Velkhar was born into the treacherous world of Umbar’s ruling corsairs, raised on the salt-stained decks of war galleys and in the shadowed halls of his uncle, Fleetmaster Marzagan, one of the city’s most feared and respected raiders. From a young age, Velkhar proved himself a daring and cunning seafarer, his blade quick and his mind sharper still. But where Marzagan saw strength in ruthless obedience, Velkhar harbored a dangerous trait, a conscience.

On what should have been a routine raid against a settlement along the coasts of Gondor, Velkhar defied his uncle’s orders. Marzagan had commanded the slaughter of all Gondorians, but Velkhar, unwilling to butcher those who had already yielded, instead offered them mercy, sparing women and children and allowing surrendering warriors to flee. In doing so, he not only defied his uncle but insulted his authority before the entire fleet.

Upon returning to Umbar, Velkhar found no allies among his kinsmen. His uncle, furious at the perceived betrayal, branded him a coward and a traitor. Stripped of his title and his place among the corsairs, Velkhar was cast out into exile and forced to leave his homeland behind. Left with nothing but his sword, his wits, and the undying hatred of the man he had once called kin.

Now, a wanderer without a home, Velkhar travels Middle-Earth along with Rakhû, his pet monkey, selling his blade and cunning and his skills as a mariner to those who will have him.