AmongHeroes

Tides of Dusk: A Piratical Tale of Fantasy

Thomas’ brow furrowed in bemusement, his eyes moving from between the scrap of paper and the First Mate’s scarred but angelic face. His surprise was genuine, and only amplified through the lens of Nicolette’s advice of secrecy from earlier. Parchment, and the charcoal upon it, was a traitorous instrument, and he did not trust it even in the hands of those he held in the highest esteem.

Leaning forward, Thomas softened his expression, and looked at the First Mate. It is late, and we are all off our best lines, he thought as he rested a hand gently over hers, staying her fingers from pressing the charcoal against the paper. He hoped that the tenderness of his touch would calm her, and would convey that his initial surprise held no malice.

“I can’t tell you who commanded the fleet,” Thomas said, “but I know she sailed with thirty-eight other ships, all bound for Havana, and Cádiz after. The galleons were laden with the usual cargo of gold, silver, gems, spices, sugar, and tobacco. Though my sources are not certain, the lost ship is said to be the Madre Santisima, commanded by a man named Gonzalo Martin. I myself have never heard of the man, but I assume that if he was in command of a ship carrying such treasure that he is not a complete dullard.”

It was then that Luc came to the table, laden with the cut pieces of cake. The sight brought a smile to his face. The simple joy of being among new and exciting company shone on the boy’s face like the sun off the waves of the Atlantic. It was a face filled with innocent hope and the trusted promise of better things to come. Thomas wondered if he had looked that way to Lightfoot as a young lad, and truthfully he hoped he had.

Thomas withdrew his hand from the First Mate’s and began taking large bites of the moist cake, all the while watching Luc with a glint in his copper eyes. By the time the boy stood before him with his aunt’s hands upon his shoulders, resigned to his fate of bedtime at last, Thomas had downed the cake, and was washing it down with the last of his wine. With a final swallow and a sideways grin, Thomas pulled the old gold coin from his pocket. He took Luc’s hand in his own, placing the gold into his small palm before curling the boy’s fingers around the coin.

“Goodnight, little master. Perhaps I shall see you on the morrow.”

He stood then, his smile moving up to Antonia, and his eyes looking to her with words of their own. Another night, and not soon enough.

Thomas adjusted the pistols and dagger on his back, and gathered up his plate and mug. “It is late, and there is much to do tomorrow. I will find my way to bed as well.” He gave the helmsman, the First Mate, and Antonia each a nod of farewell in turn before turning to place the stoneware into a large basin behind the bar.

Before leaving the Parakeet, Thomas moved back the table almost as an afterthought.

“Lieutenant,” he said, “if you wouldn’t mind meeting me on the Skate in the morning at your earliest convenience, I would appreciate it.” He looked up, addressing them all now. “I bid you all a good night.”

With that, Thomas turned on his heels, giving Antonia an affectionate squeeze of her hand as he walked past her, and out into the night. The morning promised much, and her kiss was scant hours away.

Pieces of 8: Bones of the North

Atticus looked down to Siya with a smile of sympathy. He could see how troubled she was by the lines that etched her smooth face, and the clouds that seemed to roil behind her ethereal eyes. He thought in that moment how much humanity still remained in Siya. To his eyes she was an individual laced with the worries and emotions of one still grounded enough to not be carried away by the reality of her immortality. In Atticus’ experience, such perspective was rare amongst the children of Cain, and he admired Siya’s reliance upon those she loved. It was a quality he himself wished he possessed more of.

“Siya,” he said, pushing a lock of hair from her face, “you are many things, but a terrible friend is not one of them. I know it was hard to keep faith that Max would be returned, but that is no indictment of your love for him, or Veti for that matter.” Atticus shrugged, hoping to rob some of the angst from Siya. “Being caught up in the reality of the times is no betrayal, it simply is the way of things.”

He reached down and laced his fingers into hers as she returned her eyes to his. It was a gesture foreign to him, but in that moment he decided how wonderfully delicious it felt.

“As for being outside of people’s thoughts, I wager you won’t have to wait for long to know that Veti and Max both keep you in the forefront of their thoughts. Veti especially will be overjoyed, and she will naturally want to share that joy with her best friend.”

Atticus gave Siya his best, most assured smile. It faltered slightly as he continued. “I know that I did not do a good job in these past months of showing you, but you have to believe me when I say that you have been in my thoughts and in my heart always.”

He clenched his jaw, an Incubus finding himself in a realm of speech he never fathomed would pass his lips. “Siya, I have never felt drawn towards any creature like I am to you. It is a feeling that as a demon I have never experienced, and so I know my ineptitude has hurt.”

Atticus returned the smile to his face, and gave Siya a wink. “Maybe you can help me get better in that regard?”


Aislinn Hoyle

Aislinn’s head cocked first to the undead man, and then back to the deep thinking one with the Scotch and strange clothing. Surprise registered in her yellow eyes, and she licked her fangs in a gesture of contemplation, though only those accustomed to a werewolf’s habits would identify it as such.

Her surprise registered from their own confusion, even despite the flowery contemplations of the man with the Scotch. They did not know about the coming end? Why were any of them here than? Certainly Reginald had brought these agents here to help in the stopping of Ragnarök, for Aislinn could fathom no other purpose for their presence.

“You did not know of its coming?” She growled to the pair. Aislinn thought to inquire after what had brought them to her brother’s service in the first instance, but she decided it mattered not. Instead she would labor to inform them.

“There is much happening in the world, dark things, and despite whatever deep thoughts…” Aislinn’s wolf muzzle screwed itself into a bemused expression as she was offered a cigar by the demon-host. She reached out and plucked one from the tin, sniffing it several times before continuing. “…You may have upon the end of the world, and its rebirth, I say to you that it is too early. This is not the natural work of the gods and their machinations, no, this is the work of sinister forces that wish to bring the great storm to the world early, and for their own gain.”

She paused to sniff at the cigar once more, before deciding to light it upon the flame of a nearby candle. The pungent scent of the tobacco was foreign to her, and the old wolf had only her experience of smoking other medicinal weeds to lead her to the proper method to handle the cigar. Somewhat awkwardly in her wolfen form, she drew in several long puffs, and held her breath deep within her lungs. She then took the cigar and offered it to the undead man, shaking it slightly between her fingers, indicating that he should take it.

Pieces of 8: Bones of the North

Standing at almost seven feet tall in his human form, Zakhar towered over the press of people exiting the Underground. His intense gaze drifted over the throng as people made their way up to street level. He allowed the flow to carry him up with them, his feet moving in uncomfortably short strides for one so large.

As he topped the stairs and met the gray skies of London, Zakhar drew a hand through his pleasantly disheveled, bleached blond hair. Even in his human form, his face held the striking and powerful beauty of his wolfen other half, and his sharp nose turned up to the clouds to sniff at the damp air. Around him the human wave parted, moving either north or south upon Kentish Town Road. Placing his hands into the pockets of his threadbare jeans, Zakhar turned north, his legs now able to lengthen and take up massive lengths of pavement.

In little time he was veering onto Fortress Road, and moving north still further until he reached the junction of Fortress and Brecknock. Here he stopped, looking to the darkly painted building that occupied the southern corner. Above the front door was a glowing neon sign that read ‘Aces and Eights.’ Zakhar unzipped his faded leather motorcycle jacket, and pulled open the heavy wooden door, and into the bustling saloon bar. His ears were accosted by Blues guitar, and the noise of dozens of liquor lubricated tongues.

The werewolf wove his way through the crowd, his muscular frame and daunting height drawing the eyes of many. He paid the attention no mind, and moved towards the rear of the saloon like a man with a purpose. As he moved past the end of the bar, he smelled the distinct scent of a vampire off to his right, and his eyes tracked up to a deliciously proportioned woman flirting with a drunk businessman. It would be the most costly piece of ass the man ever had the pleasure of trying, Zakhar knew. The Veiled World was a dangerous place, especially where it met with the human realm.

It is about to become particularly deadly, he thought as his gaze fell upon those he was here to meet.

He took a seat at the small booth occupied by two surly looking men in mismatched clothing and dingy complexions. The pair eyed him warily, their gaze moving up and down his body with a conspicuous note of surprise.

Zakhar smiled at them with a grin that was almost as predatory as the one he wore when covered in fur. “My brothers,” He began, his rich Slavic accent peppering the thick air, “let us speak of Hoyle’s precious castle, and how we are going to bring the walls crumbling down around him.”

Pieces of 8: Bones of the North

Hey all, how is everyone today? I'm working up the next post even now, so never fear. Anyone have any great plans for the coming weekend?

Feudal Lords NRP

So, are we still moving forward with this?

Tides of Dusk: A Piratical Tale of Fantasy

Thomas nodded, his mind sifting tacitly through the First Mate’s response. If he had been asked personally he would have said that the Dusk Skate had the best manned guns of any pirate vessel in the Caribbean, which is precisely why he had asked after Nicolette’s opinion. She was not jaded as he was by pride, and Thomas was man enough to admit he had plenty of that, especially when it came to his livelihood.

The First Mate was an astute and dedicated officer, and for one so often bold and calculating, he wondered with an amused arch to his brow and a slight curl to his mouth what about him set her so ill-at-ease. He could hear it in the timbre of her voice, and the way she forced her expressions. It was odd to him, seeing as how she had come to the Skate for a chance to join the crew. She must’ve heard about him, and known of his reputation and style of command before she walked up the gangway that day. Perhaps the reality of his company was even more of a shock than he realized? That prompted a genuine smile from Thomas.

“Your assessment is appreciated, of course, Lieutenant. Let us hope that during our coming venture that the Skate’s guns are allowed to remain silent. Still, being sharper is something I can always abide. During the voyage I think it best if you hone the men further. A sword can hardly be too sharp.”

It was during this time that Antonia placed a cup of bumbo before the First Mate, and retook her seat. Thomas shifted his eyes to hers, sensing her desire for his attention. He saw her mouth the words of thanks to him, and he understood. It was not often that Thomas colored his true feelings for anyone, even a young boy. In truth however, he hadn’t done it for the boy had he? You’re going soft, Thomas, he thought as he looked to the exotic rogue with a smile, and a wink that said everything he needed it to.

Feudal Lords NRP

Caliphate of the Twelve Sons

Nation Name: The Caliphate of the Twelve Sons

Population: 2,750,000

Location on Map:


Form of Government: Absolute Monarchy

Head of State: Caliph Aduz Zahir Sader

Heir to State: Prince Bilaal Afaaq Sader

Important Political Characters:
[x]-Caliph Aduz Zahir Sader: Born as the third son of his father, Caliph Aaban Hanlana Sader, Aduz Zahir ascended to successor following the death of his older brothers to plague when he was but a young boy. Being the Caliph’s only remaining son, Aduz Zahir spent the next seven years until his father’s passing under his direct tutelage. As such, when he inherited the Caliphate at age sixteen, Aduz Zahir was well prepared to be the ultimate leader of the tribes of the Twelve Sons.

Aduz Zahir was driven to usher in a new age of prosperity, borne upon the backs of both scientific and civic growth. As such, the Caliphate set out to make the region of the Twelve Sons a hub for the trade of great thinking and a center for the pursuit of knowledge. He commanded the construct of dozens of academies and universities throughout the region, and subsidized the work of scholars, even sometimes beyond the borders of his own realm.

[x]- Prince Bilaal Afaaq Sader: The Caliph’s first son, and successor to the Caliphate, Prince Bilaal is every bit his father’s son. A man of deep thought with grand ambition, he is man focused upon flourishing the lands of his father, and his father before him. He is no soldier, and lacks both the skill and desire to participate in military matters.

[x]-Prince Karīm Raadi Sader: Caliph Aduz Zahir’s second son, and the leader of the Caliphate’s army. The antithesis to his older brother, Karīm’s desire for knowledge stems almost solely from an interest in martial prowess. His father recognized this trait early in the boy’s life, and tutored him accordingly, grooming the young Karīm to become the Son of the Sword—the term granted every leader of the Caliphate’s landed military.

[x]-Son of the Sea, Laith Wajeeb Moussa: Laith was born to a family of fishermen, and intended to follow his family’s calling as he grew. However, the conflict of the Rajab Pirates that occurred when he was a young man shifted his destiny to one in the naval forces of the Caliphate. He proved his worth, and his renown reached the ears of Caliph Aaban, who brought him into his circle of advisors. Eventually, Laith was granted the title of Son of the Sea, and was given the responsibility of administration for the Twelve Son’s affairs upon the seas, both military and civilian alike.

Capital: Khabur=Teal on map

Capital Population: 225,000

Capital Description:
-Known as the Gem of the Central Coast, Khabur is a grand melting pot of religious, economic, and scientific thought. This heterogeneous characteristic is wholly intentional, and a point of great pride for the Caliphate. Dialects from across the globe can be heard in the vast bazaars and courtyards of the city, with the promise of prosperity itself binding the diverse groups under the banner of the Twelve Sons. The towers of varying religious houses reach to the sky throughout the city, though naturally the city has divided into several areas populated more heavily by one religion or the other.

Khabur is a coastal city, walled completely on the landward side, with only a partial wall towards the sea. Its port is shielded by a natural archipelago that offers a safe harbor for ships, and though this portion is not walled within the city, it is protected by a small fort at the tip of the archipelago.

Other Major Towns :
- Al Muţayrifī=Red on map
- Raudhah=Purple on map
- As Silaym=Light Blue on map
- Al Qara‘ah=Brown on map
- Maḩāţah=Dark Blue on map

Traits Chosen:
Start Off Points +2
-Professional Army: -3
-Small Army:+2
-Militias:-1
-Sealegs:-1
-Rotting Hulls:+2
-Free Market-1
-Natural Great Men:-3
-Holy Hell:+3
Total: 0

Social Dynamics: The Caliphate of the Twelve Sons is a government of open thought, but one that is colored by the lens of a firm belief in Allah and the direction of Islam. The Caliph interprets his holy direction into the pursuit of knowledge and a high value upon freedom and peaceful exchange. However, the Caliphate responds brusquely to harsh attempts to alter the prevailing religious thought in the land, and the Pope and his interests are often viewed with open disdain, though Christianity as a whole is accepted within the boundaries of the Twelve Sons.

The population of the Caliphate is divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower classes through economic and natural forces that are mostly independent of the whims of the Caliph. However the ruling portion of the Upper Class still is permeated with hereditary succession, as seen in the Caliph and his progeny. Since they are oft supported by the Caliphate, many scholars count themselves as among the Upper Class. The Middle Class is supported by a wide range of individuals, though mostly through the efforts of merchants and craftsmen. Some more prominent military leaders are among the Middle Class as well.

Religion: Islam

Important Events or Holidays:
-Islamic Holidays
-Festival of the Stars: An annual festival held during the Summer Solstice that focuses upon the prosperity granted by the diversity of knowledge, and the celebration of a nation built upon the backs of many. It is a secular event that is intended to encourage peace between the many sects that live under the wing of the Caliphate.
-Name day of the Son: This holiday celebrates the transformation of the twelve Islamic tribes that came together to form the one Caliphate. It is one of the nation’s most prominent holidays outside of normal Islamic doctrine.

Stability: Very Stable

Military:

Army Strength:
250 Knights
8,000 Men at Arms
1,000 Pikemen
5,000 Shortbowmen
2,000 Crossbowmen

Navy Strength:
15 Cogs
20 Galleys
5 Longships

Industry: The Twelve Sons are major refiners of metals and gemstones. Though not flourishing, the economy does rely upon a substantial agricultural industry that supplies grain and exotic fruits. Another large portion of the economy relies upon the export of knowledge, more specifically mathematics and engineering, that funnel coin back to the Caliphate via the work of traveling scholars and engineers. Artwork and ceramics are also notable sections of industry.

Main Exports:
-Metals/Gemstones
-Grain
-Art/Ceramics

Main Imports:
-Cloth
-Lumber

GDP: 70,000,000,000($)

Pieces of 8: Bones of the North

Oh, very cool, Wordsmith. So you forged that from stock steal completely? I'll admit I have no idea about smithing, but that looks awesome.

Pieces of 8: Bones of the North

Whew...what a weekend! Anyway, I'm glad to stick my head into Pieces and see we have wonderful activity :). I myself am blissfully sunburned and scarred from a bout of orienteering. That and I somehow think I'm still full from junk food over the holiday weekend. It is strange how filling a chocolate rabbit can be when eaten in one sitting...

Feudal Lords NRP

Did you get my NS?