Drix D'Zanth Posted January 24, 2005 Share Posted January 24, 2005 Scourge of the Spanish Main[IMG]http://www.io.com/~sj/pirate-ship.gif[/IMG] [b]Spicy air surrounded Jean L?Ollais as he relaxed in the rocking chair, his clammy skin clinging to the light breeze that drifted into the Inn?s darkening window. He lit a match, letting the oil lamp take the flame before sitting back down, chewing on an empty pipe. His boot-chain softly clattered against the ground with each rocking motion, taking him back to his last voyage, the one that took him to Tortuga. He?d never get to sleep on land. The rocking chair was no substitute for the Powers that be in the salty basin of the Caribbean. The boot-chain no replacement to the sounds of full sails being drawn before a scrape, the taste of brandy before black clouds. He was endemic to the chaos that consumed the life of a privateer, the life of a pirate. [i] Pirate[/i]. He smirked and chewed on his pipe. Desultory life replete with adventure was his calling. He didn?t like thinking of how many years he had left in navigating the winds, but he intended to finish his days doing that. He sat up towards the desk upon which the lamp rested, casting hellfire across his glittering attire. His four-fingered hand reached for a familiar book, releasing its straps, and carefully opening the bind. The leather had lost its sweet smell, the journal smelling as old as the ship he relieved her from. The burnt pages had survived three shipwrecks, countless cannon barrages, and a rum-fueled cabin fire. The author had survived worse, only to write of his exploits and to let his secrets unfurl before the sunset of his last day. There was comfort to be had in those pages, a proud record of the final few voyages L?Ollais would have within his seaborne frame.[/b] ----------- [b]April 14, 1662[/b] [i]I bested the winds again. I bested the fates and gods of the sea. Conquer the waves and you shall conquer your own death. I?ve yet to see a man who?s conquered the torrential whirlpool that be the Caribbean; I intends to try. I?m now land stranded on this nice little plot called Tortuga, a French port of respectable value. I kept my cutlass with the innkeeper, best out of sight of the guard that be walking the streets tonight. These powdery puppets are too fat with a life of comfort, fresh off the boat from the Costa Verde. I suppose this would make this town a juicy little hostage if I wanted to be making right with the Dutch or English. Though, there?s a ship-o-the line that sends me pause. Now be the time that I get me a crew together, like the last trip? sturdier though, not one of those whiny Spanish crews. I need some tough-as-barnacle low lifes. I need the filth the French navy scrapes from their bulkheads. I?m going to get me a crew that will give the wind something to whisper about from Tortuga to Port Royal to Crazy Jack's Bones. This will be the voyage that carves me name. The best part about the whole episode is that I found me the very trough those salt-dogs feed in. It be this rusty bin called the ?Blackeye Shallow? [/i] Gather your pistols, powder, swords. Strap your boots, and don your sea-cap. You?re about to embark on the voyage that is ?Pirates: Scourge of the Spanish Main?. This is real old fashioned ?Pirates life for me? material here. The clichés are encouraged if tactful and the eccentricities are expected. Whoever signs up will have the opportunity to contribute to what will be the most adventurous, exciting, and enjoyable pirate tale that Otakuboards has ever seen. The principles of this story are unique and it is encouraged that everyone uses this opportunity to share their talents as a real crew. This tale will extend beyond the boards, and into your subconscious? and I truly want a little piece of you to become the pirate that you will design and portray. So if you feel up to the task, mates, prepare yerselves. If ye wish to sign up for the story, ye needs to write a sample journal entry. Little to no actual, valid records of pirates have existed until Henry Morgan. Henry Morgan was an English privateer who sailed primarily against the rich Spanish trading. After commandeering countless ships, engaging entire trade fleets with a single boat, and taking over four villages, including Villa Hermosa whose soldier compliment was twice that of Morgan?s crew. He retired the life every pirate probably dreamed of, living a life of luxury in an English port until old age and death. He and his crew passed the time keeping records and journals, both private and records shared by the crew. This journal survived to explain many of his exploits including how he managed to defeat the guard of Villa Hermosa, and exactly how much the pirate managed to ?liberate? from the Spanish. I would like to explore this style and mix it with the typical RPG style. Most of the story, unlike my introduction post will be played out as journal entry. This will allow your character?s thoughts to be explored and begin to paint a slow picture of what qualities he or she identifies. Obviously, the potentials for the journals are unlimited. You could reveal your past bit by bit, ponder the future actions, secretly unveil your sentiments about the rest of the crew, and (obviously) narrate the events of any particular period of time in your character?s voice. I would also like to see variations of the same day sometimes, coming from different characters. So your first challenge isn?t telling me the weapons you use, the color of your character?s hair, or how old he /she is. I want to know what kind of personality he or she will be? After you give me a journal entry of a specific day, then you may add a little miscellany like age, weaponry, etc. Do not worry, this information will be disclosed either in character, in the underground, etc. The setting: Tortuga (Northern coast of modern day Haiti), a wealthy, yet despotic settlement on the north side of Hispanola. The date: April 15, 1662 If you are the first person to post, you see a rough looking man sitting near the bar; hazy clouds of thick smoke curl around his scruffy mange, and a mean look is etched into the dirty lines of his face. Four fingers grip the old pipe, and he?s dressed in a layered jacket, faded from sunlight and sea-air. A notched cutlass hangs lazily at his side. It?s obvious that he?s bad news. All the more enticing when you managed to catch his gaze, nodding at you. What happened that day? What part of the Pirate's crew will you personify? May your journal entry unfold the story. (note: this is a living world, despite the fact that I?ve not decided who will not participate in the RPG, I greatly encourage you to play off other people?s signups as they come, maybe noting the other players in your own signup that have already given their first entry.) Have at it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baron Samedi Posted January 24, 2005 Share Posted January 24, 2005 [size=1]I don't know if this is what you're after, 'but this is what ye be getting', so enjoy :) ---------------------- [B] 14 April, Year Being 1662[/B] Today was a very bad day, oh aye. Never before have I had my blasted ship keelhauled, and never before have I had a whole village run me out of town. Well, maybe I have. But by the Salty Brine, I swear it shall never happen again! Me an the crew, a scurvy ragged bunch if I ever seen any, thought we?d raid the coast, pillage and burn a few o? them little fishing villages, maybe tackle Tortoror a bit further up the coast. But yarr, no sooner had we rounded Longnecks Point when we ran head on into another group of Spanish raiders. They had corsairs with them, and there was no way we could outrun them, the Salted Snail ?aving seen better days an all. Me an the crew could ?ave survived, but didn?t stand a chance when Grey Norton and his cronies decided to surrender themselves, the stinking bilge-swabs that they be. I coulda slit their gizzards with me cutlass, such that it did anger me. The rest of the crew was massacred, but Grey Norton pointed me out, and they clapped me in irons. After chaining me to the mast, they then shot Grey Norton and the six who went with him. Turns out the schemeing dock-rats were not the Privateers they appeared, but members of the Spanish Navy. They then proceeded to blow the Salted Snail to smithereens using their starboard cannons. Using the vilest of techniques, they forced me to tell them about my plans, an where we had been aheaded afore they came upon us. And says I ?Yourl a bunch of scurvy bilgeswabs, nought fit to lick my boots. May the Dark Mistress swallow you up in her rage, and your boats capsize.? And says they ?We?ll give him to the town? He black-hearted scum then handed me over to the people of Dinaden. With me hands shackled, and me knees knobbled they set me a hundred feet in front of the crowd. And then the race was on. So, ?ere I lay, bruised and battered, but with me salty blood still throbbing in me veins. Tomorrow will be a better day, oh aye. I?ll head into Tortuga, an see what I can see. Now I just need to get these blasted shackles off meself? -----------[/size] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie Posted January 24, 2005 Share Posted January 24, 2005 [color=darkslategray][size=1]Yay! I've never been a pirate! So I will give this a shot. If something needs to be changed, D'Zanth, let me know^_^[/color][/size] [b][i]Today be the dreariest day I've seen in months. The rain soaked ye cold to the bones. There be no layers of petty coats ye could don to keep warm much less be dry. The streets of Tortuga flooded with mud and grime. Not a bloody soul could step in a dry spot of dirt or grass. I'd heard rumors of pirates littering this town, deserted pirates they be from what I'd been told. I find this rumor to be fascinating! I've always wanted to be a pirate! But me father wouldn't hear of such pompus rubbish. He'd call me a witch or gypsy and curse me soul, casting me out of the house. Me mother dare not speak a word to me. Aw, who am I kiddin'? The truth is, I ran away from home. It be true I was looked down as a scumbag and filth. The whole town be taunting me every chance they saw. So, I ran away. Ran away to become a pirate of the sea! I loves the ocean, the adventure, the freedom! I longed to soak up the salty seabreeze; me body strived for the rush of mastin' off into the unknown; and me soul desired to be released from the proper ways of me family's future goals. I'm tired of their expectations. Being broaded around to elegant parties and introductions to rich pompous bastards. They had all the money ye could ask for, yet they never fancied happiness. Yellow-bellied bastards, all o' em! And to think I was promised to one!? Not if I could still breath, I tells ye that right 'ere an' now. I'd go savage on them givin' the chance, rather than betrothe one. One with his fancy shoes and coat, his prized race horses, his luxurious mansion in the French country side. Pansy he is.. I am to become a pirate. Today, tomorrow? I don't know for certain but I can only hope soon...[/i][/b] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfpirate Posted January 24, 2005 Share Posted January 24, 2005 Hmm... I've gotta give this a go as well...or I'd have to change my screen name :smirk: In the dark o' the alleyways of this blighted town, I caught site of a sailor in shackles. Bein' that 'e was tresspassing me sleeping quarters, I gave him a kick in 'is trousers to wake him. "Oi!" says I..."Who be you to take claim of one's bed?" 'E says not a word, but smiles and holds out 'is shackled hands in an apology. "You're a sailor- that is as plain as your scurvy carcass" says I,"but ye must be also a pirate, for no other reason would a sailor in these parts be shackled". "Aye" 'e answers, cautiously. "I will loose your shackles if it would guarantee passage on your ship. I myself have lost me crew- they were captured by the armada and hanged as entertainment and as warning to all pirates. So allow me aboard, and I will release ye. Deny me passage, and I will leave you shackled... to be hunted and hanged." "Gladly, I accept" said 'e "but only because we are in need of crew. I could get to me ship by me onesies, shackled or no". And so I have gained passage on me next ship... with a new crew. I will be glad to leave these shores and be at the ropes and riggings again... not to mention leaving behind the waiting gallows as me captain had not destroyed the ship's manifest before our vessel was seized and I will be hunted as the only pirate of the vessel unaccounted for. They'll be thirstin' for vengence and for a taught rope to accompany me neck... and this bein' the first port they'll be looking to find me in... I'm at home again as the sails are hoisted and begin to billow. I don't care much about the scurvy or the starving... it's the running out of rum and grog that gets to me... and the fear that I could be hanged at any port... so I says to meself: "Out of port and back at sea- no noose to hang (for all to see)- the wind is strong and sea is fair- the grog is good- the rum is rare- it's a pirate's life for me!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drix D'Zanth Posted January 24, 2005 Author Share Posted January 24, 2005 Excellent so far! I have enjoyed reading your signups thoroughly! To those who haven?t signed up, this is basically your opportunity to write in journal form (might be advantageous to date your entry ;) ) and give us an example of what we can expect if the RPG were already underway. To those who have signed up; take advantage of the underground! Name, age, appearance, weapons, and/or history. Anything that you consider necessary to be out of the way when the RPG starts. I recommend that you get a post in there too. If someone has posted appearances in the underground, by all means consider including those details in your signup! I?ll be including a few details about my character in the Underground a bit later. As for Html use, I admire it to an extent, but it will NOT be a deciding factor in whether or not I choose you for the RPG. I will attempt to provide instructions in using html to anyone who needs them. PM me with any questions, or head to the Underground! Keep ?em coming! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heaven's Cloud Posted January 24, 2005 Share Posted January 24, 2005 Sorry, I wrote this at work so there is no html coding. Regardless... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [color=indigo][i]Translated from Eureska[/i] Dearest Juliet, Today I find myself in Tortuga, a most wretched place filled with sin and debauchery. The stench of cheap wine and pork fat crowds the air while whores and thieves, often one in the same, litter the street corners. Rowdy crowds gather in front of inns and taverns listening to unfamiliar music and dancing unfamiliar dances. Earlier a drunkard tried to steal my flask and I was forced to break his arm before he stopped harassing me. Although the people in Tortuga are most vile the island itself must have been crafted by God's own hand. When the Slaver pulled in this morning I could taste the pure brine and touch the friendly wind. And the harbour! Oh how kind it is, with a bottom that?s curve is as graceful as your neck and a blue richer than any I have ever seen. Aye, it is a friendly harbour brimming with halibut and mackerel; I even saw the fins of a whole school porpoise. Perhaps the porpoise will bring a change of luck, heaven knows I need one. By now the Juangoiko is well rotted beneath the sea and DeKereon has reported that both I and the artifact perished. Although my heart aches for my ship and crew, I do take comfort knowing that the artifact is safe. DeKereon, nay the whole Inquisition will pay a ten fold for what they have stolen from me! However, as with so many things in life, there is a ?before?. Before I am able to exact my revenge I must buy a new ship, a fast cutter that can out sail the Spanish galleys. And to buy the ship I need money, lots of money. Fortunately Tortuga is a place of cut throats, rogues, and, most notably, hidden troves of treasure. As with all thing related to the sea, pirating requires good sailors, so I am sure I will have no trouble finding a ship to sail with. Tomorrow I will go looking for providence, tomorrow I will start my journey home. Until I am with you again, take care dearest Juliet and remember that my love is with you in grief and in hope. Forever yours, Bernardo Atxaga [/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dMage Posted January 25, 2005 Share Posted January 25, 2005 [Tahoma][COLOR=DarkGreen]April the 15th, of the year 1662 A month. Yes its been more than a months time since we were blown off course on our way way to the Caymans, and that I came to be stranded on this accursed island. The ale runs readily, the harlots be a plenty, and the damn gaurd be more corrupt than those who sold out the Lord! I've been down to my last doubloon for the last three days, and I've been waiting for the right time to let it out. I had been lookin to buy passage on one of those fancy ships that take out the rich, but it takes more gold to get some papers and your name on a list then it does to be goin. I was losin all damn hope off getting this nightmare when I saw an old matey from back when the lasses were nothin but beauties, and not the bloodthristy heathens they could turn out to be. I had walked into the tavern, ready to whet my gullet with any grog, when I saw a dark figure near the back motion me over. Skeptic that I am, I grabbed my glass and slowly loosened my rapier as I walked over to the man. As I reached him, he began to get up, but seeing where my hand was resting, he sat down again, and insted said in a low hoarse voice, "Can ye still slice an apple into quarters before it hits the ground, mate?" The look on my face must have been one of utter astonishment, as he chuckled lightly. And then L'Ollais told me about his need for a crew, and how he was lookin for real seamen, and not those little landlubbers who thought they could make it out in Davey Jones Locker, but wetted their pants and threw up their vittles before the third day out. I was felt worst for those that upped the vittles, as out in the sea, you had only one portion, and naught more. I left the tavern with a lighter step, I was gonna get off this piece o land and be crewin with some true pirates. I was sure Jean wouldn't mind makin a stopover for some treasure that needed collectin. Now, I need to head out and collect me some other booty before I'd be ready to head out to sea.[/COLOR][/FONT] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jokopoko Posted January 25, 2005 Share Posted January 25, 2005 [FONT=Lucida Calligraphy][SIZE=2][LEFT]Date: April the 15th, 1662 The journal of 2nd Lieutenant Arthur B. Williamson, British Royal Navy[/LEFT] May the lord have mercy on my soul for what I am about to write could be considered blasphemy of most high, praise be to god. It has been several days since I was able to escape from His Majesty?s Ship St. George after being wrongly accused of pilfering the Rum stores aboard ship. I was able to make my way to this hell hole of a port, Tortuga I think it is called, but was appalled to find that the French have a controlling interest in this place and I must make myself before scarce they find me. I have been able to purchase a room in one of the less seedy establishments on the port and have sold my uniform in order to blend in with the other ruffians of the port while not arousing any suspicion from the French guards. If worst comes to worst I suppose I will have to find myself a position of power on one of the vagrant ships that make harbor here. But the idea of an upstanding British Officer being reduced to such low standards is appalling. But I swear upon my living soul that I will return to the St. George and clear my name, and make an example of that bastard Vincent. This place could not be more depressing or hellish. I expect I should make myself comfortable unless I am able to gain passage on one of the trading ships?or one of the so called ?Pirate? ships. What ever happens my god have mercy upon my soul for the evil I may have to aid in. God bless the King. [LEFT]2nd Lt. Arthur Bartholomew Williamson.[/LEFT][/SIZE][/FONT] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Angelus_Necare Posted January 26, 2005 Share Posted January 26, 2005 [center] [i] The 15th of April Year 1662. At last I have reached the land where dearest Richard and Young Alex last stood. It is almost difficult to imagine they were here only months before, possibly walking the very same streets before they set to sea. It is a strange feeling I must admit, not one of sadness but of excitement. Perhaps it is an element in the air... This settlement called Tortuga is a place that's a little less than I'd desire of a town, what with all the shady characters roaming about. The normal townfolk seem friendly enough, although some of the more rusty sea-hardened men of this place are begining to put me on edge. It feels as though their eyes peirce holes through my travel worn pettycoats and skirts, delivering a chill that I feel not even the dreariest of rain could match. Unnerving as they are, I will have to encounter them eventually. But for now, I think I' will keep my room door firmly shut and bolted. The men of Tortuga are no important matter anyway. Their presence will not send me running back to the country-side. No, I will do what I promised myself. I will finish what Richard could not. It is here and now I must set aside my timid farm wife demeanor, lest I know myself as a failure untill the end of my days. Dear God, if my late Richard can hear me, let him know this. I Elizabeth Richard Proswell, will be the one to set our meager family name to sea. And please Lord, give me the strength to overcome my fears, to succeed, to overcome. Amen. Tomorow, tomorow is when I'll begin my new life, the life of a pirate. -EP [/i] [/center] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Drix D'Zanth Posted January 28, 2005 Author Share Posted January 28, 2005 I?m going to go through the first few signups. I?ve got a few more people considering signing up ? therefore the signups are, in fairness, [b]still open[/b]. Thank you for signing up, I appreciate the work and effort you put into your signup pieces. If we can see similar effort in the full RPG, I really think this will go down as one of the better in recent Otakuboard?s history. An arrogant stipulation, I know, but arrogance loves prudence. On to the mates! [u] Baron Samedi[/u] ? I?m going to get the things I thought could use improvement out of the way, quickly. Baron, I really had to be incredibly nitpicky to find mistakes in your signup. My first suggestion is that you date your journal entries in the RPG. This will allow multiple people to include multiple perspectives on a single day. This works if people know what day the events occur. Was that my only complaint? Whaddaya know. Superb entry, Baron. You have the lingo of the most run-down scurvy sea-dogs down pat. I know it?s not technically accurate to write-out what you might sound like to others (i.e ?em instead of them); but I really encourage what you?ve written here, Baron. I think that you?ve captured the feel of your particular pirate, one that probably epitomizes the bottom of the bilge. Your descriptions were brilliant and really caught what I was trying to emphasize: make sure you describe things the way your character would. I expect you to be one of the more entertaining members of the crew. Your sense of humor is appropriately used, and the more subtle details ( ?Salted Snail?) were especially appreciated. I would also like to note, your Underground post was perfect! Welcome to the Spanish Main! [u]Annalisse[/u] ? Lady Annie ^__^ it?s always a pleasure when you grace a thread. I really loved your signup. I really enjoyed the amount of background you managed to give the reader in a single journal entry! You have shown me that your capability to develop your character is well-refined. This is an extremely important quality to have, and you have it in excess! I was only a little confused about a few things. I?m thinking your character as more of a rebel than anything that happened to grow up in the constricting grip of your genteel parents? If this is so, why does she speak with a cockney accent? Now, this makes sense for the dirtier, uneducated Pirates. Now this would make sense if she ran away during her early teens?maybe a decade or so has passed (who knows)? but I don?t want you to change the character that you have started; I suppose time and journal entries will explain a bit more on her past. I also am excited to see what happens to your character. Welcome to the crew! [u]elfpirate[/u]- I?m going to hold on my decision with you. I think you?ve got good dialogue going, but the non-dialogue could use some work. I plan on corresponding with you through PM?s to really get a feel if you are up to this RPG or not. I was impressed by your ambition, though, so I want to give you a chance. I?ll make my final decision later. [u]Heaven?s Cloud[/u]- Nice signup especially considering the nature of it. I understand that you signed up fairly recently and hastily after I asked you. Needless to say, the quality hasn?t suffered. My only concern would be the context it was written in, that is, in letter form. I could encourage letters as well as journal entries, but I think journal entries will provide a more poignant access into a character?s thoughts. The ?good? here is abundant. You are truly a veteran of the RPG scene here at OB and your quality is guaranteed. This really makes me feel confident in your posts being able to drive the story and your character. I like the history that you brought with the signup, a history that will be explored into a separate meta-plot associated with the travels. Excellent grammar, spelling, and writing flow. You have captured the feel of the era as a gentleman? a man of some significant stature. Being a Pirate will probably bump him down several notches on the social ladder, so I?m going to be interested in the way your character will react to his newer surroundings. Welcome aboard! [u]dMage[/u] Firstly, let?s point out the elements about your signup that I liked. You were able to do two things VERY well that most of the other people signing up hadn?t; you dated your entry, and you included the encounter with Captain L?Ollais. This meant that you really paid careful attention to my signup requirements. I appreciate that. I thought the dialogue was forced, but it did fit in some places. I really liked (besides the last sentence) your first paragraph. I thought you had a decent flow to your character and really caught my attention. The interaction doesn?t seem well developed. Instead of describing any sort of conversation, you seemed to use the supporting character as a gateway to describe some of your character?s abilities (slicing apples midair?). The bulk of the second paragraph was basically describing what I had described would happen in the original post: you were going to a tavern and you would meet a captain who needed a crew. Most of the second part was rife with cliché. I have no problem with that, nay, I encourage any sort of cliché? but I would recommend that you supplement your writing with it, rather than build around it as a foundation. You had some good parts and bad parts. I appreciate the signup, but I don?t think it?s the right time for you to set sail, sorry. [u]Jokopoko[/u]- I?m glad you saw this. I?ve been tapping some choice people on the shoulders about this RPG hoping a few quality people who may have otherwise overlooked this might take notice. Jokopoko is one of them. I?m really impressed here. I suppose my only complaint would be the fact that it didn?t tell me more! I was really left unsatisfied, story wise. Now, this is great because I cannot wait to hear more about his encounters in the story, but I would have liked to have seen his particular reaction to being forced in joining a pirate crew (his specific encounter, that is) in order to escape Tortuga. I loved the way you wrote this entry. The style of writing is wonderfully appropriate and really shows off the homework you?ve been doing. You have a stunning attention to the detail of the period, and I can see a very unique and convincing character here. It be me pleasure ?t welcome ya on me sloop, mate! [u]Angelus_Necare[/u] I?ve never had much of a history with you like I have with Annie, Baron, and Joko; so it?s been nice to read a post by someone new. I want to point out that I really enjoyed reading your post (thank you for dating it) and I think you really have the makings of a decent writer. I liked the character history to a certain point. I think it was important that each person had some sort of past to come into the pirate business. Whether by Baron?s character starting pirate and continuing a career, to Annie?s runaway girl taking up a life of plunder, to Jokopoko?s fall-from-grace military character; it?s important to have some sort of reason why one becomes a pirate. Now I understand something about your character?s tragic past. I also understand the interesting dichotomy of a plain farm-girl trapped in the masculine, deleterious worlds of pirates would have given an interesting flavor. But, I couldn?t seem to reason exactly [i]why[/i] your character would bother becoming a pirate. I think this would have been better explained if you had approached the Cap?n and maybe given a little more interaction. I guess the biggest complaint wasn?t the quality, but the quantity. So I?m going to have to say that you wouldn?t be quite right for the crew of my ship at this time Angelus, but I really want you to keep writing, because I see great potential in you. Well, that?s that for my current picks. I must remind everyone that signups ARE STILL open. Now, the bar has most certainly been raised with the current crew having signed up. Here?s a few ideas that might help you join me crew: -Post on the Underground after you sign up -Sign up a unique character! We?ve got English gentry, we?ve got scurvy pirate, we?ve got a tough lassie, we?ve got a military-esque character. Try tweaking ethnicities (French, Spanish, Dutch, and other Europeans were quite common in the Caribbean) or personalities. Characters are easily more interesting in their flaws than their merits!! Let?s see what kind of eccentric you can produce. -Note the other people?s characters that have signed up already in your own story! Think about it, the web of interactivity between your characters, and the interconnectedness of their experiences in journal form is really what?s going to flavor this steak. -Quality writing; hey people, those who have been accepted have shown me QUALITY writing, let?s keep it up. Edit: I suppose I should consider clearing up this confusion... we all make up the collective protagonist. That is, we are all the pirates (in some form or another) and we are all going to be on the same ship of the same story... fairly linear. No one 's playing the bad guy or damsel in distress... at least not until the story is moving along some. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Adahn Posted January 28, 2005 Share Posted January 28, 2005 [font=Courier New][size=2][color=blue]There were things that took place today that I do not need to write down, as they will forever have their place in my memory. I know not the proper way to do this, as this is the first entry in the only journal I'll ever write. I don't even know if I am writing as myself. It seems that my life as it was before was lived by a different person. I am changed.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff][/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff]Certain things, however, don't change. It was my swagger as I entered the tavern that made him notice me. I was as uncomfortable standing on land as he was sitting near the bar. I met his gaze, and was giddy with the prospect of revenge. No, not on this man, but on those who did the unspeakable. The Spanish Navy will know me by a new name, but first I must earn it.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff][/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff]I took a seat near this man, and listened to what he had to say. Our goals were different, but our means the same. He wanted adventure and gold, and I wanted blood. I offered my services to him, and he accepted. He was looking for crewmembers, and I think it was fate that led me to him.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff][/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff]He asked me my name.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff][/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff]I told him I didn't deserve one.[/color][/size][/font] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Corey Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 [size=1][b]aPrl 1sumthin'[/b] [i]I frgot how moch I lved this portt!! There arr so manny loosse womens and enuf ale to drownd a horse!![/i] ??? [b]April 15th, 1662[/b] [i]I woke up this morning propped up against an ale barrel with all my pockets turned out. My journal's still here, and that's a good thing... The booze must have thrown my wits to the sea... I made an entry in here. Doesn't make much sence. I think i bedded a whore last night. I hope it's my imagination, but I feel a little itchy down there... Goddamn... My head is poundin' like a cannon... I left the ship a week or so ago, time's a bit fuzzy. I don't have to worry about that now though... Got robbed last night, I guess... Damn the British Navy! No sence of right or wrong! Anyone that seems guilty, is guilty! That's why I left. I'm still wearing my officers uniform... Something happened with another officer. I didn't hear much except what I overheard from the captain. Someone was being imprisoned in the brig for stealing the rum on the ship. It was me though. I stole the rum. Framed another officer, but he wasn't the one that got caught. Someone else did. The British Royal Navy isn't a place for a drunkard like me. I'm a drunk and I'll always be a drunk. God I miss my brother... He loved me for who I was. Not like these officer types that judge quickly and punish even quicker. Maybe I'll try and catch a ride on a ship tomorrow. For now I'm going to band this old journal up and find a place to sleep in this dirty hellhole.[/i][/size] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Charles Posted February 4, 2005 Share Posted February 4, 2005 [RIGHT][b]April 15, 1662[/b][/RIGHT] [CENTER][i]I cannot say how long I'd been out at sea. Constant waves had lapped memories of land away from me. Each day brought hopes of shore anew. Alas, my eyes supped only upon ocean blue. My days as an English writer past Every moment on this ship was expected to be my last. Neither skilled at plunder nor with sword My paranoia could not be cured. Why, oh why, should I be kept aboard?[/i][/CENTER] How sad was my coming into this life! Where were those sweet conditions I had pictured in my boyhood? Alas, the consonance of evening-bells now give way to the cries of the sea below. I will never rein in to wonder at the raised gates of the Queen's nor the little shops lighted wtih tapers. The twisted pillars of St. Mary's are but a dream gone by, I do not even see them as a reflection in the sea. Like moody beasts they settle in the card-room. Their faces are fearful and wonderful--cruel and womanish with eyes full and black, lips purple and curved painfully. They are all gamblers but on a much grander scale. We fly from the City to the coast of the Mediterranean in the spirit of chance. Some by the light of waning sun, in their hot breasts devise adventures that will surely sing their doom. The endowment of this reckless appetite is indeed the measure of the man. But who shall mourn my death--will anyone be the wise? I have been swept into this life by circumstances most wicked. On this night, like all others thence, I write additions to my journal in bed with a dark lantern. Indeed, I regard it mainly as a tale of adventure, quite fascinating beause I'm never sure which chapter will be mine last. Jean L'Ollais is a tall, slim depraved man with a slight stoop, a troubled walk, an oval impassable face, and skin clinging tightly over the bone. He explains with swift and sudden gestures that he and his friends are tired of the amusements, wearied with the poor pleasures offered by the civil world. They say we will meet land today. Oh, what a stranger! So familiar and yet like a dream I never knew. However, I wonder at the purpose of my hosts. If this is a merely a visit or an invasion meant to entertain my captors with a new shudder in the destruction, the infusion of their venom among the dwellers whose chapter in my adventure I may very well regret having ever written... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Drix D'Zanth Posted February 6, 2005 Author Share Posted February 6, 2005 I [U]suppose this is the "official" end of signups, however I want people to understand that they are WELCOME to PM me a signup or get in touch with me if they are interested in this RPG. As the quality remains substantially higher than many RPGs, please only try to sign up if you have some experience. Thanks for these final signups! I was not disappointed! I really enjoyed reading these last couple signups. Because I have a current crew, I actually let them influence my decision greatly. Seeing as this RPG is going to be a very group-driven project. So I gave them near veto power. Alas, the RPG will be starting shortly so: [b]Keep your eyes on the Underground and the Square[/b]. On to the final observations: [u]Adahn[/u]- I have a tendency to be biased and root for you a lot. You are a quality poster, and an excellent writer. This is why the signup confused me so. I didn't think it was so appropriate for a Pirate RPG. It's difficult to expect certain people to meet your expectations when talking about something as esoteric as "make it more... pirate-ish". I was on the fence, but knowing your record thought of letting you join up. So I talked with a few of the current crew to see what signups they liked and didn't. Fearing mutiny on my behalf, I'm going to have to say no to this signup. It wasn't a bad signup, but it really didn't fit the mood that i was trying to convey. The doors aren't closed, though, as I've said before. Keep writing, and if you find your pirate style, keep in touch. [u]Corey[/u]- The crew was fairly split between your signup. I had a few "nays" and a few "yea". I think the deciding factor for me was the humor of your post and your post record. You are certainly a pirate, and your drunkenness is a great attribute to give your character. In fact, incorporating that into your name (i.e. Drunk Pete) would be a wise choice. Exploit your characters weaknesses, but remember to keep away from relying on that single quality. Keep your character unique. Welcome Aboard! [u]Charles[/u] - I thought the post was tacky, lacked flow, and was overall quite unorganiz... *cough* Haha *cough*. I really shouldn't try to ******** the master of bullshitting.. This signup hit the nail on the head with the best of 'em. If anyone rose to the occasion, it was you Charles. You covered it all; quality, content, and incorperating what I asked. Excellent post. You'll be a valuable addition to the crew. The cheers to the matey Charles! [u]Elfpirate[/u]- At long last! I've finally come to a decision. To be honest; based on the signup alone you wouldn't be in this RPG. Sure, you've got the setting down, and decent character use. Your dialogue is great and incorporated my signup "hook". However, you are obviously new to this, so I would have recommended a bit more substance in the description and content. I think that your flow could be improved, and I think you've got some writing style issues to polish. Like I said earlier, I was ready to let you go. Here's why I'm not doing that: I received a PM from this guy asking me how he could get into this RPG. You wanted this badly, and I respect that determination. You were on the fence at that point. The crew was, for the most part, on the edge along with me. A few people decided that you have great potential. I want to see that potential, and I want this to be a quality debut for you into the Adventure Square. Your post in the Underground seemed somewhat trite, but you gave some vivid descriptions. I'm going to keep my eye on you, so show us what you've got. Welcome to the salty sea! That's all folks! I hope you had a fun time reading the signups. Please continue posting in the underground or PM if you have concerns or questions. I'm going to try to start this RPG up solidly, so it might be a little while before I get the opening post up. All of those who have signed up should have received the 4-PM information package (compiled by yours truly). This information isn't your only resource, so please feel free to explore any other possibilities. As for the RPG itself I have a few expectations: Quality: Please keep the post quality as high as I've seen here. Take as much time as you need describing events. If it takes you a few journal entries per post... develop something interesting. I want you to take advantage of this new system. Quantity: Quality comes first always. But I am going to be honest in saying that I'd like to keep the tone set for this RPG as one of vivid content. We're exploring the lives and lifestyles as powerfully as possible. If this means your post is an MSWord document of 10 pages, all the better. There isn't a captain to the story, mateys, so please feel free to take the helm and give us a big plot twist! Surprise us with a new detail! Describe an incredible scene of action! And most importantly: Work off of the other players! In this RPG you might as well be family. The setting implies close, continual contact with the crew... [u]The Style[/u]: My original post highlighted the way this RPG will be run. [b]You will have a traditional RPG[/b] in the sense that there is plenty of lee-way for in character actions and dialogue. Everyone?s post should be a mixture of real time, and the journal system. Take advantage of the possibilities of this! For example, in character you could be discussing ?How you were penalized unfairly for being drunk during roll and sent to the bilge? describing what your character does. Then you could include a following journal entry where your character is in the bilge recording his thoughts, ?I really like the bilge, sure the smell gets to ye. But the peace is guaranteed and I get all the time to be writin? in me journal book.? The plot will be a mixture of our posts, and given some semblance of direction in the Underground, so keep your eye on it. Thanks for your signups everyone! We set sail soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... DoctorCox Posted February 7, 2005 Share Posted February 7, 2005 I realize that the sign-ups have closed, but if you could look at my entry, that'd be cool. I'm also posting information on the Underground, which may help round him out a bit. [b]---~~{::::::::}~~-- ---~~{::::::::}~~-- ---~~{::::::::}~~-- ---~~{::::::::}~~--The Fifteen Day of April, in the Year of our Lord, Sixteen Hundred and Sixty-Two---~~{::::::::}~~-- ---~~{::::::::}~~-- I awoke this morning in the worst possible way ? a rat pissing on my shirt. The outlook for the day wasn?t much better. With my last penny spent on a half-tankard of rum over a week ago, I could only look forward to digesting another inch of my leather belt. What I needed was a job. But jobs in this wretched hell of a port are harder to come by than a wench who?ll do it for free. Not much point in trying to get an honest job ? in this town you?re just as likely to get an honest wage stolen than you are to spend it. At least when you?re a thief you?re respected by the other thieves. Most of the time. Wandering around the docks, I passed the Blackeye Shallow. I have been there only once before ? and got dragged out and pummeled by one of the other drinkers. Usually I pass it by ? the sailors who drink there are a rough sort and will as soon bash your face in as look at you. But this time I stopped. Perhaps it was the smell of the stew they were cooking, or maybe even the light tinkle of the doorbell as an already drunken sailor stepped outside and collapsed in the dirt of the street. Perhaps my legs were tired. I don?t rightly know, but something drew me to step inside. Taverns are the same in whatever part of the world ye be. Hot, smelly, and full of men who are either too suspicious to do anything but glare, or too drunk to do anything but grab at wenches? bosoms. I?ve got a knack at sizing up a man's character in a single glance ? I?ve never been cheated by nobody, and I can tell a man is a thief just by the way his eyes move. When I walked into that tavern, my eyes scanned for the type of men I wanted to avoid. The big ones who like to pick on the little guy, the drunk ones who just get mean instead of giggly, and especially the men who will follow you out and slit your throat, whether you got money or not. They just like to see your throat gape into a big red smile. Looking into that kind of man?s eyes will have you peering over your shoulder for the next three weeks. When I scanned, though, my eyes caught those of a weathered man. He nodded at me to join him at his table near the bar. I began to walk toward him, my eyes sweeping the room for any threats, then fixating on him as I drew closer. His lips twitched into a slight smile around his pipe as he looked me over. ?What?s your name.? It came out as a statement rather than a question. ?Jared Piper,? I replied. A few minutes later, I stepped outside for my last few hours of solid ground before we sailed. Be a sailor? I suppose I could do that. I?ve been a gentleman?s son, a runaway, a baker?s assistant, and a thief. Be a sailor? Shouldn?t be too hard. ---~~{::::::::}~~-- ---~~{::::::::}~~-- ---~~{::::::::}~~-- ---~~{::::::::}~~-- [/b] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... 2 weeks later... Drix D'Zanth Posted February 17, 2005 Author Share Posted February 17, 2005 Dr. Cox, thank you for your sign-up! I?ve had a chance to talk to you and have read over your introductory signup. I must say I?m quite pleased, Stephen. I didn?t know you were such a writer! Well, I expect you will be a welcome addition to this crew. Your use of atmospheric detail was quite impressive and you captured the flavor of a pirate?s life. Now all you?ll have to do is find something unique about your character so that you can begin to shape his personality in the game. If you have any questions about how to go about a forum-based RPG please share them with me or another member of the RP. We are a crew after all! Welcome aboard! Signups now remain ?officially? closed, so please PM me if you intend to join this RP despite the fact that it has begun and I?ll see if we can work something out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Create an account or sign in to comment You need to be a member in order to leave a comment Create an account Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy! Register a new account Sign in Already have an account? Sign in here. Sign In Now Share More sharing options... Followers 0
Angelus_Necare Posted January 26, 2005 Share Posted January 26, 2005 [center] [i] The 15th of April Year 1662. At last I have reached the land where dearest Richard and Young Alex last stood. It is almost difficult to imagine they were here only months before, possibly walking the very same streets before they set to sea. It is a strange feeling I must admit, not one of sadness but of excitement. Perhaps it is an element in the air... This settlement called Tortuga is a place that's a little less than I'd desire of a town, what with all the shady characters roaming about. The normal townfolk seem friendly enough, although some of the more rusty sea-hardened men of this place are begining to put me on edge. It feels as though their eyes peirce holes through my travel worn pettycoats and skirts, delivering a chill that I feel not even the dreariest of rain could match. Unnerving as they are, I will have to encounter them eventually. But for now, I think I' will keep my room door firmly shut and bolted. The men of Tortuga are no important matter anyway. Their presence will not send me running back to the country-side. No, I will do what I promised myself. I will finish what Richard could not. It is here and now I must set aside my timid farm wife demeanor, lest I know myself as a failure untill the end of my days. Dear God, if my late Richard can hear me, let him know this. I Elizabeth Richard Proswell, will be the one to set our meager family name to sea. And please Lord, give me the strength to overcome my fears, to succeed, to overcome. Amen. Tomorow, tomorow is when I'll begin my new life, the life of a pirate. -EP [/i] [/center] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drix D'Zanth Posted January 28, 2005 Author Share Posted January 28, 2005 I?m going to go through the first few signups. I?ve got a few more people considering signing up ? therefore the signups are, in fairness, [b]still open[/b]. Thank you for signing up, I appreciate the work and effort you put into your signup pieces. If we can see similar effort in the full RPG, I really think this will go down as one of the better in recent Otakuboard?s history. An arrogant stipulation, I know, but arrogance loves prudence. On to the mates! [u] Baron Samedi[/u] ? I?m going to get the things I thought could use improvement out of the way, quickly. Baron, I really had to be incredibly nitpicky to find mistakes in your signup. My first suggestion is that you date your journal entries in the RPG. This will allow multiple people to include multiple perspectives on a single day. This works if people know what day the events occur. Was that my only complaint? Whaddaya know. Superb entry, Baron. You have the lingo of the most run-down scurvy sea-dogs down pat. I know it?s not technically accurate to write-out what you might sound like to others (i.e ?em instead of them); but I really encourage what you?ve written here, Baron. I think that you?ve captured the feel of your particular pirate, one that probably epitomizes the bottom of the bilge. Your descriptions were brilliant and really caught what I was trying to emphasize: make sure you describe things the way your character would. I expect you to be one of the more entertaining members of the crew. Your sense of humor is appropriately used, and the more subtle details ( ?Salted Snail?) were especially appreciated. I would also like to note, your Underground post was perfect! Welcome to the Spanish Main! [u]Annalisse[/u] ? Lady Annie ^__^ it?s always a pleasure when you grace a thread. I really loved your signup. I really enjoyed the amount of background you managed to give the reader in a single journal entry! You have shown me that your capability to develop your character is well-refined. This is an extremely important quality to have, and you have it in excess! I was only a little confused about a few things. I?m thinking your character as more of a rebel than anything that happened to grow up in the constricting grip of your genteel parents? If this is so, why does she speak with a cockney accent? Now, this makes sense for the dirtier, uneducated Pirates. Now this would make sense if she ran away during her early teens?maybe a decade or so has passed (who knows)? but I don?t want you to change the character that you have started; I suppose time and journal entries will explain a bit more on her past. I also am excited to see what happens to your character. Welcome to the crew! [u]elfpirate[/u]- I?m going to hold on my decision with you. I think you?ve got good dialogue going, but the non-dialogue could use some work. I plan on corresponding with you through PM?s to really get a feel if you are up to this RPG or not. I was impressed by your ambition, though, so I want to give you a chance. I?ll make my final decision later. [u]Heaven?s Cloud[/u]- Nice signup especially considering the nature of it. I understand that you signed up fairly recently and hastily after I asked you. Needless to say, the quality hasn?t suffered. My only concern would be the context it was written in, that is, in letter form. I could encourage letters as well as journal entries, but I think journal entries will provide a more poignant access into a character?s thoughts. The ?good? here is abundant. You are truly a veteran of the RPG scene here at OB and your quality is guaranteed. This really makes me feel confident in your posts being able to drive the story and your character. I like the history that you brought with the signup, a history that will be explored into a separate meta-plot associated with the travels. Excellent grammar, spelling, and writing flow. You have captured the feel of the era as a gentleman? a man of some significant stature. Being a Pirate will probably bump him down several notches on the social ladder, so I?m going to be interested in the way your character will react to his newer surroundings. Welcome aboard! [u]dMage[/u] Firstly, let?s point out the elements about your signup that I liked. You were able to do two things VERY well that most of the other people signing up hadn?t; you dated your entry, and you included the encounter with Captain L?Ollais. This meant that you really paid careful attention to my signup requirements. I appreciate that. I thought the dialogue was forced, but it did fit in some places. I really liked (besides the last sentence) your first paragraph. I thought you had a decent flow to your character and really caught my attention. The interaction doesn?t seem well developed. Instead of describing any sort of conversation, you seemed to use the supporting character as a gateway to describe some of your character?s abilities (slicing apples midair?). The bulk of the second paragraph was basically describing what I had described would happen in the original post: you were going to a tavern and you would meet a captain who needed a crew. Most of the second part was rife with cliché. I have no problem with that, nay, I encourage any sort of cliché? but I would recommend that you supplement your writing with it, rather than build around it as a foundation. You had some good parts and bad parts. I appreciate the signup, but I don?t think it?s the right time for you to set sail, sorry. [u]Jokopoko[/u]- I?m glad you saw this. I?ve been tapping some choice people on the shoulders about this RPG hoping a few quality people who may have otherwise overlooked this might take notice. Jokopoko is one of them. I?m really impressed here. I suppose my only complaint would be the fact that it didn?t tell me more! I was really left unsatisfied, story wise. Now, this is great because I cannot wait to hear more about his encounters in the story, but I would have liked to have seen his particular reaction to being forced in joining a pirate crew (his specific encounter, that is) in order to escape Tortuga. I loved the way you wrote this entry. The style of writing is wonderfully appropriate and really shows off the homework you?ve been doing. You have a stunning attention to the detail of the period, and I can see a very unique and convincing character here. It be me pleasure ?t welcome ya on me sloop, mate! [u]Angelus_Necare[/u] I?ve never had much of a history with you like I have with Annie, Baron, and Joko; so it?s been nice to read a post by someone new. I want to point out that I really enjoyed reading your post (thank you for dating it) and I think you really have the makings of a decent writer. I liked the character history to a certain point. I think it was important that each person had some sort of past to come into the pirate business. Whether by Baron?s character starting pirate and continuing a career, to Annie?s runaway girl taking up a life of plunder, to Jokopoko?s fall-from-grace military character; it?s important to have some sort of reason why one becomes a pirate. Now I understand something about your character?s tragic past. I also understand the interesting dichotomy of a plain farm-girl trapped in the masculine, deleterious worlds of pirates would have given an interesting flavor. But, I couldn?t seem to reason exactly [i]why[/i] your character would bother becoming a pirate. I think this would have been better explained if you had approached the Cap?n and maybe given a little more interaction. I guess the biggest complaint wasn?t the quality, but the quantity. So I?m going to have to say that you wouldn?t be quite right for the crew of my ship at this time Angelus, but I really want you to keep writing, because I see great potential in you. Well, that?s that for my current picks. I must remind everyone that signups ARE STILL open. Now, the bar has most certainly been raised with the current crew having signed up. Here?s a few ideas that might help you join me crew: -Post on the Underground after you sign up -Sign up a unique character! We?ve got English gentry, we?ve got scurvy pirate, we?ve got a tough lassie, we?ve got a military-esque character. Try tweaking ethnicities (French, Spanish, Dutch, and other Europeans were quite common in the Caribbean) or personalities. Characters are easily more interesting in their flaws than their merits!! Let?s see what kind of eccentric you can produce. -Note the other people?s characters that have signed up already in your own story! Think about it, the web of interactivity between your characters, and the interconnectedness of their experiences in journal form is really what?s going to flavor this steak. -Quality writing; hey people, those who have been accepted have shown me QUALITY writing, let?s keep it up. Edit: I suppose I should consider clearing up this confusion... we all make up the collective protagonist. That is, we are all the pirates (in some form or another) and we are all going to be on the same ship of the same story... fairly linear. No one 's playing the bad guy or damsel in distress... at least not until the story is moving along some. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adahn Posted January 28, 2005 Share Posted January 28, 2005 [font=Courier New][size=2][color=blue]There were things that took place today that I do not need to write down, as they will forever have their place in my memory. I know not the proper way to do this, as this is the first entry in the only journal I'll ever write. I don't even know if I am writing as myself. It seems that my life as it was before was lived by a different person. I am changed.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff][/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff]Certain things, however, don't change. It was my swagger as I entered the tavern that made him notice me. I was as uncomfortable standing on land as he was sitting near the bar. I met his gaze, and was giddy with the prospect of revenge. No, not on this man, but on those who did the unspeakable. The Spanish Navy will know me by a new name, but first I must earn it.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff][/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff]I took a seat near this man, and listened to what he had to say. Our goals were different, but our means the same. He wanted adventure and gold, and I wanted blood. I offered my services to him, and he accepted. He was looking for crewmembers, and I think it was fate that led me to him.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff][/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff]He asked me my name.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff][/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff]I told him I didn't deserve one.[/color][/size][/font] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corey Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 [size=1][b]aPrl 1sumthin'[/b] [i]I frgot how moch I lved this portt!! There arr so manny loosse womens and enuf ale to drownd a horse!![/i] ??? [b]April 15th, 1662[/b] [i]I woke up this morning propped up against an ale barrel with all my pockets turned out. My journal's still here, and that's a good thing... The booze must have thrown my wits to the sea... I made an entry in here. Doesn't make much sence. I think i bedded a whore last night. I hope it's my imagination, but I feel a little itchy down there... Goddamn... My head is poundin' like a cannon... I left the ship a week or so ago, time's a bit fuzzy. I don't have to worry about that now though... Got robbed last night, I guess... Damn the British Navy! No sence of right or wrong! Anyone that seems guilty, is guilty! That's why I left. I'm still wearing my officers uniform... Something happened with another officer. I didn't hear much except what I overheard from the captain. Someone was being imprisoned in the brig for stealing the rum on the ship. It was me though. I stole the rum. Framed another officer, but he wasn't the one that got caught. Someone else did. The British Royal Navy isn't a place for a drunkard like me. I'm a drunk and I'll always be a drunk. God I miss my brother... He loved me for who I was. Not like these officer types that judge quickly and punish even quicker. Maybe I'll try and catch a ride on a ship tomorrow. For now I'm going to band this old journal up and find a place to sleep in this dirty hellhole.[/i][/size] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Posted February 4, 2005 Share Posted February 4, 2005 [RIGHT][b]April 15, 1662[/b][/RIGHT] [CENTER][i]I cannot say how long I'd been out at sea. Constant waves had lapped memories of land away from me. Each day brought hopes of shore anew. Alas, my eyes supped only upon ocean blue. My days as an English writer past Every moment on this ship was expected to be my last. Neither skilled at plunder nor with sword My paranoia could not be cured. Why, oh why, should I be kept aboard?[/i][/CENTER] How sad was my coming into this life! Where were those sweet conditions I had pictured in my boyhood? Alas, the consonance of evening-bells now give way to the cries of the sea below. I will never rein in to wonder at the raised gates of the Queen's nor the little shops lighted wtih tapers. The twisted pillars of St. Mary's are but a dream gone by, I do not even see them as a reflection in the sea. Like moody beasts they settle in the card-room. Their faces are fearful and wonderful--cruel and womanish with eyes full and black, lips purple and curved painfully. They are all gamblers but on a much grander scale. We fly from the City to the coast of the Mediterranean in the spirit of chance. Some by the light of waning sun, in their hot breasts devise adventures that will surely sing their doom. The endowment of this reckless appetite is indeed the measure of the man. But who shall mourn my death--will anyone be the wise? I have been swept into this life by circumstances most wicked. On this night, like all others thence, I write additions to my journal in bed with a dark lantern. Indeed, I regard it mainly as a tale of adventure, quite fascinating beause I'm never sure which chapter will be mine last. Jean L'Ollais is a tall, slim depraved man with a slight stoop, a troubled walk, an oval impassable face, and skin clinging tightly over the bone. He explains with swift and sudden gestures that he and his friends are tired of the amusements, wearied with the poor pleasures offered by the civil world. They say we will meet land today. Oh, what a stranger! So familiar and yet like a dream I never knew. However, I wonder at the purpose of my hosts. If this is a merely a visit or an invasion meant to entertain my captors with a new shudder in the destruction, the infusion of their venom among the dwellers whose chapter in my adventure I may very well regret having ever written... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drix D'Zanth Posted February 6, 2005 Author Share Posted February 6, 2005 I [U]suppose this is the "official" end of signups, however I want people to understand that they are WELCOME to PM me a signup or get in touch with me if they are interested in this RPG. As the quality remains substantially higher than many RPGs, please only try to sign up if you have some experience. Thanks for these final signups! I was not disappointed! I really enjoyed reading these last couple signups. Because I have a current crew, I actually let them influence my decision greatly. Seeing as this RPG is going to be a very group-driven project. So I gave them near veto power. Alas, the RPG will be starting shortly so: [b]Keep your eyes on the Underground and the Square[/b]. On to the final observations: [u]Adahn[/u]- I have a tendency to be biased and root for you a lot. You are a quality poster, and an excellent writer. This is why the signup confused me so. I didn't think it was so appropriate for a Pirate RPG. It's difficult to expect certain people to meet your expectations when talking about something as esoteric as "make it more... pirate-ish". I was on the fence, but knowing your record thought of letting you join up. So I talked with a few of the current crew to see what signups they liked and didn't. Fearing mutiny on my behalf, I'm going to have to say no to this signup. It wasn't a bad signup, but it really didn't fit the mood that i was trying to convey. The doors aren't closed, though, as I've said before. Keep writing, and if you find your pirate style, keep in touch. [u]Corey[/u]- The crew was fairly split between your signup. I had a few "nays" and a few "yea". I think the deciding factor for me was the humor of your post and your post record. You are certainly a pirate, and your drunkenness is a great attribute to give your character. In fact, incorporating that into your name (i.e. Drunk Pete) would be a wise choice. Exploit your characters weaknesses, but remember to keep away from relying on that single quality. Keep your character unique. Welcome Aboard! [u]Charles[/u] - I thought the post was tacky, lacked flow, and was overall quite unorganiz... *cough* Haha *cough*. I really shouldn't try to ******** the master of bullshitting.. This signup hit the nail on the head with the best of 'em. If anyone rose to the occasion, it was you Charles. You covered it all; quality, content, and incorperating what I asked. Excellent post. You'll be a valuable addition to the crew. The cheers to the matey Charles! [u]Elfpirate[/u]- At long last! I've finally come to a decision. To be honest; based on the signup alone you wouldn't be in this RPG. Sure, you've got the setting down, and decent character use. Your dialogue is great and incorporated my signup "hook". However, you are obviously new to this, so I would have recommended a bit more substance in the description and content. I think that your flow could be improved, and I think you've got some writing style issues to polish. Like I said earlier, I was ready to let you go. Here's why I'm not doing that: I received a PM from this guy asking me how he could get into this RPG. You wanted this badly, and I respect that determination. You were on the fence at that point. The crew was, for the most part, on the edge along with me. A few people decided that you have great potential. I want to see that potential, and I want this to be a quality debut for you into the Adventure Square. Your post in the Underground seemed somewhat trite, but you gave some vivid descriptions. I'm going to keep my eye on you, so show us what you've got. Welcome to the salty sea! That's all folks! I hope you had a fun time reading the signups. Please continue posting in the underground or PM if you have concerns or questions. I'm going to try to start this RPG up solidly, so it might be a little while before I get the opening post up. All of those who have signed up should have received the 4-PM information package (compiled by yours truly). This information isn't your only resource, so please feel free to explore any other possibilities. As for the RPG itself I have a few expectations: Quality: Please keep the post quality as high as I've seen here. Take as much time as you need describing events. If it takes you a few journal entries per post... develop something interesting. I want you to take advantage of this new system. Quantity: Quality comes first always. But I am going to be honest in saying that I'd like to keep the tone set for this RPG as one of vivid content. We're exploring the lives and lifestyles as powerfully as possible. If this means your post is an MSWord document of 10 pages, all the better. There isn't a captain to the story, mateys, so please feel free to take the helm and give us a big plot twist! Surprise us with a new detail! Describe an incredible scene of action! And most importantly: Work off of the other players! In this RPG you might as well be family. The setting implies close, continual contact with the crew... [u]The Style[/u]: My original post highlighted the way this RPG will be run. [b]You will have a traditional RPG[/b] in the sense that there is plenty of lee-way for in character actions and dialogue. Everyone?s post should be a mixture of real time, and the journal system. Take advantage of the possibilities of this! For example, in character you could be discussing ?How you were penalized unfairly for being drunk during roll and sent to the bilge? describing what your character does. Then you could include a following journal entry where your character is in the bilge recording his thoughts, ?I really like the bilge, sure the smell gets to ye. But the peace is guaranteed and I get all the time to be writin? in me journal book.? The plot will be a mixture of our posts, and given some semblance of direction in the Underground, so keep your eye on it. Thanks for your signups everyone! We set sail soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoctorCox Posted February 7, 2005 Share Posted February 7, 2005 I realize that the sign-ups have closed, but if you could look at my entry, that'd be cool. I'm also posting information on the Underground, which may help round him out a bit. [b]---~~{::::::::}~~-- ---~~{::::::::}~~-- ---~~{::::::::}~~-- ---~~{::::::::}~~--The Fifteen Day of April, in the Year of our Lord, Sixteen Hundred and Sixty-Two---~~{::::::::}~~-- ---~~{::::::::}~~-- I awoke this morning in the worst possible way ? a rat pissing on my shirt. The outlook for the day wasn?t much better. With my last penny spent on a half-tankard of rum over a week ago, I could only look forward to digesting another inch of my leather belt. What I needed was a job. But jobs in this wretched hell of a port are harder to come by than a wench who?ll do it for free. Not much point in trying to get an honest job ? in this town you?re just as likely to get an honest wage stolen than you are to spend it. At least when you?re a thief you?re respected by the other thieves. Most of the time. Wandering around the docks, I passed the Blackeye Shallow. I have been there only once before ? and got dragged out and pummeled by one of the other drinkers. Usually I pass it by ? the sailors who drink there are a rough sort and will as soon bash your face in as look at you. But this time I stopped. Perhaps it was the smell of the stew they were cooking, or maybe even the light tinkle of the doorbell as an already drunken sailor stepped outside and collapsed in the dirt of the street. Perhaps my legs were tired. I don?t rightly know, but something drew me to step inside. Taverns are the same in whatever part of the world ye be. Hot, smelly, and full of men who are either too suspicious to do anything but glare, or too drunk to do anything but grab at wenches? bosoms. I?ve got a knack at sizing up a man's character in a single glance ? I?ve never been cheated by nobody, and I can tell a man is a thief just by the way his eyes move. When I walked into that tavern, my eyes scanned for the type of men I wanted to avoid. The big ones who like to pick on the little guy, the drunk ones who just get mean instead of giggly, and especially the men who will follow you out and slit your throat, whether you got money or not. They just like to see your throat gape into a big red smile. Looking into that kind of man?s eyes will have you peering over your shoulder for the next three weeks. When I scanned, though, my eyes caught those of a weathered man. He nodded at me to join him at his table near the bar. I began to walk toward him, my eyes sweeping the room for any threats, then fixating on him as I drew closer. His lips twitched into a slight smile around his pipe as he looked me over. ?What?s your name.? It came out as a statement rather than a question. ?Jared Piper,? I replied. A few minutes later, I stepped outside for my last few hours of solid ground before we sailed. Be a sailor? I suppose I could do that. I?ve been a gentleman?s son, a runaway, a baker?s assistant, and a thief. Be a sailor? Shouldn?t be too hard. ---~~{::::::::}~~-- ---~~{::::::::}~~-- ---~~{::::::::}~~-- ---~~{::::::::}~~-- [/b] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drix D'Zanth Posted February 17, 2005 Author Share Posted February 17, 2005 Dr. Cox, thank you for your sign-up! I?ve had a chance to talk to you and have read over your introductory signup. I must say I?m quite pleased, Stephen. I didn?t know you were such a writer! Well, I expect you will be a welcome addition to this crew. Your use of atmospheric detail was quite impressive and you captured the flavor of a pirate?s life. Now all you?ll have to do is find something unique about your character so that you can begin to shape his personality in the game. If you have any questions about how to go about a forum-based RPG please share them with me or another member of the RP. We are a crew after all! Welcome aboard! Signups now remain ?officially? closed, so please PM me if you intend to join this RP despite the fact that it has begun and I?ll see if we can work something out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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