Drachma is a major character in Skies of Arcadia.
Appearance
Drachma is a grizzled old sky captain, stout and muscular. He has a white beard and moustache and a full head of white hair pulled back into a ponytail. Both his right eye and right arm were eaten by Rhaknam, and as a result he wears an eyepatch and a large bronze metal fake arm. He has a sword at his left side and an all green outfit.
History
A tired, grizzled old man, Drachma lost his son, his wife, crew, arm and eye to Rhaknam the Skywhale and has been pursuing it in the name of revenge ever since on his one man ship, the Little Jack, a vessel named after his deceased son.
When Rhaknam destroys Vyse and Aika's ship, the Blue Rogues are forced to board the Little Jack, something that Drachma is less than keen on being highly antisocial and gruff. Vyse manages to convince Drachma that his best bet at killing Rhaknam is by helping to get them to Valua, and they form an alliance as a result.
After Drachma helps the Vyse, Aika and Fina collect two moonstones, he becomes distracted, sensing his old foe's presence. Realising that their captain can not be talked out of getting his revenge, Vyse agrees to aid him. While camping for the skywhale, Drachma reveals his past to Vyse regarding the whale, and commenting on how Vyse reminds him of his son, Jack. The old sailor even shows Vyse Jack's prized treasure, a collection of prized feathers.
Rhaknam suddenly appears, and Drachma manages to spear the whale with the Little Jack's harpoon, but is prevented from killing the whale when Valuan Armada member, Ramirez, arrives and begins to open fire on the Little Jack. Whilst the Blue Rogues scramble to get to the life boats, Drachma remains behind. He gives one last smile to Vyse before pushing the boat he is occupying away to safety as the Little Jack, now engulfed in flames, is pulled away via the harpoon tether by Rhaknam into the night.
Unbeknownst to Vyse and the others though, Drachma survived and was dragged to Rhaknam's home, the ice city of Glacia. Ironically the whale who had destroyed his life had just saved it, by taking much of the brunt of Ramirez's cannons and pulling the Little Jack out before it could be completely destroyed. Drachma, realising the debt he now owes the whale, tends to Rhaknam's wounds and even feeds it, attempting to save his life, but the wounds are mortal. As Vyse and the Blue Rogues happen upon Glacia they meet up with Drachma again just as the whale breathes it's last. Drachma, robbed of his goal by Ramirez, is adrift, unsure what to do with himself now. He lost the battle with the whale, and as a result releases Jack's feather collection to the winds to show his acceptance of his failure.
Vyse, Aika and Fina remind Drachma that there is more to living life than just vengence. Drachma, considering his options decides to go back to his former life as a fisherman, with Drachma telling Vyse that he is proud of how great a leader and sailor the boy has become. This was the first time Vyse had ever heard a compliment from Drachma.
Near the end of the game Drachma can be chosen as the final party member to join Vyse, Aika and Fina in their battles against Galcian and for the final battle inside Soltis.
After the game's finale, it is said Drachma lives only six more months having lived life as a happy fisherman.
Trivia
- Vyse, Aika and Fina all refer to Drachma as captain. Even after Vyse becomes a captain of his own, he still refers to Drachma as his captain.
- Drachma is the most physically capable member of the crew, although he has very little talent in magic.
- Drachma's battle with Rhaknam becomes a well loved story told across the taverns of Arcadia
- Drachma joins and leaves the party so often it becomes referenced even in game: 'Drachma joined your party...again.'
- Drachma's ship, the Little Jack, is designed after a swordfish, with the harpoon gun as the 'sword' like nose. It was originally a fishing boat, but was modified to be able to take on Rhaknam.
- Drachma is one of three options for the final party member in the end game missions, the others being Gilder and Enrique.
