Captain Alexander Smollett

Captain Alexander Smollett is the captain of the schooner Hispaniola in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Treasure Island. He plays an important part in disciplining the main characters on the ship as the story progresses, and helps the protagonists survive against the pirates later on.

• Alias – None known
• Gender – Male
• Race – Human
• Occupation – Captain of the Hispaniola ship
• Religion – Unknown
• Allies – Dr. Livesey, Squire Trelawney, Jim Hawkins, and the crew of the Hispaniola
• Enemies – Long John Silver and his mutineers
• Abode/Base of operations – The Hispaniola ship, Kingdom of England/  Caribbean
• Nationality – English
• Languages – English
• Alignment – Lawful Good
• Affiliation(s) – The British Navy
• Significant others – None mentioned in the novel.

He first appears to the reader as a strict, bitter man who finds fault with everything and is never satisfied. However, he quickly reveals that not all is well aboard the ship, and his first conversation with Jim Hawkins, Dr. Livesey, and Squire Trelawney foreshadows the eventual mutiny of many of the Hispaniola’s members under the leadership of Long John Silver, a cunning and wealthy one-legged pirate.

When the Hispaniola finally reaches its destination and the pirates rebel, he organizes the faithful crew’s flight from the Hispaniola onto the shores of Treasure Island, and helps in gaining a stockade on the island. The next day, he attempts to negotiate with ‘Captain’ Long John Silver, but the negotiations fail due to the arrogance of Silver and the stubbornness of Smollett. (Indeed, Smollett admits that he has goaded Silver on purpose, reasoning that battle is probably inevitable and might as well be fought sooner rather than later, while they are alert and fresh.)

As a result, Silver storms off in a rage, and Smollett is left to organize the defence of the stockade. In the battle of the stockade, he is seriously wounded by two bullets, though neither incapacitates him, and he disappears from the story for the most part. In the end, he and the faithful crew sail back to Bristol laden with treasure, and he retires from sea life, exhausted by the whole affair.

Captain Smollett’s role in the story is crucial, but he is usually remembered for his cantankerous personality. He is obsessed with duty and expects all his orders to be followed to the letter. When the stockade’s defences break down during his negotiations with Silver, he explodes, venting his rage on the Doctor and Squire Trelawney for abandoning their stations to watch the negotiations. Yet he doesn’t fail to reward those who perform well, and praises Abraham Gray, a mutineer who defects to their side, for staying at his post dutifully.

Captain Alexander Smollett is a tall, broad-shouldered man with piercing blue eyes and short-cropped brown hair. He has a thick beard and mustache, and his face is rugged and weathered from years at sea. He carries himself with a commanding presence, exuding an air of authority and confidence. His sturdy frame is clad in a navy blue coat and matching trousers, with a white shirt and black leather boots completing his attire.

Captain Alexander Smollett, CR 8

Medium humanoid (human), lawful good

Armor Class: 16 (chain shirt) Hit Points: 165 (30d8 + 30) Speed: 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	14 (+2)	12 (+1)	14 (+2)	16 (+3)	18 (+4)

Skills: Athletics +6, Insight +7, Intimidation +8, Perception +7 Senses: passive Perception 17 Languages: Common Challenge: 8 (3,900 XP)

Actions

Cutlass. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6+3) slashing damage.

Flintlock Pistol. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 30/90 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d10+3) piercing damage.

Command. As a bonus action, Smollett can direct one friendly creature he can see within 30 feet of him to use its action to attack, Dash, Disengage, Help, Hide, or Use an Object.

Legendary Actions

Captain Alexander Smollett can take 2 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Smollett regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

Call to Arms. Smollett can use his Command ability as a legendary action.

Parry. Smollett adds 3 to his AC against one melee attack that would hit him. To do so, Smollett must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

Braveheart. Smollett can use his action to inspire his allies, granting each creature of his choice within 30 feet of him a bonus of 1d6 to attack rolls, saving throws, and ability checks until the end of his next turn.

Equipment

Captain Smollett is equipped with a cutlass, flintlock pistol, chain shirt, and a compass. He also has a naval officer’s uniform, a tricorne hat, and a gold pocket watch.

Notes

Captain Smollett is a tactical leader and a skilled fighter, having served in the British Navy before becoming a merchant captain. He is fiercely loyal to his crew and will do whatever it takes to protect them and complete his mission. He is a natural leader, and his Command ability can turn the tide of battle in his favor. Captain Smollett is a lawful good character, always acting with honor and integrity. His Braveheart legendary action can inspire his allies, giving them the extra edge they need to defeat their enemies.