Quest # 003(a)Pirates of Tudae Ocean


Far from the outpost, between the hills and over yonder, is the port of Tudae. The port is the only access to the Tudae Ocean for many hundreds of miles, so it is a very busy and bustling area. But despite all of the interesting characters that live in and pass through this seaside town, notorious pirate Captain Breastwell of the ship, 'Adie Mae', cannot seem to find a crew. There are posters all around the town and in all the bars, but no-one has taken up the offer of adventure and fun on a 'mysterious' voyage. The Captain has sent word to Mistress Adrianna at the outpost bar to ask of any willing soul if he or she will come to Tudae and join the Captain on this trip.

So if you enjoy high spirits on the high seas, swashbuckling adventure and piratey peril then sign up to the quest!


Current quest members:
Adrianna - Captain Breastwell
Becks the Papyrus - Malcolm
LORETTA - Tessaphina
Heart-of-ink - Vex
Kristi Mouse - Kristiana
edrina10 - Alprazolam
Andrew C. Bowman - Willie the Hatless




Post #001 - Captain Breastwell

As the sky above Tudae town started to lighten, a single seagull swooped down from the cloudy mist and perched atop the Dog and Pussy Pub sign. The sign creaked and swung with the weight of the fat bird as it pecked at the mottled paintwork on the cast iron hinge. After a few minutes the seagull launched back into the air and flapped down the cobbled town main street towards the ocean.

Inside the pub a pair of leather boot clad legs were slung across a table. The worn material on the boots reached up beyond the knees, tucked underneath were dark purple trousers, covered by the dirty ruffles of a long ornate jacket. The figure (who was snoring) had a pair of arms folded across their chest but their face was obscured by a large, unmistakable captains hat, which had been pulled over the top.

On the table, beside the pair of feet, lay a half empty flaggon of rum and in front of that a large book with yellow pages and a ink well and quill. The top of the page had large lettering scrawled out in a rather shaky fashion. It read
'Adie Mae Crew Ledger'
beneath it, the pages were blank, as if waiting for someone to come along and fill them up.

The figure breathed deeply for a moment and spluttered a half cough, then returned to the monotonous wheezing and snoring pattern.


Post #2 – Malcom

Malcom walked into the pub and ordered a flagon and looked for a place to sit. The place was rather crowded and he pushed past a few people until he spotted an empty seat. He placed the flagon on the table with enough force to wake up the figure across from him, but it barely stirred.

He placed his lute against his seat and sat down. He couldn't believe he had made it all the way here. He had almost been murdered by bandits, but lady luck had been on his side when an elf named Lorcan saved his life.

The figure across the table made a few loud noises which mildly disgusted him, but there was nowhere else to sit. He spied the ledger on the table and noticed how empty it looked. Maybe the Captain hadn't been there for long, although he doubted it given the state of the creature. It was at that instant that he realised that the Adie Mae was the ship he was supposed to be on.

Stupid promises. Lorcan should be on it, not me.

he gave it a second glance.

Fuck it, I've got nothing to lose.

Beside the ledger was some ink and what appeared to be a stick of sorts. He grabbed those and scrawled his name on the ledger.


Post #3 - Vex

Vex walked the cobble-stone walkways, enjoying the morning air. He looked straight into the eyes of each person that met them, and smiled. He was a truly striking figure in this southern climate.

He stood well over the heads of people with his nearly seven feet. His shoulder-length green hair did nothing for the imagination, if not strike rumors, and finally, the three belts across his waist, two crossing over his crotch, each with a gun holstered on it. He wore dark brown pants, am ice-blue shirt, and a thick leather coat over all of it.

A few men, mostly older men, returned his nod with little hesitation, as they knew the look of a northerner, but others feared him as a sprite, or some other mythical creature. Twice he'd been stopped by soldiers by the request of a concerned citizen. Another of these citizens walked by him, and immediately began to yell for soldiers.

Sighing, Vex began running for the docks. He ran by the many ships, as the sound of soldiers began to come closer.

Finally, he spotted an unguarded vessel, leapt on bored and dived below decks.
(OOC:He is on the Adie Mae)


Post #4 - Captain Breastwell

The Captain turned to see the deck of the Adie Mae awash with blood. As another cannon ball ripped its way through the hull, the ship twisted and a wave of seawater cleaned the deck with one powerful surge. Bodies were thrown left and right, one poor lad fell from the rigging and cracked his spine on the broken mast, before tumbling down into a heap of bone and flesh. As a final cannon shot forced the wooden boards apart, the ocean spilled inwards splitting the ship in two. The Captain gripped onto the wheel and watched the end approach with wide eyes. "Damn I could use a drink."

The slumped over form of the Captain awoke with a grunt. The legs retracted and arms unfolded reaching for the hat. With one move the hat was pushed up from the face and perched atop a head full of long brown ringlet ridden hair. The top shirt buttons had popped open as the Captain reached out and stretched, revealing a large dip in the cleavage of a pair of well formed breasts. Her eyes remained half closed as the arm extended towards the half empty flagon of rum. The rum was thrown back and swallowed down in one mouthful, followed by a deep belch from the gut. Then, as consciousness returned, the name that had been printed on the ledger was noticed.

The Captain looked up and across the table to see a hazy outline of a man with a lute by his side. Her arm reached out once more to grab the ledger and swing it around. Some light returned to dull eyes as the single name became clear. "Your mark I presume?" She questioned whilst trying to focus on Malcolm's face.


Post #5 – Malcom

He watched in dismay as the captain half stood and her bare breast stared at him.

"Female? You must be kidding. That must be extra bad luck."

Malcom picked up his lute and sang about ladies and despair. His melodious voice attracted a few men who laughed at his rhymes. By then, the captain had already covered herself up and looked more like a man when her hat half covered her face.

"Will this journey be the end of me, might I ask."

Post #6 – Captain

She listened intently as he played and sang, as others laughed, she chose to remain unresponsive any any emotional context, as was her trait.

"Every journey you take may be the end of you, that be no reason to not take a journey. You may just as well die from not taking the journey as you may if the journey itself is taken..."

She slammed the book shut and reached into her coat pocket, slinging a couple of gold coins to the bartender. "And as to luck, I find it more likely that a pitiful skinny bard as yourself will bring us worse luck on this trip, than I as an experienced Captain who's only shortcoming is a lack of the male genitalia. But that said, I feel a change in the wind, where one man has the guts to set his mark on the ledger, more will no doubt follow." She grabbed her sword that had been propped against the table leg and swung it into it's sheath before heading towards the door. "Like lambs to the slaughter." She whispered to herself.

"Come on then Malcolm, let me introduce you to a pretty lady."

Post #7 - Kristiana

Kristiana crept up cautiously to the bar. "Excuse me, but I was going to sign up as well." She turned to Malcom. "When your time comes, there is no avoiding it, no matter where you are. All you can do is ask your personal Higher Power to keep you safe for one day at a time."


Post #8 – Malcom

Malcom looked at the newcomer and gave her a sad smile.

"I am not trying to avoid it."

He lowered his head and carried on following the captain of the Adie Mae. He welcomed death the many times it came to claim him, but Destiny had a funny way of saving him. Perhaps she will not be able to find him once he is out at sea. Although a watery death was not exactly what he was looking for, he had wished it swift, straight to the heart.
The woman had only tried to be kind.

"Thank you for the kind thought anyway."

Post #9 – Captain


The Captain acknowledged the newcomer with a sly smile.
"I had a feeling more would come." She said knowingly. "Come with us then."

She led them down the cobbled street towards the docks. The hill of the road dropped away steeply and the ocean came into view ahead. The port was full. Masts of tall ships stretched up to the skies in a muddled collection out at the deeper seas. Smaller boats and yachts bobbed up and down in row after row parked against long outstretched wooden walkways. In front of the boats were the traders. Their tents and tables adorned with wares from all ends of the planet and beyond.

Seagulls circled the air in a vulture-like fashion and as the three grew closer the noise of the hustle and bustle filled their ears. The Captain lead them down the middle of the chaos and then turned off. After a rather long and silent walk they found their way to a smallish alcove. Hidden behind the rock and away from the hustle of the main port stood the Adie Mae. The ship was huge with a beautiful figure of a busty woman attached to the front. Her sails were down, but even the folded material seemed pristine white. More like a Naval ship than a pirate's vessel. The Captain stomped along the walkway and jumped down onto the deck, motioning for the other two to come aboard.

She noticed a couple of soldiers skulking around the area as though they were looking for someone.
"You boys got nothing better to do?" She called out to them.
"We've had reports of an offensive looking man around these parts." One soldier called back.
"Haha! I'll bet there are a good number of them around here." The soldiers shook their heads and walked away.
"So young lady, what's your name?" She asked to the girl who had joined them.


Post #10 - Kristiana

"I am called Kristiana. Kristi, if you must." She lowered her head. "I have never traveled across the seas before. I expect this will be a grand adventure."

The reflection of the sunshine glimmered slightly off of her invisible wings, giving one the sense that a cloud of glitter followed Kristiana's every step.

OOC: If you try to touch them, you can feel her wings, but be careful as they are very delicate and contain most of her power. Also, a slight film, kind like touching moth wings will come off on your fingers, only it would be more glitter than powdery.


Post #11 - Willie
A small pile of rubbish not far from where the two soldiers, the captain, and Kristiana stood or, in the soldiers' case, skulked. Out popped a bandanna wrapped around an eye-patched head. "You best not be referring to Willie when you say that," he shot at the first soldier who had spoken.

The soldier looked at the old man sideways and then called back to Captain Breastwell. "That's the one", he signaled. Willie cursed rather loudly at the man, but stopped short when his found the Captain. Or rather, the ship behind her. Searing white sails, sleek build, glory itself clinging to her sides; the Adie Mae was gorgeous. The second thoughts he had had when he sneaked through the Dog and Pussy earlier, scared to put his name on the roster, were gone. He fairly leaped over the rubbish and made his way towards the ship. No, no, the captain first; he redirected his path slightly. Couldn't very well get on the ship without the captain's permission.

"William Flint," he said, extending a grimy hand as he approached the captain. His loose and torn black boots clanked loudly on the wood, somewhat masking his introduction.


Post #12 – Malcom

Malcom eyed the newcomer from head to toe. He couldn't make out if the man was drunk or crazy. He guessed both given the state of the man and the stench emanating from him. Being out at sea with a character like that would be fun. The captain herself didn't inspire much confidence yet, and by the looks of it, the crew was no better, himself included.

To add to the pot, there would be another woman on board. Talk about bad luck...

He followed the Captain aboard the ship. At least she looked seaworthy, even if the rest did not.


Post #13- Vex

Vex made his way back up to the deck as he heard the soldiers begin to walk away, but quickly ducked back down as he saw the group of people standing near the ship.

He heard the older man introduce himself to the captain....
His eyes widened as he beheld the beautiful woman that was apparently in charge.
Makes sense, he thought, Most males down here don't truly care for their ship

He bounded up on deck and faced the captain, "Hallo Captain! I must say I've never seen a more beautiful set of women"-he winked at Kristiana-"You may call me Vex, and I am humbly in your service."

He bowed low, like a gentleman, then winked, "And also at your personal service, Beautiful."


Post #14- Captain

The Captain flicked open the ledger once more and began penning Kristiana's name on the page. Then an odd smelling man turned up. The scent that wafted from his person was much more the scent she was used to from a crew member. The other two seemed positively pristine and not at all seaworthy. Still they were names in the book and, for now, that was all that mattered.
"Welcome aboard Master Flint." She said whilst watching him swagger about. His drunken behaviour making her crave a drink. She dipped the quill into the ink once more and scrawled 'Flint, William' underneath Kristiana's name. Beside his name she placed a circle mark with a cross through it.

And then yet another popped up. It seemed he had been hiding aboard, which irked the Captain somewhat. She became further irked when he introduced himself in such a formal and disgustingly presumptuous manner. She stared at the impossibly tall man as be bent over to bow, a mop of green hair falling about his face. He would at least be useful in a fight and with reaching things on high up shelves. She wrote his name on the ledger too and a plain cross was marked beside it.

"Well then." She began addressing the small group. "I'm sure you will want to know our mission... but I have no intention of sharing that information with you until we are well underway. If you don't like surprises then you can get off now. Hmmmm." She mused. "We're a couple short. No need to worry, we need to gather some supplies before we set sail. Till then you should get acquainted with Adie. The crew quarters are below." With that the Captain slammed her ledger shut and stomped off towards her cabin leaving the rest to themselves.

Post #15 - Kristiana

Kristiana was used to surprises. They seemed to follow her wherever she went. She scanned the ship from where she stood, her elvish eyes picking up every small detail and her elvish senses picking up what her eyes could not. She decided after fully scanning the upper deck that she should check the others. With that, she made her way to the stairway, her shoeless steps not making a sound on the wooded deck. Kristiana preferred to float using her wings than to step down on any solid surface. She made her way silently down the steps to see what mysteries the "crew quarters" held.


Post #16 – Malcom

The ship was beautiful and well taken care of. Malcom went below the main deck and came across the gun deck. He was impressed by the various cannons and tried not to touch anything. The kitchen was further down and not far from it he found the sleeping quarters. He stepped inside the small room and noticed a few hooks on the walls and a pile of hammocks neatly folded in a corner. He picked one and set it up. Malcom chose the corner closest to the door. He didn't want to be trapped in by a bunch of pirates. It also meant that he could run to the top deck should he feel the need for fresh air.

Lying on the hammock picking at his lute his eyes surveyed the small room. He felt an added respect for the captain given the state of the ship. It felt solid and welcoming, which was unexpected.


Post #17 - Kristiana

Kristiana was unamused at the pile of hammocks. "If I were to sleep in a hammock ever, it would not be in such close accomodations but high in the trees." She turned around and went back up on deck, finding a comfortable spot amoungst the cargo to rest. She sat and meditated, trying to get in touch with the sea they were about to travel and the creatures that lived there.


Post #18-Vex
Vex looked around the deck, having already "viewed" the areas below. He walked the deck, feeling restless. He smiled as he looked up at the masts. He looked around and saw the man go below, and the female after him.

Then he was on the masts, looking from the high vantage point. He noticed, with happiness that he'd barely caused a ripple of power as he'd "Vexed." He took a deep breath, savoring the ocean air.

Looking down, he saw the female come back on deck. He noticed the shimmer around her, and looked closer. He then saw what caused the shimmer, and a thoughtful smile came to his lips. He called down to her:
"HALLO!"


Then he was right in front of her, revealing his ability. He held out his hand, "Hi."

OOC: I know Vex means something totally different than the way im using it. His ability is unique, so he calls it his "vex"

Post #19 - Kristiana

" 'allo." She looked at the hand held out to her. She took it in her own appprehensively, but didn't let go. "Interesting ability. I hardly felt the power ripple at all. It's nice that it doesn't disturb the forces of nature that much. Otherwise we could have serious difficulty if you were to do it on the high seas." She transfered her positive energy, a green glow encircling their clasped hands. "Now you will be able to know if and when your power upset the Nature Sprites. They could decide to take action if it does."

OOC: Kristiana rarely does this, but she has the ability to give others the ability to sense the supernatural around them.


Post #20-Vex
Vex felt his senses increase and a chill went up his spine. "Thank you, but if you were worried about them attack me on the seas I could've already said that we don't have to worry about sprites. A pirate's karma can be just as bad."

He looked back to the city as they unclasped hands. "So, if you don't mind my asking, The way you speak of sprites imply that you are not one of them." He looked at her, "What is it that you are exactly. I could distinguish, barely, your wings there." He gestured to them.


Post #21 – Malcom

After being anti-social for a while, Malcom thought it best to see what the others were up to. He went back up and saw the tall man talking to Kristie. Willie was by the rail looking at the sea holding what appeared to be a bottle of rum.

Five of us. How are we to sail this massive ship? There must be more men around.

He then saw the door to the captain's quarters. Curiosity more than anything else spurred him on. He pushed the door open and was dully impressed by the décor. A heavy wooden tale stood close to the window and he spied upon it an open up map. A compass and ruler lay on top of it and he saw a cross near a cluster of islands.

He looked up from it at the door hoping nobody had noticed him come in.

Post #22 - Kristiana

"If you must, I am an elvish fairy, though I don't particularly care for what the term has come to mean to humans. We are actually quite masculine at times."
She giggled. "and I wouldn't want to mess with an angry pure fairy either. They can be quite.... joking... when they decide what to do to you." She cocked her head like a curious puppy. "Besides, I wasn't worried about them attacking you in particular. They just might decide to take it out on the ship, and I personally don't look forward to a small life boat with no land in sight."


Post #23-Vex
"That is how I meant it," Vex explained. "If 'I'"-he made air quotes with his fingers-"were attacked we would all suffer the effects."
"Fairies are interesting creatures,"He continued,"My family tells a story of one in particular, though we never gave it a name. It was said to help our people against the cruelties of our government, though in recent years we have done a good job of sowing cruelty towards them."


Post #24 – Malcom

Malcom then settled in the captain's chair and found a bottle of rum at arm's reach.

Hmmm, I wonder if this stuff is any good. It seems to be the favoured drink on board a ship, so I might as well.

The young troubadour took a swig of the golden liquid and instantly spat it out as it burned his mouth and throat.

Bloody hell, I'll never become a good pirate at this rate.

The chair was comfortable and he decided to stay there a few more minutes. It was probably a bad idea, but he was sure it would result in an excellent tale. One of his favourite things to do was come up with good stories to sing to the crowds. Furthermore, a good tale was always well rewarded.

Post # 25 - Kristiana

"Well, some sprites can just not be very nice. Sounds like the one that helped your people was a Domio. They help the opressed against the cruel. A Domio can also help around someone's house when they have a hard time taking care of it. Then there are always Ghost Domiat as well." Kristi stretched and yawned. "I'm going to settle here and see if I can dreamstate. I get the feeling I won't have much time for it once we are underway."

Post # 26 - Captain

The distinct sound of thin metal being drawn out rang in the air of the Captains cabin. A moment later Malcolm found the pointed end of a knife being prodded deeply into the back of his neck.
"You would be wise to understand that the first rule of any ship, pirate or not, is to have respect for the Captain." The knife twisted breaking the skin of his neck and causing a thin stream of blood to run down his back. The Captain reached over and snatched the rum bottle out of his hand." You will pay for this insubordination Malcolm. You mark my words." She paused for a moment, then withdrew her knife and slammed her fist into the side of his head, knocking him out of her chair. She then unhooked her pistol, aimed it at his head and pulled the catch. Her eyes met with his and a flicker of devilish light flashed across them. She then swung her arm around and fired the pistol out of the open window before taking her seat at the desk.

Moments later a horde of men reacted to the signal. The crew of the Adie Mae marched aboard the ship in excited masculine fury, ready to set sail. Thunderous pairs of feet clattered about the deck in hasty, well practised monotony. A burly man found his way down the stairs and burst into the Captains cabin, noting Malcolm who was still laid out on the floor as he did so. "Eric, this is Malcolm, he is the first. Malcolm, I'd like you to meet my First Mate, Eric. There are three others. See that they are made... comfortable. This one needs a lesson in manners. Once we're away from Tudae see that he learns quickly."

The First Mate smiled a wide and toothless grin and picked Malcolm up by his collar dragging him up to the deck. The rest of the crew carried on the job of setting sail. While the First Mate and several others gathered up Vex, Willie and Kristiana and threw all of them down in the prisoners cell with Malcolm, locking them in.


Post #27 – Malcom

When the young troubadour came back to himself, he felt his head throbbing. Remembering what had happened, he took his hand to his head and felt the tender spot. He next took his hand to his neck and felt a scab.

"Shit. How long have I been out for?"

He took in the surroundings, or as much as he could in the weak light. He tried to move but his head seemed to explode with the movement.

Post #28 - Kristiana

"It looks like even with my elvish luck one of us has gotten all of us in a jam," she eyed Malcolm irritated. "I have been in cages before, but never because of someone else's doing. Looks like Malcolm's arrogant karma has affected us all." Kristiana sighed and found a comfortable spot in a corner of the cell. Sitting in the lotus position she closed her eyes and sang to herself so low that she was very hard to hear. "There is not just living crew here on this ship. I suggest we all watch our backs." She went back to singing, almost like she was communicating with unseen forces.


Post #29 – Malcom

Malcom half opened his eyes and listened to the woman complain about something or another. He raised an eyebrow when she muttered something about arrogance. She clearly was not good at analysing people and she clearly had not done some self analysing.

Lucky for her he was not in a mood for a fight and he did not have any inclination given the state of his head.

Ignoring the elf, he remained in his corner and thought it best to relax and do some self healing. He steadied his heart and brought it down to a slow beat. Internalising his senses, he went through his entire system and cleared some of the clogged meridians.

After a few minutes he felt tired, but healthy.


Post #30- Vex

Vex looked from Malcom to Kristiana, bored. He admired the captain's......arrogance.
"We offered to be in her crew and she just locks us up." He said out loud to himself, "Now I want to kill her, but that would not work in my favor at the moment."
He looked out of their cell and spyed his equipment. He chuckled. He turned to Kristiana, "Regardless of those who aren't living, I'm thinkin' about making them think there's a spook on this ship."

He walked over to her and squatted down, "I would like to help you." He turned his veiw upon Malcom, "You have made me mad, so you can stay."
He offered his hand to Kristiana, "I'll get us to the crow's nest, and get rid of the look out, then we can steal a lifeboat and escape."


Post #31 – Malcom

Laughter could be heard from the dark corner of the brig. He had roamed that lands as a troubadour for many years and that neither Vex nor Kristi had heard of Captain Breastwell's reputation was surprising.

"We would have ended up here no matter what any of us had done. That is how she breaks us non sailors."

He then looked at the unconscious Willie. "He is probably the only pirate amongst us and he has probably lost his," Malcom tilted his head and tried to think of an appropriate word, "touch?"

He stood up to his full height, which was average, and looked at the other two. "Anyway, don't you want to know what comes next? To escape is the coward's way. It does not make a good story."

Post #32 – Captain

The ship creaked and swayed and the sounds of thunderous feet as the men set about their duties getting the huge ship underway echoed down to the bowels where the newcomers were held prisoner. The great white sails were hauled aloft and the rudder was twisted into position. Slowly but surely the ship headed out to the deep ocean. The Captain fondled the wheel, caressing it as if it were a lover, a huge grin spread across her face.
"We're coming." She said to no-one inparticular. "You'll have them soon."

Post #33 - Willie

Between the rum and the caging, Willie had been out cold for nearly the entire voyage up until now. But finally, he blinked his eyes a few times and rustled awake, or at least as awake as his hangover would let him. The rum had certainly had its part in his unconsciousness.

Willie woke soon enough to hear Malcom's opinion of him, but fortunately for the bard, his head hurt too much to process it. His next line, however, was absurd enough to bring Willie back to reality. Well, a little closer anyways.

"The coward's way?" His words came out somewhat slurred and disjunct, not doing much for ease of understanding. "I bet she's waiting for us to escape- to... to..." Willie scratched his eyepatch and trailed off for a second. A moment later he was lucid again, speaking as if he had never stopped. "To escape right now! Only way to get a pirate's respect, a captain's respect, is to do something dramatic. Disobey enough to show you're worthy but not enough to cause any danger. Never disobey in battle, that's true enough. But does it sound like we're in one right now? I don't know about you, but I'm breaking out of this brig!"

The old man jumped up... and immediately crashed back down, woozy and blinking hard. "In a few minutes.... I have to... to come up with a plan first, of course.... Yes...."

Post #34-Vex

Vex stood, and swung his fist into Malcom's face, knocking him to the ground.
He disapeared and then reappeared with his knife from the equipment table. "Don't call me a coward. I know the odds. Heros are just lucky, and stories are exaggerations by the stupid. In life, you know the odds, and you make a decision based on them. The odds say if we don't leave, or yield to her wishes, we die, its as simple as that."

He turned back to Kristiana, "I will get my other weapons, then, please make a decision."


Post #35 - Kristiana

"I am sorry, this caging has made me nervous. I will go with you. Anything to be out in the air again." Kristiana thought carefully. "Can you get my bow? I am as good with it up close as I am at long distances."


Post #36 – Malcom

At this point, Malcom decided to stop controlling his temper. From the floor where he lay he laughed and growled. His muscles bulged and increased in size. His clothes which were previously loose were now snug on his ripped body. The berserker took over and pushed Vex out of the way and smashed through the gate. He ran to the top deck growling and blinded with rage. He lashed out at random leaving several pirates injured. But as soon as he stood face to face with the captain, he passed out.

Post #37-Vex

Vex watched Malcom run up the stairs. "Well, thats.......nifty"
He had no more time to comment, as pirates began running down the stairs. He turned and grabbed Kristiana's hand, "It will take me alot more energy than before, you may feel light headed."

He looked over at the equipment table, and began to transport. The was a massive shimmer of power from him, and they disappeared as the pirates converged on the prisoners. They both appeared, with their equipment, in the crows nest. Vex quickly kicked the lookout from his perch, and sent him screaming into the sea.

He sat down, breathing heavily. In between breaths, he said, "That.....took more....energy...than I thought."


Post #38 - Kristiana

Kristiana was slightly light headed, but it didn't impair her aim. She drew back on her lightning bow, the string and arrow glowing white. She took aim at a pirate climbing towards them. She nicked the mast where his hand was, making him lose his grip and tumble back to the deck, taking a couple of other climbers down with him. Kristiana closed her eyes and hummed slightly. The wind picked up and the mast became slick with dew. She opened her eyes and took aim at another pirate trying to climb the mast. This time when her lightning arrow hit the mast, an electric shockwave went through the dew, giving all the pirates climbing it a slight shock. They started to think of another strategy of how to get to the two as Kristiana stood with her bow at the ready.


Post #39 – Malcom

"Ouch." when Malcom came to himself he was lying on the poop deck. The captain was less than a meter away.

He heard the commotion before he saw it and spotted Vex and Kristi at the top of the crow's nest fighting off any pirate who attempted to get to them.

Why are they doing that? Haven't they learnt to talk before acting? We don't know anything about why, what... ouch, my head.

Malcom realised that he had not eaten in a while and becoming that creature did not help as it drained his energy. Not only his energy, but also his memory. The last thing he recalled was Vex's fist meeting his face and his anger taking over.

He lifted his eyes to the captain and whispered "I am sorry." before he passed out again.


Post #40 – Captain

The Captain smiled slyly as she watched the commotion. Malcolm collapsed in front of her and she kicked him a little to make sure he wasn't faking. A strong breeze captured the sails which had become oddly tarnished since they left port only a few hours ago. The speed of the ship increased markedly with the gust of wind. The Captains gaze turned skyward to the pair in the crows nest, she called out to them, her masterful voice carrying on the wind.
"Do you intend to take on the entire crew? What if you kill us all? Will you manage to sail the ship alone? The Adie Mae is a fussy lady you know, she's doesn't answer well to those she is not acquainted with." She paused to look over the crew who had gathered at the bottom of the mast. "Perhaps we can discuss this in a more civilised manner. I will speak with you in my cabin, when you feel ready to converse."

The Captain kicked Malcolm once more, as he started to come round. "That means you too... bard." She said with icy spite in her voice. With that, she span on her heels and headed down towards her cabin.

Post #41 - Willie

Willie stared after the others for a couple seconds as they careened out the door. "Good show," he muttered to himself, then walked calmly up the stairs, making sure to ruffle his clothes and his hair a bit. As the other three ran up the stairs, a handful of pirates started running down. One started coming at Willie, slow but determined. Or at least as determined as any semi-drunk mercenary can be.

"Steady boys, no need to fight, just gettin' housebroken by the Cap'n, heading up to talk with 'er right now." Willie tipped his head at the pirate good-naturedly. The pirate stopped and raised an eyebrow as his mouth opened slightly. He turned to look back at the man behind him, who merely shrugged and sheathed his sword, confused. Willie continued up the stairs, nodding and winking and even once, blowing a kiss at a pretty girl. She did not appreciate it.

And just as he had thought, the Captain was on deck waiting. "Do you intend to take on the entire crew?" she said. "What if you kill us all?" Willie looked around and wished he hadn't. Those other morons had inexplicably decided to go beyond breaking out of the brig on to try to kill the crew. Wait, belay that, just two of them had. The other one, recently revealed as a berserker (Willie made a mental note of that fact; it could prove useful in the future) lay unconscious at the Captain's feet.

Willie's attention went back to the Captain. "Perhaps we can discuss this in a more civilised manner." The rest of the crew (assuming no one had died) was gathered around the mast near Breastwell. An apt name, Willie thought for the hundredth time. He shook his head slightly. Focus, Willie, focus. "I will speak with you in my cabin," Willie just barely managed to stop his eyebrows from shooting up into his gray hair, "when you feel ready to converse." This time, Willie let himself stumble sideways. It was, after all, in character for him, and he had picked up a small bottle of rum on his way up the stairs to finish the picture. He was quite ready to converse with the Captain. But was she really letting them choose their own time? In her cabin? Something more was going on.

"That means you too... bard." Willie looked down at the crumpled figure at the Captain's feet. It seemed he was returning to the conscious world. An interesting fellow, this Malcom. Useful in his own way, of course, but more than that, just... interesting. Willie would keep an eye on him. Just as well, since he couldn't keep two eyes on him.


Post #42 – Malcolm

Malcolm pulled himself to his feet and said to the captain's back, but not loud enough for her to hear. "Troubadour, I am a troubadour."

He watched as Willie made his way to the captain's cabin and then looked at the crow's nest to see if the other two were still up there. Needless to say, they were holding their position.

Malcolm felt his energy had been drained to the very last and that he probably looked like death to any onlooker. His skin looked deathly pale and the dark bags beneath his hollow eyes made most pirates think that not only was he dying, he could be contagious. As he stumbled towards the steps and walked down clinging onto the rails, he noticed how people cleared the way from him pretending they had something urgent to do.

When he reached the bottom, he took in a deep breath and gathered his energy. He would need all the strength he could muster to stand before the captain. The lady, if that is what he could say she was, had a temper on her which made him wonder if it was normal or if it was just that time of the month. If the latter were true, they would be in trouble no matter what. On the other hand, he considered the possibility that having to prove herself as a captain because she was female could be a plausible explanation. She also had to prove herself a good captain to avoid mutiny.

Perhaps if she stops calling me a bard, I might sing about her in the future. That is, if she lets us live.

He knocked on the door of the captain's cabin. He didn't want to infuriate her any further.

Post #43 – Captain

The door to the cabin swung open of it's own accord. The Captain stood on the far side of the room with her back to the doorway. She held a long sword in her hands and her left hand ran along the sharpest edge as if she were caressing it like a lover. On the desk in front of her the large map has strangely grown in size. The frayed edges of the paper seemed to have 'grown' extra space and faint outlines of islands were dotted on the new (yet oddly faded) paper. A few of the floor planks had disappeared making the walk across the room rather dangerous.

"Have you ever heard of the corners of the world?" She questioned to anyone who was close enough to hear.


Post #44 – Malcolm

On hearing a mutter from inside the cabin, Malcolm pushed the door opened wide enough to fit through. His eyes opened in surprise at the eight that greeted him. Planks were missing and for anyone to reach the captain, they would have to balance on a narrow board. On the other hand, Malcolm was quite pleased to find his lute intact not far from the door. He shuffled along the planks that were still untouched and reached for his precious musical instrument.

He sat on the floor and caressed the strings. The melody soothed his soul and any fear was banished. His keen connection with the instrument also restored some of his frailness. It was almost as if the music was feeding him.

Post #45 -- Willie

Willie carefully stumbled into the captain's cabin, taking drunken care not to fall through the gaps on the floor. He barely stopped himself from rolling his eyes when he came in. Breastwell was caressing her sword and Malcolm was likewise getting touchy-feely with his lute. Both objects were pretty in their own way, Willie admitted (perhaps the sword more so), but he could hardly believe they were acting this way. Well, the captain was at least caressing a weapon, very sharp by the looks of it. A dangerous lover. And she headed the ship, so she was allowed to do whatever she damn well pleased. He wondered what she really wanted.

On second thought, the bard couldn't be all heart either, considering the madness he had just emerged from. A berserker bard? Now Willie laughed. To the other two in the cabin, it probably sounded like his crazy laugh came from nowhere, which just made him laugh more. Good, good. Always important to make the right impression.

The Captain looked up and asked a question, cutting his laughter short. Willie's eyes glinted. "Do ye mean the four corners, or... the eight?" He glanced at the bard out of the corner of his eye. What could she want with a bard, a madman, and two... somethings (his mind flashed to the crow's nest) and these corners?

Post #46 -- Captain

"Well, Mr Hatless," the Captain replied turning to face the two men. "The corners are more metaphorical than actual in their number... they are places between places. Do you know of them?"


Post #47 – Malcolm

From his corner, the troubadour started singing in a lyrical voice which could charm anyone.

It is known to appear
To the purest of heart
The passage of time
No longer noted
There once was a man
Who dared go to
An island where
Time stood still
The sun in one end
Opposed by the moon
On the other
Ne'er to meet until
The time
Where the pure heart
Stood upon a stone altar
In prayer he asked
For what he wanted most
His heart's desire
To be fulfilled
A leap in time
Between worlds he
Stood still
Seeing was and
What was not meant
To be
Cursed he was in
A land of dreams
Invaded by demons
The world in between
A curse
Never to be forgot by
Those who prayed
The heart so selfish
To wander the world
Half human half demon
T each corner of the world
He must go
In dreams he must find
The world in between
To break his bonds
With the curse he divined.

Malcom carried on muttering the song almost in a trance. His words then became unintelligible.


Post #48-Vex
(OOC: srry for the disappearance)

Vex heard the captain, but did not trust her. He pulled two of his turret pistols out of their holsters and looked at Kristiana, "What do you think?"

Post #49-Captain

(OOC: Please don't kill the crew. This will be a very short quest if you do so. There will be plenty of other times for battles later on.)

Post #50 - Kristiana

"I think we should join her in the cabin. There might be information we need to know if we are going to survive this quest."

Post #51-Vex

Vex nodded and began to climb down the mast, using his feet to glide his descent. He landed in a group of crew members, and held his guns up, showing his readiness to retaliate should they try anything. He walked slowly, listening to make sure Kristiana was on her way.

He walked into the captain's cabin just as the annoying man who'd gotten them locked up finished his song.

Post #52 - Captain

The Captain allowed Malcolm to finish his song. He had quite a beautiful voice, but none-the-less his singing was a little unnerving. As the tune filtered out and the other two misfits turned up, the Captain stepped forward, avoiding the gaps in the floor. She swung her sword out and then ran the tip of it across the edges of the map, cutting the paper off. She crumpled the paper up, pulled out a match box, struck a match and then set alight to the paper, allowing it to burn in her fingers for a few moments. When the paper had reduced to a smoldering ash pile she threw it at Malcolm hoping he would catch it.

"Sing to it." She instructed him in a maniacal tone.


Post #53 – Malcolm

Still sitting, Malcom's eyes started to focus and it was also well timed as he saw a ball of flame fly towards him.

"Woa, what?"

He glared at the captain and decided that even if she was mad, he was stuck with her for better or worse.

"Fine."

Using his musical ability and his healing powers, he managed to gather enough energy from the surrounding area and hummed at the paper. As the flames died out, he felt the fibres in the paper. His mind reached out and was able to make the paper whole again. Although he was not sure the captain would be pleased at the fact that although the paper was intact, the scribbles on it were gone.

He held the paper in his hand and looked from it to the captain.

"You know lady, I could heal you to." he then crumpled the paper and threw it back at her.

Post #54 – Captain

She outstretched her sword and caught the paper on the end of it.
"Yes, you will heal us all." She replied to Malcolm. The paper rolled down the sword into her hand and she dropped the sword to the floor the sound of the metal bouncing around echoed inside the cabin.

She uncrumpled it and smoothed the paper out. Already small outlines of black ink were appearing. She held it up to the light and showed it to Kristiana.
"Tell me what you see?"

Post #55 – Captain

As there was clearly no answer to the Captain's question she decided to change tactic.
"There is a curse on this ship and it's crew. This curse can be lifted by one of you. I locked you in the belly of the ship to make sure that you couldn't change your minds and escape before we set sail, for this is the last time we can ever set sail. If the curse is not lifted by the end of our journey, we will all die. And now you have joined the crew, you will die along with us." She looked at each one of them with steely eyes.

"Apologies for not clarifying this when we first met, but I think you will now understand why I had to keep it secret."


Post #56 – Malcolm

Malcom turned to look at Kristi, but she turned around and left the cabin. He shrugged his shoulders and decided to remain quiet. Opening his mouth had already caused more trouble to himself than he could have imagined.

He looked expectantly at the others hoping they would volunteer some information.

Hang on, did she say curse? HA, as if I weren't already cursed.

Post #57-Vex

Vex sighed. "Great, just freakin' fantastic!"
He threw up his arms and turned to the door, but didn't walk out. He turned back around and pointed his gun at the captain. "Tell me what I have to do, then, when the curse is lifted, I'm killing you for signing MY death warrant, something you had NO right to touch."
He didn't lower his gun as he stared at her with disgust.

Post #58-OOC
Is this dying a death? Where are all of the other characters? I'm going to give this till mid next week and if it doesn't pick up then I'll pull the plug :(


Post #59 - Kristiana

OOC: Sorry I was sick for a few days.

Kristiana couldn't stand to hear anymore. She had been cursed before and had barely made it out alive. Now this curse threatened her existience again. She concentrated deeply to see if the forces of nature could tell her who is the one that will break this curse. They only sang to her, trying to comfort her in the fact that the curse would be broken and more than her and her new found friends will benefit from it.


Post #60 - Willie

OOC: If I may add to the excuse pile, there were some brief medical issues this-a-way, but they're all fixed now thanks fer askin'!

IC: While the others individually and enthusiastically freaked out, Willie barked a short laugh. He glanced at Vex with wild eyes and said "Yes! It is fantastic, ain't it?" Kristiana seemed to be in her own world, and Malcolm, though silent, appared... scared? No, no, perhaps... a touch bitter. And he had reacted somewhat less at the Captain's revelation than the others. Perhaps the man was familiar with curses. Which would obviously prove useful in lifting this particular one: experience is the best, bitterest teacher, after all, he thought.

Wait... had he said that out loud?


Post #61 – Malcolm

Malcom gave Willie a look of disdain. It was then that he took a closer look and noticed that both he and Kristi were not doing very well. As a healer, he felt the obligation to cure them, but as the man that he was, he simply did not care if they dropped dead. That would not happen because there was nothing really serious with them. Willie's major problem was rum, if he stopped drinking and turning into a pickle, he would be just fine.

Vex on the other hand was a bloodthirsty irritant. Clearly not a diplomat and he would probably end up dead in a ditch.

He then turned to look at the Captain and was sure that woman didn't speak an ounce of truth, ever.

The troubadour held onto his lute and slumped against the cabin wall letting out a long sigh with a rude word.

Post #62-Vex

Vex lowered his pistol and sighed. He put his head into his free hand and held it there for a moment. He raised his head and the fire seemed drained from his eyes.
He repeated his question, saying each word slowly, "What do I have to do to end the curse?"

Post #62 - Kristiana

Kristiana re-entered the cabin. "Who exactly said that you were the one? It could be any of us, and the elementals aren't talking."


Post #63-Vex

Vex looked at Kristiana, "I never said I thought I was the one. Perhaps 'the one' only becomes 'the one' when they try. Either way, I want to try to end this curse, regardless of who is chosen, so I repeat my question."

He looked back at Captain Breastwell, "What do I have to do, to try to lift the curse?"

Post #64-Captain

The Captain laughed, throwing her head back with glee. "I'm really surprised at you all." She began still chuckling. "You signed up to sail with pirates... didn't your mothers ever tell you not to trust a pirate?" A small memory of her own disturbing childhood settled her mood somewhat.
"As I was trying to tell you before, we need to travel to the corners of the world. They are not literal corners for those of you who are imagining a box shaped globe," she scoffed, "they are places beyond places. Realms hidden from the sight of normal people. They contain some of the most beautiful items and... well, lets say each of these places is home to a myriad of precious gifts. Only the cursed can find them and only a 'pure' cursed creature can reverse the effects of the curse."

She tiptoed over to Vex and looked him in the eye. "The only way you can reverse the curse is to come with us to these locations and restrain yourself from enjoying the delights on offer. Think you can manage that?"

"Do any of you think you can manage that?"


Post #65 – Malcolm

Malcom stood up and stretched his limbs. “Rum and wenches. Fine by me. Those are all trouble anyway.”

He approached Willie and slapped his back. “Think you can handle that ol’ man?” he opened the door and walked out onto the deck. He looked at all the pirates and looked for the first mate. He was getting bored and wanted to work. Maybe he should ask the captain first, she might not like it if he went over her head.

He peeked into the cabin.

“Hey Captain, mind if I busy myself with something? Any work I can do?”

Post #66 – Captain

"You can take first watch in the crows nest. Just remember, we aren't looking for land, we're looking for something else... you'll know when you see it." She called to him, smiling with evil delight as he turned away. "Gonna be a hell of a ride, bard."


Post #67 – Malcolm

“Ay ay captain.” the troubadour made his way to the crow’s nest. He looked all over and after a few minutes was bored. He stared at the pirate’s below on the deck and wished he had pebbles in his pockets.

His stomach started to grumble and he realised he had not eaten for many hours and he had not slept much either.

“Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawn.” after a while he was fast asleep.


Post #68-Vex

Vex smiled at the Captain, "Well, Captain, I guess you never heard the smuggler's code. It says specifically, always trust a pirate...to do things for the good of themselves at the expense of others, but NEVER trust a navy."

He turned and followed Malcom out the door and noticed how he didn't go up into the crows nest.
Pathetic, does he not even know how to tough things out?
Vex walked back into the cabin and said, "Captain, your.....watchmen has"-he chuckled-"fallen asleep. I will take watch, my eyesight is better anyways."
He bowed to to the Captain, to Kristiana, and then to Willie, "Lets try to make it to our destination quickly."


Post #69 – Malcolm

Malcom woke up with a start as he felt the sway. He thought it was the wind, but when he glanced down, Vex was making his way up.

“Hey, my watch, what do you think you are doing coming up here?” he gave the tall man a dirty look.


Post #70-Vex

Vex looked up at Malcom before continuing his climb. When he reached the crows nest he sat down beside Maclom.
"You were asleep. What good can you do as a watchman if your eyes are closed?"


Post #71 – Malcolm

Malcom looked at the tall man and considered telling him about how he got his curse and the dream state he was in at the time. Instead he smiled at the tall man and said nothing.

“Have fun up here. The view is far more interesting with your eyes closed.” he winked at Vex and climbed down.

Post #72 – Captain
(OOC: Kristiana has asked me to write her out as she is having computer problems, so here goes)

The Captain found herself left in her cabin with Kristiana. The two women looked at one another with fire in their eyes. The tension within the wooden walls was palpable.
"So," Captain began, "What possessed someone like you to join a pirate crew?" She questioned while circling Kristiana.
"I..." before her answer could be completed the Captain grabbed Kristiana by the throat and clasped her mouth shut. As much as Kristi fought she couldn't escape the powerful grip. The Captain marched her to the top deck and barked an order at a nearby sailor for 'the plank'.

The rest of the crew stood for a moment watching the spectacle with wide eyes. As the plank was laid jutting out from the side of the ship the Captain unsheathed her sword and poked it into the small of Kristi's back. "Men at sea only last so long before they miss certain 'pleasures' that women can provide. I've learned how to deal with them the hardest way, I'd hate for you to have to go through the same process."

Kristiana stepped up onto the plank and walked slowly to the end, as she turned to say something the Captain smacked her across the face with the face of her sword, knocking the young woman into the ocean below.

The wind picked up and caught the sails pushing the ship along even faster. The Captain kicked an empty barrel into the ocean for Kristi to keep hold of and stood with one leg perched on the side, watching as the small figure disappeared into the distance.


Post #73 – Malcolm

Malcolm was on his way to ask the captain what he could help out with when the Captain burst out of the cabin with Kristi. He froze into place and watched the scene unfold before his eyes. The sound of a body plunging into the cold waters brought him back to reality and not wanting to be next, he remained in silence.

He hoped the elements Kristi talked about so much would save her.

Inaction took hold of him and he looked up at the crow’s nest. Perhaps he should wait for the captain to calm down before finding another task. Or he could ask Eric. He looked about himself and all of a sudden felt very alone and not at all safe.

I had better toughen up.

He stood straight and walked towards the captain.

“I can’t just keep watch on the crow’s nest. I need more. What else can I do? I want to learn.”



************Continued here

ID: 1671823   (Rated: 13+) Quest # 003(a)Pirates of Tudae Ocean  The third quest for WDC roleplay writers by Adrianna

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