The nephew of the owner of the nation of Tara’s largest shipping charter, Atien was at one point set to inherit that shipping empire. However, after far too many youthful indiscretions with his young friend Thomas, Atien’s uncle disowned him. With a knowledge of the major trade routes, and seasonal currents, Atien could have started his own shipping business, but found himself drawn to less savory avenues of employment.
It could have been out of a desire to repay his uncle, but Atien moved to Newtonne and quickly became the captain of the Blue Cranes, a pirate crew. Many believe Atien stole a ship and money from his uncle to finance his rise to the position so quickly. Others think his uncle gave him the money and ship as compensation for the lack of his birthright. Atien vehemently denies both accounts saying he earned his captain’s reds the same as any other man in Newtonne.
The Blue Cranes operate out of Newtonne and can be found most nights at the Speckled Crow, a tavern that caters to sailors. A successful pirate crew, the Blue Cranes used to spend little time at dock, but more and more they seem to be on land more than sea. Rumors abound that Atien has grown tired of piracy and instead wants to return to less dangerous and more legitimate shipping. Fueling those rumors are meetings he’s held with shipping magnates and officials from other nations. Last time he was in Tara, some even reported he had a meeting with Emperor Tiberius.
Clara used to be a Blue Crane, serving as a crew member and eventually first mate, but as the cranes started spending more time on land and less time pillaging, Clara and Atien argued about the future of the Blue Cranes. Although they left on amicable terms and still meet regularly for romantic rendezvous, Clara left to start a smuggling business getting goods into Emestria and people out. Some of the Cranes left with her to join that business, pledge to other ships, or find other employment. The Cranes that stayed are fiercely loyal but don’t begrudge their former shipmates choices.