BlondyMcHuggles

To Meddle in the Affairs of Dragons

Angela Kõivli

Name: Angela Kõivli
Sex: Female
Race: Human
Age: 32
Religion: She follows the Solanian Faith; she mainly worships Solanius, though Calidorus also gets a lot of attention.
Backstory: Angela was born to an extremely devout minor noble family in Ryymoyod, in the south of Rosiland. Ryymoyod was close to Vilvere Castle, home to the renowned Vilvere Order and the largest brick castle in the world. The Vilvere Order is a holy order of dragonslayers whose ultimate loyalty rests with Solanius and his pantheon.

Angela's parents sent her off to the Order when she was six years old to eventually become a priestess; Angela was excited about the prospects and was one of the most enthusiastic students in the castle; however, when her lessons were over she spent some of her time pestering the local knights to teach her how to use a sword. She was determined to learn all that she could about being a part of the Order, and knights tended to be the most well-taught in the whole organisation.

While few knights were women, the men were rarely put off since Angela showed a willingness to learn that many male squires did not - initially, it was just a fun way for both Angela and the knights to pass the time. After some time, however, the knights realised that she showed potential and with the right guidance, she had the capacity to become a knight herself.

Much of her life in the castle consisted of training to become both a priestess and a knight - knight training in the Order was unusual, in that squires must learn magic as well as swordsmanship. Magic training begins early because it is one of their main methods for defeating dragons in battle.

Her training was difficult and it took years and years to complete. Finally, when she was 19 she completed both of her training programmes. Because she did two lots of training, she was ultimately given a choice of whether she wanted to become a dragonslayer or a priestess - by this stage, Angela had seen how the world really was, and ultimately decided that she could do more good as a knight of the Order. In addition, her knowledge as a priestess would likely come in handy anyway, as there was no shortage of simple people looking for the word of the Gods. After her knighting ceremony, she was granted the rank of Chevaleresse.

She went on to participate in the Eastern Crusade along with the vast majority of her comrades; she took part in the disastrous 'Battle of the Red Flats', where the Western army was soundly and decisively defeated by the Easterners. The soldiers and knights that routed were ran down by Eastern cavalry, while those that surrendered found themselves at the stake if they weren't killed outright. Angela managed to escape with her life, but many of her brothers and sisters within the Order's ranks had perished.

Upon seeing the massacre of her friends by their heretic foes, Angela was filled with nothing but hatred for Easterners of any walk of life. When the Order regrouped, the decimated army spent the Crusade laying siege to and conquering Sindhusi-held castles and towns; if any Easterners were found within (they always were), then Angela and other Vilvere knights killed them without a second thought. She stayed in the East for two years without any contact with her friends and family back home; when the weary army returned back to Vilvere Castle, Angela had become extremely bitter from her experiences, but surprisingly, her faith wasn't shaken.

Since she was knighted, Angela has risen through the Order's ranks at a reasonable pace; by the time the story begins, she is officially a Chevaleresse-Lieutenant. Angela, when present at Vilvere Castle, is in charge of the day-to-day running of castle's priory. However, she is sometimes sent out to cities across the Solanian world to carry out various tasks for local Order chapters or the Church.

Motivation: Angela believes that Htraknu is a serious threat to the Solanian Faith and to all people (living and dead) in the entire world. In addition, she believes that as a dragonslayer, she is obliged to at least attempt to hunt down and kill the dragon-god like the heretic it is.
Magic: As mentioned above, Angela acquired her knowledge of magic from her training in the Vilvere Order; the vast majority of her knowledge is mainly fire- and ice-based, though she has a little bit of knowledge in shield spells as well.
Skills/Strengths: As a knight and a dragonslayer, she is a superb swordfighter and her skill in the magical arts is also very good. In addition, she is strong-willed and does not lack determination.
Weaknesses: She has a tendency to put her religion and her Gods above plenty of other things; many people would call her zealous. Angela also has a tendency to try to help the common person as much as she can, even if it may be at odds with her assignment - that said however, she treats adventurers and landless/wandering knights with nothing other than absolute contempt.
Gear: imgur.com/a/BR4757f + appearance
Other: Yes - she has a plethora of other weaknesses, some of them almost crippling, though I will refrain from mentioning them since it could compromise her story immediately, which isn't satisfying. If I need to tell the GM what they are, I will.

And here's an application for a new character I've been wanting to bring in for ages. ^^

Gottmar von Eibenschütz

Name: Gottmar von Eibenschütz

Sex: Male

Race: Human

Age: 42

Appearance: i.imgur.com/pkLztc7.jpg

Religion: Like the rest of the Order of Witch Hunters, Gottmar worships only Calidorus, seeing him as a natural patron of their crusade against the users of dark magic.

Backstory: Gottmar was born in the small town of Eibenschütz in southern Asmeinland, the second son of the ruling Baron, August von Eibenschütz. As a young noble, he received a good education in both academic disciplines and the art of combat, showing a particular aptitude for the latter. When he was 16, he and his elder brother Manfred were sent with a small force to deal with a suspected band of brigands in the nearby forests. Coming across a campsite in the woods, however, they could find no-one but an old woman, sat at the campfire brewing some kind of herbal tea. Gottmar’s brother enquired as to whether the woman knew of any criminals in the area – unfortunately, she was less than cooperative, and he gave her a sound beating before the party left. A week later, he was dead; taken by an unknown illness, suffering in unbearable agony for the last days of his life.

Shortly afterwards, the old woman from the forest was seen in Eibenschütz. Nobody thought anything of it, until she entered the castle one day and demanded to speak with the Baron. Reluctantly granting her an audience, he watched in utter confusion as she shuffled into the Great Hall and proceeded to rant at him in an obscure dialect of Solymic. Annoyed that his time was being wasted, he had the crone spend a day in the stocks, pelted with shit and rotten food.

That night, August rose from his bed, grabbed a knife from his bedside table, and stabbed his sleeping wife to death. Covered in blood, he proceeded to stagger through the castle, not awake – animated instead by some unseen force – murdering anyone in his path. Bursting into the bedroom of Gottmar’s younger sister, he put out both her eyes before slitting her throat. Her screams were the only thing that roused the sleeping castle guards, who, along with Gottmar, awoke and rushed to where the sound had come from. Seeing what his father had done, Gottmar rushed forward with sword in hand to kill the man. He was too late. August turned his knife on himself, plunging the blade into his own heart.

It did not take a genius to connect the deaths of August and Manfred with the strange old crone who both had angered. Gottmar took the castle’s garrison and roused the citizenry, who gathered their torches and pitchforks and stormed the old woman’s camp in the forest. Even a witch must sleep, and the furious mob burned her alive in her own tent, her terrible screams and attempts to cast spells coming far too late to save her.

After a lengthy period of consideration, Gottmar decided to journey to Altenschloss, the nearest city that housed a chapter of the radical Order of Brother-Soldiers of the Temple of Blessed Calidorus in Asmeinland (better known as the Order of Witch Hunters). Passing their initial trials, taking their vows, and undergoing their purification rituals to render him devoid of – and also immune to – sorcery, the young nobleman became a fully-fledged Witch Hunter, sworn to seek out and destroy dark magic wherever it manifested. For 26 years, this has been his profession. Now a senior and well-respected member of the Altenschloss Chapter, Gottmar still relentlessly carries out his duties with a dedication both admired and feared by his brothers in the Order.

Motivation: Initially unaware of Htraknu, merely tracking a witch across the country. When he learns of Htraknu, however, he will see it as his duty to rid the world of such a foul magical threat.

Magic: None at all. As a member of the Altenschloss Chapter of the Order of Witch Hunters, Gottmar was subjected to a ritual whereby the blood was completely drained from his body, “purified” by Order priests to rid it of all magical taint, and reinjected into him. This ritual renders the participant partially immune to magic – magically summoned fire, creatures, weapons etc. can still harm him, but illusions and direct magical attempts to manipulate the mind and body have no effect. Unfortunately, this also means that he is unable to use magic in any form, even with the assistance of substances or artifacts that would normally assist in sorcery. Technically, as being drained of all blood does have a tendency to kill the victim, Witch Hunters are no longer strictly speaking alive, occupying a grey area between life and undeath. They still require food and water, like any living person, but are somewhat desensitised to pain and do not sleep. Their skin has a deathlike pallor, and flesh wounds rarely heal fully, leaving most Hunters covered in scars from their various exploits.

Skills/Strengths: Extremely physically fit, highly proficient swordsman and marksman, good knowledge of tracking, survival skills, and alchemy, expert knowledge of the occult. Immune to direct magic.

Weaknesses: Gottmar’s inability to utilise magic in any form is a clear weakness, and in some cases his immunity to its effects can also be a disadvantage – it is not just harmful magic that he resists; healing magic will not work on him either.

Gear:

• Clothes, long leather coat, wide-brimmed capotain hat with internal steel reinforcement
• Hardened steel cuirass, pauldrons, rerebrace and vambrace on right arm
• Arming sword
• Hatchet
• Short falchion
• Pair of daggers, one iron and one silver
• Set of stakes and mallet
• Repeating crossbow and bolts
• Dried food
• Waterskin
• Small hip flask of brandy
• Medicinal herbs, bandages, needle and thread
• Flask of holy oil
• Holy symbol of Calidorus
• Small bag of salt
• Firesteel
• Money

Other: Nothing I can think of that isn’t covered above.

@Beany McBean

And your new char is accepted my friend! ^^

Scourge of the Seas

The Devil’s Anvil sat in wait for another four agonisingly slow hours; the crew were promised action and riches, and neither of which were to be found. It was the middle of the evening now – the sun was beginning to disappear over the dark orange horizon. Many merchant ships wouldn’t risk arriving into Kingston at night, so it was now or never.

Otherwise, it’d be yet another day without any profit.

“Take us south-east, full speed!” Kirkwood yelled; his crew relevant to the order began scurrying the ship, climbing the rigging and the like. They moved quickly and with a purpose, which wasn’t exactly surprising considering that their livelihoods were on the line; wealth - or the lack of it - always was a great motivator.

Old Ironwood had retired to his cabin in the following minutes, no longer content with standing by the helm. He stared at the map of the Caribbean on his ornate wooden table. In fact, most of his cabin was the same; it looked more like a British officer’s bedroom than a pirate captain’s quarters. He was so absorbed in the large piece of paper that he visibly jumped when he heard a knock on the door – it wasn’t even that loud. Good thing nobody was around to see his second of weakness. Kirkwood scratched his short blonde beard before clearing his throat. “Come in! If ye bloody well must.”

At his barking, the door began to open slowly, as if the person opening it didn’t wish to awaken a sleeping monster. Chambers stood at the doorway once again the very picture of fear. “C-Captain…” she squeaked out, almost as quiet as the smallest mouse.
Captain Kirkwood made no attempt at hiding his irritation. “Don’t waste my time, girl.” He growled. “Speak up.” He rested his head on his fist and slouched in his cushioned chair.
The girl shrunk away a little more, but she had no desire to raise her captain’s ire again. “We… we’ve spotted a ship heading towards Kingston… she’s a merchant ship. I… I think.”

Kirkwood raised one his eyebrows. “Who’s ‘we’? Don’t you mean ‘they’? Don’t tell me you’re taking some credit for the crew’s work?!” he slammed one of his fists on his table; Chambers jumped in fright, despite the fact she saw it coming a mile off. “Tell ‘em I’ll be out in a minute, and to intercept that damn ship.”
Chambers nodded meekly and began closing the door as slowly as she’d opened it.
“Now!” After she left, he gave out an exasperated sigh as he rubbed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and finger.

Sure enough, he was out of his cabin after a minute with all his equipment; his sabre, jacket and two handguns. The Devil’s Anvil was already on an intercept course with the ship they had spotted minutes earlier. Kirkwood approached his first mate, a Yorkshire man called Nicholas. He was in his late twenties with short black hair and had a surprisingly well-kept beard. “What are we looking at?” Kirkwood muttered so only Nicholas could hear him.
“Merchant ship, Captain; flying the British flag. She’s a big‘un, too.” He handed his Captain a telescope.

Sure enough, a large merchant ship was in sight; from a quick glance at how low her waterline was, she was full to the brim with something. An almost imperceptible grin appeared on Ironwood’s face. Normally he’d be wary of such an obvious prize, but he couldn’t afford to be picky at this point. “Take us in!” he yelled as loud as he could to his helmsman- the poor man cringed; he was only a few metres from the Captain anyway.

The Devil’s Anvil was advancing towards her prey at full speed; she would end up with her broadside facing the merchant vessel’s bow at the current rate. Such a plan would have been obvious to anyone watching, and the crew of the merchant ship must have seen them by now…

However, the ship continued its heading. Some of the Anvil’s crew were beginning to grow suspicious, but the rest weren’t the types to look a gift-horse in the mouth.

The ship’s British flag quickly began to descend once the Devil’s Anvil got close to completing its admittedly simple manoeuvre – if all victories were going to be that easy in the future, Kirkwood and his crew were going to live as kings. Just as cheers began to ring out amongst the crew of the Anvil, their target began to turn sharply to her left and started raising a different flag – a red and gold Jolly Roger. Hidden ports on the ship’s broadside began to open, revealing several rows of cannons. The ships were about to cross parallel to each other.

Kirkwood’s expression went from one of arrogant smugness to barely concealed anger. And… was he afraid? “Oh… fuck.” He whispered so nobody else could hear him. The Devil’s Anvil didn’t have the firepower to last long against the monster that stood before her and Ironwood knew it. Unfortunately for him, it was too late to back out now. “Turn to starboard, now!” his helmsman once again cringed at his captain’s yelling, but nevertheless complied.

The Anvil turned to her right, hoping to have a clear broadside shot at the back of their enemy. That said, she’d have to survive her adversary’s own broadside first…

Scourge of the Seas

Application

NAME: Alajandro Pamplonio

SEX: Male

DATE OF BIRTH: 21 July 1706

PLACE OF BIRTH; Tenerife, Canary Islands

BACKSTORY: The Canary Islands were the first among the Spanish colonies -- early competitors with the Madeiras Islands owned by the Portuguese. These islands were sprawled with sugar plantations. Sugar cane was a major cash crop sought after by all colonist nations. Cristiano Pamplonio and his wife Felicia Pamplonio Almonzar were proprietors of one of the largest sugar plantations on Tenerife and received subsidies directly from the Spanish crown. However, plantations required laborers and slaves were not cheap. In order to capitalize on profits, the Pamplonios invested in privateers hired to intercept slave ships as well as ships carrying sugar to the New World, hoping to eliminate foreign competition. Because this activity was not sanctioned by the crown and the spoils would be confiscated immediately as sovereign property, the Pamplonios decided to keep it secret. Many of the spoils had to be hidden and used selectively.

A cache of wealth was hidden somewhere off the Yucatan coast. What was important was remembering where the treasure was hidden and keeping the map in a place that would be inconspicuous. Even better would be if the map could get out of the hands of anyone who found it. The answer came as Alajandro. The pirates working for the Pamplonios would keep a copy of the map in the captain's quarters of their ships but were to burn it if ever their ships were taken. A permanent copy of the map was tattooed onto the boy's back at the age of eight. The secret Pamplonio Treasure Cove became a secret haven for pirates profiting off abduction and ambush of considered enemy ships. Business partners of the Pamplonios soon sought to get in on this monopolization and tax evasion scheme. Alajandro became known as the Treasure Prince of the Canary Islands.

However, not all things are built to last. As the Pamplonios began to expand their circle of contributors to the Treasure, the treasure became harder and harder to hide, protect and travel to; not to mention many of the contributors were not always meeting their quota and took to borrowing money to the point of going in debt -- which left the Pamplonios in debt to their pirates. Eventually, what went around came around and the pirates betrayed the family of investors. Cristiano and Felicia were murdered, their plantation was razed, and most significantly, their son was taken captive. The group of pirates who took Alajandro were known as the Cinturones Morados or Purple Belts due to the telltale garment worn signifying their allegiance to the Canary plantation owners which was now moot.

The Cinturones Morados were successful in bringing Alajandro to the New World. At this point, he was the only known copy of the map to Pamplonio Cove. A living, breathing, feeling means to an end. The ship stopped over briefly on the Isla de Culebra off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. Upon landing, the Cinturones went ashore to gamble and restock, trusting that Alajandro who had never been to the New World, much less the Isla de Culebra, would be smart enough to stay on board. The precaution of tying the boy to a railing below deck was employed but Alajandros small hands slipped straight through the rope loops. The boy jumped ship and scavenged for another to take him away from the island before the pirates would become aware.

APPEARANCE: treijim.deviantart.com/art/Blakely-Hi…

MOTIVATION: Alajandro's main objective is to survive and possibly find a way back to the Canaries. He knows that his parents have perished but he is utterly lost and unfamiliar in the New World. Honestly he doesn't miss his parents who were abusive and manipulative to everyone but especially Alajandro. However, he is a Spanish citizen and is presently scared for his life. He wants to go back to what he considers regularity. He trusts no one and yet is too young to not be at the mercy of adults.

SKILLS/STRENGTHS: Alajandro is small, nearly mute, and fast for a small child. He is also pretty quick witted for someone so young. He keeps his own incentives in mind and owes allegiance to no one. Most importantly, the map on his back makes him valuable and insures that most people will think twice before killing him. He is endearing and likeable once people get to know him.

WEAKNESSES: Alajandro is not adept in any sort of combat style. He cannot fend for himself, he can only run away or hope that the map on his back is valuable enough to keep him alive. Alajandro only speaks Spanish and so is limited in communication. Alajandro is a child and knows nothing about surviving in the New World.

ROLE ON SHIP: Stowaway

NAME OF SHIP: El Oso Mareado (The Seasick Bear) -- disembarks at the beginning.

NAME OF CAPTAIN: Marcello de Sevilla

SHIP DESCRIPTION/SPECS: The ship is a modest, nearly obsolete caravel, 14 meters long, 12 broadside 8 pounder carronade guns. The ship is manned by a crew of 40 men. The flag is has a simple black field with a green bear standing on its hind quarters with yellow clovers in quadrants on each side.

@ichigo chan

Accepted!

Scourge of the Seas

@BlondyMcHuggles I love the characters and stories folks are starting so far, but I notice it's pretty quiet in here. Any ideas on inspiring more activity around here?

@Lo Pellegrino

Well a few of us have got another big RP we're trying to revive going on at the same time; I'm working on another post myself though - once it's posted I'm hoping more people will notice this.

Scourge of the Seas

My Hider

NAME: Lord Richard Hasting
SEX: Male
DATE OF BIRTH: 1689 (28)
PLACE OF BIRTH; Cambridge, England
BACKSTORY:
To say that Richard Hasting was born with a silver spoon in his mouth would be putting it mildly. His father was an admiral and an earl so the young Richard wanted for little in life and as such always took his high station and easy living for granted. Growing up he swam in high-society, young and hedonistic his main activities in life were gambling, drinking himself into a stupor with his aristocratic friends and deflowering naive young women.

At the insistence of his father Richard entered into the Royal Navy from a young age, his family's influence consistently securing him increasing rank vastly disproportionate to anything he deserved and generally allowed him to windle his way into cushy posts. But one fateful July day off the coast of Mexico his life would change forever.

Hasting was assigned the role of overseeing an escort for a South Sea Company ship trading across the Spanish Indies, a task he undertook with his characteristic lack of vigour. When a ship with crimson sails was spotted on the horizon it took him longer than it should have to realise they were under attack, admittedly his lack of sobriety didn't help him. Despite strongly outgunning their opponents "The Bucephalus" seemed to run rings around Hasting and his crew. Outmanoeuvred at every turn, the battle quickly began to go south.

Cowardice was what saved Richard Hasting that day. As soon as he saw the day was lost he and some of the officers made their escape on a lifeboat amidst the chaos. After some time adrift the deserters were picked up by a passing merchant vessel and returned to England in disgrace.

Scorned and dishonoured Richard's ordeal left him a changed man. It was as if scales had fallen from his eyes, the near death experience showing him the futility of his life up until that point. He was left a bitter and hollow man, finding no joy in his former reckless lifestyle. As time passed though Richard became more and more sure what he had to do. Using the last of what little influence he had left (and a few well placed 'donations') Richard was able to assume captainship of the fearsome HMS Relentless with the mission to patrol the Caribbean to reign in the threat of pirates and for him a chance a redemption and revenge.

APPEARANCE:

MOTIVATION: (this is optional)
SKILLS/STRENGTHS:
- Educated and a well trained seaman, Hasting epitomises the English gentleman in all except his morals.
- A notably gifted swordsman

WEAKNESSES:
- Hasting is obsessive to the point of recklessness and tends to have little regard for his crew's wellbeing.
- His ordeal at sea has left him with intermittent splitting headaches.

ROLE ON SHIP: Captain
NAME OF SHIP: HMS Relentless
SHIP DESCRIPTION/SPECS:
A 45m long 70-gun third-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy. Painted in basic yet striking yellow and black stripes with white sails, the British flag proudly hoisted and a bust of stern Britannia at the helm.

((Not too savvy with the period, happy to change any details to fit historically. Thought chasing after PC's would make things interesting but I don't want to step on any toes, so this can be changed if people want))

@Joytex

Accepted! You don't need to worry about stepping on any toes, I'm sure everyone agrees that having someone hunt their pirates would add a little more spice to the RP. Anyhow, you may post your sheet in the character's tab when you're ready. ^^

@BlondyMcHuggles Thank you very much! I'll start on a post shortly.

By the way, stumbled across this map resource that could prove helpful.

@Lo Pellegrino

Thanks for that! I'll put it into the OP; I'm sure it'll help people out!

Scourge of the Seas

The seas just off the coast of Jamaica sat fairly still for the first time in several days; the waves brushed along the coastline like an artist painting a picture, and the powerful sun illuminated the water and the islands for hundreds of miles around.

Jamaica had become somewhat of a playfield for pirates lately, and the captain of the ship 'the Devil's Anvil', one Nolan Francis Kirkwood, fully intended to take advantage of the ever-increasing British trade in the region. The Devil's Anvil was a somewhat modest brig with a less-than-modest name; she bore 18 guns and simple, plain white sails. Her figurehead, bearing a naked man carrying a trident and shield, along with a Corinthian helmet, was easily one of the better-designed pieces of the ship.

In many ways, Kirkwood, or 'Old Ironwood' to his crew, was like his ship; rugged but sturdy, and he carried himself with a bearing more befitting an ancient king than a pirate. All of his crew looked to him for guidance and even purpose.

The crew stood at their posts, many wearing bored and disinterested expressions. After days of waiting for the weather to calm down, they were ready to hunt for merchant ships which so far, had failed to show themselves.

Captain Kirkwood stood beside his helmsman, keeping a watchful eye over the deck of his ship. His eyes were currently following a small girl in her late teens. She was carrying a small barrel of gunpowder to a pair of cannons, when she suddenly tripped over. The barrel flew out of her grip and landed on the deck with a thud, breaking its top off and spilling its valuable contents all over the wooden boards.

A rancid odour quickly began to fill the air, and Old Ironwood grimaced at both the smell and the waste of propellant. He walked down the stairs from the helm and towards the girl, who wore an expression of total dread. Kirkwood walked with his head held high and his left hand on the hilt of his sabre, and his long jacket fluttered in the breeze.

"What do you think you're doing?" he asked with a noticable edge in his voice. His eyes, full of fury, stared directly into the girl's own; she immediately averted her gaze to the deck.
She hardly ever spoke on the best of days, but with a man like Kirkwood one wrong sentence from bursting a vein standing right in front of her, she felt like she didn't have a choice. "I-I tri-"

She was silenced immediately by a vicious backhand, which already left a stinging red mark on her face. "Did I say you could open your whore mouth, Chambers?" his face was red too, though the cause was much different. "Clean that up." he spat, before turning on his heel and heading back for the helm. The other pirates on the Devil's Anvil paid the interaction no mind, and continued working at their posts like nothing had happened.

Chambers preferred to avoid contact with everyone else on the ship, but of course it wasn't ever that simple. Some pirates would simply rant at her if they didn't ignore her completely, and other pirates used her for... well, different things. She sighed quietly and did what she was told, trying to avoid nursing her bright red cheek or give up due to the eggy smell of gunpowder still in the air.

Scourge of the Seas

My Hider

NAME: Francisco Bagua, Known simply as "Mullato" by Spanish authorities, Otherwise called "Juracán" or "Huracán" (Taíno, Spanish respectively)
SEX: Male
DATE OF BIRTH: 11 September 1687
PLACE OF BIRTH; A village just south of Arecibo, Puerto Rico
BACKSTORY: The island of Borikén attracted many suitors with imperial dreams. Though the Spaniard Cristóbal Colón arrived earliest among the Europeans to lay claim, this did not stop other powers from trying for the island. This tension led to a number of conflicts. It was during one such conflict that a particular African taken as a slave by the Spanish found himself freed from his shackles. Meanwhile, a young officer by the name Miguel Avecedo was praying as British forces surrounded him. His prayers were answered by the African who took up arms and dealt a decisive blow against the attackers. A number of slaves acted accordingly, but Miguel Avecedo had known of the African already and felt shamed by his prior actions. This African alone regained his freedom -- a fact that shaped his life from then on.

Francisco was born a little way south of Arecibo. His father farmed coffee, while his mother worked at a church in town. His mother, a Catholic with both Taíno and Spanish blood, taught him letters and the state of the world. His father told him stories of Africa and taught him to farm, hunt, and craft. Despite their best intentions, Francisco felt as if a keg of powder lay within his chest. He felt hatred. The island was plagued by slavers dealing in Black flesh to work fields. Spanish soldiers thought themselves heroes each time they deflected other European ships, then promptly took their 'rewards' from those in town. Each disgusting act filled the keg with more powder. One night Francisco accompanied his mother and younger sister into town to deliver coffee beans and purchase supplies. The trip was not long but tired them regardless. Spanish soldiers greeted them upon their arrival, looked over their cargo, and approached his mother. They whispered at first and he could see the discomfort on her face. She turned away, but one of the soldiers caught her chin in his hand and pulled her close. They did not notice Francisco reach into their wagon, they did not hear the flintlock's mechanism click back prepared to fire, and he felt no compulsion to warn them. His powder keg was filled. He fired and the soldier reaching to grope his mother flung back with a red spray bursting from his chest. Suddenly the attention of the soldiers directed to the young man who, defiantly, gripped the rifle as if ready to club. The soldiers overpowered Francisco in short order and their fallen had already returned to his feet, chest speckled with spots of blood from the birdshot. He'd successfully pulled the attention from his mother.

Firing upon a Spanish soldier was a turning point. Francisco sat in a cell beneath Arecibo for days until receiving visitors. His family came in first with warm embraces and kisses, learned of his condition, then said their goodbyes. His father delayed to give him a piece of advice, "A man may be bent. Broken in every way. And that same man can still stand up when the moment's right." In the night a soldier, navy by the look of his coat, arrived with a torch in hand. Francisco vaguely remembered him as a Spaniard from his father's past. Capitán Miguel Avecedo explained to Francisco the weight of his actions and his fortune that the soldier was only lightly wounded in a manner reminiscent of his father. They spoke for at least an hour, during which Francisco managed to inspire a laugh and learn a lesson or two. The next morning three naval soldiers arrived and escorted Francisco out of the cell in shackles. Though just after dawn, the sun overwhelmed his eyes, he could still hear his family calling out. His mother, father, and sister walked along the group expressing their love and faith in him. He did not understand until he'd arrived aboard a naval ship preparing to depart.

A decade has passed since Francisco set foot upon La Cadena Negra. In that time he's thought of the experience as both curse and blessing. His role has been, officially, that of a slave in service to Capitán Avecedo. The reality of his service has been closer to that of a helper assisting wherever needed with tasks big and demeaningly small. In the beginning, the captain sought to break him, tasking the youth to follow the repairmen's orders and clean in any moment between. He continued onto learning to rig and, from time-to-time, going ashore for supplies to maintain ship and crew. A year in and the purpose of the ship shifted from securely moving cargo to that of a guardian for vessels ill-equipped against the growing scourge of piracy. Francisco learned combat with a blade and, despite the first mate's caution against any kind of slave touching firearms, he received standard training with rifles as well. La Cadena Negra successfully defended three dozen voyages in as many months. When not guarding ships or finding rest at a port, Avecedo sought pirates still, though the men could not complain after the claiming the bounties. Such was Francisco's life until recently when Avecedo accepted a different kind of job.

They were to sail for Africa.

APPEARANCE: Francisco is average in height in build with the exception of notably broad shoulders. Since boarding La Cadena Negra he allowed his hair to grow long, wearing it now in thick black braids that hang to the middle of his back. His skin is darker than any Spaniard, but lighter than his father or most others he has known from Africa. It's clear he is not Spanish, yet likely unclear what exactly his origins might be. Adorning his arms and back are various tattoos depicting symbols from his heritage. Most notably among these tattoos are the and sun and moon on his wrists. Though he is generally treated far better than any slave, when it comes to wardrobe, what he was given was purely essential. Francisco wears a roughspun tunic, heavily patched pantaloons that end just below the knee, and a pair of cracking leather boots and a tattered sailor's coat taken from a dead pirate.

MOTIVATION: Francisco dreams of stumbling upon a world lost to him. Living exclusively on Borikén, he has only heard rumours of lands untouched by invaders.

SKILLS/STRENGTHS: Francisco is capable. His father took care to ensure he knew how to provide for himself, while his mother believed knowledge the greatest key to a good life. From their teachings he is a capable hunter and farmer, he can craft basic tools, and he knows letters. In short, Francisco has the foundation to survive in civil society or the wilds.

His ancestry can open doors. Growing up in a village near Arecibo taught Francisco the importance of community and culture. Unlike those in San Juan exposed chiefly to Spanish influence, he was able to grow up with many African and Taíno stories instead. Capitáno Avecedo has noted and exploited this part of Francisco, knowing full well how said roots run in parts of the Carribean.

Francisco is no soldier, don't let that deceive you. He remembers well his father's story of the Spanish slave ship that took him as a boy. The lesson, aside from understanding the horrible acts the Spanish might do for greed, was to be prepared. His father taught him to grapple. Later in life, Avecedo's crew expanded the lesson to include the Spanish ways of swordsmanship and how to use a rifle.

WEAKNESSES:
Trust me, they see colour. His father was stolen from his land, put in chains, and taken across the sea. His mother's people were largely either eradicated or enslaved. Francisco was raised with a keen awareness that his value as human-being, in the eyes of many, is questionable and this prejudice can have an effect on everyday life.

Retribution is best served cold. Francisco and his family have suffered greatly due to human-trafficking and imperialism. As a result, he is easily tempted to lash out at those who benefit from pursuits without consideration for his own well-being (similar to his response to his mother being harassed).

Without a name or land. Francisco lacks a recognizable name, land, or any reputation aside what he's gained aboard the La Cadena Negra. Leaving the ship means leaving behind most everything he's earned in his adult life.

ROLE ON SHIP: Slave Hand
NAME OF SHIP: La Cadena Negra
NAME OF CAPTAIN: Capitáno Miguel Avecedo
SHIP DESCRIPTION/SPECS: The ship is a fifth-rate two-decker armed with 40 guns suitable scouting and speed. (Chances are this will not be the ship we see Francisco on for long.)

@Lo Pellegrino

Judging by how well-written that backstory was, it'd be a crime not to let you in! Accepted! Feel free to post in the characters tab when you're ready. ^^

Scourge of the Seas

@BlondyMcHuggles
He did, experience from killing rogue sailors (Pirates)
I might have to change the history so that the ages are specific
Or is it accepted?
Either it will appear changed if it's accepted in the character tab

@SantosGabriel77

This RP is supposed to be completely historical; I mean, small additions can be made, but I'd rather everything be as historically accurate as possible. Since @Beany McBean knows a lot more of this than I do, I'll defer to his judgement on this.

Scourge of the Seas

Application

NAME: Adolfus Tiberius Erikkson

SEX: Male

DATE OF BIRTH: 30/3/1677

PLACE OF BIRTH: Unknown port town, Brandenburg

BACKSTORY: Born Adolfus Spiner, he was raised in a port town in Brandenburg. With a promising life ahead, he excelled in his studies until one night. His Mother worked at a tavern, and when she was walking home, she was killed in a mugging. Adolfus’ Father was understandably distraught, and after living basically only on alcohol for 3 months, he passed away as well. After this, Ady changed his surname, and joined a military engineering university for 4 years. In his time, he developed a reliance on alcohol, and a penchant for lying to get the alcohol; and he met 3 life-long friends. Vilipur the Finn, Harald the Swede, and an englishman named Edward. Together, they quickly blasted through anything the university put in front of them. After graduating, Edward signed on to the navy, and Adolfus joined him. Now he’s in the caribbean, working to make the world a more blown-up place.

APPEARANCE: 6’3” and grizzled pre00.deviantart.net/a637/th/pre/f/20…

MOTIVATION: You don't need to know. Yet.

SKILLS/STRENGTHS: Skilled engineer, blacksmith, and carpenter, Gunpowder junky, gun tinkerer, sharpshooter,

WEAKNESSES: craptastic in a sword fight, massive alcoholic when depressed, machiavellian, obsessive about order, stamina is garbage

OTHER: He enjoys brewing as a hobby, and aspires to own a brewery in Nassau. He collects brewing recipes as well.

NAME OF CAPTAIN: Cpt. Blackett

ROLE ON SHIP: Carpenter, Blacksmith, general handyman. Takes care of the weapons and such.

NAME OF SHIP: Bucephalus

SHIP DESCRIPTION/SPECS: You know already.

@Maki the Finn

Accepted!

Scourge of the Seas

"Red" Raphe Alan Leveret

NAME: "Red" Raphe Alan Leveret

SEX: Male

DATE OF BIRTH: 10/30/1684

PLACE OF BIRTH; Stroud, Gloucestershire, England

BACKSTORY: The son of a middle class low-ranking naval officer, Raphe Leverett had as good a childhood as can be expected. There was a charity school nearby, which he did well enough in, but he commonly got into fights with the other boys behind the schoolhouse. When he was 14, he became the cabin boy on a Royal Navy ship, where he learned the ins and outs of sailing and ship hierarchy. A couple years later he jumped ship in Italy, after witnessing many impressive feats of swordplay and shooting; an advertising campaign by a martial school. Raphe got a job at the school as a janitor, but was almost fired when his boss caught him mimicking the students with his broom. Luckily, the master of the school saw him too, and noticed the boy's natural talent.

After several years of training, he traveled to Spain to participate in a competition. There, he met the wife of a participant that he didn't end up fighting and they both fell in love. The absconded to the south of Spain, and there they lived for a long time before the angry husband found them. After looking for a job, Raphe came home to the husband stabbing his former wife through her pregnant abdomen. After a long and painful duel, he killed the husband. He believes that had he been a better swordsman, he would have been able to save his wife. He turned to piracy to find adventure, money, and practice the generally frowned upon hobby of becoming a more efficient killing machine.

APPEARANCE: 5'8"; well muscled, but still flexible; medium-length auburn hair kept in a ponytail, sideburns and stubble; wears navy blue breeches and a dark red leather frock coat, with a navy and red striped sash; he wears two braces of pistols and an early ringed rapier, with a stout throwing axe tucked into his belt; his arms are covered in countless small red X tattoos. I'll get a picture later.

MOTIVATION: Wants adventure, cash, and to be a better fighter

SKILLS/STRENGTHS: Expert swordsman and sharpshooter; good secret keeper; moves extremely quietly; speaks spanish and some italian

WEAKNESSES: Teamwork, especially in a fight; recklessly impulsive; obsessed with becoming stronger/better fighter, to his own detriment; violent drunk

ROLE ON SHIP: Master Gunner

NAME OF SHIP: The Zodiac's Warning

NAME OF CAPTAIN: Theodore de la Cruz

SHIP DESCRIPTION/SPECS: The Zodiac's Warning is a 13 gun brig, carrying 10 broadside 12-pounders on the main deck, 2 long 8-pound bow chasers, and 1 long 9-pound stern chaser, as well as 4 swivel guns, mounted 2 at the fore and 2 at the aft. At any given moment, it carries a crew complement of around 100, including the officers and their mates. The mainsail and Jolly Roger are decorated with paintings of the Chinese Zodiac, and the leafed figurehead depicts a snarling hound.

@surebeens

Okay, now your're accepted!