1 Arrival of the black ships. (Open/Training/No Kill) Fri Jan 30, 2015 5:57 am
Illarion
D-rank
Salt spray washed over the decks of the good ship Marion - a massive galley some sixty meters long and bearing two hundred cannon. Its mast seemingly reaching up into the clouds proudly displayed the royal crest of Teuton for all the world to see. Any pirate unlucky enough to come across such a vessel or even its six lesser companion craft would either have to flee for its very existence lest it be destroyed utterly by the sheer volume of cannon fire.
Deep beneath the waves hidden leviathans prowled in the depths their presence only marked by inky blotches in the sea. Dangling from the figurehead (A womanly embodiment of the country of Teuton adorned with helm and winged spear) a lone siren moaned to herself her feet bound and her body covered in bruises. Her sisters had in the weeks before lured out a young deckhand with their singing drowning the lad before consuming his body and taking his seed to spawn a new generation of unholy temptresses.
Retaliation had been swift and absolute nets were cast overboard and many unwary merfolk were caught up in the coils. Those pulled to deck were hacked to pieces with broadsword and axe. One such specimen a scaled maiden with teal green hair was kept alive as a warning to others. Not even the daughters of the sea would stop such a crossing.
On top of the deck Illarion Jhernigan surveyed the sorry sight. They had long ago left Western waters and now strange creatures that combined all the most foul features of both an oxen and a spider surfaced the waves and attempted to take bites from the hanging Siren. Illarion had spoken to the captain regarding simply executing the captive. The admiral had refused, it was considered good luck to hang a Siren from the figurehead and he would set an example for those who wronged his sailors.
Drawing his attention from the spectacle Illarion nodded to his fellow knight Sir Byron of Shale who had come to join him on the deck.
"How goes beneath deck?"
Illarion probed to his friend.
"Poorly tis sad to say. It seems that five others have come down with the same accursed pox"
Beneath his helm Illarion frowned. This was a foul omen and while the affliction did not seem fatal those affected with such blight operated at far beneath their optimum capacity.
Forcing cheer into his voice Illarion replied
"Then I propose a display of martial skill. Let us show the others that this malady holds no power over those with a will of iron. Twill do the men good to take their minds off those queer beasts lurking around our prow.
Byron nodded. He too knew the importance of keeping morale up and though both men had sworn off gambling the sailors could put friendly wagers on the outcome of the spar.
Each taking a blunted practice sword the two men faced each other. Each let lose a flicker of energy to show that they acknowledged Archons would be used in the spar. And then with nary a hint of warning Byron s sword darted forward attempting a gauging strike. Illarion slapped the other mans blade aside expending minimal energy then pressed forward with a flurry of blows. Byron side stepped the first blocked the second and then attempted to pin Illarion's sword to the ground following the third strike. Yanking the longsword back Illarion pivoted to the side as Byrons Archon manifested mid punch. A great wolf like apparition it slid back through the air as Illarions armored phantom Invictus slammed an over sized gauntlet into its cheek. Howling the Wolf darted through the air clutching at the knightly Archons shoulders and slamming it into one of the railings.
By now a massive crowd had gathered on deck with all sailors not attending to maritime duty coming to view the bout. Both parties had stepped up their game and the harsh ring of steel on steel resounded fiercely. Putting all his weight into a blow Illarion hammered Byrons sword causing the other mans grip to finally loosen and give sending the sword hurtling to the ground. Above the battle had taken a different turn with Byrons Archon shrugging off a mighty axe handle smash from Invictus then closing powerful jaws around the more humanoid Archon's neck. Cracks appeared in the spectral armor and it was clear to all that Invictus would be dispersed should the canine specter continue its assault.
The match had ended in a draw. Some sailors cheered the men on for providing a good show while others grumbled at the lack of a firm winner.
Illarion waved to Byron.
"Hoy friend good to know that you still have it in you. Your mastery over your Archon is commendable."
Byron replied the hint of a pant in his voice.
"Aye and you still strike like a Jotun blacksmith."
Bidding Byron farewell Illarion made his way beneath deck. His head ached and his limbs felt like they had been strapped to boulders. This was certainly not normal and disconcerting should things come violence upon the shore. Not that Illarion wanted that after all - diplomacy and good relations were his reason for the trip.
Burying his head in an epic poem Illarion spent three or four hours reading of the twisting machinations of dragons while regaining his strength. When Illarion felt ready to traverse the corridors of the vessel he headed down for the stables.
Smelling of oats, hay and manure the animal enclosure reminded Illarion of home. Horses , unicorns and pegasai intermingled as handlers scrubbed their coats and kept their hooves trimmed. The quiet strength possessed by these beasts was enough to renew Illarions spirit and even though the leaden sensation had not left he knew that he could bare it better. Turning his gaze to a particular corner Illarion made note of the twelve large eggs each slightly bigger than a mans torso. This was one of the most precious items of cargo upon the Marion each worth more than their weight in gold. Given time and the prophets mercy they would hatch. Illarion had to keep his mind off the golden treasures as to not be overcome with excitement.
A cry from the Admiral brought Ilarion back up to the deck. Land was sighted - a coast populated with what looked to be ports and fishing villages. Several hours later Illarion was decked in ceremonial robes with several servants holding gifts ready to present to the ruler of the country. Someone known as a Kage should the volume known as 'Niccolos tongues of the East' be trusted. It was from both this text and several merchant freebooters that Illarion had learned the strange new lands native speak and he hoped what he had picked up would be enough.
The seven ships plowed through the waves and into the harbor of Kirigakure. Today history was about to be made. A new era was coming to the world.
(1172 Words)
Deep beneath the waves hidden leviathans prowled in the depths their presence only marked by inky blotches in the sea. Dangling from the figurehead (A womanly embodiment of the country of Teuton adorned with helm and winged spear) a lone siren moaned to herself her feet bound and her body covered in bruises. Her sisters had in the weeks before lured out a young deckhand with their singing drowning the lad before consuming his body and taking his seed to spawn a new generation of unholy temptresses.
Retaliation had been swift and absolute nets were cast overboard and many unwary merfolk were caught up in the coils. Those pulled to deck were hacked to pieces with broadsword and axe. One such specimen a scaled maiden with teal green hair was kept alive as a warning to others. Not even the daughters of the sea would stop such a crossing.
On top of the deck Illarion Jhernigan surveyed the sorry sight. They had long ago left Western waters and now strange creatures that combined all the most foul features of both an oxen and a spider surfaced the waves and attempted to take bites from the hanging Siren. Illarion had spoken to the captain regarding simply executing the captive. The admiral had refused, it was considered good luck to hang a Siren from the figurehead and he would set an example for those who wronged his sailors.
Drawing his attention from the spectacle Illarion nodded to his fellow knight Sir Byron of Shale who had come to join him on the deck.
"How goes beneath deck?"
Illarion probed to his friend.
"Poorly tis sad to say. It seems that five others have come down with the same accursed pox"
Beneath his helm Illarion frowned. This was a foul omen and while the affliction did not seem fatal those affected with such blight operated at far beneath their optimum capacity.
Forcing cheer into his voice Illarion replied
"Then I propose a display of martial skill. Let us show the others that this malady holds no power over those with a will of iron. Twill do the men good to take their minds off those queer beasts lurking around our prow.
Byron nodded. He too knew the importance of keeping morale up and though both men had sworn off gambling the sailors could put friendly wagers on the outcome of the spar.
Each taking a blunted practice sword the two men faced each other. Each let lose a flicker of energy to show that they acknowledged Archons would be used in the spar. And then with nary a hint of warning Byron s sword darted forward attempting a gauging strike. Illarion slapped the other mans blade aside expending minimal energy then pressed forward with a flurry of blows. Byron side stepped the first blocked the second and then attempted to pin Illarion's sword to the ground following the third strike. Yanking the longsword back Illarion pivoted to the side as Byrons Archon manifested mid punch. A great wolf like apparition it slid back through the air as Illarions armored phantom Invictus slammed an over sized gauntlet into its cheek. Howling the Wolf darted through the air clutching at the knightly Archons shoulders and slamming it into one of the railings.
By now a massive crowd had gathered on deck with all sailors not attending to maritime duty coming to view the bout. Both parties had stepped up their game and the harsh ring of steel on steel resounded fiercely. Putting all his weight into a blow Illarion hammered Byrons sword causing the other mans grip to finally loosen and give sending the sword hurtling to the ground. Above the battle had taken a different turn with Byrons Archon shrugging off a mighty axe handle smash from Invictus then closing powerful jaws around the more humanoid Archon's neck. Cracks appeared in the spectral armor and it was clear to all that Invictus would be dispersed should the canine specter continue its assault.
The match had ended in a draw. Some sailors cheered the men on for providing a good show while others grumbled at the lack of a firm winner.
Illarion waved to Byron.
"Hoy friend good to know that you still have it in you. Your mastery over your Archon is commendable."
Byron replied the hint of a pant in his voice.
"Aye and you still strike like a Jotun blacksmith."
Bidding Byron farewell Illarion made his way beneath deck. His head ached and his limbs felt like they had been strapped to boulders. This was certainly not normal and disconcerting should things come violence upon the shore. Not that Illarion wanted that after all - diplomacy and good relations were his reason for the trip.
Burying his head in an epic poem Illarion spent three or four hours reading of the twisting machinations of dragons while regaining his strength. When Illarion felt ready to traverse the corridors of the vessel he headed down for the stables.
Smelling of oats, hay and manure the animal enclosure reminded Illarion of home. Horses , unicorns and pegasai intermingled as handlers scrubbed their coats and kept their hooves trimmed. The quiet strength possessed by these beasts was enough to renew Illarions spirit and even though the leaden sensation had not left he knew that he could bare it better. Turning his gaze to a particular corner Illarion made note of the twelve large eggs each slightly bigger than a mans torso. This was one of the most precious items of cargo upon the Marion each worth more than their weight in gold. Given time and the prophets mercy they would hatch. Illarion had to keep his mind off the golden treasures as to not be overcome with excitement.
A cry from the Admiral brought Ilarion back up to the deck. Land was sighted - a coast populated with what looked to be ports and fishing villages. Several hours later Illarion was decked in ceremonial robes with several servants holding gifts ready to present to the ruler of the country. Someone known as a Kage should the volume known as 'Niccolos tongues of the East' be trusted. It was from both this text and several merchant freebooters that Illarion had learned the strange new lands native speak and he hoped what he had picked up would be enough.
The seven ships plowed through the waves and into the harbor of Kirigakure. Today history was about to be made. A new era was coming to the world.
(1172 Words)