GM Haakon Umberhowl

Common knowledge

Age: Middle-aged

Height/Build:

  • Height: Average for a noble, though his posture is slightly slouched.
  • Build: Overweight, with a body softened by years of indulgence and comfort.

Race/Species: Human, noble born

Demeanor/Personality:

  • Demeanor: Humorous and talkative, Haakon is the life of any gathering, always with a joke or story to tell, though often with a slurred edge as the hours wear on.
  • Personality: Deeply lazy, preferring comfort and excess over duty or responsibility. He has an addiction to amasec, and his once-noble aspirations have been drowned in endless cups of alcohol. He hides his insecurity behind his jovial and relaxed manner.

Nature/Core Identity:

At his core, Haakon is a disillusioned noble who has been relegated to an unimportant position, swept aside by his family due to his lack of ambition or useful qualities. Rather than fight for recognition, he has embraced his vices, living a life of indulgence with no intention of reforming.

Background/Origin:

Born into a major noble house, Haakon grew up in the lap of luxury. However, as his siblings displayed more useful skills, Haakon found himself passed over for any significant role in the family. He was given a ceremonial title on the Von Ulm dynasty’s flagship, Ignis Aeternus, to keep him out of the way while still maintaining the appearance of noble duty.

Goals & Aspirations:

Haakon has no real ambitions beyond enjoying the comforts his noble birth affords him. He simply wants to enjoy the pleasures of life—good food, fine drinks, and elaborate parties.

Fears & Insecurities:

  • Fears: Haakon fears being truly exposed as a failure in the eyes of his family and noble society. He is terrified of situations where he must face his incompetence head-on.
  • Insecurities: Deep down, he knows he is a disappointment to his house and has abandoned all ambitions of proving himself, sinking further into his addiction to amasec.

Motivations:

To avoid responsibility and enjoy a life of leisure. His primary focus is on finding the next lavish banquet or exclusive amasec tasting.

Strengths/Skills:

  • High tolerance to alcohol: Haakon has spent so many years drinking that his ability to hold his liquor is nearly unparalleled.
  • Charming and sociable: His humor and easygoing nature make him a popular guest at parties, even if he’s not respected as an officer.

Weaknesses/Flaws:

  • Addiction to Amasec: Haakon’s addiction has dulled his senses and judgment, making him unreliable in any real situation of command.
  • Unqualified for his position: As Master Cannoneer, he knows almost nothing of his duties, relying entirely on subordinates to manage the ship’s weapons systems.

Alignment/Values:

Haakon is largely apolitical and avoids the complex issues of faith and loyalty to the Emperor. He follows the motions of noble duty but doesn’t engage deeply with any particular cause.

Quirks/Habits:

  • Hiccups when nervous: When faced with uncomfortable situations, he’ll often start to hiccup, betraying his anxiety.
  • Always carrying amasec: He has custom-made clothes with hidden pockets to carry small amasec bottles at all times.

Speech Patterns/Accent:

His speech is eloquent and noble in formal settings, but as the day progresses, his words tend to slur. By the end of a long shift, he can sound disoriented, although he tries to maintain his noble decorum.

Appearance/Style:

Haakon dresses in the finest custom-tailored robes, designed to emphasize his noble heritage while subtly concealing his overweight build. These robes also have pockets tailored to hide amasec bottles, which he drinks from frequently.

Occupation/Role:

Officially, Haakon serves as the Master Cannoneer aboard the Ignis Aeternus, responsible for overseeing the ship’s weaponry. In practice, his subordinates handle all the actual duties, while he enjoys the benefits of his noble position.

Relationships:

  • Amanus Medare: Amanus, a fellow noble, holds influence over Haakon through his extensive amasec collection, which Haakon is always eager to sample.
  • His family: While outwardly supportive, his noble family sees Haakon as a disappointment, using his post aboard the Ignis Aeternus as a way to keep him out of public sight.

Reputation/Influence:

  • Noble by birth, Haakon enjoys the privileges of his station but has earned little respect for his abilities. Among the crew, he is tolerated for his humor and sociability but is seen as incompetent.

Secret:

Haakon hides the fact that he occasionally drinks on duty, which has already caused a few minor accidents. Were this to be discovered, even his noble title might not protect him from reprimand.

Likes/Dislikes:

  • Likes: Haakon enjoys expensive amasec, lavish feasts, and anything that allows him to indulge in comfort.
  • Dislikes: He avoids sobriety and dislikes situations where he’s forced to act responsibly or take command.

Emotional State:

Haakon is typically in a stable and intoxicated state, using alcohol to keep himself comfortable. However, when under extreme stress or deprived of amasec, he can quickly spiral into desperation.

Notable Equipment/Items:

  • Custom amasec bottles hidden in his robes, designed to keep him always within reach of his favorite indulgence.

Beliefs/Religions:

Haakon has a childlike faith in the Imperial Creed, dutifully reciting a prayer to the Emperor each night before passing out. His beliefs are superficial, a ritual born of upbringing rather than conviction.

Combat Style:

If forced into a conflict, Haakon’s preferred method would be to engage in a drinking contest rather than actual combat. He avoids violence whenever possible.

Social Status:

As a member of a minor branch of a powerful noble family, Haakon enjoys high social status outwardly but is regarded as a disappointment by his family, who relegated him to his current post to keep him out of their affairs. Among his peers on the Ignis Aeternus, he is respected for his title, though not for his abilities.