Biography

Early Life (Born ca. late 12th century DR)

Deryn Whalewake was born into the same half-seafolk family as his brother Borlen, but where Borlen watched people and patterns, Deryn watched tides, nets, and hulls.
From a young age, Deryn showed an aptitude for seamanship. He learned routes by feel, weather by smell, and could tell whether a port was worth docking at within minutes of arrival. He was never interested in scale or spectacle — only in whether a venture worked, paid fairly, and got everyone home alive.

The Whalebuck’s Folly (early 13th century DR)

Deryn co-founded and captained The Whalebuck’s Folly alongside Borlen, handling day-to-day operations while Borlen experimented with trade and offerings. Deryn managed supplies, negotiated prices, and ensured the ship’s reputation for reliability.
When Borlen introduced coffee as a courtesy to customers, Deryn supported it — as hospitality, not as a business pivot. To Deryn, the Folly was a working vessel, not a testbed for grand ideas.

The Great Brew Split (ca. 1230 DR)

The brothers’ disagreement over coffee was not sudden, but inevitable. Borlen saw growth and potential; Deryn saw distraction and risk. Where Borlen wanted to abandon tackle and nets, Deryn believed the Folly should remain dependable and recognisable.
When Borlen left to found Whalebucks, Deryn stayed — not out of stubbornness, but conviction. He retained the ship, the trade, and the original name, continuing exactly the work they had set out to do.
The split was clean, if emotionally costly. Deryn never spoke ill of Borlen, but rarely spoke of him at all.

A Life at Sea (1230–late 15th century DR)

For decades, Deryn sailed the coasts of Faerûn and nearby waters, trading bait, tackle, supplies, and practical advice. He became a known figure among sailors and dockworkers — not famous, but trusted.
Under Deryn’s command, The Whalebuck’s Folly earned a reputation for:

• honest weights and measures
• fair prices
• reliable schedules
• no nonsense
  He refused lucrative but exploitative contracts, avoided noble entanglements, and turned down offers to franchise or expand. To Deryn, success was measured in seaworthiness, not scale.

Later Years & Succession

As age caught up with him, Deryn commissioned The Whalebuck’s Folly II, training younger crew to take over day-to-day sailing while he remained aboard in an advisory role.
Unlike Borlen, Deryn never sought legacy through institutions or inheritance. When the time came, ownership of the Folly passed quietly to a trusted first mate rather than a blood heir.

Death & Remembrance

Deryn Whalewake passed away at sea, as he had always said he would. His body was committed to the waves following half-seafolk tradition.
Among sailors, his name lives on in a quiet saying:

“If Deryn Whalewake says it’ll float, it’ll float.”

Personality & Reputation

Deryn was calm, deliberate, and deeply practical. He valued trust over profit, routine over novelty, and honesty over charm.
If Borlen changed the world, Deryn made sure a small corner of it continued to work properly.

Connections

Quests: None

Groups: Whalebucks Coffee Co.

Relationships

Parents - None/Unknown
Siblings - Borlen Whalewake
Partner - None/Unknown
Children - Tolan Whalewake
Allies - Merrick Whalewake
Enemies - None/Unknown