Greypatch was a one-eyed searat who was originally the first mate of Gabool the Wild, being Gabool's best steersrat. He wore a velvet patch over his missing eye and was a skilled swordfighter. After he determined Gabool was insane, Greypatch stole the Darkqueen with a crew of others who wanted to escape Gabool's madness, they ended up in Mossflower Woods. Several of Gabool's ships were sent after him, including the Rathelm and the Greenfang. It was here he discovered Redwall Abbey, and wanted to take it.