In over your head, land of piracy: closed to approved characters

[The_gladiator]

historians note: This story takes place in a land of fantacy, similar, yet different from the medieval era.

Moderators note: this thread is closed for specifically approved characters.
if interested in joining see the pottom of the post

final note: this is a work of fiction, and should be treated as such.

Background

This story takes place in a time and place long forgotten. During the events cronicaled here in, the world is currently at a fragile truce, between three factions. Two of these factions are nations controled by monarchs. The third faction is less formal, but still wields a great amount of power. This group is most often referred to as the rebels, or the outlaws. They scorn both countries, and merely seek indipendence from both countries.Whether the world would then subside into anarchy, or some other form of government would emerge was undecided, but all these "Outlaws" agreed on one thing change needed to be brought about. There was little to no cohesion between the forces of the rebels. Each Pirate captain had his or her own ajenda. Any time one of these leaders grew too ambicious, he or she was crushed by the others. Hence the current unstable truce, which just meant the two monarchies were actually not at war for some reason, and none of the rebel leaders had the ambition to start a war with his or her fellow pirate captains.
However, that stable peace was about to change. Events were being put into play, and somehow, some way, the current circumstances were about to be altered. For good or ill, life would never be the same for some, most or maybe everyone in this world.


IC

Captains log
Monarchal date: 6/05/22
Year of the 32nd truce.

Captain Aidan Blackwing, captain of the scarlet dagger reporting.
We just set course for the high seas, leaving the isle de ecuadorania, where we picked up a crew of Freemen and women to crew our vescle. We are called outlaws pirates, or rebels by the monarchies norvos and souvos, but we prefer to think of ourselves as the freed people. We are free, we pay no taxes, we do not obey their laws. I am putting this in writing, to mostly keep things traight, and so people of the future can have a true record of things, not just that of what ever side wins.
Just because we obey no laws of the land, or pay none of their taxes, this does not mean we are all lawless people. Of course there are those that use the idea of the freed people to rape, pillage, murder and cause strife, however the bulk of us just want to be left alone. We are generally moral indeviduals, or were once, before life made us hard, and we had to stoop to low causes to eak out an existance.
Most would ask who am I to talk about morals, when I am a pirate, but I would argue that I like to think of myself as more than a pirate, the cause of being free of domination is my goal, is my passion. The piracy is a means to an end, not the end in and of itself. I steal cargo from the monarchies, or weapons from the military, because they were unrightfully taken in unfare taxes from the people of the two lands. This does not mean I am into charity, I don't give my cargo away, I do sell it to those that want it. I wouldn't give it to the people being taxed, if they were worthy of the gifts, I could bestow upon them, they would join me, not pretend I am some common criminal like their government says I and my crew, and people like us are.
On a different note, I have a plan that will make a difference, a means to an end, that might get myself and my crew left alone perminantly with a bit of bargoning.

End log entry

Captain Aidan Blackwing strowed out of his small ship board cabin/ready room onto the deck, and headed for the wheelhouse. He called orders as he went, "Draw in sales, prepare to come about, Mr. Dimzy, set course for the main port of Norvos." he ordered as he reached the navigator and officer manning the wheel.
"Aye captain, eastyn port it is." the navigator said as he gave the bearings to the stearsman.

"We have a mission." the captain yelled, "One that could secure us immunity from the norvosi patrols." A ragged yet muted cheer went up from those in hearing range.

The captains plan was to take his ship into port, and make a kidnapping. He figured the king would be a bit more open to nigociations with his daughter a captive. And he had just had a message brought to him by bird, from an informant that the crown princess and her cousins were going on a pleasure ride and they were leaving from eastyn port 2 days hence. It would take the Crimson Dagger a day and a half to sail to just beyond the port, and they could set up the ambush.
"I need to see whom ever the best ship to ship combat leader I have in my quarters immediately. With most of his crew new to him, he did not know which officer to order to see him off the top of his head. "And if there is more than one of you, let me see the one who wants to lead todays mission." The entire crew did not know the plan, or what the captain had in mind, it was restricted for the moment on a need to know basis, so he had to inform the asalt leader of the objectives for the mission. The captain turned to retrace his steps to his cabin. He tugged his tunic and vest into a more comfortable position as he walked to the ships table in his cabbin and sat down to examine a map. Mostly to pass the time. He leaned his lean but powerful form back in his chair and stretched out his legs to wait for an officer to show up. His green eyes swept the map as he idly riffled his hand back through his dark hair, that just brushed his ears. He drumbed his fingers on the tabletop and waited.

(Ooc:
As stated above this thread is closed for approved players
if interested one should email myself, showdolly, and or Pywakit, to express your interest. Your request will then be evaluated among the three of us as this is our brainchild. If there is a need for your character, and we approve of your writing style, we will let you know

Currently approved characters

The_Gladiator: Captain of the Crimson Dagger, Western island stock, with tanned skin. Labeled as a norvosi because the isle of his home is under Norvosi jurisdiction, even if it is midway between Norvos and Souvos.

Showdolly: princess Delilah daughter to the Norvosi monarch.


Pywakit: Selene Delacroix Pirate crewman, nationality unknown

Gagonthis: Calix: norvosi royal guard, souvosi spy.
x

 

[showdolly]

Dear Diary:

It is but two more sunrises before my cousins and I shall leave for our vaction. It is but a sad fact that in the family, there is but one male heir, and he is yet too small to travel with us. We shan't have much protection, I fear, except that of the shipping crew. My father the King has assured me that this will be enough, and that the rebels seldom venture to the sheltered waters we plan to travel.
I am not worried, only a bit nervous, as this will be my first extended leave from the kingdom. Yet, it would be interesting to see a pirate ship, I think. Alas, it is too dangerous on this voyage, and I hope none shall cross our path. This trip shall be relaxing, inviting, and my last as I have turned of age and will be readied to be married upon my return. The interviewing of suitors is nothing I look forward to, and I pray this vactation to last into eternity.
Signed,
Princess Delilah

~~~~~~~~~~~
The young heiress closed her book, and proceded to her slumbering. Tomorrow there was much work to be done in readying herself for the voyage, and she needed her beauty rest. She covered her emerald green eyes with the silken blind and quickly nodded off to her dream world.
Delilah hoped for an adventure - she'd never had one, being stuck in this god-forsaken palace for most of her lift, and being shifted around by guards when she was away. Though, it did make her nervous to not have more of them around on the trip. It was said that none knew of the pending hiatus, and thus there was little danger. Yet, something nagged in the back of the little brunette's mind....

With a last sigh, she fell asleep at last, her generous breasts heaving as she breathed heavily in her slumber. Her long braid trailed down past the end of her back and tickled her fair-skinned rear, and she reached behind her to smooth it away from herself. Nails of the feet and hands all kept and polished, coloring and rouge natural to her face, the young girl was indeed beautiful and there was no shortage of suitors awaiting her return.
Yet, none of them interested her - she knew they were simply out to take the thrown once her father was to pass, in the not-so-distant future. It was not as if he were close enough to death for her to fear his expiration before her return, but she knew he would not live to meet more than one of his grandchildren, even if she were to wed on the day of her arrival.

At any rate, the expidition was exciting to her, and she very much anticipated the break from the daily kingdom life. Delilah would return a woman, ready to marry and take on responsibilities... and she wished to prolong that if only a few more weeks.

 

[Pywakit]

Selene Delacroix

Selene tugged the leather cord tight, ensuring that the last of her throwing dagger sheaths was affixed firmly to her left thigh. She'd had them come loose in a fight before, and it wasn't a scene she particularly cared to repeat. Knives in place, rapier at her shapely hip, her favorite tri-corner hat sitting jaunty and askew on her head with ringlets of her flame-red hair cascading down behind just over her shoulders, Selene figured she was as ready as ever to answer her new Captain's call for a combat leader.

She stood and crossed the deck, walking confidently toward the captain's cabin. Three other rough-looking thugs, all of whom thought they should be the one to lead this mission, were locked in a heated argument before the door. As Selene crossed the deck, several of the other crewmen whistled and made lewd gestures at her; she was used to that. As a female pirate, she had to be. She could also more than take care of herself, as any of these scurvy rats would find out if they tried to take advantage of her. But she actually kind of enjoyed the whistles and catcalls; she preferred to think of it as having power over men. The power to make men sound and behave like animals. Not a bad power to have.

She reached the three arguing pirates and cleared her throat.

"If you boys are done arguing over who's the more fierice, I'd like to speak to the captain about our mission."

The three pirates froze, then looked down at her. They saw little to fear; only a five-foot-seven redhead with ample curves, green eyes, and a half-dozen knives strapped to her well-worn leather armor.

"HA!" guffawed the tallest of the pirates through a mouth with more missing teeth than teeth. "I don't remember the captain callin' for a whooore already!" He drew out the word whore with particular relish as he ogled Selene's cleavage.

Quick as a spark, out came a dagger. With an expert flick of the wrist, it was pressed against the man's crotch, slicing through his pants but not quite into the tender flesh of his manhood.

"I don't remember him calling for a eunich either. Can we agree that there's neither of them on board to answer him?" she asked in a steady, but dangerous, voice.

The other pirates froze; the two who weren't in danger of castration quickly finding other chores to either side of the ship, while the gaptooth pirate began to tremble.

"I'll take your silence as agreement. Now kindly step aside, handsome!"

He did, and Selene stepped into the Captain's cabin without a glance back. As the door closed behind her, she sheathed her knife and stood at attention.

"Selene Delacroix, reporting for duty, captain! You asked for the best combat officer on deck, and it looks like I'm the only one more interested in answering your call than arguing with my fellow apes! What are my orders?"

 

[gagonthis]

(All written in a secret cipher)
Observation continues as planned. No foul business detected yet. The king has begun rebuilding his armed forces, but so far I see no proof of aggressive actions against our kingdom milord. The youngest heir appears to be in good health, the supposed complications of the birth being quite over exaggerated. Little to report other than my candid opinion that the truce will still hold, at least through the end of the harvest season. I see no reason for further conscription at this time.

I will be out of contact for several weeks; I have been hand chosen by the Captain of the Guard to accompany Princess Delilah on an extended sea voyage posing as a simple crewman. Life’s small ironies, the spy being picked to act as a spy by the people he is spying on.

Your humble Servant,
C.

Calix sealed the note and brushed his blonde hair out of his eyes as he rose from the crude writing desk in his small guardsmen quarters. His hand came up to rub at his ice blue eyes as he observed the moon high in the sky. More time had passed than he had thought as he sat coding the missive. He looked it over again, assuring it would look like gibberish to anyone who did not know the proper cipher. When he was satisfied he rolled it up and placed it in a small tube, sealing it against the elements. He grabbed his sword; a heavy curved falchion and strapped it to his waist before snagging his long cloak. No guardsmen tunic tonight. He didn’t want to be spotted.

Calix had for the past five years faithfully served in the King’s royal guard, a man good with a sword and quick in battle he also made sure to not distinguish himself enough to be noticed. This was because for the past five years he had also been a spy for the rival kingdom. Calix was incredibly good at what he did mostly because he could blend into a crowd. He was the type of person not often noticed by others. No truly remarkable physical characteristics or loud boisterous personality. He was a shadow. It was this very ability that made him so good as a spy that also caused the Captain of the Guard to choose him to pose as a sailor to keep an eye on the Princess. It nearly made him laugh just thinking about it.

He was out the door and past the lazy barrack’s guards without alerting anyone. Fifteen minutes of twists and turns to assure no one was following him and he set out for the wharf district, walking with confidence and his sword clearly displayed to discourage pickpockets. Finally he arrived at a dingy bar no different than the ten other taverns hugging the darkened street. He ducked inside and quickly spotted the man he was looking for. Buying an ale he sat down at the table, again glancing around to make sure no one was watching. “I hear there’s a gale coming.” He said, raising an eyebrow at the man. “Aye, and she’ll be running me sails full.” The man responded with the second half of the phrase. Without another word Calix drew the parchment out from under his cloak and slid it across to the man, rising, leaving his ale untouched as he exited the tavern.

Back at the barracks he undressed, considering the voyage he would undertake on the morrow, the imagined sound of the calm ocean waves lulling him to sleep.


OOC: Got an ok from Showdolly and Pywakit (I believe) to post this profile. If it doesn’t work though just let me know and I’ll tear it down

 

[The_gladiator]

Captain Aidan Blackwing

The captain looked at the officer, nay the beautiful female officer that entered his office. "He watched as she stood at attention before him, but frowned when she didn't salute, but then cursed himself inwardly, he was no longer in the norvosi military. He took a deep breath. "Selene Delacroix?" he said drawing out her name as he thought. "Have you served here long? Or are you one of the new crew?" he asked. "And tell me, are you loyal to the cause of freedom, or are you simply an oppertunist, out for proffit and the like?" he asked, trying to gage his officer's loyalties and motivations. He knew better than to underestimate her for her looks. She had an air of toughness about her, and he had this idea that she could more than deal with any apponents.
He as yet did not give her any orders, rather sat awaiting her response to his inquirey of loyalty.

 

[Pywakit]

Selene Delacroix

Selene took a few moments to look around the captain's cabin, sizing up the room almost on instinct. She stayed long in an area she couldn't plot at least two escape routes from in the first few seconds; perhaps a bit paranoid, but a habit that had saved her hide more than once. She also noticed the map the captain was studying, but took care to hide the fact that she was checking it out. She couldn't make out details from her angle, alas.

As for the captain himself, he seemed to be pretty on top of things. She knew Captain Blackwing by reputation, of course, but had never served under him. As she looked him over again, she allowed herself a brief and faint smile; he was rather handsome in a rugged sort of way. She could certainly imagine herself serving under him, even if she preferred to serve on top.

"No sir; just came aboard at the last port. I saw the call for crew and figured I was running low on ale money, so I might as well sign on here for some coin." She relaxed a little, standing at ease but remaining ready to leap to the defense; she'd shipped out with all manner of two-faced captains before, and until she got to know Blackwing better... best to assume the worst and be pleased when (and if) he turned out to be an honorable man.

"I'm certainly loyal to the cause of my freedom, Captain, but I don't really hold loyalties to any country. But when I'm on board a ship, you'll find that I treat her as my country, as long as the crew and captain do likewise. And if there's profit to be had along the way..." she smiled, and brushed a crimson lock out of her eyes, tucking it behind her ear. "Well... a little extra cash never hurt nobody. Least of all me."

 

[showdolly]

Morning woke the young princess, and she clambored from bed. She sleepily allowed the servants to wash her, to cleanse her body and her hair, and to dress and primp her for the day. It was routine for her, from birth, and the hands on her never entered her mind as having other purposes than those which they served every day.

She packed her things, taking most of the afternoon until it was time for a short slumber. The life of a princess wasn't an easy one, and of course she would need her beauty rest. Napping over, the girl rose for tea, and called for servants to escort her and bring her bags to the area where she would meet with the crew.
Sail wasn't until morning, but Delilah needed to be certain that all things were a-go before setting away with she and her cousins. Evening was upon them, and dinner was soon, but the princess called to the crewmen as to who would be in charge on this voyage. Being pointed in the direction of the man pointed to her, and she made her way across the room to greet him.

"T'afternoon, there. Are we prepared to sail in the morrow? I should like to contact my cousins as to their readiness if all is well here."

 

[The_gladiator]

Captain Aidan Blackwing

The captain actually smiled at her words, "Delacroix, you'll do. You'll do fine." he waved at her weaponry, "Need I even ask if you can use those things?" he asked, "I assume not, you don't seem a woman to wear them for show. And tell me do you have the firey passion to match the flame of your hair?" he asked, "I respect passion and dedication in my officers, I also respect level headed thinking, and planning as well. I think a mix is a good thing to have in a crew. Come over here, let me explain the idea." he said. he waved her to his side of the desk. He had several small models of ships he had set on the map which was obviously a map of the coast of norvos. "Here is eastyn port. I don't know if you're familiar with this area or not. I am only through travels, I was born on the islands west of here, between Norvos and Souvos." he said tapping a archipelago with one hand absently. "Anyway, there is a cruise vescle making its way from eastyn port here, out and around the cape of the langosta. Supposed to be named for some kind of lobster ish fish. Once it rounds the tip of the cape here." he tapped the spot, we strike. "Your objective is to take alive a prisoner. You are to cause as little death as possible, you are to make it quick, clean, and simple. We want in and out, before the ship is missed at its next port of call 2 hours afterward. If for some reason they are delayed too long, the port authorities at the ships second port of call will send a bird to the garison at Eastyn port here." he tapped the main port again, "And we don't want those vescles scranbling. They mean bad news, if you don't already know."
He looked up into her green eyes, "Any questions?" he asked, hoping she had understood his explanation.

 

[Pywakit]

Selene Delacroix

Selene glanced down at herself, almost as if to reassure herself that her prized knives were indeed all still in place.

"Oh, trust me. These are very much for show," she said with smile. "As in, 'show people what they're dealing with,' because once they're out... well, there's usually a fair amount of screaming." She shrugged. "Not my screaming, of course..."

She stepped forward and studied the map and ships placed on it and nodded inwardly in approval. The sea charts were recent and reliable; she'd been on plenty of ships before where captains didn't bother securing new charts as they became available. No surer sign of slop than a lazy captain.

She listened carefully to the mission, nodding at times but not speaking until Blackwing finished.

"So it's a solo trip? No backup? I'm fine with that, actually, but what kind of opposition should I expect? Any bodyguards? And how am I to get in close enough to make the grab?"

 

[The_gladiator]

Captain Aidan Blackwing

"You won't be alone, you'll take a crew of 30 hardoned men with you. This is intimidation. You are to go over there and show their few pitiful guards that there is no hope in winning." he explained. "I expect there will be guards, but I do not expect them to be a major hinderence of the mission." He regarded her face, "Is that more clear?" he asked.

 

[Pywakit]

Selene Delacroix

Selene smiled.

"Hardened men, huh?" she asked. "I gotta admit. I like the sound of that." She winked at Blackwing. "For tactical reasons, of course. Why else?"

She stood up and stepped toward the door.

"In any case, yes sir, clear as a summer morning. When do you expect we'll be in striking distance?"

 

[The_gladiator]

Captain Aidan Blackwing

"We're looking at a little over a day and a half." he said in reply to Selene's question. "And one other thing Delacroix, I need a first officer. Consider yourself the leading candidate, I hope you live up to my expectations."

He then leaned back in his chair to consider the plans, analyzing them for any weakness.

 

[gagonthis]

Calix hid a heavy yawn behind the back of his hand as he continued his work on the vessel. He'd bee on board the ship for the past couple of days, helping to make it ready for the Princess' voyage. It had been years since he'd served upon a ship in any capacity, but the work was still second nature to him. Tying off lines, hoisting and lowering sails. Most of the work now though was simply heavy lifting, bringing provisions aboard the vessel, making sure the Princess and her cousins would have the finest meals aboard their pleasure cruise.

Finally they were all called into the audience chamber of the palace, the King and Princess wanting to inspect the crew before they embarked the following morning. Calix had only seen the Princess from afar, even in all his time as a guard in the palace. He looked upon her close up for the first time now and forced himself to wrench his eyes off her before he found himself in trouble. She was as beautiful as everyone said, and more so. He blushed deeply as he looked towards the ceiling and the floor, anywhere but at her. Not proper thoughts for a mole inside the palace to have he chastised himself, especially not one who wants to remain inconspicuous. Still he couldn't help but stare at her out of the corner of his eye as she spoke with the captain. Maybe being back on sea wouldn't be so boring after all..

 

[The_gladiator]

Moderator:

The captain of the ship bowed over the princess's hand, kissing it lightly. "It is a pleasure to meet you, and serve as the captain for your esteemed ladyship on her cruise." he said, "I am captain Darel Aijacks of The Norvosi Military." he said, "We are ready my lady, I can easily have a messenger contact your cousins to inquire on their readiness. We stand ready to make sure you are comfortable, and safe on this voyage. We expect few complications to mar your vacation. Not even the weather seems to be preparing to foul up. Clear skys ahead. You know what they say, red sky at night, sailors delight." he said. As they spoke he lead her through the crowd of people, allowing sailors to shake her hand or bow to her, or make other gestures of homage as they approached the tables of appetisers. Is there anything else I can do for you?" the captain said as he stood next to the princess. Even he, at his age was taken with her stunning beauty, and reminded himself to speak to his crew about the proper etiquette they would need to show the princess, and ogling her generous cleavage, was certainly not proper etiquette. He swore inwardly, he'd have to issue a reprimand to himself for that if he was not careful.

As the captain spoke with the princess, her attendants and the kings men also mingled with the crew of the ship.

A man approached Calix, this fellow was startlingly unremarkable in his appearance, dressed as a scribe or scholar in robes. He looked at the man, and spoke, "Good day to you, a fine day for the birds to fly." This was a coded fraze, he awaited the response. He was signaling that he had new orders from Calix's superiors. And awaited the rest of the code fraze, which involved not getting pooped on by any of the said birds. It meant that he would recognise that orders, the poop was coming from the birds, the king. Once he got the proper response the man shook Calix's hand firmly, something paper and folded against his palm transfering to Calix. It was a many folded piece of parchment with the words "If the worst happens, stay at her side." written on it. The scholar turned to go, assured that Calix wouldn't be stupid enough to read the missive in mixed company.

 

[gagonthis]

.....

 

[The_gladiator]

OOC: My character is supposed to be posing as a sailor, an unwitting bodyguard for the princess, wouldn't do to have him introduce

Guess I missed that memo..

find my post editted above

 

[Pywakit]

Selene Delacroix

Selene nodded, then left her new captain to his work. Stepping back out onto the ship's deck, she took a deep breath of the salt air, enjoying the tang of the scent, the gentle sway of the deck, and the soothing creaking of the rigging. She opened her eyes and saw that the rest of the crew... all men... were eying her with a mixture of lust and worry. They'd seen what she'd almost done to one of them, and knew now that she'd been made an officer on the ship, yet had difficulty hiding with their gaze what they wanted to do to her.

Selene snorted, enjoying the attention all the more since she felt confident that even if she wouldn't be able to maim or fight off any of these scoundrels who tried to jump her, the Captain would finish off any that escaped her wrath. She turned and nimbly clambered up the rigging and onto the bow, leaning against the railing and looking out ahead. It was still some time before they'd reach their target, and although she already felt the excitement rising, she wanted to stay calm, to conserve her energy.

And so she began to wait, hoping they'd reach their target soon.