Gangplank

Biodata

Background / History

As captain of the Daughter of Death, Gangplank defeated the Fortune Fleet and unified the Bilgewater Archipelago. The feat earned him the title “Terror of the Seas.” His subsequent decrees improved trade and living standards, but made it harder for poorer residents to gain wealth or influence 224.

After encountering undead in the southern seas, Gangplank sought the Serpent Mother's protection. His men captured hundreds of children for an announced sacrifice, concealing that two children of the Hailan bloodline were central to the summoning ritual. Gangplank survived an explosion aboard the southern fleet because he had sent a double in his place 226 228 233 235. Rumors of his death then fractured his authority: his regional fleets fought over territory, and rival factions moved against them 229 235.

Gangplank returned with twelve Temple of Bahru priests to reclaim control. The Eastern Route renewed its loyalty; he defeated and killed the Sea Worm captain when the latter refused to submit. In the north, Frod drugged and ambushed him, while Gasvant sought independence in the west. Gangplank defeated Gasvant in a duel but spared both men, hoping they would return to the Daughter of Death. Bilgewater subsequently stabilized 237 238 239 241 243.

When the Shadow Isles threatened Bilgewater, Gangplank organized his crew's defense and later hosted reinforcements from multiple regions. He was selected to command their operation, with Darius as his deputy 243 431. Much later, Gangplank admitted guilt for accepting Yasuo's help against the Shadow Isles but failing to help him during the Void War until its end 611.

Appearance

Gangplank is described as similar to Yasuo in height and build 227. Years later, Yasuo finds him haggard and wearing tattered pirate clothes, barely recognizing him 611.

• Later appearance — Visibly aged, with a worn appearance 611.

Personality

Gangplank prizes survival and is willing to use hostages, deception and sacrifice to secure it. He argues that summoning the Serpent Mother is necessary to protect Bilgewater from the undead 227 233. He is also protective of his rule and its people: he works to reunite his fractured fleets and refuses to let the undead reach shore, even when retreat would spare his crew 237 243.

His treatment of disloyal captains varies. He executes the defiant Sea Worm captain, but spares Frod and Gasvant because of their past contributions 237 241. Later, he expresses guilt over using Yasuo's strength while withholding help during the Void War 611.

Abilities & Skills

Combat

• Uses a pistol and knife in close combat; his enchanted knife can bypass Project Armor and wound its wearer 640.
• Catches a bullet fired at him during the confrontation at the Temple of Bahru 233.
• Defeats the Sea Worm captain and later disarms Gasvant in a one-on-one duel 237 241.
• Knows Water Magic, with greater mastery than Gasvant 241.
• Is outmatched and subdued by Project Warriors during the later trade conflict 640.

Fleet Command

• Unifies Bilgewater through the Daughter of Death and directs its regional fleets 224 235.
• Reasserts authority after his presumed death and coordinates the defense against the Shadow Isles 237 243.
• Uses Temple of Bahru fighters as guards and allies 233 639 640.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Pistol and knife — Weapons he carries during the confrontation with Project Warriors; the knife can wound through Project Armor 640.
• Nullifying Blade — A sharp, durable single-edged sword crafted by Jergente. Gangplank later lends it to Udyr 429 474.
• Abyssal — His heavily armed sea fortress, with room for tens of thousands of crew. An earlier Abyssal had been sunk 240 638.

Relationships

• Yasuo — Initially opposes Gangplank's sacrifice, then helps him reclaim Bilgewater and defend it from the undead. Gangplank later admits he wanted to use Yasuo's power and regrets failing to help him during the Void War 233 237 431 611.
• Sarah / Miss Fortune — An enemy seeking revenge for her mother. Gangplank initially suspects her of destroying his southern fleet, though she had not carried out her plan 231 232 235.
• Illaoi / the Serpent Mother — The figure Gangplank seeks to summon for Bilgewater's protection; she later fights alongside his forces against Project Warriors 233 234 640.
• Tam — Saves Gangplank from undead in the southern seas and later intervenes on his behalf again 235 239.
• Frod and Gasvant — Regional captains whose betrayals threaten his fleet. Gangplank spares them after regaining control 238 239 240 241.
• Darius — Gangplank's idol and, later, his deputy in the operation against the Shadow Isles 241 431.
• Yarlin and Maki — Hailan children targeted by his summoning ritual; years later, they hear him confess his guilt over Yasuo 233 611.

Notable Quotes

“Let me tell you, living is glorious, and dying is shameful!” 233

“Do you know the consequences of the undead landing? We will fight to the death rather than retreat!” 243