RuneScape Forum Archive | Into the Ashlands (RP)

NotFishing

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The Ship

Vanick stroked his chin thoughtfully at Caspara's suggestion. "That could be a good idea," he mused, "but I don't know this Captain Roberts. He might reduce the punishment, or he might not. On one hand, you're the wronged party, so he might listen to you. On the other hand, he declared their punishment publicly in front of the entire crew, and he might feel that changing the punishment will weaken his authority. But it won't hurt to try - I leave it up to you."

Then he turned to Wulvash, and nodded. "Good to hear. Don't lose sight of what's waiting for us at the end of this voyage." Then he clapped the Drakonian on the shoulder.

Then he looked to Annie, and an irritated expression appeared on his face. "You will hear about what you need to do later . When we have time to address all the mercenaries, so I don't have to say the same thing twenty times." With that, he returned to his post.

---

Any further conversation would be cut off when four robed figures appeared from below deck. Each robe was a different colour - red, blue, white, and brown. Their robes had a golden trim, with Academy emblems that marked them as masters.

"Captain!" the red-robed mage shouted up at the helm. He was a middle-aged figure - short, bald, tan, and had an impressive moustache. "Are we ready to set off?"

Captain Robert nodded. "Aye, sir."

Meanwhile, the white robed mage crossed the gangplank down to where the other captains were. He was in his late twenties, with short black hair and a handsome clean shaven face. "Captains, is everyone accounted for?"

The Quartermasters showed their sheets to the Captains, who relayed their numbers to the mage.

"Fifty in total... not bad, not bad at all, but you said that there would be sixty between you." The White Mage mused. "I presume they had second thoughts?"

(continued) Beneath the gold, the Bitter Steel.

31-Jul-2018 03:31:12 - Last edited on 31-Jul-2018 03:34:46 by NotFishing

NotFishing

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The armoured woman nodded. "We gave them the option to leave yesterday, as you instructed, but even the ones who wanted to stay have had a full day to reconsider since then."

"No matter, no matter," the White Mage responded with a smile. "Fifty shall be enough. And on the bright side, our supplies will last longer."

The woman's frown deepened. "I hope this is worth losing over half my Company, Master Wylan."

"I assure you, it will be. Now come on, the boat is about to depart. Time to address your men."

And with that, the Captains boarded the ship, Quartermasters in tow. Captain Robert dispatched a crew member below deck, who began shouting for everyone to move above, and within minutes there were a hundred people atop the deck - fifty crew and fifty mercenaries.

The mercenary captains and the mages took a position atop the Quarterdeck, along with Captain Robert.

The Blue Mage stepped forward. He appeared to be in his early thirties, with pale skin and blond hair. "Welcome!" He addressed the crowd with a smile. "You have all been hired for the expedition of a lifetime, two years in the planning. It is you who were brave enough to remain where your comrades faltered, and it is you who shall reap the knowledge and riches that are sure to come!"

A few cheered at this, and others applauded, but not many.

"Now, introductions. I am Wylan, Master of Water. The man in red is Darius, Master of Fire. He is the official leader of the Expedition. The man in white is Kennith, Master of Air. And the woman in brown..." he gestured towards a woman in her mid-twenties, whose hair matched the colour of her mud-brown robes, "...is Evette, Master of Earth. We are here to lead you and lend our talents to the expedition, to ensure its success."

(continued) Beneath the gold, the Bitter Steel.

31-Jul-2018 03:52:43 - Last edited on 31-Jul-2018 04:20:28 by NotFishing

NotFishing

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Then he gestured to the Captains. "I would also like to present Robert, Captain of The Sea Drake . Then Vanick, Captain of The Arenar Company. After him is Elia Harston, Captain of The Black Rose Company . Next is Royce Vendal, Captain of The Red Ranger Company. " At the mention of each Captain's name, the members of their company cheered, each one trying to outdo the last.

"These are all prestigious companies," Master Wylan continued, once the enthusiasm had subsided. "It is for your skill, reputation, and reliability that you have been selected. We have no doubt that you will honour your agreement." Several more cheers rang out. After all, if a company had a good reputation, it was usually because they took great pride in maintaining that reputation.

With this, Wylan stepped back, and Darius stepped forward. "From here on, there are some rules that must be followed," Darius began, with none of Wylan's tact or charisma. "First, to avoid confusion, the leaders of the Mercenary Companies are to hereby be referred to as 'Commander' instead of 'Captain'. The only Captain on this ship shall be Captain Robert. Secondly, for as long as we are at sea, the Commanders must answer directly to Captain Robert. Thirdly, even though we are heading out to sea, you shall all be expected to follow the Code of Conduct set out by your Guild, as well as the ship rules set by Captain Robert."

He paused, letting those words sink in. "That will be all," he concluded, taking a step back.

Then Captain Robert stepped forward. "Crew, to your stations. Mercenaries, go below deck, and await further orders from your Commanders. We're about to be underway!" Beneath the gold, the Bitter Steel.

31-Jul-2018 04:07:35 - Last edited on 31-Jul-2018 04:09:52 by NotFishing

Jul

2011

Annie1227

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Annie nodded what drakonian and captain Vanick told her. She waited for orders. She heard that they was about they were about to sail. She listened to speeches of the captains. She was very excited to begain this journey. She cheered with everyone else.

Then she got the order that she had to go below deck as they were about to take sail. She was disappointed that she was not able to watch them took sail because she never been on the sea before. She went below deck because she didn't want to get in trouble but she really wanted to stay on deck. She was planning to sneak to the deck to see them take sail. -Dances-

01-Aug-2018 03:03:16 - Last edited on 01-Aug-2018 05:00:23 by Annie1227

Azi Demonica

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Vanick didn’t know Captain Robert at a personal level, so Caspara ended up with uncertainty. But, after replying to the girl, the captain and the four robed people became the centre of attention, and there wasn’t any time for further discussion.

So, there were a few less people than expected, but the expedition would go on. Captain Robert wanted mercenaries to go below deck, and await further orders. Caspara figured it was a sign not to pester him any further.

Caspara, Xavakuun, Octavius and Griselda went down with everyone else, and then...

01-Aug-2018 19:11:35 - Last edited on 01-Aug-2018 19:11:52 by Azi Demonica

NotFishing

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Below Deck

Every mercenary (aside from the Commanders) and perhaps twenty or so sailors soon retreated below decks.

There, the Drakonians would immediately encounter one issue: ships were not known for being spacious. They would find themselves completely unable to stand at their full height, and would be forced to stoop slightly, which would soon become uncomfortable, and walking through doors was almost like a game of limbo.

Everyone else appeared to face no issue, however. Many had already begin to claim bunks and hammocks in the crew quarters. Others had gone to the ship's mess hall, where they began to play the dice and card games common among mercenaries, sailors, and soldiers alike.

Some time passed. The deck, already somewhat smooth and unsteady, began to shift even more as the ship moved.

Then, the commanders came down, and began calling for their respective companies to form up. Vanick had seized a rather large table in the dining room, where the remnants of his company now sat assembled before him. Vanick himself remained standing.

"So, it's time to discuss our role in this expedition," he began, scanning his eyes across the company to ensure everyone was present. "While aboard this ship, we are to act as security, to protect the crew from pirates and the like. Once we reach the Ashlands, we mercenaries will be the first landing party, and it is us who will make up the bulk of the expedition force on the way to the capital."

Joric grinned. "We sure bring a lot to the table ." The dwarf rested a hand on the table for emphasis.

(continued) Beneath the gold, the Bitter Steel.

07-Aug-2018 18:43:41 - Last edited on 07-Aug-2018 18:44:01 by NotFishing

NotFishing

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Vanick ignored the remark. "It will take at least ten days to reach the Ashlands. Probably longer. There won't be much to do in the way of work, save for remaining alert and ready. We will be stopping at the island of Varia to the southeast to resupply, and from there we will head directly south, into the strait between Gnaris and Old Sorus itself. We will land at the mouth of the Solace River, and travel on foot to the capital. Understood?"

A chorus of "yes sirs!" and quiet nods broke out.

"Good," Vanick nodded. "You are all free to go back above deck, if you wish. Also, the Captain has decided that, due to their height, the Drakonians in the company will be allowed above deck at any given time. Any questions?" Beneath the gold, the Bitter Steel.

07-Aug-2018 18:48:34

Azi Demonica

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The Commander spoke of their plans. Ten days sailing, with a resupplying stop at the island of Varia. After, they would sail through the straight between Gnaris and Old Sorus, then land at the mouth of the Solace River. A walk to the capital sounded easy enough. In the meantime, security against pirates. Fair enough.

Caspara and Xavakuun couldn’t quite fit below deck, and they had to keep their heads low, much to their displeasure. But, what could they do? Octavius, being short, stretched, raising his arms and enjoying all the space, then watched as Griselda leaned against a wall somewhere to be quiet. However, she was observing everything going on, particularly the Drow, another quiet girl.

Octavius scanned the area, eager to do something, such as gamble with cards or dice, or whatever tabletop game was available. Heading to the mess hall, Octavius soon plopped on a chair and played games with the others.

“Oh hoh hoh! Ya’ll’ul need more folks than this to beat me! Ah! Anyone else wanna play?” Octavius proclaimed, inviting anyone else to join the table he was at. Perhaps more people would come for some games?

Xavakuun ended up sitting down with his back to the wall, tail curled around his hip and lying over his lap.

“This ship sure wasn’t built for us...” Xavakuun mumbled.

“I know! Who did they build it for? Midgets?” Caspara complained, and then...

13-Aug-2018 19:44:35

Jul

2011

Annie1227

Posts: 51,224 Emerald Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Annie listened to what the Commanders told them. She yelled with the rest of the groups. She never been on a ship like this before so she decided to explore the ship. She ran above deck to see what's going on up there and see the sea for the first time. She had many questions about the sea,ship and everything else but doesn't know who to ask. -Dances-

17-Aug-2018 03:25:48

NotFishing

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Two days later

It had been two days since the departure, as the ship continued onward toward the isle of Varia.

If Caspara had taken the time to ask the Captain to change his punishment, she would have eventually convinced him to relent, and he would instead give the two offending crewmembers a more minor punishment. Although they still occasionally directed bitter looks towards the three Drakonians and the Drow, and the rest of the crew were still somewhat wary, no further incidents had occurred just yet.

For the ship's crew, things seemed to be more or less business as usual. They saw to their duties with skill and professionalism. As for mercenaries, most of them were unused to sea travel. Not an hour went by where there wasn't at least one person hunched over the edge, surrendering their breakfast to the waves below.

As for the other mercenary companies on the ship, it would soon become apparent the leaders of the Red Ranger Company and the Black Rose Company had two contrasting styles: Royce Vendal was friendly, amiable, and charming, with a strong sense of humour. His company respected and loved him for it. Every single one of them could wield a bow, and they all had some knowledge of sneaking, hunting, skirmishing, or scouting. Royce would always go out of his way to ensure that the mercenaries from other companies were welcome at his table, and many of his men would attempt to mingle with the other companies as well.

In contrast, the leader of the Black Rose Company, Alba Karras, was cold and strict, enforcing a strong sense of discipline and respect among her company. Most of her companies were warriors, with a few crossbowmen among them, and overall their personalities were similar to their leader. They largely kept them to themselves, and while they weren't rude or hostile, most weren't particularly willing to open up to the others.

(continued) Beneath the gold, the Bitter Steel.

14-Oct-2018 20:54:12 - Last edited on 30-Oct-2018 23:00:26 by NotFishing

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Into the Ashlands (RP)