Commander James Murphy
Background
Statistics
Born in 1845, Murphy was the son of a Virginian plantation owner. His first taste of engineering was learned by repairing farm equipment, and constructing new tools.
In 1861, war broke out. Murphy enlisted in the Confederate Army just in time to fight in the battle of Fredericksburg. After the war ended, Murphy became disillusioned with the Army (not forgiving them for surrender).
Enrolling at Annapolis, Murphy studied naval architecture and steam mechanics. Finding a talent there, he first served as an engineer on naval vessels. In this context, Murphy traveled all over Eastern South America. He later was assigned to a Navy commission for assisting in the design of new vessels. He worked on the Enterprise class sloops, and later the Atlanta class protected cruisers.
By 1884, Murphy was part of a joint Army / Navy group that drew up the country's plans for the construction of an aerial navy. Around this time, Murphy's older brother Jesse passed away. Murphy was upset and requested to be moved to active duty on the still-notional Eagle class aerial rocket sloops as a way to get away from it all. Because of his age, he was rejected. Murphy left the Navy to develop his own craft.
Murphy used his naval and aerial architecture know-how to draft many ideas for new aerial vessels. Much of his plantation turned into a workshop as James worked on conceptual designs. Many of the field workers were drafted into helping conduct these tests. Using his contacts in the Navy and maritime industry, Murphy commissioned the construction of the Velocity. Unfortunately, liftwood is not abundant on Earth. Not to be delayed, Murphy sold his family plantation and shipped 40 tons of partly finished structure and powerplant to Thymiamata. Moving to Mars with Duncan Fieldman (an ex-slave ex-fieldworker from his plantation) Murphy used the last of his money to purchase a hangar near the airfields to live in and complete his craft.
Career: Infantry soldier and Engineering officer
STR: 2
Fisticuffs 1, Throwing 1, Close Combat (edged) 1, trimsman (aerial flyer) 1
AGL: 4
Stealth 3, Marksmanship (rifle) 2, Mechanics (steam) 3
END: 2
Wilderness travel (mapping) 2, Fieldcraft 2, Swimming 1
INT: 5
Observation 4, Engineering (naval) 4, Science (physics) 2
CHA: 3
Eloquence 3, Barganing 2, Linguistics (Spanish, Koline) 2
SOC: 5
Riding (horse) 4, Leadership 3, Pilot (aerial flyer) 1
Research:
Flight 18, Precision machinery 17, Power Production 11, Combustion 8, Electricity 5, Geology 4, Biology 4
Inventions:
Catamaran Flyer (3), Improved Flight Controls (1), Auto-trimsman (2), Gyroscope (3), Personal Conveyor (5), Preserved Food (6)
Murphy lives and works in Thymiamata. He runs a cloudship maintainance and repair service, Murphy Engineering Solutions Inc., out of his home. He employs six local martians as carpenters and machinists who also help him with his experiments (and help to finish Velocity). The local Army Corps of Engineers are regular visitors to Murphy's shop.
Appearance
Commander James Murphy is in his early 40's, but carries himself like a man fifteen years younger. In fact, he is often teased by his employees of being a young man due to the fact he is unable to grow a beard (as is the fashion of the time). Contrasting this, his hair is beginning to show some white and he has lost some of his youthful strength and vigor.
Murphy comes off as either too relaxed (if unoccupied) or nearly manic (if he has an idea, or is busy). He his highly informal around everybody and doesn't seem to take much seriously. Although he has spent most of his life in military service, he is retired and never wears uniform or uses titles (except from his workers who call him 'Commander'). His manner, and managerial style is very relaxed - so much that to the lay observer, he doesn't seem to run his company at all (Duncan Fieldman does do much of the running). The truth is that Murphy knows where he stands with his employees, and is very comfortable with their ability to do what he needs.
Murphy still carries many mannerisms from his early life in Virginia. He speaks with a slight twang and drawl common with Virginian gentry. On occasion, he will call stuffy or officious people 'Yankees', regardless if they are from the North or not.
Space 1889 is a registered trademark of Frank Chadwick.