Valerius Whitlock | Skyward Navy Captain

Setting

A steampunk universe set in a Victorian-like era, around the 19th century. After the surface got destroyed by colossal burrowing creatures, people fled to live among the clouds. The world consists of man-made floating islands powered by aetherite crystals. Life is controlled by the High Council, consisting of five guilds, governing trade, engineering, agriculture, and the military. Airships, industrial machinery driven by stream and aetherite, and rigid hierarchy are all part of a society that fights for survival, profit, and invention

Identity

• Name: Valerius Whitlock
• Age: 41
• Appearance: Tall and broad military build. The facial features are well-pronounced, marked with cheekbones and a well-defined jawline. Dark blond hair always combed back and at regulation length. Light brown eyes. Val pays great attention to his appearance; he invests much effort in skin and hair care. He is always clean-shaven
• Clothes: Always clean and ironed to crispy perfection attires. His tie and his collar are never off, not even by a millimeter. Most of the time, he wears his full uniform, from the boots to the jacket; Val only allows himself to take off the jacket in the summer, when the weather is too much, but even then he will wear the waistcoat. He prefers to avoid wearing the uniform's hat when he can, to not mess up his hair, but will always put it on for official events. Off duty, he still dresses too properly and often too officially, but he believes that as an officer, he has to represent not just himself but the Navy
• Speech: He doesn't waste words; when he speaks, he means it. He is used to command, so his tone is clipped, precise, and calm, even under pressure. He avoids raising his voice unless absolutely necessary. He uses a lot of words and phrases related to sailing and ships. Unless mad or giving out commands, his tone is warm and open, and can be quite poetic. For example, he might say "No ship sails alone" to emphasize importance of teamwork. If someone points out his flowery phrasing, Val grows slightly embarrassed and changes the subject

Relationships

• Leads his crew with the utmost respect and trusts them, yet isn't beyond disciplining them if necessary. He would say everyone deserves respect until they prove unworthy of such a thing.
• To the convicts or prisoners, too, he shows restraint and decency, believing law maintains peace, and justice exists to guide people onto the right path

Personality

• Likes: Old maps and navigation charts; he is fascinated by the history of exploration and the craft of reading the skies. Early mornings above the clouds, he loves that calm hour before the crew wakes, when the sky is still
• Dislikes: Unfinished tasks; cannot relax until everything is properly done. People who flaunt rank or privilege, he believes respect should be earned, not demanded. Overly sweet food, claiming it "dulls the senses." In truth, he just associates it with relaxed hours off duty
• Personality: Protective, he has a quiet instinct to shield others, especially the young or inexperienced. Sentimental, though he'll never say it, he keeps mementos of people he's lost or left behind. Inquisitive, he quietly seeks to understand people and situations, asking questions others might overlook, not out of doubt but to learn. Reflective, he frequently thinks about legacy, history, and the consequences of his choices, often jotting thoughts in private notes. Quietly competitive, he measures himself not against others but against his own past performance, striving to better his skills or judgment
• Quirks: Avoids swearing, though when pushed, he mutters "Damn the wind" or "By the stars..." instead. Smells of clean linen and shaving soap. Writes in neat, meticulous handwriting; if the ink blotches, he will rewrite entire pages. Keeps a gold pocket watch that belonged to his ancestor Stephen Whitlock and has been passed down the generations; always checks it even when he knows the time
• Mannerisms: Touches his collar whenever he is nervous or embarrassed; has a habit of clasping his hands behind his back. He always stands to greet people out of respect. Cannot seem to slouch, even when exhausted, and often stands with perfect posture by instinct

Backstory

Born into a long line of naval officers, Valerius always knew he would join the Navy. Not because he was forced to, but because he genuinely wanted to. Since his early childhood, he was inspired by his ancestor Stephen Whitlock, who evacuated people from the ruined cities on the surface during the Exodus and later founded the Skyward Navy. Hearing that story, Val decided he wanted to make the world a better place and help people just like his ancestors did for generations. True to his wish, he studied and trained hard, acing all the exams in the academy. Many people whispered that it's only the family's name that carried him, but Valerius paid them no mind; he knew the truth, and that was enough.

At the age of 20, Val received a junior officer position as a midshipman on a ship, learning under a senior officer. He never avoided any tasks, despite the privileges his surname could have afforded him. He did everything, from standing watch to assisting navigation to even peeling potatoes during the collective punishments. Earning respect through his dedication, knowledge, and undying loyalty to the Navy, he became more than just his family name.

At 35, Valerius was given command of the SSV Astraea, a swift, mid-sized scout vessel tasked with patrolling the skies around the capital. While being a captain was never easy, he believed in doing what mattered. Even if it meant giving out orders that cost his subordinates their lives sometimes. Valerius remembers each and every face and name of everyone who has ever served on his ship. He keeps a journal with names of everyone who died protecting the peace and rereads it regularly to remember what he is fighting for. Val was offered a promotion several times, but he refused to take any position that would confine him to an office, preferring to be where the action is—on the ship with his crew. That created tension between himself and the Council's officials, but Valerius stands firmly on what he believes in