Bligh was born in St Tudy near Bodmin in Cornwall to Cornish parents, Francis and Jane Bligh (née Balsam). He was signed up for the Royal Navy in 1761, at the age of seven, in the same town. It was common practice to sign on a "young gentleman" simply in order to rack up the required years of service for quick promotion. In 1770, at the age of 16, he joined HMS Hunter as an able seaman, the term being used only because there was no vacancy for a midshipman. He became a midshipman early in the following year of 1771. In September 1771, Bligh was transferred to the Crescent and remained on that ship for three years. In 1776, Bligh was selected by Captain James Cook for the position of sailing master on the Resolution and accompanied Captain Cook in July 1776 on Cook's third and fatal voyage to the Pacific. He reached England again at the end of 1780 and was able to give further details of Cook's last voyage. Bligh married Elizabeth Betham, the daughter of a Customs Collector (stationed in Douglas, Isle of Man), on 4 February 1781, at the age of 26. The wedding took place at nearby Onchan. A few days later, he was appointed to serve on HMS Belle Poule as its master. Soon after this, in August 1781, he fought in the Battle of Dogger Bank under Admiral Parker. For the next 18 months, he was a lieutenant on various ships. He also fought with Lord Howe at Gibraltar in 1782. The Bounty's log shows that Bligh resorted to punishments relatively sparingly. He scolded when other captains would have whipped and whipped when other captains would have hanged. He tried (unsuccessfully) to check the spread of venereal disease among them. Prior to the mutiny only 2 members of the Ships crew had died, one seaman from infection and the ship's doctor from indolence. J. C. Beaglehole has described the chief flaw in this otherwise enlightened naval officer: "[Bligh made] dogmatic judgements which he felt himself entitled to make; he saw fools about him too easily... thin-skinned vanity was his curse through life... [Bligh] never learnt that you do not make friends of men by insulting them." "I'll live to see you - all of you - hanging from the highest yardarm in the British fleet." Bligh had the moral courage to take on what he saw was wrong, but he strongly supported those he thought were right. He was an educated man, deeply interested in science, convinced that good diet and sanitation were necessary for the welfare of his crew. He took a great interest in his crew's exercise, was very careful about the quality of their food, and insisted upon the Bounty being kept very clean. Between 1783 and 1787, Bligh was a captain in the merchant service. In 1787, Bligh was selected as commander of the Bounty. Bligh would eventually rise to the rank of Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy. British Naval Legend NOTE: This is the Bligh from the time he commanded the Bounty.

A character with this Disadvantage isn't bothered by disturbing scenes or emotional situations. Emotional reactions just get in the way of objectives. He might eat a hotdog at a bloody crime scene, or punch out a villain in a nun suit in front of a busload of school children. Others might not understand this character and see him as having an "I don't care" attitude. In situations where strong emotional responses are normal and the character is with a group of people, he receives a -2 penalty on any Presence-based skills. This character can't stand the thought of looking weak in front of others. He can refuse a challenge from someone he knows to be less powerful than himself. Which is what seperates this Disadvantage from Cannot Turn Down A Challenge. However, the character will not turn down a challenge from someone of roughly the same or greater power—unless it is obviously suicide, in which case the character will have to find some other way to defeat his opponent and redeem himself. A character with this Disadvantage will not complain about fatigue, pain, or injury, and will never surrender without a fight. He is also particularly easy to needle or taunt about being afraid. This character is sworn or otherwise dedicated to a set of beliefs which his native culture considers to be good and just. The specific tenets of this should be clearly defined by the player and accepted by the GM before the character is played (or, in the case of NPCs or villains, the GM should have a clear definition of the code before he brings that character into play). Not all Codes of Conduct are going to be the same, because what is considered noble and honorable differs from culture to culture. There are many possible codes. This Psychological Limitation ends up giving the character several restrictions that would otherwise be considered separate Psychological Limitations. The character may not take both Code of Conduct and those other Disadvantages, even though the point total for all of the individual Disadvantages is higher if they are combined. A Code of Conduct, while actually encompassing several lesser Psychological Limitations, is worth less points because it also carries a measure of distinction and respect. For example, while villains may taunt a character who has a Code of Conduct, others will admire and look up to such a character for his solid principles. Some examples of various Codes of Conduct would include: * The Bushido Code: This is the code by which the samurai of the medieval period lived under. Treat Those Deserving of Honor With Honor, Treat a Dishonorable Foe With Scorn, Avenge All Insults, Death Before Dishonor, Utter Obedience to One's Superiors (Even Unto Death), and Never Show Fear. * The Celtic Code: Vengeance is essential. If you (or your family or your clan) are insulted, you must demand an apology. If none is given, you must issue a challenge. If you lose, you must try again as soon as you are able. If a truce is called, it must be observed. You must try to be first into combat. Never lie to an ally. Do not take advantage of an unsuspecting enemy. * Code of Chivalry: The code of the medieval knight. Honor in Battle (meaning no attacks on an unaware foe, not using missile weapons, and treating a vanquished foe mercifully), Expect Obedience From Those Below His Station and Provide Obedience To Those Above, Protect The Weak And The Defenseless, and Honesty In All Things. * The Gentleman's Code: Never break your word. Never ignore an insult to yourself, to a lady, or to your flag; insults may only be wiped out by an apology or a duel (not always to the death!). Never take advantage of an opponent in any way; weapons and circumstances must be equal (except in open war). Associate only with those of your social class. * The Hero's Code: Sometimes known as the "Four Color Code", this Code of Conduct is best exemplified (believe it or not) by Batman as portrayed by Adam West in the 1960's TV series "Batman". It is very close to the Honesty Psychological Limitation, but more so: Work to your utmost to uphold the law at all times. Never lie, cheat, or swear. Drink nothing stronger than soda pop and chocolate milk. Don't smoke. Protect anyone weaker than yourself, and always try to be a good example to the kids. * Omerta: This is the code of silence followed by members of the Mafia: Don't reveal any secrets you might learn under pain of death. Obey the Capo Crimini without hesitation. Avenge attacks on family members, because attacks on one of us is an attack on all of us. Avoid any contact with the police. * Policeman's Code: This is the code that most police forces are supposed to operate under. Must Defend Public Safety, Must Protect The Innocent, Will Only Reply With Equal Force In Combat (meaning, if the opponent isn't using lethal force, neither will the person with this code), Follow the law in all things. * The Soldier's Code: This is the Code of Conduct between "good-guy" soldiers on TV and in the movies. It's better to die on your feet than live on your knees. Never leave a man behind. Never give up, never give in. Never let an insult to you, your unit, or your branch of service go unpunished, especially if it comes from a member of a wimpy branch of service. All branches of service other than yours are wimpy. * The Sorcerer's Code: This code is followed by all but the most evil and callous of fully trained wizards in a modern setting in which magic is generally disbelieved and unknown to the general public. Maintain The Veil That Keeps The Mundane World Unaware Of The Existence Of Magic. Magic Is Too Dangerous For The Common Man And Must Be Kept Out Of His Sight. Cover Up Mystical Events, Even If You Had No Part In Them. Battle Only In Private, Never In Public Except With The Most Subtle Of Effects. * The Vow of the Buddhist Monk: Avoid strong emotion as often as possible, do not initiate violence (but defending oneself is permitted), help others when possible, do not eat meat.