveled for one from my lands. My mother is the daughter of a German soldier, one of the Landschnekt mercenaries. Tis said that me Da met her on a journey to the continent when he was a young soldier. I know little of their story for me Ma was always reluctant to speak of her family there. I always suspected that perhaps she had run away to be with me Da. Me Da raised me as best he could to know the ways of Men, the military, warfare, the blade and other weapons. When I grew old enough I left to seek my own way as a soldier. Never having the resources or opportunity to train in the gentlemanly use of the sword, I instead became deadly in the down and out brawling style of "win to survive" combat for which both my gaelic and gaulish ancestors, Celts all, were so well known. Some years later, after distinguishing myself in many a brawl, skirmish, and battle, my skills were noted by a Duke of Scotland. That noble personage did hire me on to serve as his personal bodyguard, champion, and protector. However, after some 3 years passed, I did grow bored of the courtly life and its political unpleasantries and did leave that service to seek adventure and profit on the high seas. I did hire aboard a well known Privateering vessel of Scottish origins aptly named the Dauntless. After near a year of service as an able bodied seaman, and having learned the ropes, my fighting skills were noted and I was promoted to the billet of gunner's mate. I still serve in this position aboard the fine ship Dauntless to this day.
Mathan "the BEAR" Graham. Gunners Mate
	Maria Elena was born into a life at sea. Her grandfather was the great Spanish explorer and map-maker Alonso Alvarez de Pineda. From time to time she would go out with her father to sea until a fateful trip would leave her fatherless. Being from a well off family she was forced into a marriage she did not want. One day, while a ship was in docks for repair, she met a young man by the name of Fishhook. He was part of the crew on the Scottish sailing vessel Dauntless. The Dauntless was docked in her Spanish homeland for a near two weeks. During this time she began to fall in love with the young Fishhook and he with her. On the night of the Dauntless departure, Maria Elena escaped her fate of a forced marriage and joined the crew of the Dauntless disguised as a man. It is here where she spends her days known as Naughty Knotty Netty. She keeps her identity concealed at all times otherwise she dooms the Dauntless to the depths of the sea by the Spanish army.
Maria Elena Alvarez de Pineda "Naughty Knotty Netty" - Bosnmate

Westly Roberts- Armourer/ topman


Amy - Seaman Recruit
	I was born and raised in London. Although my mother was English, much to the chagrin of her family, my father was a Scot. Being a Carpenter’s Mate aboard one of the Queen’s ships, my father taught me not only a love for the sea, but all the sea shanties the crew sang during their various work duties (as well as the songs they sang ashore). As fate would have it, I was down at the harbor to greet my father as his ship returned home, when a handsome Scot by the name of Liam caught my eye. As it turned out, we were both widowed with grown children. We fell in love almost immediately, and once my father found out Liam was a Carpenter’s Mate onboard the “Dauntless,” our wedding day was joyously anticipated. The Captain of the Dauntless agreed to give me passage up to Edinburgh in order to meet Liam’s family. To my horror, I realized I was extremely sea sick! The only trick that eased the symptoms was to be in the fresh air and to sing out the sea shanties I had known most of my life. As it happened, at that time there was no Shanty Leader aboard the Dauntless, and the Captain asked me to lead the crew in their work songs. Eventually, I got my sea legs. Upon our return to England, Liam told the Captain that he could not possibly leave his bride. Not wanting to lose the best Carpenter’s Mate the Dauntless had known, and having proven myself on our recent trip, the Captain asked me to stay on as Shanty Lead.
"Salty" - Seaman Recruit
	I be Liam Tanner MacLaidlaw. I was born and raised in a small village south of Dalkeith, Scotland. My father and my father’s father were carpenters and I be the same. Since my earliest memories I have been in a shop working side by side with my father and grandfather crafting anything the Master requested. We were known far and wide to produce the finest quality furnishings and had the ability to repair most anything made out of wood. It was by this reputation the trouble began. As fate would have it, our master was indebted to another noble of higher rank and he demanded that my father relocate north near Inverness to provide him a new bridal set for his soon to be married daughter. My father felt he was unable to avoid the noble’s demand, but I had other ideas. I planned to go to Edinburgh and gain a passage to England, where I knew I would find work from other members of the craft. There were many ships in port. However, try as I would, none favored to take a passenger who was running from a nobleman. But as my luck turned for the better, I came across a ship in need of a carpenter’s mate and, even better, their captain was a Scotsman. The Captain demanded I produce something on the spot to prove my skill so that he might ascertain if I was worthy to come aboard. I grabbed some planks off an old crate and in a matter of hours I presented the Captain with a fine chest to keep his belonging. I modestly stated that I could create a masterpiece with more time and better material. He was suitably impressed, and I found myself sailing towards England that very day. Now the Captain and the Cooper refer to me as “Chips.”
Liam "Chips" Mclaidlaw Master Carpenter
	The sea in all its beauty and majesty cried out to Sarah as a young girl. She spent hours outside taking in the feel of the cool ocean breeze from her house along the coast of England. But the winds would change direction one night in winter and a violent storm would arise from the sea. That very night Sarah was told that she was to wed an older nobleman. With a horrible fate, Sarah ran into the night with nothing save her soul. She was praying that her fate would be changed with the sight of her uncle Sir Randall, whom was the purser aboard the Dauntless ship. The will of god must have been upon her that night, for Sarah found her uncle Randall in port that horrible night. With the winds howling and the rain pounding upon the two of them, Randall quickly rushed Sarah aboard the ship. With a quick stroke of his pen, Randall placed her full name, Sarah Elizabeth Wright, upon the ships log. And upon the ship that very night Sir Randall vowed before God and England that he would protect his dear young niece from harm. But before the sun could reach the deck of the ship, Sarah was awaken by the captain. Captain Captain Maclaren told young Sarah that he would not be tak’n on any crew member that not be will’n prove them’s useful aboard his here ship. The Captain promptly helped Sarah onto her feet, while add’n that dear old Scotland would be not forgiv’n she for be’n English nor for be’n a woman, but the captain of this here ship would be fogiv’n her. With a spoon in her hand all through the day and night Sarah worked to become a loblolly upon the vast ship named the Dauntless. Sarah embraces the sea and the beautiful ship which glide’s on her as her new home. Her old home and family in England are as far away from Sarah’s mind as the horizon is to her eye. But she still looks towards the horizon here and there for English ships that may be after her soul.
Sarah - Loblolly Boy


Lady Claudia
	Dr. Mara Gunn, or Doc, or “Stitch”, as she is known on board the Dauntless, is the younger sister-in-law of Lady Allyson Swan. Born in northern Scotland, she was sent to France as a teenager to live for a few months with friends she met through Lady Swan at the Scottish court. Months turned into years when she met and fell in love with a young barber-surgeon in the French Army. She found her interest in what he did was overwhelming and despite the impropriety of such a calling, she found herself assisting him in caring for the sick and injured in his developing private practice. She also helped him study for exams while he attended the University of Paris. She frequently dressed inconspicuously, as a man, so she would not bring attention to herself and found that she liked the freedom and relative safety this provided. She was dealt a crushing blow when caring for the sick in a neighboring town, he contracted the plague and died before she could reach him. Unsure of what to do next, and with nothing to lose, she disguised herself as a man and successfully passed the doctoral exam in his place. Now she was trained as a barber-surgeon and held the prestigious title of university-prepared physician as well. With nowhere else to go but back to Scotland, she met her sister-in-law, Lady Swan-Gunn in Calais and sailed with her aboard the Dauntless toward home. The Lady Swan had also lost her husband at a young age so was of great comfort to Mara. En route to Scotland, Mara was so useful in treating wounds and various ills that despite the reluctance to accept a woman, the ship’s Captain recognized he could not afford to lose such a valuable asset. She impressed the Captain and crew with a new method of closing wounds she had learned in France which was as effective but much more humane than a hot poker or boiling oil. She amazed them by tying vessels with silk thread. This technique made her popular with the crew and earned her the nickname, “Stitch”. She was offered a cabin and a percentage of whatever incoming treasure there proved to be. Since she was among friends with the Maclarens, and among family with Lady Swan, she made the choice of a life of adventure and agreed to sail with the Dauntless. Although not fooling the crew, she continues to avoid being conspicuously female by wearing practical men’s clothing on board ship. With Lady Swan a frequent passenger, the situation was near perfect for an adventurous highlander who had moved way beyond the typical life of a woman of the time. Like Lady Swan, she is not fond of the English, who killed her brother, Andrew, and continue to oppress the Scottish. Also like the Lady, she has been brought up and educated with the Swan and Gunn lads, and learned independence not often associated with their female contemporaries. Unlike Lady Swan, she has been afforded more freedom by being willing to dress as a man rather than forcing her independence as a woman. She also has no qualms about the site of blood, which is likely to send Lady Swan running for the rail! Lady Swan’s wisdom in business helps insure the prosperity of the entire Gunn and Swan families, which Mara benefits from but has no interest in.
Dr. Mara Gunn Ships barber-surgeon