Captain Leather, the Jack of Port Mercy

Also: the Jack of Port Mercy

Captain Leather is said to have been a slave of Ching Shih, within her renowned armies which dominated the South China Seas. He rose within her ranks, and in due course was employed by Barbary corsairs in Triploli. With his booty claimed there, he bought his freedom from Ching Shih.

He runs Port Mercy by the buccaneer code, but fairly within that. The people of the port pay for the privilege of living there, a portion of any bounty passing to the Jack. In return those that fall injured are paid off enough to make another way in life. He is fierce and well regarded, but it is said claims no friendship except perhaps Barbosa. This regard is important, for within Port Mercy the people elect their Jack.

Where Captain Leather is a figurehead, he takes wise counsel from his honorable lady wife Jiangsi. She is often covered due to a severe sensitivity to the sun, and known to be extremely intelligent and quick witted, as well as utterly ruthless. There are many stories about her dealing swiftly and cruelly with those who create trouble, all the better to keep the peace in the Port.

The two share the ruin of HMS Resolution as their home, and only the closest of Captain Leather's companions enter within, almost exclusively from the South China Seas themselves.

He also has a cat, called Gui, for whom he has great regard.