Dark Continent

[Jonas]

OOC: Something different, for a change of pace.

Dark Continent: Open to all character types, including Magical.

London, March 18th 1870 The Times ran the following add:

Volunteers Needed For Rescue Mission to African Jungle.
Family member lost along with his party while exploring the interior regions. Have ship hired for transport to Africa. Require personnel to man the Mission. Experience In African jungle or related environments preferred. Opportunity to obtain great financial rewards if mission is successful. Great personal risk involved. Interested parties should apply at the Rosewall estate on the 20th at 10am. There will be a breifing prior to commitment.


Stephen Rosewall paced the library of his missing Uncles manor. Now that his Aunt had died leaving the estate to his sister Sara and him, the only surviving family members, they felt it was their duty to locate their missing Uncle or at least determine his fate. The estate was near penniless. There were barely enough funds to pay the Dickens, who worked as the butler and housekeeper. Since they arrived from America to assume the inheritance they had suffered under the burden of the family debt. Stephen had staked everything on this venture. Including the mysterious blue diamonds, which his Uncle had brought back from the jungle on his first mission to the "Hidden City". Stephen couldn't do this alone. Everything depended upon enticing a group of adventurers with enough experience, skills and courage to make the mission work.

"Has anyone arrived yet Mr. Dickens?" The butler had entered the room.
"Just, Charles Sir, and no, but it is not quite ten to the hour Sir. Have patience, I'm quite sure your add will bring response. I have the exhibits ready."

 

[Cryo]

The dimentional portal opened, and a male pushed out. The colors faded revieling general Jim runco. He looked around, gently floating pover the waters overlooking the boat. No, he shook his head. There were no worthies in this world. Jim simply teleported to weapon shops, storehouses and testing sites, assimilated various weapons not previously seen or skanned, and fled the pit stop.


OOC; asimilated means sent it into the dimetnional vortex. once something is sent there, it can be summoned anywhere infinet times

 

[Sith]

Dr. Reebuc Phermuyh

OOC: In character means that.
OOC2: Historically (quite) accurate.

IC: It was well into the hot night, the doctor pondered over a dusty book whose age you could easily smell in the stale air. His eyes hurt from the flickering shadows cast by the candle light on the small letters of the book. It was a very interesting treaty that he was perusing to get information for his new book: "The Savages of Africa", where he wrote about the obvious: africans where dumb, what could you expect of people who didn't know how to count more than one, two and many? Why could you expect of someone who didn't have a fine language? Why could you expect of savages whose heathen women went naked?
He found the data he needed and wrote down some notes, and after drying the ink on the perfectly written notes and ordering them, he went towards his room.

On the small table beside his bed was today's newspaper, the one he hadn't read yet. The usual hogwash. The cover of the diary was dedicated to teh Franco-Prussian war, just started. Some polish where fighting in the war in their old country, which was a very stupid thing to do, but what could you expect from people from a country that had been annexed by and divided between Russia, Prussia, and Austria almost a century before? They seemed even dumber than the Africans, if that was possible.

He did find an interesting article about Dr. Alexander Graham Bell, who had just moved to Canada. Dr Bell wasn't such a bad guy, for a scott, you couldn't trust scotts. What could you find in Canada, except for trees? Why did Dr Bell leave the intellectual Europe for the boastful and stupid America?

Then there was an interview with an american, a Confederate Lieutenant General, Nathan Bedford Forrest, who said he was the Klan First Grand Wizard. This was an intelligent man who had founded four years ago in Pulaski, Tennessee, a Confederate veterans social club named "Ku Kux Klan". He rightly proclamed what any God fearing christian knew by heart: black people where satan's pawns and had to be kicked out from the white people's land, as they debased it with their mere presence. What was strange is that Nathan Bedford Forrest was an apprentice in the freemason Angorona Lodge, followers of the satanic pentagram, but he claimed the Klan was christian, and that the pentagram was among Pythagoreans a symbol of health and knowledge.

He moved to another piece of news that interested him a bit more: the Rosewall family was organizing an expedition to Africa! They already had a ship, the 'blackadder', named after the river in Berwickshire, an imposing fullrigged iron clipper with more than 900 tons of weight, and almost 217' long. It had been launched just recently, the 1st of february, and this would be her first real challenge. It had been a criticised ship, as some people claimed that its lower mast trestle trees where poorly designed and wouldn't stand the tension of a sea storm.

Next day he entered the Rosewall estate.

 

[RoseThorn]

Name: Rose Dark(Thorn when she's "male")

Age: 18

Appearance: 5'2", pale skin, long curly black hair, dark green eyes, male clothes, hair is almost always up in a hat, she adapted the style to keep the local brothel owner away when she was younger

Powers: Can control shadows, making them into solid objects, hold people, or just cloak herself, she can also store things in shadows(they go to an in between place), everything from clothes to coins.

Past: One of the last of the Shadow Masters, a group of other dimension people who migrated here, she knows this, and a bit about her powers because her father was a Shadow Master. He had no family save her and her mother though, her mother had one brother. Her parents were rich, but died in a cariage accident when she was seven and her uncle inheritated everything. Including Rose. When he found out what she could do however he threw her out, saying she was a witch. She was taken under the wing of Thorn, a street theif who cared for her and taught her to survive until he died in a brawl when she was twelve.

Rose sighed as she went through the money in her hand, not bad really, enough for a bit of food, maybe more. She let the shadows tuck the bills into that in-between place they took stuff. She looked at the wallet in her hand, checking again to make sure it was quiet empty before tossing it away. She checked the knife in her boot, then stood, pushing off the crate she was sitting on in the alley. Pulling the hat down farther on her head, she losened the shirt a bit, frowning at her breasts. They'd been fine till the age of thirteen, then they'd decided to get bigger, and Jake the brothel owner noticed her. She kept them bound now, but they still showed if she wasn't careful. Hiding her too feminane face wasn't as hard as that at least, just keep your head down and act stupid.

She pulled a paper from the shadows, she'd found it on a bench and had decided to keep it. She was proud of the fact she could read and write. She'd known how when she left home, but she HAD been only seven. Thorn had been well versed in a lot of things and had made her read a book a week to keep in practice. An ad caught her eye.

"Rescue mission? Africa? Hmmm...why not? Worth a shot, maybe they can use 'Thorn'" Rose though smiling, checking the time on the tower, she took off towards the address, if she hurried, she'd make it.

OOC: Sorry it was so long....

 

[Jonas]

Stephen stopped in the hallway and inspected himself in the mirror. Only 24, but already gray was creeping into his brown hair, the result of four years of brutal war. He straightened up to his full height and smiled. He looked good in his uncle's gray wool suit. Charles met him in the hall.
"There are two respondents, Sir. A Dr. Phermuyh and a young...man I believe, a Mr. Thorn. The guests have been seated in the library as you requested."
"Thank you Charles, please ask my sister to join us." Stephen nervously entered the library. Dr. Phermuyh was seated in a large leather chair, drinking a cup of tea. The youth was leaning against the bookshelves.
"Welcome, I'm Stephen Rosewall. I'll be sailing on the Black Adder for the east coast of Africa in two days, and I need your help." He approached the man, who rose. They shook hands. "Dr. Phermuyh, I'm honored Sir." Stephen turned to the youth and smiled. "And...Mr. Thorn, I hope I can convince you to join the mission."

 

[RoseThorn]

Rose nodded slightly as she was spoken to, not saying a word. Being a woman was a bother sometimes. She glanced up, calling the shadows to cast a bit deeper. Nice place. But apparently the guy wasn't as rich as he let on. She'd spotted only one servent so far.

With a soft sigh she leaned against the shelves again, examining the floor.

 

[Morgoth]

Name: Lokken
Past: That's right, I'm using him again!
You already probably know all about him.

IC: Lokken stumbled out of a puddle as the portal closed overhead. He quickly took in his surroundings. There were strange, red brick buildings and small and large alleys and roads everywhere. He stood up and brushed himself off. Suddenly, a newspaper flew out of nowhere and hit him in the face. He took it off and read a few articles. Then, he got to some rescue mission about some professor. He read the adress and ran there quickly. As he traveled, he thought about how he was going to excruciatingly torture that sorceror for sending him to the wrong time. Finally, he arrived at the house and walked in. Dressed in black-jewel studded armor, he looked strangely out of place. "Hello, my name is Lokken, just Lokken. I have heard about your rescue mission and wish to join you. I have had many of these experiences before, and am a well versed soldier", he said politely, taking in the seated and standing figures.

 

[Jonas]

Stephen Rosewall greeted the strangely dressed man.
"Lokken, well Sir I'm glad to have you. All of you. Three years ago my Uncle traveled back to Africa. He was trying to relocate the Hidden City. A magical place, deep in the unexplored interior. He found it once by chance, ten years ago, returning with these." Stephen had taken a small wooden box from his pockect. He lay it on a table and removed the top. Inside were the three remaining blue diamonds. "These three are what is left of the lot he returned with the first trip. I have his journal of his first African expedition. In it, he alludes to the wealth he discovered, and left behind. I mean to find him with your help, using the journal as a guide. The financial rewards for your help, may be astronomical. The personal risks, even greater. I offer you the hospitality of my home until the ship sails. Our destination will be the Congo river, a town named Banana."

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda Malone stood on the docks looking at the grand ship before her. She was dressed in a deep blue velvet dress. The sleeves covering her arms completely, the hem of her full skirt already dusty from the walk from the carriage. She ignored the driver as he deposited a small trunk by her side. "Anything else Miss?"
"No..." her voice was melodic catching the driver by surprise. He quickly recovered as she placed a coin in his palm. He bobbed his head, "thank ye Miss." She didn't respond so he shrugged and boarded his carriage clicking the horses onwards.

Lucinda took a deep steadying breath tasting the salt in the air. Soon, after months of searching, she would finally be meeting Stephen Rosewall. She wasn't sure what she would say to him, if anything. She wondered why she wasn't feeling more nervous. Finally the Captain noticed her standing there and hurried down the gankplank towards her. "Ms Malone, forgive me for not meeting you here, we did not expect you so early!" He gushed.
Her narrowed gaze focused on him making him feel suddenly uncomfortable. The pause was long before she finally responded to him, "clearly you meant that I should have taken longer because I'm a woman perhaps?"
The man looked startled. Lucinda smiled suddenly all charm. Her eyes sparkled as she slipped her arm through his. "Captain, I usually AM terribly late but the driver I had... OH!" She mocked a lady-like swoon... "terribly fast he was, I'm quite overcome actually, I do hope I have a nice cabin!" She smiled sweetly.

The Captain blinked, quickly forgetting his discomfort. "Oh Ms Malone, we have the finest cabin awaiting you... please... " He lead the way aboard.

 

[Jonas]

"Please follow me to the dinning room." Stephen reached for the door, just as it swung open slamming into his outstretched fingers. "Ouch!"
"OH, sorry Stephen." A portly rear end entered the room, followed by a young lady bent at the waist, walking backward. "I've got the box with the bat wing." She dragged a long box by one end into the room, dropping it on the floor. "There now, Stephen, introduce me." She stood straight, clasping her hands in front of her and smiled at the guests. Her brown dress was plain, but well tailored, accenting her bosoms while minimizing her overall girth. Her dark hair was worn in a tight bun.
"Let me introduce you to my baby sister, Sara." Stephen grasped her hand as she curtsied. "I was just telling our new friends about the ship leaving in two days..."
"Oh no Stephen, the ship leaves tomorrow, on the tide! And I'm no baby, I'm 20 years old." Stephen tried to keep his voice quiet.
"Sara, you told me the Captain gave us 2 days." Sara kept shaking her head at Stephen and smiling at the others.
"Stephen, what would you do without me? Your hopeless!" Stephen gathered himself and turned to the respondents.
"I'm sorry for the rush. We must board this evening. All provisions and equiptment are on board. If there is anything special you may require, see Charles, he will procure it. Now I must prepare myself. I will give your names to the Captain. See you on board."

 

[RoseThorn]

Rose watched everthing with interest from her spot. Great wealth, nice, but a box that big held a single bat wing? Still she had a better chance of survival then most.

Rose was actually glad for the sudden departure, the longer they delayed, the more chances they had to relize her secret. She sighed and wondered, as she glanced around discreetly, what she'd gotten herself into.

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

may i join?

im gaia. an elementalist, just barely recognizing my powers, i decided that daily work in some boring factory wasnt my thing. neither was teh idea of settling down and getting married. so when a friend of mine was joking around about this ad, and said someone would have to be crazy to go , i jumped at the opportunity. i have the secrets of the elements, after hiding away on a boat, i noticed a young...um, i believe it was a man, but yet, it didnt seem to be. regardless, after a big commotion after they found me, i darted off the boat, and hid myself in some fog. as i stepped outta the fog, i noticed a large house, 'this must be it' i came up to the door and before i could even knock a man came to the door. standing on the door step, my waist long red hair, streaked with white strands, flowed down my back, my 5'11" frame startled the poor fellow, and my piercing burgundy eyes, which matched my hair, spooked him too. clad in boots, and a long white flowing cloak tied under my breasts.(my only weapon is my powers and the small dagger at my chest), i introduced myself. "im gaia, inquiring about the expedition, i believe that you will be needing my services. " just then a gust of wind came through the door and blew out all the candles, waving my hand they all became lit once again. i just smiled. "im starving, can i come in?"

 

[Sith]

"So" started Dr. Heebruc "what part of Africa we'll be going to? Will we visit the lands of the brown faced smelly nomads in the north or the lands of the coal black monkeys in the south?" he said matter of factly even if it was a question.

 

[Jonas]

Stephen was momentarily dumbstruck at Gaia's exhibition.
"I'm sorry, you've taken me by surprise. I'm Stephen Rosewall, are you a...witch?" The girl laughed.
"Don't worry, I'll not enchant you." Stephen relaxed, having recovered his composure, smiled.
"I never saw anything like that in the states. Your most welcome to join our expedition. I was just on my way to the ship now. I'll add your name to the Captain's list and see you're properly quartered. Charles, show the lady to the dinning room. They will be serving soon...Miss Gaia is it? Glad to have you with us."

"Oh Doctor Reebuc," Sara giggled, covering her blushing face with her hands. "We will be venturing deep into the free Congo. This is where my Uncle found Joba, the Hidden City. It's a scary place, guarded by the Tiger-men and the flying Batmen, would you like to see the wing my Uncle brought back? How about you Mr. Thorn?"

 

[RoseThorn]

Rose glanced up, again shadows covered her face as though they were simply being cast by her hat, but darker.

She nodded softly at the question, still deciding to keep her femine nature hidden, though they didn't seem to mind the woman, she mused. Tigermen? And Batmen...Well, it did sound interesting. She wondered if they were intelligent but decided they'd probably be told one way or another soon.

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

"yes, sir, you may call me gaia. im dreadfully sorry i startled you." grining mischieviously..."however sir, i am not a witch, it would be so terribly exciting if i was, however, i am just an elementalist. "i blabbed on as i walked to the dining quarters. coming into the room i noticed a few people seated and ready for diner. seeing my dress is a tad...er...out of style..or just plain outta place, i sorta shy away. not knowing what to do. where i come from this style of clothing marks importance in the magic communty. well i guess ill have to find some new clothing. i have never felt so out of place, my red hair, my clothing, my accent...i was announced as i arrived in the dining room, and had many friendly but suspicious nods in my direction. whispering over to the man near me, "who is in charge?"

 

[RoseThorn]

Rose glanced at the new arrival as she asked the question. Poor girl looked nervous as hell. Still, she couldn't do anything because of being the "guy". Not manly.

"Mr. Stephen," I murmed with a nod at the man, in my most gruff "guy" voice.

 

[Jonas]

On Board the Ship

Captain Smith reviewed the list of names and nodded to Stephen.
"We can accommodate your people without a proplem. Oh, Mr. Rosewall, there is a Lucinda Malone aboard."
Stephen's eyes opened a bit. He thought for a moment, and then addressed the Captain.
"Ask Miss Malone to join me in my cabin for a drink later. Now I must return to the estate and my guests." Miss Malone, he thought, somehow I'm not surprised she's here.

The Rosewall Estate

Sara Rosewall sat at the head of the dinning table playing host. She felt relieved when Stephen finally made his reappearance. He entered the room dressed in his officers uniform, the dress gray of the Confederate States of America, complete with side arm and saber. He walked to his sister, Sara, who started to rise to give up her seat. Stephen shook his head and placed his hand om her shoulder. Sara placed her hand on his and looked up at her older brother. Stephen surveyed his respondents. The Doctor offered experience. Lokken was strangely dressed, but he sensed a powerful man within. The youth Thorn was a question, but another man with a rifle at least. And Gaia, she had powers that were outside of his experience. Stephen released Sara's hand and stepped to the table.
"I thank you again for coming. I have arranged passage for all of you on the ship. This is my offer to you. If you join us, all wealth we return with will be shared equally among the survivors. If we find no treasures, the diamonds I showed you will be sold and split among you. If I, and my sister who insists on coming with us," Sara smiled at Stephen, who sighed and smiled back, "are killed, our estate also will be sold and split among you and the Dickens, who have earned a share of it. This I pledge on my word as an officer and a gentleman. If this is not enough for you, Charles..." The butler entered the room carrying a small podium with a parchment upon it. "I have had my attorneys draw up a binding document." Stephen walked to the podium and signed the parchment with a flourish. "By signing this you agree to complete the mission, no matter the out come. We must board the ship tonight. The choice is yours."

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

a handsome man dressed in a very tidy suit stepped in the room. he started talking about diamonds, etc. to make sure there was no confusion, i finally spoke among the people for the first time, my voice trembling a bit. then realizing that they are no threat to me, i speak. "sir, i am not interested in your diamonds, im along just purely for the risk, and to test my own skills, as you can see i have diamonds-a-plenty." stretching my arms out in front of me i summon a few words. "from the earth, her treasures." diamonds flow through my fingers, the people in the room gasp, waving my hands they disappear. "im sorry, it must dreadfully seem as though i am showing off, i aplogize once more, just making sure that you realize i am not here to take your riches. i dont need to dodge these flying bat men and animal creatures, but then find myself dead in my bed due to your hunger for wealth. i do inquire, however, to know when we depart. i know nothing of this land we go into and would appreciate some insight."

 

[RoseThorn]

Rose ate dinner with a mixture of her mother's "a lady should" advice, that she remembered,and a bit of what she saw from the males around her. She was beginning to wonder about the whole charade. After all, there was another woman, but she doubted she'd get the same respect as a female, not to mention the disadvantage of dresses.

She wished she could be as open about her powers as Gaia. The last person she'd told about them had thrown her on the street.

She pulled herself from her musings as Mr. Stephan walked in. She listened, eyebrows raised. This guy was serious. She listened and watched Gaia's magic show. Now that was a useful talent. With that you wouldn't worry about where to get your next meal. Well, Gaia may not need money, but she did. Still, she did want to know more about Africa. She'd read a few books, but they didn't describe the land the way people she'd talked to at the docks did.

Looking around, she noticed no one else standing to sign. With a shrug, she stood and took the pen. She hesitated a moment, wondering if signing with the name Thorn would make it binding. She compromised and signed "R.T. Dark". Then without a word, took her seat againg, to wait for more on the land and departure times.

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

after everyone finally stopped staring at me, i took the pen after a young man, he seemed so...intrigueing...shadows seemed to just flock to him, of course no one else would notice these things, they were ignorant, they were impressed by a few diamonds. from one magically inclined person to another, you could tell, though i could not tap into his source, nor do i believe i wanted to. so i politely just took the paper from him and didnt mention that i can't write, so i just stared at the paper a minute and didnt know what to do, i took the akward pen in my hands and the 'gentleman' next to me quickly flipped it so that the ink was on the right side, i blushed in embarassment. so not to further embarass myself, i decided to draw a small symbol on the line. nodding my head a small bird stepped out of my garments. im so used to using my powers that to me, refilling my water glass by the wave of my hand, or sending a bird or two to fetch me something, is just done purely without thinking, just like breathing. i forget that these people aren't used to it. so the second the bird steps from my dress to carry the letter to the man to my right (anyone can be the man to my right, just trying to get the story goin,), i quickly wave my hand to make my tiny friend disappear and get up to hand it to him myself.

 

[RoseThorn]

Rose smiled as Gaia tried to write with the wrong end and quietly adjusted it for her before sitting down. She obviously had no ide what she was doing. Oh well, she didn't want to make her feel out of place. God knows she looked like she felt bad enough now. The women looked like she was too used to using magic. Rose had to pratice not to let the shadows do things. It was so easy.

With a sigh, she waited for the next person to sign.

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda heard the knock on her door. "Enter" She replied clearly. A yound man, an officer on board poked his head in and smiled shyly at her. She watched him carefully awaiting his message.

"Mr Stephen Rosewall will be boarding tonight and has requested your company for a drink Ms Malone." Lucinda smiled a soft smile that made the yound man's heart flutter. "Thank you... " she paused watching the young man's obvious interest in her. She smiled to herself. "Would you come in for a moment?" She asked. He was clearly surprised and pleased he stepped into the cabin carefully closing the door behind him. "Come closer, I don't bite you know..." He blushed and stepped forward so he was standing right before her. She tilted her head to the side as if inspecting him. He bit his lower lip nervously trying not to figit. Finally she spoke, her voice seductive, "what is your name?"
"Miles Brandon Miss."
"Miles..." she tested the name on her tongue. She sighed softly. "Miles..." she said his name again as she stood. His cheeks flushed as he inhaled the scent of her perfume. She leaned close to him and he had the unreasonable urge to hold her in his arms. She lifted her head so she could look up into his eyes. "Miles..." she whispered his name this time and he felt his knees go weak. With a moan he leaned forward and kissed her. To his delight she responded, her warm lips softening under his. Boldly he thrust his tongue forward searching for hers. He felt a tremor throughout his body as her tongue daintly flicked at his. Suddenly she drew back turning away from him. "Oh goodness, what have we done... this is... most improper!" Her voice sounded light as if she was short of breath.

"FORGIVE me!" He gasped mortified at having offended the lady. "Please Ms Malone... I... I don't know what came over me... please forgive me..." Silence. He stood mortified awaiting her response. Finally he heard her voice, "it's okay Mr Brandon... I'm sure it was just... just an accident... I won't mention it again if you won't..."
"Of course M'Lady... of course..." He stammered as he left her cabin. Lucinda turned and looked at the closed door before bursting out into laughter and falling across her bed. Oh goodness but she was looking forward to seeing Stephen Rosewall.

 

[Jonas]

Stephen took an involuntary step backward at Gaia's dazzling display. Sara applauded.
"Wonderful Gaia, oh Stephen I'm so glad she's with us." Stephen's face reddened at Gaia's comments.
"Miss Gaia, my Sister and I are in search of our Uncle. Any wealth that we may acquire is of secondary importance. I apologize if my offer of reward for your services has offended you." Stephen watched as Thorn and finally relaxed, as Gaia signed the parchment. After the display with the diamonds, her birds didn't surprise him. "Sara, have you completed your preparations for the trip?"
"Almost Stephen, I will finish shortly."
"Please finish now, we will board within the hour." Sara excused herself, smiling at the others, and left the table. Stephen watched her leave the room, and then turned to the guests. "Is there anything I can offer you before we board? Mr. Thorn, perhaps a rifle from my Uncle's collection? Miss Gaia, I won't presume to offer you a weapon, is there something else we can provide?"

 

[RoseThorn]

Rose started to refuse the gun but thought it would look suspicious, so she nodded softly. In an hour she'd be on a ship to Africa. Well, once onboard or in the jungle she doubted she'd be tossed for being a female.