View Full Version : Starting Point
Water slapped against the wooden transport that more than paled in comparison to its vastly larger counter parts. Wind blew through the poorly crafted cloth sail attached to the make shift wooden mast, and through the loose tangles of the mysterious figures hair. His clothing automatically denoted him as a ruffian even from a distance easily identifiable by his mottled waist coat that covered his puffed shirt, and frock coat. Scraggly hairs attended on his chin creating the early shadow of a goatee added to the coarse tune his appearance sang- a sardonic smile daunted his lips while chocolate brown optics were set on the prize which was in Radasanth harbor; one of the famed war vessels of Corone.
It had been a long trip, considering him getting stranded along the shores of Istraloth; it was almost comforting at the time to see the friendly faces of his “people.” It was all so... short-lived, but he had his duties to fulfill that lead to him stowing away on a fishing vessel, as well as impersonating an “officer,” which lead to being tossed off the ship after a terrible example of begging. Obviously they didn’t understand the term “negotiating” though considering he had nothing to negotiate with, and he couldn’t do anything anyways so he accepted their course of action. Treading waters the best he could; he swam for what distances he could before tiring and drifting to the shores of Raiaera. There he was found by a group of children, mistaken for dead after a firm trouncing with prods, and pokes only then the children went off to get their mother. Fortunately she came back with them soon to give mouth to mouth, only to stir this strangely dressed stranger into consciousness who slipped in a bit of tongue as thanks. Though the kiss was welcome at first, the action which was only repaid by a slap across the face ultimately left him alone on the sandy shore.
He managed at that point in his journey to find a small life boat that was in poor shape which could steer him –he hoped- straight into the harbor of Radasanth. His hand clung to the rail of the mast as the ship was slowly sinking, both feet secured on the lips of the crows nest, and hair tussled about by the wind. His clothes fitting, but still had that loose air about them though that didn’t negate them being grubby, from his open collared white shirt, to the baggy trousers he wore that were tucked into his suede boots. The waist coat adhering to his waist only because of the belts around his hips, and swathed by the faded blue of his frock coat, sleeves draped over his hands, accompanied by the sleeves of his undershirt.
His posture of self surety was farce considering he was still trying to figure out how he would even get on one of the vessels that were docked, and the porting ledge was drawing within a steps distance. Pretty soon, well actually, at this moment he was forced to step forward off the wimpy craft that was shockingly steadily sinking until he stepped off onto the coble stone walkway; that lined the water exposed city. Already it was show time, and he was without his first mate, though arrangements would have to be made ahead of time for his hopefully unlikely capture. Lips curled as he managed to find his way into a safe spot, and a spot he found himself a lot of the time a local pub.
The Pigs Gullet
A right hand shoved the door open, as light broke into the dimly lit hovel, that was almost completely dark candles lined the walls removing all impeding darkened corners so it was equally lit all round. The occupants winced regardless as if it were their first time seeing the sun, hands were thrown up in front of faces, but everyone was looking to see who walked in. The moment he entered the pub it seemed that all conversation stopped. He only grinned, then conversation resumed, finding himself a seat at the bar the tender soon murmured a few words that sounded like a grunt to an untrained ear. “What’ll I do ya fer stranger?”
“The usual, just waiting Sam, that’s all not looking to make trouble this time…” Was the reply, a bottle of rum bumped into his arm, and the contents sloshed around inside. It was a regular stakeout trying to see who would be the first person recruited on this growingly painful endeavor. Aye, he was a stranger in his own backyard but maybe it was for the best that his name be forgotten at least until he could bring back the proper respects it deserved amongst this lot.
(Pm to join.)
There was something comforting about coming back to a place where people remembered you. Maia didn't have many times where such an event worked in her favor. Most of the time an old inn she had loved at switched hands, and she could barely recognize the insides of the building. Many of the times even when the tavern or inn wasn't different, Maia wasn't really remembered. More often in those places she had only stayed a single night or two, and she happened to be in the same area. Then again, she had only been to about four different places since coming from Salvar, so she didn't know whether to take it as a worthwhile track record.
The girl was searching along Corone's docks. There was one tavern that the girl ended up going to more then a few times when she stayed in Corone. It was a pretty dependable place to get a good drink as well as work whenever the girl needed it. She forgot the name exactly, but instead based it off of where it was in relation to the port. It didn't take that long for the girl to end up losing track of the time and staring at some of the ships. They always fascinated the girl, especially how they were able to go into the wind and move forward. She knew how, but it was almost enchanting to watch such constructs sit silently while their masters enjoyed life on the solid ground.
She managed to find the tavern, after getting away from the docks themselves. It wasn't hard, as she just followed a group of three sailors who were walking towards one. The girl knew that there was only one bar around the docks anyway. It was still as dimly lit as it ever was, but it was clean and there weren't any places that were shadowy and dark. It gave the entire room an interesting look to say the least. Maia felt for her wings, rubbing the somewhat sore muscles. They had been folded up for a while, but for everyone who look at her, she was almost completely ordinary. There wasn't even any markings or hints at Maia's wings, except for perheaps how her shirt was made. It covered the front of her body well, and with strings tied behind her managed to keep out of the way of her wings when they were out.
She moved in, stepping around and taking the only free bar stool that was there. She smiled widely at the bartender, ordering juice. The bartender looked at her for a moment before he smiled himself for a minute and got her drink. Maia paid quickly, sliding the coins across and sipping from the clean glass. Her mind began to wander to other things, including trying to figure out what to do anow that she was here. She could probably get a job somewhere on a ship if she wanted. If she did, then there was also the chance that there was something else to do either. She grinned into her drink, sipping some more and simply waiting till the bottom of the glass before choosing something to do.
Surrounded by a vast, cerulean sea, two ships encircle one another filling the salt-scented air with smoke from their cannons. Lifeboats flee the scene to all directions in hopes of survival, but chances are, most of the people leaving with no clue where the nearest patch of land would die of scurvy without any attainable source of vitamin C on the endless blue where sea touches the sky. Amidst that cluster of fleeing lifeboats, Elias frantically attempted to flee as he dropped his lifeboat into water. At that time, Eli found out how life-threatening battles at sea can be, as a cannon blasted out of the side of the ship. Not a cannonball, the whole cannon. Obviously, someone hadn't done their job of fastening in the wheelable cannon. As the mass of iron plummeted onto Eli's lifeboat, wood splinted and shattered in every direction, giving him a few scrapes here and there. The water stung as it pursued every inch of his body when he went under. Frantically moving again, he swam his way to the surface before he would asphyxiate. Clinging for dear life onto a flat of wood that was previously his own life boat, he passed out.
hours later...
Slowly opening his eyes, Elias found himself on a tropical beach near some docks. Dusting the sand off, he saw a nearby pub and figured that a drink would sounded pretty good compared to being passed out on less than half of a lifeboat out at sea. Sluggishly, but purposefully, he made his way to, and through, the doors of the pub. It was dimly lit inside, but the candle light put a dim orange glow on his pale skin. That glow made his face stand out from his black hair, which still had sea-salt and sand falling out every time hes moved. His only clothes had sand all over their back side, so he kind of felt sorry for the person who had to clean up his mess. He secured a seat sulking at the bar just as some drunk decided to leave. As luck would have it, he ended up sitting stuffed between some guy in a three-cornered hat that nearly touched him because they were so close, and some sailor who was nearly passed out on the bar.
Beckoning to the tender, he asked in a dry voice for a water and some rum with something sweet in it. He shook his hand through his hair a little to find that there wasn't as much dried sea-salt and sand grain in his hair as before. The bartender returned with his water and some rum with mandarin oranges in it. Setting his left elbow on the bar, he rested his forehead in his palm after downing his entire water, and signaled for another with his right hand. He stared blankly at the bar practically void of thought as he started on his rum.
Something told him that he was waiting to long maybe he should listen this time.
Weight was jostled around from his right elbow to his left; both were propped on the bar. The edge dug into his clothing, and uncomfortably against his skin which made it hard to get quite comfortable while he tried to look cool. At the time something told him that he was waiting to long, maybe he should listen this time. It was that nagging feeling that usually bothered a person. So clearing his throat Troy looked to the left of him to see an unfortunate and muddled boy about his age, and a girl that looked rather pensive it was to be expected in this kind of setting; considering either you were thinking or just trying to get sloshed up enough not to think anymore. The fellow on the other hand, looked so terrible like he was dragged through the sand, then slapped across a tree. So back to Troy, who sat there between these two unlucky folks that he was trying to devise a decent plan for stringing them along to being part of his crew.
No one in there right mind though would outright ask for folks to be in there crew, no that made you look desperate. To get someone to join you had to have something that would weigh in your favor, and keep them around long enough till they forgot. Usually something elaborate would do it, and hold someone to an almost binding unwritten contract. You needed how you say, leverage.
There was always the hostage situation, but then again he would be taking a gamble on if the unfortunate one – that is what we will call him for now- would join in on the fun and try and stop him. However, assuming he didn’t, Troy would be stuck with one angry woman, and no crew; besides the idea was cliché and over used anyways. So drumming on the edge of the bar with his left, he used his right to grab the bottle of rum and start guzzling it back. As the dark contents slopped back and forth, and it passed through his lips he started concocting a scheme. He didn’t have the funds to pay for this…then it hit him, if he didn’t have the money to pay for it, and if this guy was any sort of gentleman he just might have something that or he could pin it on the both of them.
That way he could at least coerce them into joining for the pillaging, and he would be basically stuck with the two for a good voyage which gave him time to charm them over. With that in mind, he topped the rum, and pocketed it.
A coy smile brushed against his lips, as he tipped the front corner of his hat down to shadow his eyes. That grin only got bigger as he stood up, immediately like clock work that bartender tried to check him. “Oi, mate are you payin’ for it?” The comment came with its own amount of malice along with that drunken slur. Troy cocked an eyebrow as he put on his best drunken face, turning around as if his arms were still perched on a bar then slapped them down on the shoulders of his bar mates; the lady and lad.
“Nay! Put the rum on the tab of my good fellow and lovely lady.” With that he took a calm step backward. Then Troy sauntered, in the best impression of drunkenness he could out of the bar, almost “keeling” over at the door slapping his hand against the adjacent wall before stumbling out onto the street. The intense sunshine made him cover his eyes maybe he was in that bar to long, but now it was up to the fish to take the bate so he crossed his arms and waited outside of the bar.
Maia's drink was emptied, and the girl moved onto a slightly stronger drink then her juice. It didn't take terribly much longer, as it seemed with every sip of the brew made the girl want a little more before putting the class down, as empty as it was before Maia entered the tavern. She stayed somewhat away from the others in the place, preferring her own thoughts for once. It wasn't so much that she didn't want to, but that most girls that one found in places like this were not exactly the most private of sorts.
Still, the girl enjoyed her drink, and had another when the man sitting next to her left. She tried not to be judgmental of people, but he did have a smell about him. The girl smiled a little, finishing the drink with a bit of effort. She didn't have much in the way of a buzz, but her thirst was more than conquered by the three drinks. She put down a couple coins to pay for them, too much for the base cost but with the tip just right. She got up to leave, collecting her things.
Hey wait up," a voice said aloud. Maia turned, recognising the mumble if anything else. "You're drunken friend in that stupid hat said you'd pay for his drinks, and he wasn't drinking the cheap stuff girl."
Maia paused for a second, then almost seemed to fume in anger. She didn't draw a weapon or curse, but stayed silent and almost broiled inside her. She walked as calmly as she could out the door despite the bartender telling her to turn around and pay. Her back itched a little, and she resisted the urge to spread her wings and fly. She never really got a good luck at the drunk. That was exactly the reason why she didn't, since they tended to be a lot looser with their hands then they should have been. Staying away from them was one of the more important rules Maia followed.
She squinted her eyes as she came outside and closed the door behind her. She stepped to the side a little so the door wouldn't hit her, and then waited as she quickly got used to the light. Apparenly the drunk man wasn't that good with his motor skills right now, as he was also right in front of her waiting. She took a few seps towards him, a scowl on her face as she pointed an accusing finger at him.
"You forgot to pay in there!" was the best she could do. She wasn't that angry in one way, but she was definitly irritated by the man. She put her arm down, resting it on the sharp edge of a boomerang strapped behind her. A little blood flowed, but the wound healed as the girl took a breath and stopped. Maia didn't even notice her cut as she did so. "People won't be happy if you leave that tab there."
“Nay! Put the rum on the tab of my good fellow and lovely lady," said the man in the three-cornered-hat. The guy seemed awfully drunk as he dropped his tab off on Elias and the lady sitting a seat away from him. Due to recent events, Eli was still slightly "out of it" from nearly drowning at sea, so something like that didn't phase him at the time. Soon after the drunkard left, the girl finished her drinks and followed as well. By this time, Eli hadn't even finished the first rum he had, but he had been slightly alerted when the bartender contested her when she tried to leave.
"Well, Mac, you're going to have to pay the fer it, then." The bartender more or less slammed his hand down on the bar in front of Eli and stared him down. Meeting the tender's grimace with a calm, dazed expression, Elias simply checked his pocket's for his money. He pulled a plain, brown bag out of his pocket, and felt slightly uncomfortable at how light it felt. Untying the yellow-ish string from the top, he peeked inside, and his eyes widened. The dazed feeling he previously had was gone, and had tagged out with anxiety, and he stood up from the stool slowly and dumped the contents into his hand. A few coins, and not nearly enough to pay for the drink he ordered himself, let alone cover some guy he didn't even know. The bartender stretched out his hand in a sort of "gimme" manner. Eli hesitated, the put his hand above the bartenders, but, before letting go if his last few coins, he turned and ran to the door. The bartender's yelling led two employees into pursuit, but, by the time they had gotten out from around the bar, Elias was already outside.
The sun blinded Eli, but that didn't stop him from running. Instead, the body of another person is what stopped him from running.
Oh it was grand they came out like he planned like moths to a flame, but it was quite a shame that he had to string them along like this.
He watched the girl come out first fumed, and flustered index finger prepped and ready to lash out accusing him before words even leapt from her tightened lips. Good thing he got all the guilt out of his system while he was devising his plan or else he would have almost said sorry. She was irritated it was apparent in one light he saw a slap coming his way, in the other he could see a much-preferred lecture; lucky for him he got the latter.
"You forgot to pay in there! People won't be happy if you leave that tab there."
He was slow to interject but quick to correct as he brought his right hand up to lower her finger. Tapping his lips with the index finger of his own right hand he thought for a minute before remarking unto her.“ They wont be happy if You leave a tab in there-” He would have gone on but he felt there was something amiss, soon he realized what it was or rather who as the fellow he also slapped his tab upon came trailing the heels of the woman. The corners of his mouth upturned into a smile that was just as friendly as it was sly.
“Well, it seems you have come to join us sir.” Troy paused briefly, collecting his words so he didn’t explain anything wrong. “It seems you two are in a bind, on one hand, you both have the choice of going back into that bar, and possibly get roughed up until the authorities come to apprehend you for plain out dishonesty, and skipping on your bill on the other hand, you can continue with your law breaking ways, and join me in my quest to cause a bit of an uprising.”
It was a rather short speech one that was given with the utmost sincerity, and mustered every bit of honesty he could. Frankly, the guards would be on them any second, but he wasn’t the one in trouble they were. However, no matter how amusing it would have been to watch them be caught, he still had to find a crew, and obtain a ship this was the best, and quickest way to go about it.
“So what will it be? The Cavalry will be here any minute, so your choice must be rushed I apologize for that much at least. But the quicker I get an answer, the quicker we can devise a plan, to get ourselves out of here.”
Maia almost blushed at the man's comments. She didn't have much gold on her. She never really did. Especially with the fact it held her down flying too much, she also didn't enjoy having an extra bag for it. What few coins she had were smaller, and her own drinks exhausted whatever excess money she had. The rest she needed to keep for emergancies like starvation. Then again, this might be one.
Still, his words did sway her a little. She knew enough, or remembered enough, about the area that there were no guards as there would be in the more center parts of the city. Calling the rough men who acted as law-keepers guards was an insult. They were as liable to break a jaw and bone then to quell an uprising. They were not the types to get on the bad side of, and the man in front of the girl had apparently just put a big red target on her chest. Thieving from the only worthwhile bar on the entire port was not a fun thing.
Maia thought for a moment, mind working quickly and hand delicatly resting on the hilt of her boomerang. She could probably just take out the man in front of her without a problem. She was good enough with throwing a knife and he was within about five feet. That would be easy pickings. Then again, the same law keepers would only end up arresting her anyway for assault. She didn't want to know what would happen to her if she was taken in. That, and the man in front of her probably didn't have the money to pay either, and they wouldn't care.
"Gods damn it all" the girl swore under her breath. The girl didn't see much else choice but to follow the man in front of her. "Run. Now. I want to get out of here at least before anyone comes. You can just explain yourself then."
The bit of clumsiness that lead him bumping into the back of the nearest person to the door went forgiven; it was only a slight bump, so the more appropriate word would probably be unnoticed. Thanks to that, he stepped back and brushed himself off. A momentary lapse of thought left him standing idly by while his eyes still adjusted to the sun. The two people standing near him talked shortly, then jolted off while a small mob of the city's law enforcement ran in from a different way. In seconds, they were upon Elias, and it was about then that his eyes had adjusted to that bright sun once again, and he was surrounded by gruff looking men wearing white uniforms. What a day.
"Pardon me, sir," said the person that seemed to be the highest ranking officer in this small mob of law enforcers. "Have you seen a few people run away from this bar?"
Elias thought for a second, reflecting on hearing two sets of footsteps run away after hearing the two people talk just before he was approached by the group. "Um... I think they went that way." He said, pointing in the direction that the duo of footsteps made their exit. With a thank you from the same officer that spoke before, the mob charged in the direction the other two had fled. It was nice to see polite law enforcement doing their job. It almost makes it a shame that people would skip their tab, then run away without even considering working off their debt. Uh..
As the white-uniformed enforcers chased on in one direction, Elias began his stroll in the direction they originally came from, but the lax of the moment was quickly destroyed by the owner of the pub and his two goons running out screaming and seemingly running toward Eli. Thinking back, he skipped his tab to. Once he remembered this, he thought to turn tail and take off... so he did.
Crud…
And they were off, boots slapped against the cobble-stoned walkways, mob nipping at their heels. His right hand clutched around the hand of the girl that he so slyly wrapped in his orchestrated mischief making. Lips curled into a smile as he dared a look backwards to the authorities and who-ever else chased them; what a way to kick off the venture, and the day with a chase! The rum in his pocket jostled about against his thigh a careful reminder of how this plan should have ended up so it was time to think fast.
In homage to every cliché chase moment in history, every kissing scene, every chance a guy has taken to make a pass at a woman, this had to be one of those. So in a graceful curve the ducked around a corner -not far from the docks- weight shifted as he took the lead per se and danced their way into an alley. His hand around her waist firmly, he heard the steps of their pursuers encroaching upon them, he had to think fast so he kissed. The tools of any charming man’s trade were put into action again, pressed close to her lips were his in a relatively pleasant embrace. God knows what she was thinking at this point, but for all evasive purposes he hoped she wouldn’t flog him for it.
Weight leaned forward almost dipping her backwards, taking into account the low lighting of the alley, and probably the frequent use of such spots for the start of love making he hoped the guards and the lot would pass by in continued chase of the elusive duo.
As he heard the steps diminish, then retreat back where they came Troy leaned upright keeping his back to the alley’s entrance looking into the face of this woman who he hadn’t met before today, who he kissed, and involved in his own personal endeavors. It didn’t seem to bad, considering that he probably lost the other fellows interest, which would make part 3 of his scheme harder to complete. He looked over his shoulder hesitantly before he started talking again.
“Look, I have to get on one of those ships so we can continue with our journey. Not only that, but I might need your help removing the majority of those guards. Just wait for my signal, and you will know what it is so don’t worry just keep your eyes to the sky.”
With that he was off to do his part in this scheme, right hand delved into the pocket of his over coat and pulled out his bottle of stolen rum. Sleeves hung over his hands as he brought the bottle to his lips like sweet nectar he guzzled, then wiped his mouth with his sleeve. Time to get in character, weight shifted forward eyes half closed bumping into folks on the street, and his tricorne hat was inclined forward somewhat. As he made his way into the docks, a few of the guards noticed him, and began to approach slowly, up the gangplank he went.
Exciting Innit?
Stumbling up the wooden pathway onto the ship, both hands flung up in the air guards standing in awe at the gutsy move made by the no nothing, nobody what did he think he was doing? Making a show of course. However, when he mocked hunching over to vomit the guards were quicker to act than he expected and tried to gut him then and there, so with some careful dancing he made his way around the mast where one of the swords found its perch. The other still came at him, and would have had him if he hadn’t slipped on a wet piece of cleaning cloth, the tricky little bugger slid him forward lowering his body to the ground, where he quickly recovered with his right hand against the wooden floor propping himself up. Left hand pulled out his saber, which he used to knock the other sword away.
The duel ensued picking up a few other swords that were manned by a few other hands, which belonged to a few other guards. It was almost uncanny how he danced between the blades parry, leading, dodging until he lead two guards to bump into each other, another guard to noose his foot in a piece of rope that was attached to a cannon, which he kicked over board. The other guard had a crudely made, pre-prepped signal flare, another parry, a second dodge, his sword locked in position with the other, then he spun grabbing the flare then lunging his sword forward. The guard wasn’t hesitant to take a jab at Troy’s exposed forearm, and made a nice cut into his flesh and shirt, though the two coats did help lessen the blow. Even still he fired off the shot of the flare into the air, which exploded in red sparks, the attention of the guard being drawn away so Troy punched him in the face and down he went.
But the flare would only summon more guards, so he hoped that his lass in waiting would be coming soon enough.
Elias still had the three men from the pub chasing him. With his whimsy lifestyle, he was used to knowing when to fold, and so he ran. He was also all too familiar with taking the best route to get between one place and another as quickly and efficiently as possible. From past experience, he knew he needed two things. To find a way to escape, and to make it happen.
First in the agenda, he needed to get somewhere high. A bird's eye view of the city would tell him if he would find haven somewhere on land, or if he'd need a ship to head out to sea. Stopping dead in the street, he spun in place and ran directly at his pursuers. They stopped moving as well, confused at first at the sudden change of heart in the person they were chasing. The goons both prepared to attack, but Eli wasn't yet resulting to a fight. Instead, he veered quickly to his left and effortlessly hopped up onto a box about three-fourths of his height. The goons halted and stared curiously as Elias then jumped and kicked up the wall, grabbing the ledge of an open, second-story window. He pulled himself up with little effort, and then slipped into the window.
"An apartment... great.." thought Elias without letting it slow him down. He ran for the first door, hoping it would be an exit, but, instead, he got a broom closet. Then a bathroom with no one in it... Then, finally, a hallway of the apartment building, and, to his left, stairs. Climbing the stairs as high as he could, he ended up on the roof, which was exactly what he was hoping for. He ran over to the edge of the roof and looked down at the world around him. Learning he was on an island, he also knew that he needed to leave the island. The docks would be where he needed to head next.
Up until now, he had been heading in the wrong direction. Instead of backtracking, he took the rooftops as close as he could get, and then slip down into a back alley. By the time the pubmaster and his goons made it to the initial roof that he set foot on, Elias had already slipped down into an alley and made his way to the docks without further problems. When he got to the docks, there was quite a show. Some guy had waltzed his way onto a ship and was then taking the guards down one by one. If there were ever a chance to steal a ship to get away from his current debt, this was it. However, this was quite an extreme measure for a few drinks worth of coins.
Slipping through the crowd of people watching the show, Elias made his way to the boat. Before he could access the gangplank, he was halted by two guards standing at the bottom. Evidently, as a fight broke loose on the deck, they didn't want it to get worse by allowing the public to access the boat and join in. What kind of city is this?
The two men were about the same size as Elias, but neither of them looked like they give much of a fight. The only power they had to stop the citizens accessing the gangplank was the authority of putting them in jail. Since Elias had planned to leave anyway, this kind of authority didn't mean anything to him. Being pushed close by the public, Eli leaned into the motion and jabbed his left fist into the stomach of the guard on his left, and the pushed that guard into the ocean behind him. Before the other guard could pull his saber, Elias had already recoiled and turned his momentum into an open palm to the chin of the other guard, and used both hands to push that guard into the water.
Sprinting up the gangplank, he reached the duck, turned in place and untied the ropes binding the gangplank to the ship. Then, with some effort, forced the gangplank off the ship and into the water between the ship and the dock. Now, the only access to the ship would be the rope at the front and rear end of the ship binding it to the docks. Turning back to face the people fighting on the deck, he assessed the situation. All of the ships hands were attacking one man, and they were doing a poor job of it. The man looked kind of familiar, but the only part of him that Elias recognized was that tri-cornered hat. He couldn't exactly remember where he had seen the man with the hat, but it didn't matter. Some of the ship's hands noticed that Elias was now on the ship without permission as well.
Immediately associating the two criminals, four of the hands ignored the first intruder, and charged on Elias. With no other course of action, he engaged the four men in battle. The first man to approach stabbed at Eli, but easily had his momentum used against him as Eli grabbed his shirt and threw him from the ship. By the time they heard the splash from the first man, the next two were already swinging their swords at odd angles at their target. In order to counter this, Elias half-removed his left sword from it's sheath, blocking the saber coming at his left ribs. With his right hand, he drew the sword on his right hip and parried the attack coming on his right. After parrying, he sliced off the hand of the man wielding the saber on his left, and then, slashed from left to right, slicing open the stomach of the man on his right. He expelled both men from the ship, and the fourth attacker was upon him. The man's saber slashing down words directly toward Eli's skull. Drawing the sword on his left hip, he ducked in order to give him time to block the saber with his left hand, and then stab into the heart of the attacker. Elias whipped the swords toward the ground and stopped suddenly in order to remove as much blood as possible, and then quickly placed them back into their respective sheaths.
By now, the man with the tri-cornered hat had dispatched all of his would-be dispatchers, and didn't seem as if he was going to attack Elias. Since he didn't pose any threat, Elias ignored him and ran to the front of the ship. There was one man at the front of the ship, but he had just watched Eli remove four of his comrades, so he turned tail and leaped into the ocean. Elias unsheathed the sword on his right hip and grasped it with both hands; his intentions were clear as he slashed the rope binding the front of the ship to the dock. Many guards had gathered on the dock, but none of them even attempted to climb the rope on the rear of the ship.
The only things between him and his escape were the rope at the back of the ship, and the men still on board.
The man that Maia followed was quick on his feet, and managed to keep ahead of the girl. She might have been able to beat him with a little bi of help from her wings, but she couldn't deny his legs served him well. The girl threw a catious glance backwards, seeing some of the guards a fair distance away. They were still annoying though, because they were too close to lose that easily. For a moment the girl considered flexing some of her unseen talents. The man in front of her stopped them however, and pulled her into an ally as they rounded a corner towards the docks.
The following event Maia would never end up admitting to, even to herself. The man who had ended up turning her into a fugitive, and also giving her a bad name in the area. She didn't have much of one before, but it didn't really change the facts. Or the act of him holding her close and kissing her in a more intimate way then she would have wanted. Needless to say, the girl stood there for a minute after the kiss ended, and the man left to take over a ship.
Maia gained her bearings after a bit, mostly shocked that someone was able to get her to kiss them that easily. That, and that the guards managed to miss them. It was like a cliche tale in a bard's telling for drink at a tavern. Maia searched and found the man easily. He was on a ship, fighting off guards on the ship itself without as much trouble as she would have thought. Still, she waited for a moment, content on watching him get captured while she remained free. At least, that's how is was before the other kid in the tavern came along and stole the gangplank, effectavly stranding themselves on the boat.
She felt a hand on her shoulder, and didn't bother to look around as her ears picked up some very threatening tones by however held her. She ran quickly, sprinting out of the alley and letting her wings explode from her back. They pumped powerfully twice as the girl jumped, lifting her awkwardly and landing her gracelessly on the deck of the ship. She rolled for a second knocking one man off balance and actually over the railing and into the water with a comic splash, recovering her bearings easily enough on the ship.
She saw the other two dispatching the remaining men on board, and remained silent. She turned, not bothering to hide her wings as she drew a cheap knife she had. She paused for a moment, then threw as hard as she could and cut the line still holding the boat to the dock. She pulled the line in, tieing it off so that it wouldn't get in the way. A few moments later and she was pulling the main sheets down, hands remembering how to work a ship from the glory days of the old Black Sails Armada.
"Hurry it up and get the boat moving, I don't want to get caught!"
The wind was picking up, the sails were full nothing stood in their way of escape but the men that lingered on the slightly larger than normal Caravel, and in turn his hat was blown back towards the steering stand looped on the wheel at the helm. So it was a brush with death, his sword was locked with one of the Radasanth guard’s, but he saw so many more on their way fighting from the bowels of the ship. Though he had to be quite gracious to Maia for breaking the ship free from the port, these few stragglers had to be dealt with. Blocking, Parrying, and thrusting his way through the crowd of soldiers Troy found himself at a stand still. Time had slowed down, and the wind brushed against his face again, they were moving in a sense they were already free even as soldiers toppled this way and that over the railings.
Weight teetered as he dropped to one knee, tackling two soldiers off the side of the boat. His attention was drawn to the valiantly fighting Elias -thank the sea for his appearance- and to think that Troy’s first thought of this dazed swordsman was “deserter” when it should have been “comrade.” It was uplifting to see everything being pulled together so quickly, but they weren’t out of the gate yet. Two cannons were stationed both at the Starboard and Port sides of the ship, and with the sparks from the blades clashing, he managed to fire off one of the cannons, not only sinking one of the ships, but also to wind and remove the last soldier.
His sword was sheathed, shoulder rolled back, lips curled and he sauntered up the steps to the wheel at the helm. Grasping one of the many pegs that protruded from its circular form, he looked back to the port then his eyes narrowed turning hard to port. The aura of his captainship brushed over him as he let the ship take its course. His hat was affixed on his head charismatically as he looked both to the woman, and man.
“At this point if you so choose to stay on this ship, I am Captain Troy Pearson but offer you both escape, freedom to dive into the ocean or be taken to port elsewhere. Though you must remember, as of this moment, blood stains your hands and you will be fore’er and outlaw of the country. Likewise the title of outlaw still stands, but at least you wont be alone, you may have a position on this ship it is your choice.”
Troy stepped down from the helm though it was only momentarily after he gave his very short diatribe. To walk towards the railing that was almost the barrier between them and the sea, looking back towards Radasanth knowing soon enough they would be followed, and that there was no going back to normal living after this. Though his ears were perked for their response, he hoped they would choose to stay even though he had gotten them both into this rut of a mess.
With the ship void of it's workers, no one was left that still wanted to attack Elias. The stranger in the tri-cornered hat manned the helm, so Eli just slumped against the railing at the rear of the ship. He listened to the stranger as he introduced himself as troy and proposed some sort of piratey alliance, but didn't think much about it. The previous fights and running from the bar all on an empty stomach had had him near exhaustion. His eyes were heavy, and pretty much were forcing themselves closed. Eli forced an eye open, and managed to speak to the "captain."
"Sure; it's not like I have anything better to do. My name's Elias, but call me by whatever you choose..."
Half way through speaking, he managed to stand, and stumble down to the deck. After he finished speaking, he went below deck in attempt to finding some sort of food. The ship was stacked. Food of many kinds, drinking water, rum, a functional kitchen, hammocks, and wood and equipment for ship repair... the ship had anything a crew would need for a voyage. Since the ship was previously meant for a large amount of employees, there was plenty for the three people currently on the ship to go on quite a long voyage.
jackpot
Maia almost sighed as she quickly scanned to make sure that the boat was still running. Part of her already knew that she would be joining the ship as part of its crew from the very moment she caught sight of it. It was a weird little feeling of premotion, like deja vu. Then again, it was also on a caravel like this one Maia first learned to sail. It gave a nicely ironic twinge that she would go back to piracy on it.
She thought about it, letting her wings stay unfolded and free in the wind that propelled them along. The ship was sturdy enough, and they could probably get a couple more members without that much trouble. She grinned at the thought of the sea again. It would be fun at the very least, so long as their piracy was not taken over the line too early. The girl was not against really pillaging, but she didn't want to get stranded because he partners were killed.
She turned towards the man who brought her out her, deciding to try and square what he did later. For now however, he was the captain of the ship. Maia still followed the ship's code as best as she could, and always remembered one of the most important rules. The Captain was the god of the ship, and his word was law. Still, if she got a good position on the ship, then she could probably get more then enough free drink to repay what he too. Still, she wasn't sure how much good it could do for her if she stayed on the ship too long.
"Sail on captain," Maia said with a bow that could be taken as mocking or a a sign of genuine servitude, deciding to walk the middle path for now. "I will follow the ship for now at least."
Their replies were shocking even though the alternatives he presented were still persuasive; it wasn’t humorous so he didn’t laugh, though his calculating mind worked faster than ever at this moment, his outward expression didn’t show it. There was a schedule to keep if he was to grab all those he required for this voyage. Even now, he knew that the Corone authorities would be pursuing them, it was hard not to they had killed at least two dozen men. He broke from his internal thought as the weight that was put on the rail was pushed back, causing him to step backwards form the rail, and look over his shoulder to them watching as Elias walked away as well as Maia, leaving the captain to his own solitude.
“Then it is settled, welcome to the crew.” Troy muttered under his breath as loose strands brushed into his face, a solitary hand was brought up to push them back removing his hat momentarily before re-adjusting it on his head. It was a familiar scene, as a smile lingered on his lips.
Water slapped against the wooden transport that made those smaller paled in comparison. Wind blew through the well crafted cloth sails attached to their wooden masts, and through the loose tangles of the Captain’s hair, who looked out onto the sea before him. His clothing automatically denoted him as a ruffian even from a distance easily identifiable by his mottled waist coat that covered his puffed shirt, and frock coat. Scraggly hairs attended on his chin creating the early shadow of a goatee added to the coarse tune his appearance sang- a sardonic smile daunted his lips while chocolate brown optics were set on the horizon.
Hands brushed against the railing that lined the ship as he made his way first below deck to meet with Elias. Feet found the steps securely, and he stepped up next to his crew mate slowly admiring what they managed to get away with while also scrambling to find his words, and the tone to speak them with a sense of urgency, and importance.
“Be sure to stay close at hand just in case we come under attack, though I believe we will be safe. The trip should be about a day or so, we are headed towards Salvar.”
He didn’t stand around to chit chat so he headed back up on deck to talk to Maia, making sure not to bump into her unhidden wings. Stepping up next to her in the same quiet fashion he approached Elias.
“Preparations have been made for us to head to Salvar, hopefully the trip will be trouble free but just in case keep a weather eye out.” Leaving Maia without any room for conversation as he moved to the helm to grab the wheel, along the way he mentally reviewed the rules of the ship. This was a new chapter, in a story that hard barely even begun.
Kick Reason to the Curb
Witchblade
06-17-07, 08:21 PM
Story
Continuity: - 4 None of you really put any effort into explaining just why it is your characters are in this specific place, how they got there or even what they’re doing. Zero, your introduction post was a battle going on between two ships in the middle of the sea. It was just a dramatic and unnecessary way to introduce your character into the story and done so nonchalantly that the reader was left dumbfounded. After nearly being killed in a fight, and then nearly drowning and washing up on shore, he just brushes himself off and heads into a tavern? It definitely did not sit well with the reader at all. Ships don’t just blow the crap out of each other for no reason.
Now, as for the actual storyline of the quest itself…it was odd to say the least. The characters, especially Maia just seemed tricked into doing this little endeavour a little too easily. Not to mention the way they were tricked almost seemed childish. They couldn’t afford the bill so suddenly, they have to steal a boat and escape Coronian authorities? It was over the top and came off wrong, like a half thought out plan that really didn’t turn out in the end. I really think you could have made this much more interesting than you did, but you went through it too quickly. More on that in pacing though.
Setting: - 3 There were points in the story where the setting was described well and I knew exactly where the characters were and what was going on around them. However, those points were few and far between. A lot of the time setting was forgotten about and the reader had to try really hard just to see what was going on around the characters. The part where Troy starts attacking the ship is a good example. Not once is the shit described, nor are the soldiers ever described. All it was, was a bunch of words about parrying, attacking and defending, leaving the reader wondering just what was going on. I really think all three of you could have done much better with this because you’re all competent writers!
Pacing: - 4 This really killed a lot of the quest for me. It started off fine, quickly jumped into this whole scheme of acquiring crew members by making them pay for drinks and then spiralled into an attack on an armed naval vessel. It seemed too easy to get the characters to join Troy, the only one who put up a fight was Elias, but he soon joined in on the rampaging because he couldn’t afford a drink. What if the characters had the money on them and actually paid the tab? Or, what if they’d refused and turned Troy in instead? There were so many interesting things that could have happened. Plus, taking over an armed, Coronian naval vessel? Corone is extremely competent when it comes to their navy and you basically took over a ship in about three or four posts with very little trouble for any of the characters. More on that in action.
Character
Dialogue: - 7 For the most part, the dialogue seemed true to the characters for the short time that I had known them. There wasn’t a lot of NPC dialogue, just some small stuff thrown in here and there from the barkeep or random guards. Some of the stuff Troy said seemed a little overdramatic from time to time and just slightly odd, however I believe that might be part of his character, so that’s nothing I’m reducing points on.
Action: - 3 Corone soldiers! Your characters were fighting armed, trained and experienced naval soldiers on an armed naval vessel in the middle of a port, in a city that the Corone Government runs! Why, does that sound like a really bad idea to me as the reader and why was it so easy for each one of your characters to dispatch with these soldiers? Troy and Elias, you two did the majority of the fighting in the thread. Both of your characters are level zero, yet you are fighting groups of armed and experience soldiers with very, very little trouble. In fact, I think one of you came away with a scratch and that was it. I bet both of you have average, or if you’ve lucky, above average skill in the weapons you’re using, but you’re fighting soldiers who probably have above average to advanced skills with their weapons. Yet, you had no trouble with killing a ship full of them. That was by far the biggest draw back of this quest. It was just too easy for the characters.
Persona: - 5 It’s hard to really get to know characters in such a short thread. From what I read, all three of you kept true to your character’s personalities. Though I do believe Maia giving in so easily to Troy was an escape for the writers. It was like none of you wanted to make this complicated in any kind of sense, so you attempted to stay true to your characters while making them do things they probably would not otherwise do.
Writing Style
Mechanics: - 5 Well, there were quite a few grammar and spelling mistakes throughout the quest. Troy, you have a habit of using commas when they are not needed. If you use them unnecessarily they break up the flow of your writing. There were also a few times when I noticed run on sentences throughout your writing. All of you misspelled words from time to time, forgetting to add on the last letter of a word were the most common out of these. Re-reading your posts should solve that problem.
Technique: - 4 I did not spot the use of any techniques throughout the quest.
Clarity: - 5 There were a few times that I had to go back and re-read something, or it just left me slightly dumbfounded. This happened most often when any kind of action entered the thread, especially when Troy is fighting the soldiers. There wasn’t a huge description of what were going on, just parrying, thrusting, blocking and all that fun fighting stuff. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough and just left the reader uninterested and slightly confused.
Wild Card: - 5 This was an interesting idea, one that could have been extremely good had it been pulled off correctly, however I do not believe it was.
Total: 45
Rewards:
Troy receives 280 experience and 200 GP!
Maia receives 700 experience and 200 GP!
Zero receives 260 experience and 200 GP!
The vessel, which was stolen and not ever given a name nor mentioned with one, was not requested as a spoil and is therefore not given. Even were it to be requested as a spoil, I feel the quest was not done well enough to merit it. Had it been longer and perhaps a little more effort been put forth, then probably.
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