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Wulfgard
Over the Sea: Part 2
((There are a few rules for all of you to know. Be sure to read over all of them:
1. I’m the DM of the RP. What I say goes. The same applies to Scorp if he ever wants to jump in again.
2. Everyone may post as many times as they like as long as they do not try to advance the plot (interact with each other freely, however) and\or take control of important\named NPCs (mentioned later). For combat posts, I will specify in OOC at the bottom of the post how the combat will work (sometimes you can kill things freely, but usually you cannot and you have to wait for my post saying the result of your attempt to attack an enemy).
3. Continuing from Rule 2, I encourage all of you to interact with other players (or NPCs; I will respond to you as the NPCs in a smaller post if you speak to one). Character interaction is one of the primary forms of character development, and character development makes RPs more dynamic, interesting, dramatic, and fun for everyone. Part 1 did't have an overabundance of character development from a lot of players, so I'd like to see more in this one.
4. No godmoding (obviously).
5. Don’t take control of the NPCs. All of the NPCs are characters (namely mine), just like the character(s) that you have. I don’t care if you control random characters like other shipmen, but do not say what important NPCs such as Nathaniel Aquilonis, Elektra, Fintan, Flint, or Roland say in response to your question or do in reaction to something you did. This also applies to the characters owned by other players. The easiest way to tell if an NPC is considered “important” or not is whether or not they have been given a name. If they have a name, consider them important, and thus you shouldn’t control them.
6. RP your characters realistically. Take into account their background, race, etc., and also bear in mind that this is a low-fantasy setting! Magic, monsters, etc., are all very rare and generally very frightening. I know that might be hard to believe in this RP, considering how things here have ended up being extreme for the setting (which I regret, despite how fun it will be), but anyway, you get the idea.
7. Be creative. Creativity and freedom is what separates RPs from other types of games. Also, try to RP your character’s emotions well, such as surprise, fear, and their opinions.
8. Try to keep OOC (out of character) talk to a minimum, and mark it somehow. I use two parentheses ((like so)) to mark OOC. But preferably, just use the sign-up topic for OOC discussions\remarks about the RP, not the RP topic.
9. If you ever want to resign from the RP, then send me a PM or leave a comment on my profile saying so and we can figure something out. This also applies to if you will be away and unable to post for an extended period of time. If you just up and disappear for a long time without contacting me beforehand, your inactive character will probably be killed off.
10. If you have any questions or requests, DO NOT post them here in the topic. PM them to me. For example, if there is anything you do not know about the setting, then please ask me; I’ll be happy to answer all of your questions, and I’d like to keep everything in this RP accurate to Wulfgard lore (or at least as accurate as this RP can get, what with how this RP has ended up being rather extreme, as I mentioned before). For instance, you shouldn't use the terms 'shifter' or 'Wulfgard' in-character in this RP at all; those are dead and long forgotten terms and ideas. In other words, don't make assumptions about something to do with the setting. If you're unsure, don't be afraid to PM me and ask for an answer.
11. Be sure to read everyone else’s posts in addition to mine and interact with each other. Again, do not take control of other player characters or named NPCs; if you speak to another player, wait for them to respond to you. If you speak to a named NPC, wait for me to respond to you.
12. Remember that your character can die in this RP. Also remember that what happens in the RP stays in the RP; none one’s actions should be taken personally or be the cause of an OOC argument, as they are acting in-character.
If your name appears in bold and has a note mentioning required edits, this means you must edit your character, and you may not post until those edits are made. If you are unsure of what edits are being referred to, please PM me about it or look through my posts in the early pages of the sign-up topic for mention of your name (which you should probably do anyway just to make sure you used all your stat points; some of you didn’t, and I pointed out those people).
If your name appears with a slash through it, then your character is dead or you're considered to be dropped out of the RP due to lack of activity.
Player/Character List:
Kommando – Sean Garbhen Mac Cullen
Fenris – Vala D’Arthao
Sareth – David Malkinyr
The Tamer – Omrach Iskassa
Lightning-Bolt – Cutter
Lord Boar – Sir William Hale
Fire-fox – Ryan Alexander
Shawn Goldenhair – Alatania
Star Wolf – Aries Vespillo
Vorgain – Roland Novak
kiloslivey – Sorren Kyrah
El Taco – Cyprian Amril
Sir_Muffonious – Theriot the Recluse
Lord Cheese Con – Vladimir
Ro Ressan – Jacob Galahand
Darkwoods – Anya Avison
Horatius – Dhamid Saramkha
HolyGhost – Lloyd
Azoth – Vailan Her'sen
Richard – Fenric
Harry Monster - Kanen Sarka
NPC Character (and Race) List:
Sir Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Aquilonis – Captain of The Golden Dragon; Imperial
Elektra – Navigator of The Golden Dragon, shares first mate position of The Golden Dragon with Fintan; Imperial
Fintan – Priest of Njord, shares first mate position of The Golden Dragon with Elektra; Sea Dwarf
Flint – Former first mate of The Salty Seal; Imperial
Roland – Former captain of The Salty Seal; Imperial
Seti – Self-proclaimed pharaoh of the Southerner island settlement; Kemhet Southerner
Ghalib – Head of a mercenary group hired by Seti; Deshret Southerner
In closing, I wish you all good luck and give early condolences to whoever dies in the course of the RP.
Now, without further ado, let Over the Sea: Part 2 begin!))
As Sir Nathaniel Aquilonis stepped off his ship, The Golden Dragon, his first reaction was surprise. For such a recent settlement, this Southerner town was surprisingly populated. Elektra and Fintan were following him onto the docks, and trailing behind them was a number of the adventurers who were now part of Nathaniel’s crew.
The scent of salty brine was finally overtaken by something new: the smell of food – mostly of some very strong spices – wafting from an inn just inside the town. Although the docks were rather quiet, the same couldn’t be said for the settlement itself, for even from here the adventurers could hear Southerner merchants hawking their goods in various Southern languages.
Captain Ghalib soon appeared, crossing the docks from his own vessel to join them. A smile spread across his face as he saw the various adventurers peering curiously at the town.
“You and your company seem surprised, Sir Aquilonis,” he remarked.
“I am,” Nathan replied. “I didn’t expect a place this size.”
“We have done well here. In fact, will you allow me to resupply your ship? No doubt your journey all the way from the mainland has drained your stocks. We have good water here, along with many varieties of food… and other drinks,” he added. “What say you?”
The adventurers heard Fintan the Sea Dwarf, Nathan’s first mate, give a disapproving huff. Judging by the glance he cast back at Fintan, Aquilonis had also heard it – but that didn’t change his answer.
“Sure, we could use the supplies.”
Ghalib smiled, shaking Aquilonis’s hand. “Then it is a deal. My men will load them on board.”
“Thanks, Ghalib. But I have to ask… is there a catch to any of this?”
“Catch? I am not sure I understand.”
“A reason for it. The help, the free supplies – there’s some favor waiting at the end of all this, isn’t there?”
Ghalib grinned. “You do not trust men to simply be kind to one another?”
Aquilonis returned the smile. “Well, I’d like to do that, but experience wears the idea out of you.”
“And you certainly have enough experience. Alas, it is so. I plan to arrange a meeting with the leader here: Seti. He enjoys calling himself a pharaoh,” Ghalib rolled his eyes, “but I hardly believe this is a kingdom all to its own.”
“Who’s gonna stay here an’ make sure these fellas stay in line?” asked Fintan, sounding grouchy as always.
“So kind of you to volunteer, Finny,” Nathan replied.
Fintan scowled. “That was an honest question, kid!”
“Surprisingly honest, I’ll admit, coming from you.”
Fintan huffed. “Fine! I’ll stay here an’ watch ‘em, then – do all the work, as usual. I’d say I hope you get mugged, Nate, ‘cept I don’t wanna hear yer fussin’ when someone hauls you back to the ship.”
“I thought you said I always fuss anyway.”
Fintan said nothing, instead turning about and crossing the boarding ramp back onto the Dragon. Ghalib cast confused glances between the departing Sea Dwarf and Sir Aquilonis.
Nathaniel just smiled in a friendly manner. “He’s like that. Don’t worry about it.”
Ghalib shrugged, speaking again after a moment, his tone much more businesslike than before. “I will speak with Pharaoh Seti about your arrival, Sir Aquilonis. I would like for you – and preferably just you – to meet me there shortly. Seti resides in the largest building of the settlement… it is difficult to miss.”
Not waiting for a response, Captain Ghalib turned about and marched off into the town, ignoring the curious adventurers’ eyes upon his back. Elektra blew out a sigh.
“Looks like we’re being roped into doing something,” she muttered.
“Looks like,” agreed Aquilonis, sounding a bit more serious than before. He stood with his hands on his sides for a moment as he watched Ghalib depart and lost himself in thought before looking back at his crew. “But hey,” he added in his familiar casual tone, “maybe it’ll be interesting. Let’s go have a look around.”
“Interesting and profitable, Nate?” some of the adventurers heard Elektra inquire of the captain as they approached the town itself.
Nathan smirked at her. “Always.”
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Soon the adventurers were scattering throughout the settlement. All went their own ways: some remained on the Dragon, others wandered about in shops to resupply themselves or simply to browse, and some sought out the nearest tavern.
When one adventurer inquired as to whether or not Aquilonis would be meeting with Seti, he gave a simple response. “I’ll go see him… but I’d prefer if I was alone.” He glanced at Elektra. “Or, well, mostly alone. Anyway, all of you go do whatever – just stay out of trouble. We don’t need to draw anymore attention than we already have.”
“Glad you knew I was coming anyway,” Elektra said as the two of them then set off toward the largest building in sight. It was hardly enormous, but it was indeed the biggest structure in town. On either side of its double-door entrance stood two statues of the Southern god Nu, and a motif depicting Anubis – another Southern deity – rested above the doorway itself.
None of the adventurers knew exactly how long Aquilonis and Elektra spoke to Seti, for most were elsewhere in the settlement. The tavern proved to be quite a bore, as small and smelly as it was, but it was a welcome change for many of the weary adventurers… as was some firm ground to stand on. Even though they were no longer on the ship, some of those less experienced as sailors still felt as if they were bobbing up and down on the waves. A good night’s sleep would be welcomed by everyone – that much was clear.
The entire day was spent in port. Everyone wandered about exploring the settlement, purchasing equipment, generally doing as they pleased – although they spoke to only a small number of people, as it seemed that not everyone knew Imperial and instead spoke only Southern dialects from Deshret or Kemhet, which few of the adventurers knew how to speak.
The majority of the adventurers had gathered in the inn that evening, quarreling over rooms. Though some of the more friendly ones agreed to share, others were forced to go back to the ship for lodging. Neither Aquilonis nor Elektra spoke about the meeting with Seti to anyone, saying that it would be best to let the matter wait until morning… it seemed to be implied that everyone would get more sleep if they didn’t know about what was said.
On that note, everyone was left alone to get some rest. Whether all of the adventurers truly rested or not, Aquilonis and his crew spent the entire night in the Southerner town.
The following morning, everyone was to return to the ship. Some took their time and had breakfast with the Southerners, but eventually, they were all reunited back at The Golden Dragon…
And it seemed they had guests – quite a few of them. That morning, a number of new adventurers - unknown to anyone who had been on board the Dragon before now - were steadily leaking from the town on board the ship.
Aquilonis, Elektra, and Fintan were gathered on the quarterdeck, exchanging words that sounded quick and sometimes rather biting… although, as usual, none of them were affected by the sharp tones someone such as Fintan may use. Flint, the one-eyed Imperial wearing a golden amulet fashioned after Poseidon’s trident, was skulking about amongst them and watching them all quite curiously.
As all of the adventurers from the previous journey returned to the ship, it was becoming clearer and clearer that morning that they would be joined by numerous others for the rest of the voyage – and it was also clear that Aquilonis didn’t favor this idea.
A few of the adventurers could hear them making remarks about certain individuals…
“Look at that one,” said Elektra, pointing at an enormous copper-skinned man. “Gods, he’s huge. He looks like one of those slaves we saw in port.”
“What about those two?” Aquilonis nodded to a Southerner man and woman. “Are they a couple or something?”
Fintan huffed. “Let’s hope not.” He paused. “What about that blind guy? The last blind guy I met got ‘imself killed. What damn use is a blind guy on a ship?”
“And still more men,” muttered Elektra as she continued to look them over. “And a Sea Dwarf, too.”
Aquilonis sighed, nodding. “Yeah, more men… more men we don’t need.”
_____________________________________
Ghalib soon approached from the gangplank, and while others were simply going about their work or making sure their belongs hadn’t been stolen, many of the curious adventurers followed Flint’s example and watched the trio that commanded The Golden Dragon for a reaction.
Fintan elbowed Nathaniel, nodding down at Ghalib and saying something. Aquilonis looked frustrated as he descended onto the main deck with Elektra and Fintan following behind him.
“Ghalib,” Aquilonis said as he stopped before the Southerner captain who was attempting to cross the gangplank, pointedly standing in his path. “Beautiful morning, isn’t it?” he said, smiling pleasantly.
Ghalib tentatively returned the friendly gesture. “Indeed it is. Is there a problem, Sir Aquilonis?”
“There just seems to be about sixteen people on my ship that I don’t even know the names of. That’s practically an army in terms of how many people the Dragon carries on a regular basis. Can I get an explanation before someone gets thrown overboard?”
“No need to do anything brash, Captain…”
“I didn’t say I’d do it.” He paused. “Is this some of Seti’s crap?”
“It was not Seti, but one of his men. He likes to… be assured that a deal will work his way, Sir Aquilonis. I believe he spread word across town that you wanted more adventurers for this voyage. He trusts men who already dwelt in this settlement more than other travelers.”
Aquilonis looked unconvinced. He said dryly, “I would say I need to go talk to Seti’s man about his bad habit of spreading lies, but I’d like to reach the other island before tomorrow night.”
“That an’ yer not so good ‘bout lying yerself,” added Fintan. “Although even you haven’t done anythin’ like this,” he added with a disdainful look over his shoulder at some of the newcomers.
“What do they think they’re being paid?” asked Aquilonis, and he heard Fintan grumble a curse at the idea.
“A portion of whatever you find.” Ghalib paused. “I do not know the details of what they expect. All I know is that they expect adventure.”
“Oh, they’ll get adventure,” said Elektra.
“Sure, I can give them that – as long as they don’t give me trouble,” agreed Nathaniel. “If any of them do cause trouble, I’ll know who to blame when I get back.”
“I rest assured Seti’s man will be hearing of his actions, then,” said Ghalib, handing Aquilonis a piece of papyrus. “I have been guarding your ship all this time, and I had everyone who boarded your ship sign this charter for you to look over. I am honored to have met you and assisted you, Sir Aquilonis.”
“Same to you, Ghalib. I’m still considering Seti’s offer… if things go well, we might just get him what he wants.”
Ghalib grinned, shaking Aquilonis hand. “Excellent. Fair winds, Sir Aquilonis!”
With that, the Southerner captain turned about and marched off. Elektra and Fintan watched him go, while Nathan turned his gaze up to the sky.
“It musta been Ghalib,” Fintan suddenly said. “He’s the one that let all these people on the ship.”
“I know,” Nate said quietly.
“He outta get a beatin’ for it,” Fintan muttered.
“Now Fintan, let’s not be harsh,” chided Elektra, her words dripping with sarcasm. “He only introduced over a dozen more people who want in on any treasure.”
“An’ who dunno about Roland an’ his fake little story," Fintan added in a gruff, low tone, so that none on board the ship would hear. "That’s gonna make a fuss whenever they find him locked up in that bunk below deck.”
“Oh, please,” said Aquilonis, turning about and boarding the ship again, “I’m not worried about Roland. And as for the treasure, we’ll work something out. We always do.”
“Somehow,” Fintan added as he took up the gangplank.
“But will we make a profit?” Elektra wondered aloud.
Nathan didn’t answer.
“All hands prepare to cast off!” Sir Nathaniel Aquilonis called as he climbed up onto the quarterdeck. Elektra had already returned to the wheel and was waiting for him, peering over his shoulder as he looked at the roster of new crewmen. They could be seen speaking quietly to each other, which apparently drew Fintan’s attention, as he soon joined them after the ship was ready to leave port.
_____________________________________
Winds were strong as The Golden Dragon left the docks, its sails caught up in the gusts blowing over the massive sea. The dragon emblazoned on the largest sail shone strong and clear in such a draft, catching the eye of many who had never been on the ship before.
For now, everyone was on deck – which was just the way Aquilonis wanted it. Stepping up to the edge of the quarterdeck, near where Elektra stood at the ship’s wheel, Nathaniel looked over his crew… which had grown in size since the Southerner port.
“A lot of you got on this ship while we were in that little Southerner town,” said Aquilonis, “probably thinking that I wanted more hands on my ship for this voyage. Well, I actually didn’t want anybody else. I had plenty, and now I have… a lot. But as long as you do as I say and don’t cause any trouble, you’re welcome to serve on board the ship.
“I’m sure quite a few of you are wondering where exactly we’re going now. Seti told me that there’s an island a day or so away from the one we just left. It’s uncharted, and he says it’s home to savages,” Aquilonis glanced to a very tall and muscular individual on deck who looked like one of the slaves the adventurers had seen in town, “not that I’m saying they’re savages, but anyway, that’s where we’re headed.”
Aquilonis then turned away, wandering past Elektra. There was a brief exchange between the two of them, quiet enough to go unheard by the adventurers. Nathan then descended onto the main deck, passing many of the crew by as he went into his cabin, which was underneath the quarterdeck. He closed the door behind him.
Elektra, meanwhile, remained at the wheel on the quarterdeck of the ship, which was the highest deck and rested at the back of the vessel. The deck at the front of the ship, or the forecastle deck, was where Fintan the Sea Dwarf stood near the mighty ballista attached to the Dragon, which always remained loaded and at the ready. Flint climbed below deck via the hatch in the center of the main deck, making his way to his bunk. Those who followed him would find that all of the bunks below deck were open – save one, the door to which was shut and locked.
A few of the more perceptive newcomers on the main deck may have noticed just how watchful both Fintan and Elektra were of them.
_____________________________________
It was a beautiful morning. The sea was calm, and they were swiftly leaving the Southerner town’s little island behind. When they were in port, a few other small islands had been visible, but the further away from the settlement that they went, the less land was in sight. Soon no land would be visible in any direction.
Although the skies were mostly clear and the bright sun was beating down upon the deck, a cool wind was keeping things a reasonable temperature. For a while, there was silence among the crew. All that could be heard were the sails catching the breeze and the blue-grey seawater lapping at the sides of the vessel as the fast ship cut through it like a knife… but considering the Dragon’s motley crew, the stillness wouldn’t last long.
((Sorry for the sub-par introduction post; those have never been my strongest point. For now you have pretty much free-run of the ship. Interact with each other freely, and interact with the NPCs, if you want (all players and NPCs are open for interaction right now; this won't happen a lot, so take advantage of it when you get your chances). Basically this is a nice little introductory sequence before things start to get moving – enjoy the peace and quiet while you can!))
