TheNextNewGuy

Weathering the Storm: A "Black Sails" Adventure

Weathering the Storm: A "Black Sails" Adventure

(closed)

William Blakeson rose from the throne-like chair as his oldest friend entered his quarters. The crew of the Stormy Dawn had spent more than three hours discussing William's future as Captain of the pirate ship. The expression on Quartermaster's face was the first indication that the vote hadn't gone William's way. The four men following in behind Louis -- flanking him with their daggers, swords, and pistols at the ready -- were his second clue.

"So, are they sending me to shore?" William asked, the sound of his own sword dangling at his side reminding the four men that he was still armed. He continued his inquiry as he rested his hands casually on the butts of the already cocked flint locks in his belt, "Or just sending me overboard?"

"You know the Articles, Captain," Louis said. One of the men behind him cleared his throat conspicuously, to remind the Quartermaster that Captain Blood was Captain no more. Louis took notice of the correction with a half glance back and the continuation, "You will not be harmed so long as you go willingly."

"I know the Articles," William repeated back to his Quartermaster. William was, after all, the primary author of the code of conduct that for the past six years had governed the Storm Dawn, its captain, its crew, and its distribution of revenue. William glanced to the four nervous crewmen spread throughout what used to be his quarters, then looked back to Louis. "I don't suppose anyone a little less likely to shoot me in the back is here to escort me from the boat."

A short while later, William was looking up at the Stormy Dawn as the four men who had chosen to disembark with him rowed their launch toward shore. On the deck, some of William's former crew men jeered, while others simply stared on. Even at the growing distance, William could see regret in the eyes of some of the men. While he knew that some of the pirates were angry about the lack of recent prizes and the low revenues that came from those merchant ships they had boarded, William knew that some of the men had likely voted him out because of pressure from the men upon whom their lives depended.

It didn't take long to reach the Nassau docks from the Stormy Dawn's anchorage, and yet by the time the launch was being tied up, there were more than a hundred people there simply to gawk at the deposed pirate captain. William's men pushed a path through the crowd for the man they would continue to call Captain regardless of his true position until finally they passed through the doors of the Black Gull brothel. William had kept a room here for years, and -- after snatching a bottle of rum with one hand and a scantily dressed whore with the other -- he went directly to it. His men dropped his pair of trunks and weapons -- all he now had to his name -- and, after being ordered to do so, headed back downstairs to get what they needed from the brothel as well.

He set about trying to push from his mind the loss his life had just incurred: he fucked, he bathed, he drank, he fucked again. The next day, he repeated. And the next.

It wasn't until the fourth day, that he called his men to his room and sat them around a table. They visited, laughed, poked fun, and more. But there was an air of concern as thick as an ocean fog all about them.

"What's next, Captain?" one of them, Rollo, finally ventured. "What do we do next ... without a ship ... a crew."

The other three began talking about opportunities of which they'd heard, with other ships. Rollo knew, however, that those opportunities were for crew men only, not former captains. Once a Captain, always a Captain. He looked to William and said with deep sincerity and obvious loyalty, "We're with you, Captain ... no matter what you decide, we'll stand with you."

The other three nodded or spoke confirmation of their shipmate's statement, despite each knowing that they would likely have to go their own separate direction to earn. William thanked the men for the loyalty, toasted to their futures with the last of the rum, and told them with total honesty and humility, "I know not what our next move is, men. But ... I assure you ... we will sail together again ... and soon."

They finished their drinks, laughed some more, talked about whores and alcohol and their love for both, then broke up to return to spending their quickly emptying purses on both. William caught Rollo by the arm, asking him to stay. Once they were alone, he pulled out a second bottle of rum, sat down closely to the man, and whispered to him, "You know what my next move is."

Rollo looked hesitant, even doubtful. Also in whisper, knowing that even in these private quarters -- possibly even more so than in the whore house's other rooms -- the walls have ears, he responded, "Captain ... we have no ship ... no crew ... and no specifics on the Urca's location."

William only smiled, swigged at the bottle, and confirmed his friend's statements. He added with a laugh, "But what else do I have to do? After the coin runs out ... after the bottles are empty, the thighs clamped shut--" He nodded toward the closed door. "The room locked to me. What am I to do then but dream ... dream big ... dream big of shiny things...?"

Rollo nodded his agreement, lifted his mug for a toast, and said, "To shiny things."

Weathering the Storm: A "Black Sails" Adventure

Sorry, wrong thread

"I Am Legend" (A table top game and role play)

ON HOLD ... I started this mostly for AntoniaT, but she has just informed me she has to take some time off. And no one else has shown interest. So ... I am putting it on hold until she comes back.

Post from Mark Thomas

2016: A genetically re-engineered measles virus, originally created as a cure for cancer, goes into human testing.

2017: Preliminary results are spectacular. FDA approval results in worldwide distribution of the "cure".

2018:

• The "cure" mutates within the immunized, becoming a lethal, highly contagious virus.
• The new virus comes to be called "Rabies 2.0" because, after it kills 90% of those immunized, the remaining 10% turn into predatory cannibals.
• The Press comes to call these mutated survivors "Darkseekers" because sunshine -- specifically the ultraviolet light in it -- causes them intense pain and, with long enough exposure, can kill them.
• And the illness quickly spreading across almost the whole of the planet comes to be called the "Darkseeker Plague".

9 April 2018, 8pm: The Darkseeker Plague reaches Portland, Oregon (the center point of our story).

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Henry's Tavern and Brewery, (Google Map link)
NW 12th and W Burnside, Portland, Oregon

As the sun falls behind the West Hills that loom over the downtown area, Mark Thomas looks down on the streets below from the southwest corner of "Henry's Tavern". As owner/operator of the brewery, Mark had shut up the popular drinking and eating establishment even before the first cases of infection were announced. With no family in the area, he offered refuge to those employees and friends who didn't feel safe out there in the world. Most wanted to be with their families; and others simply wanted to away from the city; but 9 people did stay in the Tavern with Mark:

• Mimi Bryce: Mark's friend; "Henry's waitress; PSU student.
• (To be named here as the position is filled).
• (To be named here as the position is filled).
• (To be named here as the position is filled).
• (To be named here as the position is filled).
• (To be named here as the position is filled).
• (To be named here as the position is filled).
• (To be named here as the position is filled).
• (To be named here as the position is filled).

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

To Join:

• PM me. Please, do not post your interest in the three threads here (IC, OOC, Characters).
• We will discuss the role play's direction and your character's involvement.
• Don't worry about being in a hurry to join. We only have 2 members at this point, and we are in no hurry.

Disregard

What about 2 strangers trapped in a business during a zombie apocalypse? Something akin to "I Am Legend" or "The Walking Dead", but with original characters?

Let's Collaborate!

I have always wanted to role play a current or former SEAL sniper or CIA operative who takes on a street gang or organized crime family after he loses his lover to an act of savagery by them.

The female character could be in the family/gang or with the Authorities or a friend of my character.

Might you be interested?

Seeking players for "Black Sails: Pirates Rising"

THIS IS ON HOLD. I HAVE A HAD A FAMILY EMERGENCY THAT HAS LIMITED MY FREE TIME.

Seeking players for "Black Sails: Pirates Rising"

The Basics:

• Inspired by the Starz television series "Black Sails".
• It is the dawn of a new century, the year 1700.
• The Bahamas have been virtually abandoned by England.
• Without law and order, criminals -- including pirates -- are running amuck.

Creating Prosperity:

• The average pirate may seem happy go lucky, content with taking prizes, selling the pillaged goods, and spending his shares on rum and whores.
• But many of them -- including most of the pirate ship captains -- would like more from life than simply surviving one fight to engage in another.
• A new Governor (my primary character) knows he can't control the Bahamas, New Providence, or even Nassau with the minimal Royal Navy and Royal forces he controls.
• He is ready to provide the pirates with what they need if only they will "play nice".

Joining the Game:

• Your character can be a pirate, a merchant, a whore ... whatever you want.
• You can be trying to simply survive or ultimately thrive, your choice.
• You don't have to have a long term goal of creating a better life. You can simply want to live on.
• PM me to join. I will send you a Character Profile Sheet.
• Between us, we will discuss your character's place in the story.

How the game progresses:

• As in any table top game, chance is always a factor.
• I will present situations which affect your character and in which your character may become involved.
• I will present you with the possible outcomes of any actions you take, complete with approximations of success and failure.
• Then, you can make decisions: Go ahead with your actions, alter them for (hopefully) better results, abandon them, or come up with entirely new plans.
• I don't have all the details worked out yet, I'll admit that up front. This is new to me.
• But, we'll figure it out together.

"Black Sails: New Beginnings"

Ignore this thread. I came up with a new idea.

"Black Sails: New Beginnings"

IGNORE THIS THREAD. I HAVE A NEW IDEA THAT WILL BE A GROUP ROLE PLAY. (I am leaving this post up until I copy it to the new thread.)

"Black Sails: New Beginnings"

John St. George rose from the throne-like chair in his Quarters as his Quartermaster entered. The crew of the Stormy Dawn had spent more than three hours discussing his future as Captain of the pirate ship. The expression on his right hand man's face was the first indication that the vote hadn't gone his way. The four men following in behind him, flanking him with their daggers, swords, and pistols at the ready, were his second clue.

"So, are they sending me overboard to shore?" he asked, the sound of his own sword dangling at his side reminding the four men that he was still armed. He continued his inquiry as he rested his hands casually on the butts of the already cocked flint locks in his belt, "Or just overboard?"

"You know the Articles, Captain," Louis said. One of the men behind him cleared his throat conspicuously, to remind the Quartermaster that Captain Blood was Captain no more. Louis took notice of the correction with a half glance back and the continuation, "You will not be harmed so long as you go willingly. You'll be rowed to shore, with the standard severance stipend and your personal possessions, as well as your share of the last prize."

John was disappointed to learn that he'd been driven out as Captain, of course. But he was happy to hear that he would at least continue to breath once he'd left this room. He chatted with his Quartermaster a bit, then -- under guard -- spent just a few short minutes collecting his worthwhile possessions. They fit easily in a wood and iron chest and a canvas bag, not uncommon for a seaman, a pirate, or even a pirate Captain.

Six men loyal to John had chosen to leave the Stormy Dawn with him. As the launch transported the seven away, John looked up at those who would have no more to do with him, some jeering, some simply wondering whether they'd voted correctly. John knew they hadn't, of course. His argument to the men before they casted their votes had been taken as unconvincing. His promise to them before they cast him aside had been laughingly dismissed. If only he'd been able to give them more details, reassuring facts that the great treasure for which he'd spent the past three years searching and researching was in fact there to be had. But despite their oaths of loyalty to their now deposed Captain, John had known that to give such details would lead to treachery. Some greedy soul would inevitably take it upon himself to try to find that treasure on his own. And knowing his own recent luck, John knew that the likelihood of that person being successful was probably higher than his own odds of that same success.

Three days later:

John unbuckled his scabbard and, snatching the dagger that had been held against his torso by the belt before it fell, waited for the two cutlass armed men to meet him a dozen yards from the home's entrance. As the men disarmed him, he explained with unexpected politeness, "I'd like a word with Lord Howard, please."

"Fuck off, pirate," a third man growled as he neared. "Be lucky I don't have you cut down here and now."

"If you do," John continued, showing no concern, "your Master will be passing on a prize of indescribable value."

After another couple of minutes of back and forth profanity laced conversation with the noble man's body guard, John found himself sitting in a drawing room, flanked by the two men from the entry and two additional men who'd been called up from elsewhere. He stood at Lord Howard's entry, causing the armed men to tense. After given them a quick glance, he gave the noble man a very slight bow of respect, then said, "I mean on one harm, m'lord. I am only here to talk. I have a proposition ... business proposal ... in which I think you would be interested."

"Business with a pirate?" Howard asked, laughing with a conspicuously derisive tone. "Who exactly do you think I am?"

"I think you are Lord Alfred Howard, Earl and Governor of New Providence Island," John began with a confident tone, "But more importantly to men such as myself ... pirates as you like to call us ... you are the man who buys our ill gotten gain ... repackages it as legitimate goods ... and sells it in the American Colonies using your good name ... thereby lining the pockets of the entirety of the population of New Providence in a way that keeps everyone happy."

By the time John had finished, Howard was seated near a roaring fire with a wide smile upon his face. "I'm afraid you have me confused with someone else, my good man. I run a legitimate business ... legitimate trade between the island's legitimate businessmen ... legitimate land owners ... and their counterparts in the Colonies."

"You have twelve ships, m'lord," John continued, ignoring the man's declaration. "They move between Nassau, Boston, Charleston, and other ports, carrying the legitimate goods of New Providence's farmers and businessmen ... side by side with the goods me, my men, and my fellow pirates procure from those legitimate businessmen with whom you do not have protection agreements against piracy. You, yourself, m'lord, may never hold those pillaged goods in your hands ... but their are sold to your Agents at the docks ... they do get stored in your warehouses until the coast is clear to put them on the market ... and they do reach that market on your ships."

The two men stared at one another for a moment before Howard looked to his men and gestured them out of the room with a nod of his head. When the door closed behind them, only John, Howard, and Howard's body guard remained. After a moment, the nobleman asked, "Presuming any of what you say is true ... what do you want from me? Why are you here? You got this audience with the mention of..."

After Howard glanced to his right hand man, the latter reminded, "A prize of indescribable value."

At the Black Gull Inn, John lifted a bottle of rum to his mouth for the umpteenth time, drank deeply, then slammed the thick bottle back down to the wooden table. Across from him, Dirk asked yet again, "What did he say? Is he going to give us a boat?"

"No," John finally answered. Then, as he snatched the wrist of a passing whore and pulled her into his lap for some upcoming fun, he smiled to his new soon-to-be Quartermaster, "No. He isn't going to give us a boat ... yet."

"Yet...? What does yet mean?"

"It means...!" John said between wet, opened mouthed kisses and hard gropes of the woman's bared breasts, "Not yet! Not yet ... until ... I have something he wants, too."

Pirate RP needs female

"Black Sails"-inspired pirate role play needs female writer:

• My primary character is a pirate recently removed from the Captaincy of his boat.
• He has a mission that requires a sailing ship.
• A wealthy, powerful Bahamian land owner (also written by me as a secondary character) has the ability to get me a ship.
• If given the right incentive, I think he would loan me a boat.
• You are that incentive.
• After I "invite" you to join me, you will learn about the pirate life.
• You will have great adventures ... welcomed and unwelcomed both.
• In the end, you will discover a world of which you had only heard tales.

My desired writing partner:

• Will proofread: spelling, grammar, punctuation.
• Will post 12+ times a week.
• Likes short and long posts both, which makes the posting frequency more palatable.
• Likes to create a great story.
• Likes a touch of romance. (If you want to write erotica, we can do so in PM, but I'm not necessarily looking for a sexual role play.)

To see the first IC post, click here. PLEASE do not post without being accepted. Thank you.

"I Am Legend" (A table top game and role play)

Mark Taylor

Note:

• This character's main purpose is to act as a sort of character "liaison" between the host and the PCs.
• He will provide "exposition" -- information, ideas, and hints -- in the form of conversation.
• He will not be a "leading" character but will be a "follower" instead.

Place in the story:

• Owner-Operator, "Henry's Tavern and Brewery" (Portland, Oregon).
• Electrician, US Navy (Retired): 1990-2010.
• Divorced (twice).
• Adult daughter, whereabouts unknown but somewhere in Portland.

Physical Description:

• 44 years old.
• 5'8", 200#; fit but overweight.