Years ago, a promising young Botanist to the Royalty of England, Bazil Grisly, was sent out on an exploration ship to the Caribbean Islands in search of discovering new plant species for the King. As was common occurance then, Pirates attacked their ship,and everyone on board was slaughtered. In horror and strange fascination, Bazil watched everything from the crows' nest where he had been making notes and charcoal sketches of some strange fern like plants on the shore. In some twisted attempt to deal with the incredulous carnage, Bazil began sketching the devastation below, much to his disgust...
Eventually,he was discovered there with his journals. The Pirate Captain was intrigued by Bazil's copious notes and demented sketches. He spared his life in exchange for his knowledge of "theraputic" plants and vegetation. He was taken on board the pirate ship as the new cook.. It was easy for him to adapt to this new lifestyle, and he was able to further his studies in botany along the way. Creating new and varied meals for the pirates with strange new plants was very exciting for him...
Ultimately, the Pirate lifestyle wore on him and he became cruel and hateful. He began experimenting with poisonous plants and eventually poisoned his entire crew , a few at a time. Bazil would use the slowest acting agonizing pain causing poisonous plants. It gave him much pleasure and satisfaction to watch his shipmates expire. This was his way of getting revenge on his captors. Unfortunately, through all of this, He had lost all judgement between Good and Evil...
Bazil Ringworm Grisly (Blackthumb was his pirate name) eventually became one of the most respected Gourmet Chefs in Paris. He continued his practice of poisoning select patrons, perfecting his technique for more agony and longer suffering. He moved around frequently in an attempt to avoid being discovered. When things became too dangerous for him, he eventually voyaged to the New World to settle in a place known as Philadelphia.