Mike Fink, King Of The Keelboatmen

“Wild River Legend: Meet Mike Fink, the Outrageous Riverboat Captain!”

Alias: King of the Keelboatmen
Gender: Male
Race: Human
Occupation: Riverboat captain, adventurer
Religion: Non-religious
Allies: His loyal crew, fellow riverboatmen
Enemies: Rival captains, outlaws disrupting the river trade
Abode/Base of Operations: Various river towns and settlements along the waterways
Nationality: American
Languages: English, River Jargon
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Affiliation(s): Riverboatmen’s Guild, Independent frontiersmen
Significant Others: None specified, though he is known to have had romantic interests during his adventures

Mike Fink, the larger-than-life figure, roams the rivers with unrivaled bravado and a fiery spirit. Known as the King of the Keelboatmen, he is a boisterous and charismatic character, always seeking adventure and eager to prove his skills on the river. Standing tall with a muscular build and a wild beard, his piercing eyes hold the untamed spirit of a true frontiersman.

With a reputation for his extraordinary feats of strength and marksmanship, Mike Fink thrives on the thrill of competition and seeks to establish himself as the greatest riverboatman in the land. His boisterous nature and love for the limelight drive him to perform daring stunts and engage in lively contests, always aiming to captivate an audience and leave them in awe.

As a former fur trader turned riverboat captain, Fink relishes the freedom and challenge of navigating the treacherous waterways. He embraces the rugged lifestyle of the frontier, spending his days commanding his crew and plying the river’s currents. Fueled by a desire for fame and recognition, Mike dreams of achieving legendary status, becoming the stuff of folklore and having tales of his exploits recounted for generations to come.

Whether it’s racing rival boats, wrestling grizzly bears, or outshooting any challenger, Mike Fink lives for the thrill of the moment and the adoration of those who witness his incredible feats. His boisterous personality and larger-than-life persona make him a beloved figure among the riverboatmen and a source of both inspiration and intimidation to those who cross his path.

But beneath the flamboyant exterior lies a fiercely loyal and protective nature. Mike Fink forms deep bonds with his crew, considering them his family, and will go to great lengths to ensure their safety and well-being. While his wild ways may earn him the occasional foe, his heart is guided by a genuine sense of justice and a belief in the freedom of the frontier.

In his pursuit of greatness, Mike Fink navigates the rivers with an unyielding determination and an insatiable thirst for adventure. He embodies the untamed spirit of the American frontier, a man bound by neither law nor convention, but by his own code of honor and the thrill of the unknown.

Mike Fink, the River King

Large Humanoid (Human), Chaotic Neutral

Armor Class 15 (natural hides) Hit Points 135 (18d10 + 36) Speed 40 ft., swim 40 ft.

STR 20 (+5) | DEX 14 (+2) | CON 18 (+4) | INT 10 (+0) | WIS 12 (+1) | CHA 16 (+3)

Skills Athletics +9, Intimidation +7, Perception +4, Survival +4 Senses passive Perception 14 Languages English Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)

Actions Multiattack. Fink makes two attacks: one with his mighty Fink’s Fist and one with his River Shot.

Fink’s Fist. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature of Large size or smaller, it must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

River Shot. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 120/480 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) piercing damage. If the target is a creature of Large size or smaller, it must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or be pushed up to 10 feet away.

Legendary Actions Mike Fink can take 3 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. Mike regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

Bellow. Mike Fink lets out a thunderous bellow, forcing all creatures within 30 feet of him to make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute.
Swift Swim. Fink moves up to his swim speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
Outshoot, Outfight, Outdrink (Costs 2 Actions). Mike Fink issues a challenge to a creature within 30 feet, daring them to compete in a contest of marksmanship, combat, or drinking. The target must make a contested Dexterity (Acrobatics) check, Strength (Athletics) check, or Constitution saving throw, respectively, against Mike Fink. If Mike Fink wins the contest, the target takes 10 (3d6) psychic damage and suffers disadvantage on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws until the end of its next turn.

Equipment

Rugged fringed buckskin outfit adorned with river-themed motifs
Riverboat hat decorated with feathers
“River’s Fury” Rifle (a finely crafted rifle that deals an additional 1d6 piercing damage against river-dwelling creatures)
A cask of his favorite river whiskey (gives advantage on Constitution saving throws against alcohol-related effects)

Description Mike Fink, known as the River King, is a formidable figure clad in a fringed buckskin outfit that reflects his wild and adventurous nature. Gauntlets protect his hands, bearing the marks of countless battles and contests. His piercing eyes, framed by a wild mane of unkempt hair, reveal a spirit unyielding to any challenge.

In one hand, he grips “River’s Fury,” his trusty rifle that has witnessed the besting of many rivals. His other hand, calloused and steady, forms a mighty fist known as Fink’s Fist, capable of shattering obstacles and opponents alike.

Surrounded by the spirit of the rivers and the camaraderie of his loyal crew, he exudes an air of confidence and boisterous charm. His laughter echoes through the wilderness as he regales his companions with tales of his legendary feats.

Currently, Mike Fink stands on the deck of his riverboat, docked at a bustling river town. He leans against the rail, surveying the lively scene, and a mischievous smile dances across his lips. His mood is jovial, always seeking the next adventure, the next contest to prove his prowess, and the next opportunity to outshoot, outfight, and outdrink all challengers.

Currently in the World

Physical Description: Mike Fink is a tall and burly man, standing at 6 feet 4 inches with a powerful build. He has a rugged appearance, with a weathered face adorned with a thick, bushy beard. His piercing blue eyes reflect his adventurous spirit, and his long, unruly hair reaches down to his broad shoulders. Mike often wears a tattered leather coat, buckskin trousers, and boots, showing signs of wear from his countless journeys on the river.

Current Situation: Mike Fink is currently found at a bustling riverfront town, overseeing the loading of supplies onto his keelboat. He stands on the deck, barking orders to his crew as they prepare for their next river voyage. The air is filled with the scent of river water and the sounds of creaking wood and splashing waves. Mike’s mood is upbeat and lively, displaying his typical jovial nature as he engages in friendly banter with his crew members. His eyes sparkle with excitement, ready to embark on another thrilling adventure on the mighty river.

Was there a real Mike Fink?

Yes, there was a real person named Mike Fink who lived during the late 18th and early 19th centuries in the United States. Mike Fink, also known as “King of the Keelboatmen,” was a legendary boatman and frontiersman known for his skills as a riverboat pilot and his larger-than-life personality. He became a prominent figure in the folklore and tall tales of the American frontier.

Historical records suggest that he was born around 1770 and spent much of his life along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, primarily in the region of the Ohio River Valley and the western frontier. He was known for his incredible strength, marksmanship, and daring exploits as a riverboat captain. Fink was revered for his ability to navigate treacherous river currents and his prowess as a fighter.

Fink’s reputation grew through exaggerated tales and stories that portrayed him as a fearless and unbeatable character. According to these legends, he engaged in numerous feats of strength, such as shooting apples off people’s heads or engaging in epic shooting competitions. He was often depicted as a larger-than-life figure with a boisterous personality and a fondness for boasting about his own abilities.

While the tales of Mike Fink have been embellished and fictionalized over time, there is evidence to suggest that he was a real historical figure who embodied the spirit of the American frontier. He became a symbol of the rugged individualism and adventurous spirit that characterized the early settlers and pioneers of the American West.

This site is games | books | films