|
Post by posy-punch on Jun 30, 2018 15:49:32 GMT -6
Rogue and Flight Faction ThreadPlease keep the following in mind:- Posts must be a minimum of 175 words. There is no maximum!- No strict order is enforced, but there must be at least two posts between your own.- No god-moding or reading characters' minds (unless your pony is a literal telepath, anyway) - Always get consent before harming another character!- Your faction is precious. Try to interact with everyone. <3- Have fun! Even if your pony isn't. 8'DPrompt: If it is only cloudy on the Mainland, then it is positively storming on the Isles. The band of storms seems to encircle Aquore, and being a proxy of the Mainland you are not spared from your god's raging storms. Even so, in the storm people have begun to whisper. Here at a tavern, you're in earshot of one of the rumors: they say an Aodhian trading vessel was dashed against the rocks of one of the unexplored islands on the way to trade with the Isle's inhabitants. Given that Aodh is well known for its luxury items, the treasure is certainly a little too tempting and you band together to at least find the treasure. What happens after it's found is another story; who would ever want to share? Location: A tavern on the Isle of Blood Time of Day: Sunrise Current Weather: Raging thunderstorms and heavy wind. Areas below sea level have begun to flood. This thread is open to all characters in the Rogue or Flight Sub-factions! You don't have to register to join in!
|
|
|
Post by posy-punch on Jun 30, 2018 17:02:47 GMT -6
The tavern was sticky with alcohol, heavy with the scent of sweat and vomit, and completely off-putting in both appearances and patronage. The pirates and captains, the brewers and craftsmen, all of them were those that had turned from the watchful eye of the government to do their business.
Atzi turned her nose at the scent of alcohol as she approached the bartender, here teke grasped for the pouches bound around her neck. Valuable herbs intended for the back-business of this particular tavern. One that dealt in poisons. Atzi directed her good-eye towards the bartender, a smile touching her lips.
"Zhuli, did you happen to watch the storm a few nights previous?" She began. The brewer was familiar with Atzi's ramblings, but they did not often start like this.
"The Blood Mother passed judgment on a trade vessel." She continued, finally piquing the brewer's interest, and that of the few tipsy rogues in her immediate vicinity. The brewer gave her a nod to continue her recount, and Atzi supplied, her good eye sparkling, glancing around at those craning their necks to hear.
"It disappeared on the northern side of the island, but unless it had docked, it must have been dashed amongst the rocks. After all, it did not reappear." The tavern felt quieter with her words before conversation once more picked up, those uninterested in the potential treasure laughing off their focus on the cleric's story.
"But I could be wrong. I mean, it isn't often an Aodhian trading vessel as magnificent as that one sails through the Isles."
1 | 263
|
|
|
Post by JourneyHorse on Jul 1, 2018 21:31:28 GMT -6
Balthier [ post 1 # || word count: 394 ] |
Rumors... tasty morsels drifting on the tids waiting for an opportunist to snap them up. Balthier was one such opportunist, made his living off it in fact. He went where the money was. Now more than ever he was in sore need of coin. After the destruction of his beloved ship, the Rancor, Balthier and the members of his crew who had survived had been forced to make their escapades on the high seas in a mere sloop called the Albacore. To be fair, the little ship was solidly built and could maneuver like nothing else but it was no Rancor. The past months had been spent stockpiling wealth in order to have his ship rebuilt so once more the sight of black sails would strike terror into the hearts of all who were unfortunate enough to see it. Until then, Balthier was hard a work doing what he did best, following the money: whether that be slaves, drugs, smuggling, looting or in this case, treasure hunting.
He stared into the bottom of his mug of rum, pretending to be lost in its intoxication while he listened to the conversation. An Aodhian trading vessel? He knew a fair bit about what such vessels could potentially carry, needless to say their cargo was usually irresistibly rich. Even if the mare’s information was wrong it wouldn’t hurt to at least take a look. Despite the storm he knew his way around the north shore, navigating a smaller ship among the rocks would however be a much harder task. Maybe he and his crew could take a little overland trip to the north shore and scout out the coast line? Mentally he was already calculating the effects the storm driven winds and tides would have on where a sunken vessel might settle. It was possible the currents could drag the thing miles from where it sank, he’d seen it before.
Taking a long swing from his glass he took the opportunity to glance around the room. There were the general rabble of drunks and fools too inebriated or simple to have paid much attention to the conversation that the mare at the bar had had. But here and there he saw some who showed just a little too much interest. He smiled into his glass, what what a treasure hunt without a little friendly competition after all?
Beware of an old man in a profession where men usually die young |
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2018 14:45:47 GMT -6
SASHA The storm was beating the tavern heavily, and Sasha was mostly glad he had made it inside. Ephraim, his servant, was on a gathering mission and he almost had the decency to feel bad for him - but just almost. He was pretty sure it was okay, Ephraim was a smart enough guy to find cover. Sasha swirled his drink around in the wooden pint, taking a good sip. The pint froze to his lips as he heard talk of an Aodhian vessel, and his ears perked. Who didn’t like the sound of treasure on a rainy day?
Sasha absolutely did not have a ship, or a crew, or any manageable skills for such things, really. But he sure was a crafty little weasel, one that did not waste time to slide his drink on the counter and closer to Atzi so that no details would be missed. What Sasha lacked in many important things, he made up with his brazen attitude and creativity.
Sasha looked around himself, and noted Captain Balthier among the people who had clearly heard this tasty bit of gossip. For someone who was not part of any crew or group, it was usually smart to know those that were. So, without wasting any time Sasha marched over to him. “I hear you might be a few hooves short on your ship, Captain”, he flashed a grin. It was true no one wanted to share, but the more guys one could have working for them, the less would be working against.
Word count: 255 | post 1 Link to reference
|
|
|
Post by ThatDenver on Jul 14, 2018 0:11:45 GMT -6
EPHRAIM (NPC The storm had led to some complications with his gathering mission, but the biggest complication arose on his way home, when a gust of wind almost smashed Ephraim into the trees. He made his way back home, wet and limping slightly from the ugly landing, but found their small shack empty. Some asking around led him to a tavern, just in time to hear Sasha volunteering himself – or now them, unfortunately – for some sort of ship related adventure. Ephraim, for his part, was not a huge fan of ships, and even less a fan of ships during storms like this, but if Sasha wanted to go, he would not argue, even if arguing could potentially save his life. “I got the things you wanted”, he told Sasha, stepping to stand behind his master’s shoulder. Ephraim’s eyes were wary as he regarded the pirate captain, never having quite gotten the hang of this lifestyle.
“What do you need me to do?” Ephraim then asked Sasha, just more or less assuming that whatever scheme the pirate now had, it would somehow involve him. In all likelihood it would land him in danger, or heavy labor, or both – Ephraim was used to it by now, and yet never seemed to actually mind.
Word count: 209 Post #1 OOC: Ephraim: www.deviantart.com/lemonyh/art/Ephraim-Indentured-Servant-Rogue-NPC-726495390 Brought along by the request of poe!
|
|
|
Post by JourneyHorse on Jul 14, 2018 0:47:07 GMT -6
Balthier [ post #2 || word count: 251 ] |
Balthier flicked an ear in the newcomer’s direction as he was addressed. He side-eyed the black and white hippocampus stallion. He looked young and capable and seemed to have yet to collect the wide variety of scars that most pirates accumulated. Balthier realized that he had the ship and thus the bargaining power in this negotiation. He took a long swig from his mug, not so long as to be annoying but just long enough to express that he currently found his drink more interesting than the other stallion. “Perhaps, perhaps not… It all depends on what you can bring to the table besides a pretty face.” He set his mug down and turned to the younger stallion with an expression that clearly said, “impress me if you can.” Truth was, he was sorely in need of new crew members, especially if he wanted to make it to the northern shore in this storm. The more experienced hooves to maneuver the ship the better their chances of making it the alleged shipwreck.
Just then he noticed the door to the tavern open and a bay roan pegasus sidle up to the hippocampus. Balthier noted how the pegasus addressed the young black and white stallion. A servant or slave perhaps? As someone who had captured and sold many unicorns, hippocampi and pegasi over the years Balthier held no one species over the other. While many might discriminate against the winged ones he merely saw them as he saw most everyone else: exploitable.
Beware of an old man in a profession where men usually die young |
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2018 22:51:26 GMT -6
SASHA Sasha was many things, for sure - but he was not exactly patient. His hoof was already tapping slightly against the floorboards once Balthier lowered his drink. The mention of a pretty face, however, was enough to widen his grin right back to where it had been, and he quickly brushed past the fact that it hadn’t really been a compliment.
Before he had a chance to reply, the howling wind and rain were momentarily let in by the dripping wet pegasus making an appearance. On a second glance, it was his pegasus. Right on time! “Great! We are going to get treasure! I was just hacking out details with the Captain here”, he let Ephraim know, patting him on the back with his teke. Sasha sounded entirely confident about actually getting to said treasure - which he was, rightfully so or not - and he absolutely wanted Balthier to know that he was going to do that, one way or another.
He then regarded the Captain again: “This is my servant. He can be very helpful - very used to the weather, as you can tell. Flew right through the storm! He answers to me, so what you’d really be getting is two sets of hooves for the price of one.”
Word count: 212 | Post 2
|
|
|
Post by ThatDenver on Jul 17, 2018 19:38:44 GMT -6
EPHRAIM (NPC) His eyes momentarily went to the captain, mostly out of curiosity. He was not a terribly tall stallion, but his build made him handsome and very classical. As a common horse, captain Balthier was neither blessed nor cursed, but comfortably in the middle. The captain wanted proof of their skills, and Ephraim, unlike his master, felt a little nervous. He knew full well what their skills were. Ephraim himself was a good cook, housekeeper and general laborer. Handy with fixing basic things or even some construction stuff. He had never been on a ship, but he could fly and scout and offer other such services. Sasha, well. As much as Ephraim adored his master, Sasha’s skills were not exactly those of a sailor. Or anyone doing harder labor.
Ephraim smiled at Sasha as his master spoke, nodding but not seeming terribly enthusiastic about this idea. It could be fun, of course, and if they got treasure, maybe he would have less work to worry about for a while.
He looked at Balthier again, and his voice was calm yet somewhat meek as he spoke: “I am more than used to rough weather. I could scout ahead of the ship once we arrive at the location.” Ephraim was also good enough at hauling goods and such, but he supposed that much was obvious without mention.
Word count: 224 Post #2
|
|
|
Post by JourneyHorse on Jul 18, 2018 22:46:38 GMT -6
Balthier [ post # 3 || word count: 243] |
The sea captain fixed them with a stare as he mulled over their offer. Two sets of hooves for the price of one was certainly an offer that was hard to resist. Then again he’d have to take into account their lack of experience when it came to sailing… still a hippocampus and a pegasus would be useful for this job. A loud peal of thunder shook the little establishment and Balthier made his decision. “Alright, you two are coming with me.”
He set his now empty mug down with a thud of finality, the deal was made. No sense wasting time now, something told the older brown stallion that this storm would not be letting up for a long while. He pushed past his two new crew members and headed for the door. “Sailing in this weather isn’t risk free, especially for those new to ships. Do as your told and you’ll be fine.” With a mental tug he pulled open the door revealing a night sky full of angry clouds and driving rain. Not far away in the harbor, amid a forest of masts tightly bound against the storm, rocked the Albacore. Thank Cascade I decided to get her hull resealed recently. The Captain thought as he spotted the tumultuous flecks of white water as they splashed over the harbor breaker. He turned to look back at the other two rogues and asked, “What shall I call the two of you?”
[div style="width:304px;background-color:#2D2729;line-height:8px;font-size:15px;padding:25
|
|
|
|
Post by posy-punch on Jul 21, 2018 19:43:21 GMT -6
It appeared as if those interested in the treasure had found their crew. The cleric, native to the islands, was quick to point them in the right direction and then they parted ways. You aboard a ship and she back to the jungle and her worship.
The storm is not kind. It had not been for weeks now, but this was a sudden uptake in ferociousness that you had not seen in a long while. Even so, it is not hard to come close to the island. Your problem lays in the strength of the waves and wind, and the looming threat of vicious spires of rock, ready for your ship to crash against them.
Perhaps it was divine will, perhaps it was simply the luck of the moment that revealed the cove. The cliffs of the island you sailed towards sheltered a small portion of the ocean and made visible a fairly welcoming beach considering the storm.
But, it is no clear shot. Just getting close to the island puts you at risk of the same fate as the trading vessel. You can now choose.
Will you attempt to reach the cove? It provides a landing onto the island and the chance to search the beaches for treasure. Similarly, considering it will be difficult for you to find a sunken ship in the rough waters, it gives you a place to weather the storm and wait to be the first to sift through the calmer waters sure to come.
Or perhaps circling the island will give you a better chance at finding the wreckage of the ship lost to the sea? Maybe it will settle any suspicion you have that the ship may not have even existed in the first place; perhaps the island looks so unrelenting and unwelcoming that you decide to steer clear and come back when the storm is not as great.
Both choices lead to different resolutions for your plot! Choose wisely!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2018 20:11:20 GMT -6
SASHA It mattered very little to Sasha that Ephraim was less than enthusiastic about this new endeavor. Ephraim rarely was, most of the time for a good reason, but in the end Sasha always got what he wanted and that was all that mattered. He looked pleased with himself when the servant offered his scouting skills to the captain, clearly thinking this was a fantastic deal.
Sasha waited as Balthier thought about this proposal, and nodded cheerfully when being told they were getting onto the ship. It was exciting, he had to admit. Did Sasha have much too romantic ideas of sailing to search for treasure in a storm? Absolutely. But if something was good about the bad excuse of a pirate, he was certainly determined and carried out whatever he started.
Normally Sasha had issues with authority, but now he let Balthier brush past himself without serving extra attitude. He was not getting himself left out of this ship, so it was worth it to behave. “Yes, Captain”, he mused in a chipper tone that matched the weather outside very poorly. He grimaced a little once he actually stepped outside, but simply nodded quietly to Ephraim with his ears flat against his head. If it wasn’t for the alluring treasure, no one could have gotten Sasha to set a foot into the stormy weather.
“I’m Sasha, and this is Ephraim”, Sasha responded in a less chipper tone by the time they had gotten to the ship and could see the raging sea and the way the ship was rocked by the waves while still anchored. On they went, still. Sasha found himself suddenly very willing to follow whatever orders Balthier gave him, if for nothing else to stay in one piece in hopes of setting foot on solid ground once more. He felt immensely relieved to see the beach in the midst of the storm, and he was very eager to reach it. Regretfully, however, it was not his choice.
“Captain! Will we land?” he shouted over the roaring storm.
Word count: 340 | post 3
|
|
|
Post by JourneyHorse on Jul 21, 2018 22:15:51 GMT -6
Balthier [ post # 4 || word count: 338 ] |
The waves rose higher and higher about the ship, frothy and eager, eager to engulf the vessel and draw it down to the ocean floor to lie with the skeletons of other ships… like the Rancor. Balthier thought as he heaved on the wheel sending the ship over the crest of a wave seconds before it would have crushed them to matchword. The canvas sails had all been tightly bound up to the masts, wind would have ripped them to shreds. Through the driving rain the captain could make out the island and a small cove with waters far more sheltered from the storm. It was either attempt a landing there or turn back and just the thought of potentially being the first to lay hooves on some Aodhian booty was enough to decide the matter. “Captain! Will we land?” Sasha’s voice could just be heard above the cacophony of the storm.
“We’ll make landfall at the cove. Get the oars out to fend her hull off the rocks!” He bellowed in a voice that vied with the thunder for dominance. As he wrestled for control of the wheel and thus rudder from the raging currents below he saw his crew leap into action, it looked like even his two newest recruits where learning quickly.
Balthier hauled on the wheel turning the ship towards the cove. “Sasha! Get to the prow and call as soon as you spot any rocks below the surface!” It was hard to tell in the constantly shifting water but the Captain was pretty sure he could pick out a narrow open channel leading to the cove. For the first time since the loss of his former ship he blessed the fact that the Albacor was such a small vessel that rode high in the water. As the ship descended into a trough of a wave the peak of a jagged rock emerged just meters to the right of ship. Balthier grinned against the storm, he was really cutting it close with this one.
Beware of an old man in a profession where men usually die young |
|
|
|
Post by ThatDenver on Jul 22, 2018 12:13:25 GMT -6
EPHRAIM (NPC) It was decided then. He nodded his head at the captain – Ephraim was very good at doing what he was told. It was, indeed, his most useful and best honed talent. When they stepped outside into the rain, Ephraim instinctively spread open a single wing to form something of an umbrella above Sasha, allowing the pirate to stay at least half dry. He was silent on their way to the ship, and even more silent aboard it – his eyes watched the ever angrier seas with respect and caution, Ephraim being no stranger to the fury of the gods, not the merciless nature of storms.
So he worked quietly, doing whatever he was told without any enthusiasm, but enough calm determination to cover for the lack of actual skill. It helped that there were bodies all around him with much more skill that he could model his own actions off. Ephraim had always been good at being other people, changing and molding himself to fit what was needed. In the end, ship work was not so different.
The idea of making landfall sounded attractive, and Ephraim’s eyes momentarily followed Sasha as his master went to follow the Captain’s orders. He bit his lip, waiting for his own orders, dreading slightly what they would end up being. They had so little experience of anything this serious.
In the meanwhile, he focused on his portion of the work, miming carefully the more experienced members of the crew to perform his task.
Word count: 248 Post #3
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2018 18:17:06 GMT -6
SASHA It was do or die, as the rain kept beating the ship and the wild battle between the seemingly endless sea and the Captain guiding the ship proceeded. Long gone were the sneers and chipper remarks, and for once in his life Sasha hurried to take up the task given to him as soon as he could make out the words over the weather. On a list of priorities where Sasha was number one, survival and treasure battled for the first place.
The beach was not far, but Sasha knew that even a hippocampus like him could be thrown around in the currents and crushed against the rocks in an instant, should he descent to the water for any reason. So instead he peered into the raging waters, shouting over the roaring thunder whenever he could make up rocks. He supposed there was some sort of a rhythm to it; right, right, left, right, left… Some were much tighter cuts than others, and his heart was beating wildly in his chest as he even resorted to praying to the gods whenever the ship barely scraped by. If nothing else, he had never felt quite so alive, and he both hated and loved it at the same time.
Word count: 207 | post 4
|
|
|
Post by JourneyHorse on Jul 25, 2018 12:57:38 GMT -6
Balthier [ post #5 || word count: 262 ] |
Amid the rolling motion of the ship, Balthier felt it, felt the hull scrap against something below, felt the ship shudder. But it was just for a second then the ship broke contact and the sturdy timber hull seemed to hold. The captain let out a sign of relief as the ship rode a wave into the small cove leaving the treacherous waters behind. The winds died down as did the frantic motion of the waves, even the rain seemed less driving here. Still he wasn’t about to risk his ship being swept back out into the waiting reef. “Lower fore and aft anchors!” He ordered as he left his position at the wheel and descended to the deck. He approached Shasha and Ephraim with a wide grin on his face. “Well you can count on a rough storm to make seasoned sailors. You two did well, I might just try and convince you two to stay on after this little adventure runs its course.” He said with genuine delight at the fact that they had made it in such good condition.
He caught the attention of a passing crew member and had the two rowboats stowed on board made ready to be lowered into the water. “We should head ashore and scour the beach to see if anything from the shipwreck washed ashore. Your slave’s wings will make this task much easier.” The captain said to Sasha as he stepped aboard on one of the smaller crafts and made room for others to get on before it was lowered to the water.
Beware of an old man in a profession where men usually die young |
|
|
|
Post by ThatDenver on Jul 26, 2018 16:40:59 GMT -6
EPHRAIM (NPC) Ephraim shivered when he felt the ship brush against something down below. Funnily enough the sea had never seemed quite as scary as it was now, with him on a seemingly sturdy vessel and the black, roaring ocean down below. It terrified him, but Sasha wanted him here, and he would have to do as Sasha wanted, even if he really, really didn’t want to. He felt relief when the anchor was called down, and the ship came to stop. The ocean still rocked them, but it felt less dangerous this way. More focused on a single spot.
The captain’s grin and compliment made him smile and nod a bit awkwardly, more watching Sasha’s reaction to it than trying to figure out what he himself thought of it. It was different, for sure. Quite an adventure for the two of them. He honestly hoped Sasha wouldn’t sign them up for any more adventures, but the hippocampus always did what he wanted regardless of Ephraim’s thoughts on the matter. He was used to it.
Ephraim showed no reaction to the word “slave”, even if it was a little derogatory, considering he was a servant and not an Aodhian acquisition. He simply nodded and looked at the shore, opening his large dark wings in a flexing manner before taking to wing above them. The storm still battered him, but Ephraim found it easier to keep air in this weather if he didn’t need to get off from ground level – and as such, he flew slightly above the rowboat on their way to the shore, and then picked up height as they made land.
Word count: 271 Post #4
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2018 23:13:12 GMT -6
SASHA Sasha was used to pulling risky, stupid stunts, but usually those were still at least somewhat in his control. The sea absolutely was not, and he didn’t understand it or the air currents nearly well enough to know which way and how hard the ship was going to sway next. He held his breath when he, too, felt the ship shudder, momentarily certain it would be demise of the ship. Maybe them, too. It was not, however, and it was looking like they would actually make it to the shore. He felt an immense relief rush over him when the anchors held the ship somewhat still, and bouncing back he responded to the captain’s grin with his own. “I might consider it”, Sasha said, even while being able to tell by Ephraim’s face that Ephraim would not want him to consider it. Not that it had ever really stopped him before.
“Agreed. Ephraim is a good scouting aid”, Sasha said, sounding more pleased with himself than he had any right to. He, too, stepped into the small boat and watched as Ephraim took wing. If it had been an option Sasha would not have chosen to be lowered into the water in such a small craft, but he just simply splayed his legs a little to hold his balance better. They made it to the shore in one piece, and Sasha had never been quite so happy to feel solid ground underneath his hooves as he was hopping off the small boat and onto the wet sand.
Word count: 257 | post 5
|
|
|
Post by JourneyHorse on Jul 31, 2018 10:09:28 GMT -6
Balthier [ post #6 || word count: 253 ] |
What could be seen of the beach through the rain looked strewn with debris from the storm, most were large piles of seaweed but it was still a promising sign. Captain Balthier stepped onto the sand and felt the cool tide swirl about his fetlocks. He watched Ephraim spread his dark wings and begin to sweep the beach. Balthier moved towards a close pile of kelp as he spotted an unnatural shape amide the slimy leaves. He pawed it with a hoof to reveal a piece of tangled canvas and rigging that looked relatively new and unworn from the sea. If this was from the Aodhian ship then they were getting close. He looked up at Sasha, “How good of a swimmer would you say you are? The wreck is likely close by underwater, could you swim down and recover items in this weather?” In all likelihood they would have to wait into calmer weather ensued to recover heavier cargo, but it would be nice to get someone underwater to pinpoint exactly where the sunken ship lay and what cargo it held.
The beach was lit momentarily by a flash of lightning followed by the rolling rumble of thunder overhead. The rogue captain looked up, squinting against the rain, it was hard to tell if the storm was finally letting up or just preparing for another onslaught. The only advantage to this weather was in insured that no other rogues would come snooping for the treasure, at least until the sea calmed down.
Beware of an old man in a profession where men usually die young |
|
|
|
Post by ThatDenver on Jul 31, 2018 19:48:16 GMT -6
EPHRAIM (NPC) Ephraim flew a bit above the captain and Sasha, and then higher up. He could not see anything of particular interest – it did look like they were the only ones here, at least. That was nice. Ephraim was barely prepared for this adventure, much less fighting off fellow pirates on the side. He flew closer to the ground again and was a little concerned to hear that Sasha should go diving in the raging waters. His master was a good enough swimmer, yes, but such weather was not usually the type Sasha chose for his nice refreshing swims or other such activities.
“I could help? I can’t swim very well but I could hold a safety lead… Or help place markers or something. For when the seas calm?” Ephraim shouted over the thunder, his wings working hard to keep him aloft. “I just want to be useful”, he then added, looking at Sasha for any sort of guidance on what to do next. Clearly he hadn’t picked out anything useful from the air so far, so just flying above the party seemed a little silly, and a waste of energy.
Word count: 190 Post #5
|
|