The Search for The Ship of Lost Souls

[justice]

THE NEW WORLDS



-- OOC --

The weather was beautiful with endless blue sky meeting the endless blue ocean just beyond the horizon. The brilliant sun made long hours outside dangerous and cold drinks worth their weight in gold to most men. It was reaching high noon on this particular day and the large port city of Havana was the same as always with ships in port and trade goods moving almost as fast as the people in the streets. Havana was one of the four great trade ports of the new lands. What made it so unique was that it was independent of all major naval forces. Any ship was allowed to dock; however, all violence was prohibited. So long as you paid the docking fees and acted according to the rules all were welcomed into Havana.

Having never been much of a hat person Gabriel preferred a hood to shield his head from the sun. Walking down a particular sheet he made eye contact with no one and continued to move forward even if he had to push a person or two out of his way. Soon enough he reached his destination which was the run down inn at the end of the street. Going inside and then up to room number 203 he knocked several times and opened the door at which point he saw a man aiming a gun at him. Gabriel closed the door behind him and calmly walked to the desk where a pen and parchment were waiting. While he looked over the writing on the paper and then took hold of the feathered pen and began to sign it.

When his name was on the paper he heard the gun returned to a holster and the room openly felt less tense. Smiling he rolled the parchment up and handed it to the man who a moment ago had a gun pointed at him. “I take it you would have blown my brains all over the room if I hadn’t signed this?” He asked while handing the paper over to the man.

“Those were my orders.” The man said in a scuffed voice. “If it was up to me I would have shot you right when you walked in. It seems to me like you want to die what with volunteering for the task at hand. It is downright foolish and above all a hopeless cause. I won’t say anything more on the subject other than your supposed crew will meet you in the harbor at half past dusk. So long as they show up in force the next task should be feasible. After that I wish you luck.” The man then rolled the parchment into leather keep sake and left the room. “O almost forgot.” The man then reached into his pockets and threw a small key with a rope around it. “Your life line.”

Looking down at the small key Gabriel hears the man leave and is now alone in the room. Putting the key around his neck he begins to search the room until he finally finds what he is looking for. Under the bed was a medium sized chest. Reaching for it and pulling it slowly out from its hiding spot he found it wasn’t locked and opened to find what every pirate in the world dreams of. “This should get them working on their feet.” He said closing the chest and lifting it up.

-----Half Past dusk----

Standing at the edge of the docks Gabriel had mingled in with the small crowd of people who had taken the invitation of joining a new crew. It was understandable that most seemed nervous. While not under direct control of any empire Havana was a common starting point for bounty hunters who were likely hunting several people in the crowd. Mostly alone people would walk into the area and evading the direct approach inquire if this was ‘the place’. The first group asked Gabriel who was the first and he would simply nod. Finally he found most of the group was here. I think it is about time to introduce myself. He thought and then climbed up onto one of the larger piles of crates to address the group.

When he reached the top most of the crowd had started to grow silent and looked at Gabriel with expecting gazes. “My name is Gabriel.” He said in a clear and resounding voice. “You are here because you are good at what you do. You are good on board a ship and you are good. And finally you are here because you are brilliant at being bad.” The crowed then murmured with laughter which stopped when Gabriel continued. “If I am to be your captain; however, we will need a ship.” At this point the murmur went from humor to disbelief. Many felt conned and a few could be heard reaching for weapons. One finally voiced what many were now thinking.

“So a man without a ship wants to be called captain? What need for a crew if you have no sails to pull or bearing to head?” A louder clamor of agreement resonated after this was said.

“Because with this crew I plan to acquire a ship.” Gabriel retorted. He saw this didn’t sway many so he pointed beyond the normal port towards the ends of the cove where a large military ship was anchored. Her name was the HQ Pangaea. She was a speedy warship that came from the Empire of Rhodia. She was fresh from the forest and due for her first maiden voyage to beyond the New Lands in the coming weeks. “Of course I don’t plan on taking the ship with a crew light on their feet. So I ask you weight yourself down.” Gabriel then reached into the crate next to him and set it down in front of him. With one kick he sent the chest tumbling down. When it landed on the dock the hinges blew off and the chest spilled gold coins everywhere.

“If you are with me take your share. If not you can leave, but leave your pride for it will never return. Nor glory and wealth find you.” Gabriel stood firm and spoke true these last words as he then waited to see who would stay and who would remain.

[Gravislayer]

The city of Havana, a perfect place for trader and beggers alike and even the city Raska choose as he retried in his young life. He already thaught that he had seen it all, that the danger wasn't as exciting as a family and a stable life or rather...that it was more wished, oh he was wrong.
Sure he found himself a women or rather many women but still something was missing, he had a stable incoming from the knowledge of all kinds of drugs and the producing of them but still.... Something was missing.
Everytime was walking along the harbour, seeing the ship or talking with sailors and pirates alike as they wanted to buy his goods...he lost himself into dreams of the sea, into memories of freedom, fights and treasures.
He regret it? Weird he never thaught that he would miss it that much, the clam waves, the wild storms, the salty air and the ultimate freedom.
It was then s Raska heated the rumours, a Captain searched a crew and what was strange about it, he searched it at the harbour itself or rather there was the meeting place, normally the local tavern would fullfill the needs and you could also shanghai someone....making him dead drunk and then carrying him onto the ship.

Raska decided to show up, it was then as it turned dusk and Raska made his way to the assigned place, he was shocked, he didn't thaught that so many pirates, sailors or whatever would show up... It was strange and as the captain rose his voice it was even stranger. Raska let out a loud laugh as the captain made his offer and with a big step and pushing another violently aside he grabed into the chest, taking out three coins showing them to the strange soon to he called captain...since were no captain without a ship.

"I am taking one for my freedom, one for my greed and the last one because I am now following your orders Gabriel"
He said as he presented the three coins to him before quickly letting them slip into his pouch.
It was a quick decision, maybe too quick for some person but still Raska was the first to spoke freely to that captain and the first who took his share.
It was then not suprising what would be his reason, the best captains are bold captains, captains you find strange to follow but you still would. Raska has seen many captains even despise his young age and he knew it his real adventure, his real freedom was now lying in front of him, as this man called Gabtiel.

"Come on you maggots don't let me wait" Raska taunted the still hestiating crowd

[CaughtInTheRiddle]

It wasn’t a dark and stormy night – it should have been, but that’s the weather for you. It was not long after dusk when Melody Aveline Faunt sauntered down to the edge of the docks; a perfectly curved eyebrow rose as she looked at the turnout, she hadn’t expected this many to serve on the damned voyage for the Ship of Lost Souls, she had to say, she was rather impressed.

She ignored all the stares and comments she received as she strutted past the colossal group of male pirates – females were scarce in voyages such as this, she was almost sure that she was the only female in the vicinity; however, if she assumed that, she would be vein. As she stopped to look for the one who was leading the voyage she caught the eye of a young boy, he couldn’t be older than eighteen; she gave him a flirtatious smile before sending a wink his way, giving him a considerable boost in his ego – something she didn’t assume he needed.

Melody hadn’t been modest with her attire – but then again, she never was. Her short ruffled skirt fell to her mid-thigh while her white puffy shirt wasn’t completely buttoned up and to top it all off, her corset boosted everything, making her curvy body look even more appealing. Her vibrant green eyes scanned the crowd and landed on a familiar face, one whose eyes met hers; she shot a knowing, warm smile at him. Old Man Brigs was one of the very few people who was able to call Melody a friend; they had worked on the Ship of the Damned, wreaking havoc on unsuspecting foes and what not – he was an old drunk, but she still respected him, it was more for his age.

She didn’t approach Brigs, nor did he approach her – both were rather content standing on opposite sides of the crowd, they would catch up later. Her eyes then danced around once more, looking for more people she knew; they narrowed on a particular intimidating man, shirtless and tattoos running down his torso, like scratches – Henry the Bold. Melody didn’t know the pirate personally, but word of mouth was common in places like this, and he was ruthless. The type to rip someone’s head of with his bare hands before giving you that, ‘Don’t question me’ look; in all honesty, he was horrifying.

Her eyes instantly flicked up to the man who now stood above the crowd; the man who was deeming himself Captain of this voyage, she couldn’t help but smile up at him – there was something about him that instantly made him a leader, perhaps it was his courage; it wasn’t every day someone set out to find the Ship of Lost Souls.

She smirked as he spoke, she knew what was coming – rumour had it that this man wasn’t in possession of a ship, and rumour was right; a Cheshire grin spread across her features as he answered a man’s question, who was immediately backed up by the crowd.

Her grin never faltered as he spoke of commandeering the HQ Pangaea, she followed the direction of his point and her eyes landed on the warship; it was so pretty, she wanted to squeal with excitement,

“Oh my, smart and handsome; I believe I’m going to like my time in this crew,” she mused to herself, gaining some strange looks from bystanders.

Her eyes did not light up at the sight of the gold, unlike most of the men, who instantly raced to claim their share. She simply stood back and watched, furrowing her brow at the cocky young man who spoke up to his new Captain – she didn’t like him. Nevertheless, she followed the young man’s gaze and stared up at this Gabriel with a slight smirk – he was daring and bold, he knew how to control and how to be in control; no small feat for a man of his age. She held some sort of instant respect for the man, probably the reason she took no gold; then again, another part of the reason was that she was simply proving a point, whether he got that or not was a different question.

She broke her gaze away from the new Captain to look around at the rest of the crew, many had scurried away, like the cowards they were – that was to be expected, it was one thing to go looking for the Ship of Lost Souls, and it was another to commandeer a warship. A light giggle escaped her lips as she quickly drew her sword and held it to a man’s throat, he looked almost her age, her green eyes locked with his wide brown ones before they travelled down to his hands,

“I believe he only told those who were with him to take their share, my, my, my, Anthony,” she murmured in a light husky tone; he was no pirate, simply a thief – she had learnt that the hard way a few months back.

“I suggest you put the good Captain’s fortune down now, unless it’s truly your desire to join this crew,”

He shot her a slight glare, which she returned with her signature Cheshire grin. Hesitantly, he dropped the handful of gold he had taken and swiftly walked away, mumbling some sort of profanity under his breath. She smiled back up at Gabriel before moving away from the scattered gold and taking a seat on a crate next to the pile he was standing on, crossing her right leg over her left as she did so. Her eyes scanned the crowd as she rested her elbow on her knee and propped her chin up with her palm, her bored gaze silently weeding out who she thought would stay and who she knew wouldn’t.

Brigs was definitely in, Henry the Bold was too, unfortunately; it was another unfortunate thought what she would be sharing a ship with the likes of the man who had taken the three pieces of gold, but she smiled lightly as the boy she had winked at earlier took his share and stood to the side awkwardly, awaiting further instruction. Her eyes lit up as she straightened her posture with excitement, looking at the red-headed women who was taking her share of the gold too – there was another female after all, even though she was a wench, Melody was just happy to have female company; although, it was only to make fun of the girl, but hey, who here could judge?

[onlytheneverwas]

Bones would be sitting propped up on a crate, watching the waves as he waited for this new captain. He was beginning to repeat tales in Havana, which meant it was time to move on. This invitation simply interested him more. He would remain quiet as the crowd gathered, keeping his sparkling blue eyes to the sea. Not even the comments as to the types of people they were interested him as they usaully didn't pertain to him. He was not a cut throat black hearted pirate. Though he was a thief, and a fairly good con artist, he was a bard at heart, and though not very Aarrgg, he had his place on every ship. To raise moral, to inspire in battle, to spread words as well as collect them. He could defend himself well enough with sword or gun, but his greatest weapon was his mind and words. Now when the captain said they needed a ship, Bones became interested. A captain starting a legendary voyage without even having a ship... that could be a tale worth telling. Every good tale had to have a memorable beginning. While the crew fought for gold, or ran away, Bones would appear to be one of the ones leaving, disappearing behind buildings. He would tuck in his shirt, wet his hair and slick it back, the straighten up his clothes to where he looked like a common gentleman out for a stroll. He would look up at the great ship as he walked along the docks, he would look for a guard or anyone else that appeared to be a member of this crew. "S'cuse me sir. I heard this ship was going to the new world... surely that was the ale talking, and I could not be looking at so brave a crew." His comment could be taken two ways intentionally, for it could imply great bravery, since they were taking that trip, or it could me he didn't think the people before him were brave enough to make such a trip. Either way, it was intended to attractive attention.

[AAB]

Marley was near the back of the crowd hearing Gabriel's speech. When he saw the glint of gold, the husky fellow barreled his way through them, making a beeline for the treasure, and snatched up a handful moments after Raska took his. Of course the seasoned pirate would have loved to take more, but those who tried were certain to get skewered by their comrades.

"Mah service 's yours, cap'n," Marley said, making eye contact with Gabriel and grinning before stepping back to make room for others. Out of the corner of his eye, The Grubber spotted a familiar face. Bones it was, and they had had quite a time exchanging stories the night before. Quite a crowd to entertain, it was. When Bones put on his act, Marley let out a guffaw, but kept his mouth shut. He seriously doubted this fellow to be such a common person, so this could prove interesting.

[Rtron]

With the unmistakable sounds of his peg leg smacking against the dock, Frank 'Deadeye' Starlinghan arrived upon the agreed meeting place. Glancing around, he smiled, revealing rotten teeth. "This should be interesting." The old pirate said. Julian cawed in agreement from his position on Frank's shoulder. He quickly sank back into the crowd and watched, feeding his crow Julian a bit of bread from his hook while he waited for the man whom had brought them all together here to get to the point as to why he had brought this many people together. When the man finally got up and spoke,Frank's eye glinted with excitement at Gabriel's words. "Interesting. Due continue." He muttered.

Then, the gold was kicked on the ground. Frank held back and awaited to see whom his shipmates would be before going up himself. First, a rather burly man appeared and made his commitment. Next, was a young man who ran forward and grabbed three gold coins. He then proceeded to insult the crowd. Frank chuckled. "You got guts kid, I'll give you that." He whispered. Next was a woman with a sword, whom had proceeded to stop thievery, and grinned at the man. Frank grinned himself, though not at what the woman had done, but at the thought of what was to come.

Besides, that damn smile was annoying. "Well, things are shaping up to be...most...exciting." Finally was another young person with a silver tongue. "Questioning their bravery? Or applauding them? Clever." Frank muttered to himself before walking forward on his peg leg. He stooped down and snagged a handful of gold coins. "I'll add myself to this..." He eyed each of his shipmates. "...Diverse...crew."

[DoctorsDaughter]

Alazne leaned back against a post on the docks, slightly outside of the knot of pirates. Arms crossed and a 'mind your own business scowl. “My name is Gabriel.” The man said to the crowd. 'nice to know' Alazne snarked back in her head. “You are here because you are good at what you do. You are good on board a ship and you are good. And finally you are here because you are brilliant at being bad.” there was a murmur from the crowd. She snorted, 'no way, I thought it was just for our looks'. “If I am to be your captain; however, we will need a ship.” Don't we all? If I wasn't in need of a ship I wouldn't be here. Did he invite ships owners to come and hope one of them would just give him a ship? She was just considering slinking off back to her hidey-hole to wait for the next berth when a voice from the crowd overpowered the others.

“So a man without a ship wants to be called captain? What need for a crew if you have no sails to pull or bearing to head?” Alazne decided to stick around.

“Because with this crew I plan to acquire a ship.” Gabriel retorted. Alazne felt her eyebrows rise. Really? He wanted a crew without a ship, to battle a crew on a ship so they could take said ship? Really. She eyed the ship in question. HQ Pangaea, new, fast and powerful. “Of course I don’t plan on taking the ship with a crew light on their feet. So I ask you weight yourself down.”

What he did next simply astounded her. He kicked a crate off the platform and it busted open, gold sent flying. Alazne sprung away from her post and the group of pirates, expecting a full fledged blood bath. She had one hand on her sword and was slowly walking backwards. There was no way in hell this would end well.

“If you are with me take your share. If not you can leave, but leave your pride for it will never return. Nor glory and wealth find you.” This guy was insane! No way was she getting anywhere near that money! Not with so many cut-throats about! This had nothing to do with pride, but with common sense and a strong sense of self preservation! She backed away but didn't flat out leave, waiting for the others to make their moves. A few ran up, a few left. Still she hung back, watching, observing.

[justice]

Gabriel watched as the crew fell upon the spilled gold coins. Their actions were mostly uniform for men of their kind, but he saw others react differently. He smirked as different men pledged themselves to his soon to be captain status and finally watched as some left. Though he knew several had taken gold before they left he found no advantage in getting it back. Better they leave and never look back than be found dead and raise the pursuit of the stolen ship. Letting those leave do as they wish he set his sights on the ship anchored in the bay.

“Right men into the boats we have a date with that beauty in the bay.” Gabriel shouted. The crew remaining shot up and left behind an empty chest and not a single piece of gold left without a new owner. They followed Gabriel down the pier and found waiting a small fleet of row boats. “Find your strong arms my friends we are going to arrive bearing flowers.” Gabriel was talking about the large boxes in each of the boats. Inside was an assortment of food and even drink. Since the ship was preparing to leave it was still being stocked for the trip.

Once everyone was in the boats and they started to make their way towards the ship. Though to the surprise of many Gabriel stood up in the boats once they set off and fired his gun in their air. The shot took everyone by surprise and quickly led to a series of curses and slight panic. “Easy men I am just lighting the fuse.” Gabriel said after sitting down. One of the men in the boat asked what he meant. Gabriel just smiled and looked at the crew. “Just enjoy the show and be ready to jump in when the story calls for it.

BOOM!!!! BOOM!!!! BOOM!!!!

In quick succession three separate piers blew up in a chaotic cloud of smoke, fire, and wood shrapnel. Soon after the alarms began to ring and people were rushing out to put the fires out before they moved to the ships closer to the docks. The chaos seemed to deter people from looking out and seeing the silent boats making their way towards the ships further out. Ordering the boats to continue to make their way towards the target ship Gabriel once again stood up. This time he faced the HQS Pangaea and began to shout.

“THE PORT IS UNDER ATTACK! THE PORT IS UNDER ATTACK!”

Shouting until he got the attention of the night watchmen Gabriel quickly continued to speak. “The port is under attack. The Captain believes whoever it is they are after the ships supplies. We need to get everything aboard as quickly as possible. We are from the trade store help us bring it all aboard.” The night watchmen looked from the fires to the boats and seemed to think about what to do. Finally he said he would get the officer on deck. When the watchmen left Gabriel looked to his crew. “Ropes!” Slinging some hooks the crew began to climb up the ship and finally reached the deck just as the night watchmen returned with a small group.

“Remove them from my ship.” Gabriel said.

[Rtron]

Frank cursed as Gabriel fired off his pistol. Right next to the boat they were supposed to be stealing. "So much for stealth." The old pirate muttered under his breath, grasping his own pistol. "Lighting the fuse. Right. I'll make sure to kick your ass personally if we die." He muttered at Gabriel's rather sad explanation. Well, it was sad until the piers began to explode. Then, Gabriel removed the nightwatchmen. As soon as he saw what Gabriel had done, Frank began to laugh. He continued laughing even as he made his way up the boat. This was done largely using his good leg alone, as his peg leg wasn't exactly suited for climbing. Though, his hook helped a lot in this instance.

As Gabriel gave the order to kill the men approaching, Frank walked behind the mast while whistling a merry tune. He took his rifle from his back and aimed at the group. Someone opened their mouth to shout a warning. Frank silenced him with a loud Bang! That got their attention. The others of the group began scrambling to return fire and find their own cover while Frank, still whistling merrily, drew one of his pistols and fired it at the group. It missed, but did make someone hit the ground.

[Gravislayer]

After Raska made his taunt he planted himself near the pier and watched the decision of the crowd, while one were as bold as him, other hestiated and even other tried to rip off the soon to be Captain Gabriel by stealing his coins but all in all, it were too many people for Raska who took their share. Calm and obersive Raska lit himself a cigar, a small red light in the yellow lightend docks as one after andother made his way too the treasure box. He hoped that there would be some left for him but hell no! After a secound look on the now awaiting task Raska reconsidered his former thaught, they were just the right amount.
A ship that big needed around 20 men to atleast make it sea ready and even more to make it ready for fights and then...those who took the money were ready to set their lifes on the line and so always fitted to be a pirate. This captain sure made a good decision, Raska was more than suprised but was making a rather afflicted look as he also saw women joining the crew, they normally meant nothing but trouble. For him womens on board meant bad luck and so he moved his hands insiide a hidden pocket and his jacket where a small pouch of salt would be hidden in it and with a quick movement he opened it and threw a small amount of it over his left and right shoulder before spitting over it addition.

Damn Devil should stay away from him.
After everyone took their share Gabriel yelled his command and Raska followed by taking 3 other men with him. By jumping in one of the many row boats, Raska directly looked what was in the boxes, ratios and stuff you need for a journey, that Captain sure was in for suprises. Even thou the other ship would probably have enough for the next save haven, he still brings his own proviant and own equipment just to take sure, he didn´t was someone to came unprepared and so Raska was just midly suprised as Gabriel suddenly shot into air and giving a signal for otherpeople to cause a huge distraction.
The Explosion then was a true artwork and beautifull to watch if the heat woudn´t even reach to them, it nearly caused one of the three man who were Raska to fall into the water.

"This man must come from the depth of hell, his wits isn´t normal"
Raska growled as he finally realized the plan of the Gabriel, it woudn´t take long and the pier was in total anarchy, people would fight over to whom is to blame, other would try to steal what´s left while other try to safe it and so it woudn´t be suprising that no other would mind additional gun shots or fighting sounds and NOBODY would mnd this little fleet of ships making their way to the HQ Pangaea.
"Ready the rope and hook and give it to me!"
Raska ordered the man who wasn´t rowing even before Gabriel was giving his orders and so he waited patiently as future Captain started his last act of his plan to get them onto the HQ Pangaea.
Pretending to be a merchant ship in trouble he wanted to be taken on board, sure thing the guards were completly helpless with the sudden situation and so they didn´t left one to keep an eye on the nightly visitors. Thanks to Raska´s preparations his boat was one of the quickest to be on the ship, sadly not quick enough since he saw an old wood legged crewmate walking behind the mast and already taking out one of the gathered guards and so completing the chaos.

It wa ssure that the guards didn´t had a clue but silcencing the one who just wanted to yell "Pirate" Or "ATTACK!!!" With a shot out of a rifle was as efficient as trying to be steahlty with 24 pounder canon but anyways it did it´s job.
Raska quickly drew two pistols and took aim, quickly he drew back the cock and pulled the trigger, gun powder filled the air and two ringing shots echoed through the night in addition while Raska´s arms would be thrown back from the recoil. Two men fell and Raska quickly made it´s way to the group, a brave one didn´t even drew his pistol and charged raska directly confidently that the now unarmed men woudn´t be much of a problem but Raska knew how to handle him. The problem of the marine was it´s training, while they learn of to shot, they completly lack the fighting, atleast the unfair and dirty way. As the guard raised his sword to attack, Raska whirled around his pistols now holding them at their barrel and using them x crossed to block the vertical slash. The men was rather suprised and so hestiated, raska used that amount of time to kick the guard´s ball and then, after dropping his two empty guns he rammed one of his many hidden knifes at the yowling guard´s neck. The sound of agony stopped directly and Raska used the now dead body as a meat-shield as he drew the pistol from the deadman´s holster. Two sudden impacts told Raska that he made the right decision touse this poor fella as a dead cover sice the group now gathered itself to strike back.
Raska just took another secound to aim sufficently and taking another one of the guards down by cracking his knee-cap with the thick lead-bullet.