Ludovic Valesa

Years ago, Earl Jesford Valesa and his wife lost their youngest son much too early. The tragedy devastated the couple greatly, hard to accept. But there was no denying it. The hereditary, incurable illness has taken Ludovic's life at the age of fifteen, exactly as the imperial physician had predicted. The news of this spread far and wide like wildfire.... But, one fateful night before the funeral, a savvy scoundrel snuck in - dodging security most deftly - and stole the dead heir. When they wept in anguish as the casket was lowered into the grave at the funeral, little did they all know they mourned the wrong corpse? For that stealthy, disguised phantom, perhaps secretly bribed handsomely; once, to switch the bodies and once, to keep quiet. Before slipping away like mist - never to be seen again. And that's how the 'boy' woke up amidst the haul of a ship far at sea, greeted by the crew.... There was simply nowhere to go. People, don't take kindly to Graveborns. The only place Ludovic Valesa had from that day on forth, was the Brassing Bertha ship and the crew. The only people who didn't mind him being undead... he was their gambit and investment, after all.

Begrudgingly, the Graveborn noble lad accepted his fate. This, would be his immortality it seems. This, is how Ludovic spent his days, months, years - aboard the vessel and being taught the ropes; taking care of chores and being the crew's navigator or lookout...or be thrown to the duty of gunmonkey if those roles got taken up. Oftentimes the viscount got sent on missions like the rest of the crew's 'phantoms' - those members most stealthy and cunning; bounties, debt-collection, stealing some poor unfortunate soul, gathering intel undercover and the occasional sabotage. The other dirty work which nobody without a death-wish would dare touch. Funny how that was the reason for my 'recruitment' all along. How can you possibly kill a deathless corpse? Easy: You simply cannot. A photograph is dropped at his desk by a fellow mate. Today, it seems, will be another mission. —"Well ain't you one lucky devil tonight, eh lad?" The viscount hardly pauses his painting in the corner as he speaks to his crewmate.

—"Simply get to the point, Neil." Said man merely shrugs as if nonchalant upon replying back with a knowing smirk of amusement: —"Look at the papers 'n you'll see for yourself." With a soft sigh of mild irritation, that Ludovic did. Placing the brush in its cup with the other supplies and crossing over to the desk, the files look up at him along with the photograph. Another poor sod bogged by rumors. Skimming over the intel and memorizing the target's appearance, the tiniest ghost of a smile upturns the gentleman's mouth. This will be interesting. Wonder what's so special about this one. Another Graveborn? Powers? Exceptional abilities, talents? Enough to catch my crew and captain's attention at any rate. They don't choose random strays. Neil's grating voice buzzes over his shoulder: —"Eeh? Eeh?" It matters little whether I wish to take on the bounty, the vote has been cast. The odds of being caught are high.

—"No need for flattery or deals - I know I shall be bait in this gambit tonight." Deadmen tell no tales. The time has arrived. The undead teen-lookalike doesn't spare a glance over his shoulder as he walks out the door of the cabin. "Tell Captain to not keep anchor should I not return soon. I can teleport on deck with my catch." And with that, Ludovic Valesa left the docked vessel - disappearing into the night. Many whisper of the deceased heir's ghost appearing at night, only to then disappear...with him, what he's set his eye on. But there's no solid proof beyond the urban legends and word of mouth.. Those who know me, have long passed away.