Númenórean Blood Runs Black Planning/Discussion Thread

[piosenniel]

***** FIRST POST FOR THE RPG DISCUSSION THREAD PROPER IS #176 *****

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This planning thread is being set up for the completion of The Perky Ent's Rpg proposal.

Only these people may post to this thread: (Any other posts will be deleted)

• The Perky Ent - game manager
  
  
• Alcarillo
• Amanaduial the archer
• Anguirel
• dancing spawn of ungoliant
• Dunwen
• Eorl of Rohan
• Firefoot
• Folwren
• Fordim Hedgethistle
• Hiriel
• Kath
• Thinlómien
  
  
• Shire mods - Piosenniel & Child of the 7th Age

The proposal as far as it's gone follows:

[piosenniel]

Historical Background:

Eldacar was the 21st King of Gondor; he was only half-Gondorian. His rule was usurped by Castamir, a full blooded Gondorian and a great-grandson of King Calmacil, with a right to be King. Castamir ruled for 10 years and then was killed in a coup by Eldacar. Eldacar reclaimed the throne of Gondor for his heirs. Castamir’s heirs and followers settled in and founded the Havens of Umbar in the south. They became known as the Corsairs of Umbar and had a longstanding hatred of Gondor and its line of Kings.

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The Castamirioni (the heirs of Castamir) “long held it [i. e. Umbar] as an independent realm [hostile to Gondor,] attacking its ships and raiding its coast at every opportunity." The third Realm in Exile “remained at war with Gondor for many lives of men, a threat to its coastlands and to all traffic on the sea. It was never again completely subdued until the days of Elessar; and the region of South Gondor became a debatable land between the Corsairs and the Kings." - Appendix A; The Return of the King

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In 1634 T.A,, Umbar was ruled together by yet another duumvirate, the great-grandsons of Castamir, Angamaitë and Sangahyando, who worked out a terrible assault on the line of Eldacar – [/i]Appendix A; The Return of the King[/i]

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1810 T.A. (Third Age) – King Telumehtar Umbardacil retakes Umbar and drives out the Corsairs -- Appendix B; The Return of the King

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The doom of this Middle Realm came when King Telumehtar, "being troubled by the insolence of the Corsairs, who raided his coasts even as far as the Anfalas, gathered his forces and in 1810 took Umbar by storm. In that war the last descendants of Castamir perished in the storming and destruction of the haven and stronghold of the Corsairs of Umbar", and "King Telumehtar Umbardacil [drove] out the Corsairs” – Appendix A; The Return of the King

1810 T.A. (Third Age) – King Telumehtar Umbardacil retakes Umbar and drives out the Corsairs -- Appendix B; The Return of the King

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Please be familiar with these sections from The Encyclopedia of Arda:

Corsairs of Umbra

Kings of Gondor

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Here's a good MAP . Just scroll down the page to get the area which includes Gondor, The Bay of Belfalas, and Umbar.

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The Line of Elros is here.

[piosenniel]

Basic Storyline: King Telumehtar of Gondor, angered by the Corsairs constant attacks on his lands, leads an assault on Umbar to destroy the Corsairs once and for all, and reclaim the city for Gondor. Meanwhile, The Corsairs press on to wreak havoc on the coasts of Gondor.

[piosenniel]

The purpose of the story is to: Reclaim Umbar for Gondor, and remove the Corsairs from the city.

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This means we will know the story is over when: Umbar is under Gondorian control.

[piosenniel]

Starting Location: Harlond for the Gondorians, the mouth of Anduin for the Corsairs.

Likely destination: Umbar

[piosenniel]

Timeframes:

This game takes place in the 3rd Age at around year 1810.

The storyline itself or plot covers two months

This game requires a time commitment of 14 weeks from me, the game owner and from the major players.

[piosenniel]

Characters Needed


Gondorian Forces

First Ship

• King Telumehtar Umbardacil – The Perky Ent
• Advisor/Record Keeper to the King – Menelcar – Firefoot
• Sea Captain - Captain Hereric - Folwren

~*~

Second Ship

• Captain - Captain Mirimon Vórimandur - Alcarillo
• Soldier - Thinlómien
• Soldier - Nimir - Dunwen
• Soldier - [b]Kath

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Corsairs

• Lord of Umbar - Azaryan – Hiriel
• Lord of Umbar - Sangalazin - Anguirel
• Corsair Captain - Captain Chatazrakin Telmenzar (Rakin) - Amanaduial the archer
• Slave - Ferethor Steele – Eorl of Rohan
• Slave - Jagar - dancing spawn of ungoliant
• Slave - Chakka Fordim Hedgethistle

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Note 1: The Lords of Umbar are the sons of Angamaitë and Sangahyando. Angamaitë and Sangahyando are the direct descendants of Castamir, and former rulers of Umbar.

Note 2: The Slaves were those who stayed under the ship and manned the many ores of the ship. There’d be around 250 chained slaves per ship.

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Character types which would not belong: Any female characters, Elves, Hobbits, Dwarves, Orcs, or anything that is not specificed by the character list

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[piosenniel]

PLACED ON DISCUSSION THREAD ~*~ PIO


The Perky Ent’s character:

NAME: King Telumehtar, 28th King of Gondor

AGE: 178

RACE: Human

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Telumehtar carries a three foot long sword handed down by his father Tarondor in TA 1700. Its hilt is wrapped in a soft leather grip, and the sword is relatively light to wield, compared to the sword of the regular Gondorian soldier. Besides his ceremonial sword, Telumehtar also carries a shorter, more worn sword, which Telumehtar had used ever since he was thirty. Along his belt, Telumehtar has several throwing daggers. As for armor, Telumehtar’s helm is of kingly proportions, bearing a large set of wings in the back, and a golden noseguard in the front. In front of his green tunic, Telumehtar wears an elegant hauberk, covered by a ruby red leather vest. For his legs, he wore an embroidered hose, covered by greaves. His leather gloves are lined with silver paint; his pauldrons and vambraces depicted the white tree under the stars. Above all his armor he wears the tabard of the white tree. On ceremonious occasions, he wears the Crown of Gondor on his head.

APPEARANCE: A man of substantial stature, Telumehtar stands tall at six feet seven inches. He stands poised, and has a kingly look about himself in public. His matted hair is brown, as are his eyes. His brow is wrinkled, but only from age. Telumehtar is a lean man, weighting as much as an average person (exclude his weight when in armor). As a king, he represents Gondor, and therefore keeps very clean and tidy. Of markings that would be of note, he bears a small scar on his left forearm that he believes was the plague’s effect on him.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: When it comes to his family, Telumehtar is very down to Earth. He is very caring and shows particular courtesy, condescending no one. A strong man, he is fairly agile, and thinks well under pressure. However, since he was a child, he has always had a mild case of claustrophobia, which has been a problem that has haunted him for quite some time, since he is the king of Gondor. He is fairly intelligent, and occasionally witty, yet he relies a great deal of his decisions to his right hand man, Menelcar. His weak point is his forearm, where he bears the scar of what he believes is the plague’s effect on him. When touched, it causes mild pain through his left arm. It his for this reason that he keeps his arm well armored.

In terms of his proficiency with weapons, Telumehtar is an awful shot when it comes to archery. He never had a passion for bows and arrows, and therefore never gave much interest to it. His skills with a blade are of kingly proportion, having spent many decades training in the ways of the blade. He is not an aggressive person, unless in a long fight where he will continue to increase his effort. Telumehtar never was much of a runner, but more of a sprinter, saving his energy for close fights.

HISTORY: Born in TA 1632, he was only two years old when he heard his great uncle Telemnar speak of war with the Corsairs of Umbar. Ever since, he has had a natural hate for them. It was when he was six that he saw the plague ravage Gondor. Telumehtar stood under the arm of his father as he watched his great uncle die, and the White Tree wither. It was in this year, TA 1636, that Tarondor, the nephew of Telemnar, became king of Gondor, making Telumehtar heir to the throne of Gondor. Four years later, he grew sad when he watched the king’s house move to Minas Arnor, as he had grown fond of Osgiliath, and didn’t want to leave. It was in this year that a white tree grew forth again in Gondor, and Telumehtar witnessed his sowing.

For the next 170 years, Telumehtar grew strong, and learned much of the lore of his land. Particularly, he learned much of the ways of the sea, spending much of his time near the mouth of the Anduin, and of the coastal cities of Belfalas. On his 68th birthday, Telumehtar received the sword of his father, which was passed down from Minardil, being one of the only relics remaining from the battle where his grand father died. The sword was passed down to Minastan, as Telemnar believed his brother would have more use for it. While fighting his way through a band of hostile Haradrim, the sword found its way into the hands of Menelcar, one of the men fighting along side him. Upon this meeting, they forged a friendship that lasted all the way until the king’s passing.

It was in the next year, TA 1798, that Telumehtar’s father passed away, leaving the throne of Gondor to him. Telumehtar took the responsibility willingly, and ruled justly. For the next twelve years, Telumehtar was troubled with the Corsairs, who have been seen pillaging closer to the heart of Gondor each year. With the help of Menelcar, his trustworthy advisor, Telumehtar made the decision to go to war in TA 1810. It was in this time that he gathered his host, and the story begins…

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FIRST POST FOR THE GAME:

Tall ships and tall kings
Three times three
What brought they from the foundered land
Over the flowing sea?
Seven stars and seven stones
And one white tree

Telumehtar thought over the words, while he surveyed his lands. The view was always nice from the seventh tier of Minas Tirith. With the wind blowing his brown hair across his brow, he could see lands his fathers had defended hundreds of years ago. Many times in the passing days had Telumehtar considered his heritage. When times of great trouble came, he would walk to the edge, and contemplate his actions. During this time, none were allowed to walk the level, except for the guards constantly stationed by the tree. It was in this hour that Telumehtar looked long and hard across his land, watching his troops muster at the port of Harlond. In the deepest part of his heart, Telumehtar wished he was a lone sailor of the sea, for Telumehtar was a mariner at heart.

It was a quiet day. The citizens of Minas Tirith had been dreading the day for quiet some time after they heard that they would go to war. In homes, families were close and savored the time they had. Each day, Gondorians could see ships on the horizon, heading from far off lands. From Cair Andros to Dol Amroth, men had gathered to answer the call of war. Unlike tales of heroism and courage, the men of Gondor did not treat the Corsairs of Umbar like mindless orcs. Corsairs were a powerful force that required constant vigilance to be held back. Being pirates, they held no loyalty to any save themselves. But the pirates were not what scared the Gondorians, for they gave little heed to mindless brigands. It was the Black Numenorians, those corrupted by Sauron during the second age, that instilled fear in the very heart of Gondor. Just like the dunedain of Arnor, their numbers were rapidly decreasing, yet the remained the strength that their master had taught them long ago.

After meditating for quite some time, Telumehtar gave a sigh, and turned from the pinnacle. When he was a boy, his father would sing him songs of the Kings of Men, and their tree that stood on their island. It was from the story of the Akallabêth that Telumehtar learned to revere the sea and its power. But he was not meant to follow his hearts desire, as he was a descendant of the great kings of Gondor, and his fate was bound from his inception. When he turned his eyes to the White Tree, a sense of calm overtook him. Even after over a century of viewing it, the White Tree of Gondor was a sight. The sun’s light glistened on its branches perfectly, emanating beauty in its most radiant form. Telumehtar dared not touch it, a fear that he had held ever since he saw the death of the tree. “This is not a time for sorrow, for death smiles at us all.” Telumehtar said to himself as he walked away from the tree and smiled. “And all we can do about it is smile back”. He turned from the outdoors, and walked to his throne.

It was silent in his hall. The arrangements had been laid, precautions set, and edits degreed. The quiet was almost haunting, and it was for this that Telumehtar was glad when he heard whispers from behind him. Two men walked out from behind him, swords drawn. Without even registering the faces of the men, Telumehtar leaped from his throne and unsheathed his sword. In front of him, Telumehtar found none other than the Steward of Gondor, and his son Narmacil.

“Relax father. We are not here to usurp your authority.” Giving a slight chuckle, the steward added “Nay. In fact, we are here to make sure you are ready for the usurpers. Your son wanted to make sure you would stay on your toes. “Giving a cross look, Telumehtar slowly put his sword away. “When have I not been on my guard? Are you ready for my departure? As you should know, I am not much for goodbyes.” Narmacil nodded, and started to walk out of the hall. “I’ll have you know-“the steward interjected “That Arciryas sends his father his best wishes. Rest assured that he is safe in Annuminas. And I as well. I shall await your homecoming”. And with that, the steward and the heir left the room, and left Telumehtar to silence.

Telumehtar took a final look at his hall, and then marched slowly down the levels of the city. As he walked, groups of women and children parted to a side, creating a clear-cut path. One by one the gates of Minas Tirith opened, until Telumehtar found himself upon the second level. Taking a right at a forked path, Telumehtar walked over to a large building with smoke billowing through its windows. Telumehtar opened the doors, and watched as all the men in the room bowed their heads. “Is it time my lord?” a man in the front said to the king, raising his head. Telumehtar gave a slow nod, and all the men watched as the king walked to the center of the large room. Along the walls, weapons and armor were laid, and golden tapestries of battles were hung from the ceilings. Telumehtar was presented with his armor, which had laid in the building for many years. Slowly but strongly, Telumehtar equipped his gear and left the building. Mindorlonn, Telumehtar’s chestnut horse, was waiting for his master outside the armoury.

Fixing the crown upon his head, Telumehtar rode to the gates of Minas Tirith. Standing in front of an open gate, Telumehtar found a large group of mounted men waiting outside the city. Inside, a large cluster of people had gathered in a circle, engulfing Telumehtar within the entrance. Sweat started to pour down his face as Telumehtar started to cloister himself from his people. His horse, knowing him all too well, started to buck, bringing Telumehtar away from his claustrophobia. There, Telumehtar shouted, “People of Gondor! Fear not! The blood of Numenor shall be spilt this day, but it shall run black like their hearts! The corsairs will plague you no longer! For glory and Gondor we ride!” And with Minas Tirith roaring in triumph behind him, Telumehtar grabbed Mindorlonn’s reins, and rode out to Harlond.

Quickly Telumehtar came to the port, and found it filled with ships and men. Throughout the port, Telumehtar spied flags from all distant lands of Gondor. Telumehtar started taking a mental note in his head of the lands that had come to his call. “Dol Amroth, Anfalas, Lossarnach, Morthond, Pinnath Gelin. Good, good, good! We are almost ready to make war. Now if only I could find - “You rang? Do not think I would not be here before you left!” came a voice from behind Telumehtar. “Menelcar! Trusty as ever! We will have time for pleasantries later, but I have more important matters to attend to. Where are my men? Where are my captains? My soldiers? My kingdom?”

[piosenniel]

A Character Description

Please use this form for creating your character to post on the discussion thread.

1.) It is a requirement that all potential game players in the Shire will have posted in The Green Dragon Inn or have played to completion an RPG on the Barrow Downs.

2.) Those who have not played before in a Shire RPG will be given preference. Final preference, though, will be at the discretion of the Game Owner.
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Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES/NO - Which one?

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?

List them, please:

Please note you may play in only 2 (TWO) Shire games at one time. Exceptions to this may be made for this on a case by case basis by the Shire Moderators. (The Green Dragon Inn DOES NOT count as a game for this.)


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES/NO
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For your character please include:

NAME:

AGE:

RACE:

GENDER:

WEAPONS (No magical, super-hero, mithril weapons. Just good solid Middle-earth weapons and armor only that is appropriate to the race of the character and the time period.):

APPEARANCE:

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: (No half-Elven characters. No mixed-type characters. No super-heroes. No assassins. No one all powerful, martial arts proficient, or having any magical traits. Just regular characters with normal abilities for their races only):

HISTORY:

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First post:

This is a requirement for this game.


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[The Perky Ent]

Welcome, writers of the Shire! I'm ~*~ The Perky Ent ~*~ and I'll be your game manager for this evening! You all should have by now a pretty good idea at what's going on, so this thread is just to collect our thoughts in a more organised way. I have all your posts saved on PM's, which I will soon post, so we can take a look at them! Pio is working hard (I hope) to edit my proposal form, and I think will give it back after she's done with it. Then it goes to Cami, and such. You all know the story, but now we can hammer it out, and discuss it without me getting around 20 PM's a day (Which, unfortunatly, is what I actually get )!

~*~ Welcome to Númenórian Blood Runs Black! ~*~

Perky

[piosenniel]

OK - get the game hammered out to your satisfaction, players.

I won't open a discussion thread for new players until all the Dedicated Players have their Character Bios and First Posts on board.

~*~ Pio, game moderator

[Firefoot]

Perky, I love the title you finally chose.

Beyond that, though, I'm mostly just checking in. Now that I know what your first post looks like I can start on my own; I may have some time tonight, and if not sometime this week...

[piosenniel]

Perky

Please let all your players know this thread is now open for their use.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[The Perky Ent]

Firefoot - Hehe I'm calling your number. There's my post, have fun with yours!

Hiriel - I still need to reread your character sheet, as I remember I found a couple of errors. I'll get back to you later with the corrections. You also need to complete the Character Description form relating to previous RPG's

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES/NO - Which one?

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?

List them, please:

Please note you may play in only 2 (TWO) Shire games at one time. Exceptions to this may be made for this on a case by case basis by the Shire Moderators. (The Green Dragon Inn DOES NOT count as a game for this.)


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES/NO

Please fill that out ASAP

Eorl - I already sent you that PM about your appearance. Let me know if you need me to work with you on that. If you can hammer that out, I can focus on your sheet closer. You had an excellent first post though.

Everyone, I'm very proud with the sheets you came up with. Very detailed and original! Yes, I'm glad I picked the title too, Firefoot! Remember, you are allowed to post here, and post any feedback you have about the game. Any questions relating to the game, feel free to post them here (unless you wish to discuss them in private). I'll be checking regularly and posting on an above-average basis


Your King (or your mortal enemy, depending on who you are),

Perky

[piosenniel]

So, either the gamer whose character it is or Perky -- please let me know when the Bios and Posts are completely finalized and all the corrections have been made to your satisfaction.

~*~ Pio

[The Perky Ent]

Will do Pio! We did most of the work solo, and through PM's, so we have most of it ready. We just need to glue it all together! I'll let you know when it's dry

[piosenniel]

Please note:

There are two new players taking on dedicated roles with Perky's blessings:

Anguirel - Lord of Umbar

Alcarillo - Captain of the 2nd Gondorian Ship

Welcome aboard!

~*~ Pio

[The Perky Ent]

Welcome aboard indeed! Let me know if you need any help with your character sheet!

[Hiriel]

Hullo all! Just a insidious lord of Umbar checking in here.

Perky: Send me my corrections and I'll be on them. I have to go over my post again anyway.

Anguirel: Pm me if you need any extra info while making your character. I look forward to trying to bring down Gondor with you.

[The Perky Ent]

PLACED ON DISCUSSION THREAD ~*~ PIO

Eorl of Rohan's Character Proposal Sheet

Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES - Legacy of the Traitors (Please don't read it or I'll go crazy with shame)
How many RPG's on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? - NONE
Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES


APPEARANCE EDITED: 10/03/05
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NAME: Ferethor Steele

AGE: 31

RACE: Man

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: A piece of broken oar.

APPEARANCE: Dark-haired with eyes of gray, the appearance as well as the mannerism and accent that of Gondor born and bred. On his shift, he is often seen chained to the left side, second row, his lean and lanky frame straining against the oar with a sense of strength that talks of better times. His tousled hair is unkempt and slicked behind his ears, wet with blood and the spray of the tides. Pale as he is, and lean, only his eyes keep some measure of vitality still – alert and alive, sparkling as icily as his voice, as cold as the waves that lash the ship’s brow. The torn and tattered remains of his shirt and breeches alike are plastered to his back, sticking with grime and the sickly yellow of half-healed scars. If someone bothered to look past the film of dirt and dried blood on the shredded clothes, one might have seen the black and white of Gondorian Guards...

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Serious, cynical, steady in his hate as in all things else - yet he keeps it controlled. He had learned that much in the past three years. No one can blame him, however, if the collected bitterness had made him cold and indifferent. Sanity, in such a condition as this, comes with a price. Thralldom is a harsh mistress. In his case, he hid behind his sense of cold reason, trusting no one, loving no one, afraid, not of violence or betrayal, but of the acute pain that will come with awareness.

HISTORY: Once a promising young captain of Gondor at 27, he went missing a few years later - in a skirmish against the Easterlings at the borders of Gondor. He was presumed dead, his family notified – the city named an obscure street after him and promptly forgot. There had been no news of him in the three years since.

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Eorl of Rohan's post

Ferethor couldn't keep count. Beneath the ship, days and years were as one in their miserable condition. A few went mad. Most died. No one lasted more than a year in the service at the oars, no one sane… but him.

He might have lost the consciousness too, if he hadn't that to spark the flame – hatred. He deliberately nurtured it. From the instant when he realized to his horror that he'd go mad if he didn't do anything, he had fed and coddled this hatred of his until it became his driving force. And they knew it. What 'they' were here but the damned Corsairs, the enemy? They knew that he survived. He ate whatever they brought it, he built his strength, and his muscles continued to ripple and move as he strained his chest against the oar to the bending point, under the shadow of the whip of the master, and behind the master, the South, behind it still, the fundamental hatred between the West and the South. He held on. Every minute, he held on. In the pitch-darkness, relieved only by faint lanterns and the cracking sound of the many-lashed whips, he held on with one purpose in mind and one desire – to take vengeance. He had watched impassively as people dropped like flies around him. He knew he could not help them, no matter what. What he could do was escape – escape, and sink the ship with the whole cursed population! He would remember the blank faces of the dead comrades that fought beside him in the fray, the screams of the tortured thralls, and the feel of the lash on his bare back. He would remember, and the blood will be on their heads. Ferethor knew he was thinking in circles. But a thread broken in the train of continuous thought might douse the flame of hatred that was the only thing that kept him sane against all odds. So he pulled the oar. And hated steadily.

There was no source of light other than that which trickled through the hole where the oar handles were thrust in. The lantern that the sentry guard held didn’t count. He bent against the oar, letting his weight do half the work in moving forward the massive ship whose only part he knew was beneath the decks, the mold and the dark and the whips. It was then that he heard the shouts outside – there were always shouts, but this was of a different nature – and the call to arms. They were going to war. War… He strained to hear the next word. War against Gondor. Gondor. He froze. The oar fell from his hands, clattering against the floor. Let them react to that. Was it on purpose or an accident? He didn’t know. He was tired. So tired.

The slaves working around him flinched, and shied away as if the whip might descend on them by mistake. Ferethor straightened up and lifted his head, knowing that soon he'd whimper and beg for mercy like any other slave under the stinging blows of the whip – maybe the racks, even – but he wanted to show them that he was not afraid. No, that wasn't it. He was afraid, but he was not going to let that fear run away with him. He was still a Gondorian, if nothing else. He was a captain of Gondor. He knew that the Corsairs have always hated him more for all that, wanted to see him break under their hands, more than all others - because he was the material realization of the strength and power of Gondor, the City of Stone. He wouldn’t give them the pleasure so easily – he clenched his teeth at that – he owed that much to his heritage, if nothing else. If he had more strength… If he had… If he could contact them… But no. It was futile to dream.

The guard woke from his doze and looked over. The thralls shrank away still further, as much as the chains would allow, and made it a point to not look at his way. They were chained just so that they were forced into a kneeling position, unable to stand or to sit, with the chains interlinked with other slaves that one slave's mishap might affect all others. The arms were free to work the oars, and some had misshapen arms because of being chained in one place with only one arm used for exercise, for so long. Not that the length mattered. They were all mindless and timid, all of them. He wouldn’t get any help from them. He had tried to spark their spirit before, but they moved away, as they did now, afraid. There was some that had a remnant of spirit left, he knew, but they were chained too far away. Ah, here it comes. A guttural remark, then in barest rudiments of Common as the two guards approached – but he didn’t pick up the oar. When the guard grabbed him by the thrall collar, gaggling and choking with the blood that filled his lungs, Ferethor instinctively brought down the metal end of his cuffs hard on the man’s wrist, noting its sickening crunch with mixed feelings of satisfaction and terror. Terror soon gained the upper hand. Usually he would not do anything so stupid – he would let himself be sworn at and beaten around some without unnecessary defiance, which would doubtless bring the steel-tipped whips into play. But… War. War against… Gondor? He couldn’t help shuddering convulsively. One, two seconds passed? The man fell. He was dropped by the first man, so that he was left in the position of half-kneeling along with the rest. The one he had hit recovered in a moment and sat up from the wooden plank, gesturing angrily at Ferethor and reaching for his weapon. No. Please. Can’t take it anymore… The whips cracked in the air, an ominous sound at best, but worse if you heard it cut into flesh and sinews. Especially your own. He moaned, falling onto his knees, and before he could brace himself came one blow and another time after time in quick succession. Usually these stopped after a dozen, or the slave might be rendered useless for the day – but it went on and on – enough that blood and flesh splattered all over, some of the weaker slaves covered their eyes, and he soon lost consciousness hanging limp by the chains.

Gondor. What did it mean? Gondor, and… and…

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~*~

Tnx for that! I'll start editing...

[Eorl of Rohan]

The Perky Ent: In case you haven't checked your PM yet, I did make some more changes to the character descriptions since this morning - I just came back from school - and sent it to you by PM. Sorry for the frequent change and delay. Blame my school principal, if you wish. Anyway, checking in, and everything seems really great, for lack of better vocabulary. Amazing first post.

To Other Players: As this is only my second roleplay, I'm still a novice in the art of roleplaying, especially in the Barrow-downs. Please feel free to criticize me by PM or email if you see me breaking a rule, or see weakness in my writing. I look forward to having an enjoyable time with you all.

[Alcarillo]

Ahoy, there, shipmates and mortal enemies!

Just posting to tell all of you that I'm here. I'm working on my character sheet as we speak. I just have two questions for His Royal Perkiness:

1. What sort of ships did you have in mind for the Gondorians? Square sails? Triangular sails? Oars like the Corsair ships?

and

2. Do I get to name my ship?

[Anguirel]

PLACED ON DISCUSSION THREAD ~*~ PIO

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES – Island of Sorrow

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? 1

List them, please: Island of Sorrow

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES
_______________________________________



NAME: Sangalazin

AGE: 64

RACE: Black Numenorean

GENDER: Effeminate male

WEAPONS (No magical, super-hero, mithril weapons. Just good solid Middle-earth weapons and armour only that is appropriate to the race of the character and the time period.): Sangalazin wears a ceremonial longsword of great intricacy and consciously Gondorian design; an assertion of his rights over Elendil’s Kingdom, as an heir of the great Castamir. Its scabbard is elaborately crafted, with a sequence of scenes in gold filigree telling the Black Numenorean love story of Lenezor and Shirethel. Apart from this sword, which is far too beautiful to be wielded, he carries a curved silver-edged dagger and a fine silken garrotte.

APPEARANCE: Sangalazin is of a physical type viewed with contempt in Gondor, but in Umbar admired by males and females alike. He is slender, with tapering wrists and graceful legs; his mouth is large, crimson and prominent; his large eyes a soft brown, his complexion golden, though powdered fairer, and his hair dark chestnut brown. He wears a dark blue robe of silk. His only Numenorean characteristic is his great height.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: (No half-Elven characters. No mixed-type characters. No super-heroes. No assassins. No one all powerful, martial arts proficient, or having any magical traits. Just regular characters with normal abilities for their races only): Sangalazin’s charm, or one might more accurately say charms, is not in doubt; nor is his keen intelligence, when he deigns to employ it. For all this, though, he is feckless and pleasure-loving, easily distracted, temperamental and cruel. His physical weakness (brought about, it is rumoured, by inbreeding in the house of Castamir) also makes him despised by the martial Corsairs of Umbar who serve him out of necessity; only the continual presence of his mighty bodyguards, Gondorians stolen as babies and brought up at his court, garbed in pitch-black plate armour, their loyalty ensured by luxury, stops him from being lynched in the streets.

HISTORY: Sangalazin is the great-great-great-grandson of Castamir twice over, for his parents, Sangahyando and Mehratu, are brother and sister; a marriage brought about to ensure purity of descent and to prevent division of wealth, as well as because of genuine love; such affairs are not considered accursed among the aristocracy of Umbar. Sangalazin was cherished and adored as a child because of his beauty, and could have anything he chose; he made sure of this, testing it by asking his father to execute a playmate who had blackened his eye. He watched the subsequent hanging with a good deal of interest.

From such an upbringing sprang Sangalazin’s main enthusiasms; first, the intense pleasure and reassuring oblivion brought by debauchery; second, the self-fulfilment brought by art; third, the sheer amusement of strangulation. He loves the curious gurglings produced by its victims, the goggling of their eyes...

To all these politics comes a poor fourth. Indeed, as the endlessly intriguing Lords of Umbar go, Sangalazin is relatively ineffectual and harmless due to his fickle pursuits of pleasure; but his high blood will ensure he is ensnared in its dark legacy.

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Anguirel's post


“And now, my dears...play, play.”

Sangalazin, illustrious descendant of the King of Gondor known uncompromisingly in Umbar as Castamir the Great, was stretched out on a silken couch in his black ship’s cabin, his considerable full length languidly extended. A small table stood nearby; on it was positioned a silver instrument, from which a pipe crawled, coming to rest in Sangalazin’s long golden hand. He placed it into his mouth and took another gulp at the hookah, exulting at the relief at the fumes quenching the thirst of his lungs. Truly, the hookah was a potent sign that if one rejected the ways of the East and South, one would never find civilisation.

The supine Lord was attended by twelve men. Nine were monumentally tall-like Sangalazin himself-but, and here they differed from their master, also well-muscled and armoured all about in black iron. Those who were bare-headed displayed cold, impassive stares from grey Northern eyes. Their hair was dark, but bleached yellow, in contrast to their arms. Their weapons were all forged in the Gondorian fashion; straight longswords, triangular shields, visored helms. This, then, was the feared bodyguard of Sangalazin, which he had formed when still a child; its soldiers cradle Gondorians, but in their hearts fanatical servants of the Castamirioni, and Sangalazin in particular, who knew he owed his survival to them.

The other three men in the richly furnished cabin, below the forecastle, were of quite a different sort. It was these Sangalazin had addressed. One was of the Haradrim, and beat upon a set of small drums. Another was an Easterling, and toyed with a delicate stringed instrument, which he called a sitar. The third was a youth from the North, one of the shadow dwellers, a blonde boy with a flute. Sangalazin smiled at him.

“I find your strains particularly moving, child. You touch me. To think that one such as you replaced our line upon the throne of Meneldil...but I bear no grudge. Indeed, as long as you and your people confine yourself to our music-rooms and our pleasure-chambers, and don’t mess with power, the reserve of true men...why, then, you are quite endearing.”

The Lord of Half of Umbar leant up from his position and felt the youth’s cheek. The beard would not come for some time. A pretty specimen, indeed. And how strange and yet lovely the three combined tunes had sounded, to his own composition, intermingled. That was the way of culture, of beauty, of perfection. When he sat upon the Throne at Minas Anor-for he took little account of his cousin and rival, Azaryan-his court would be ordered thus. Tedious warring would cease, benevolent peace would embrace all the lesser nations, to be guided under his command. And civilisation would prevail.

His harmonious thoughts were interrupted by the Southron striking a false note. Sangalazin raised an eyebrow, and whispered something to a guard. Two of them led the musician out. He would not be killed; not yet, for the guards would wait for him to be strangled later at their master’s whim.

It was then that a black-robed, well-spoken lordling of Azaryan’s train arrived in the cabin. Sangalazin was called to his cousin's side. He took a last, regretful drag on the hookah, tousled the blonde boy’s hair, and followed the messenger. His cousin was powerful and proud-spirited, and it would do no good to anger him now...

[The Perky Ent]

Originally Posted by Alcarillo

Ahoy, there, shipmates and mortal enemies!

Just posting to tell all of you that I'm here. I'm working on my character sheet as we speak. I just have two questions for His Royal Perkiness:

1. What sort of ships did you have in mind for the Gondorians? Square sails? Triangular sails? Oars like the Corsair ships?

and

2. Do I get to name my ship?

1) Well, I doubt the ships would be identical, as the ships are comming from different parts of Gondor, so I guess you can make the sail any sail you want for your ship. And since it's your ship, feel free to name it!



Eorl - I edited in your new appearance. Just checked my PM's today, and got flooded with about 12 of them.

Anguriel I still need to look over yours.

Bear with me, as I'm rather sick at the moment

[Anguirel]

Sorry about that, Perky...hope Sangalazin doesn't make you sicker...get well soon

I have a question for Perky or pio-what is the relationship between the Lords? I understood from the note that they were the sons of Sangahyando and some chap beginning with an A whom I can't spell off the top of my head that they were first cousins, but Hiriel has started us off as brothers-which we could be if either Sangahyando or the other one is female...

Basically, I'm wondering if I can keep the incest sub-plot about Sangalazin's mucked-up psychology, which doesn't work if my parents are the same as Azaryan's. I'll accept either decision-brother and no incest, in which case I'll edit my description, or cousin, in which case I'll assume Hiriel's brother isn't me.

No criticism implied Hiriel-your first post is excellent-but you can see it leaves me in a bit of a quandary!

EDIT: Here's the note I'm going on about

The Lords of Umbar are the sons of Angamaitë and Sangahyando. Angamaitë and Sangahyando are the direct descendants of Castamir, and former rulers of Umbar.

[The Perky Ent]

Well, I have the prospects of chosing a Personal Title for myself to cheer me up! So much to do in so little time!

[Hiriel]

Anguirel- No offense taken. I took that note to mean that the brothers ( as Perky told me they were) were the decendents of these two ancestors, as I understand that this story takes place some time after their death. If it serves your purposes better for them to be cousins then I shall redo my history and profile to fit that. I kinda like the mucked up phsycology plot, so, yeah, I think I am going to rework my profile. It needs tweeking anyway. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.

Perky: I'll send you my new, hopefully improved, profile by wendsday at the latest.

[The Perky Ent]

Here is a Family Tree of the Line of Elros

Angamaite and Sangahyando were of the generation before Telumehtar. Their children would be the Lords of Umbar in the RPG. I intrepreted it so that the lords would be cousins. One the son of Angamaite, the other of Sangahyando. Looks like I'm gonna have to put my editing gaunlets back on


Edit: Another tree (though not practical to this RPG) is here Hope they help!

[Firefoot]

My first post is done! Tell me if there's anything that needs to be changed; I wasn't quite sure of the organization, et al. of the Gondorians, so I wrote it how I figured it could be. Also, Perky, I was a little unsure of the line you gave Menelcar in your post, "You rang?" This seemed a decidedly un-Middle-earthy line, since they didn't have telephones, and that's where the phrase came from. So I substitued it for, "You were looking for me?" in my post. Let me know the final verdict on this.

FIRST POST PLACED ON DISCUSSION THREAD (ALSO SEE PERKY'S POST OF YOUR BIO AND FIRST POST BELOW) ~*~ PIO
~*~*~*~

Also, hi to everyone else! Ang and Alcarillo, nice to see you again, and Eorl and Hiriel, I'll look forward to gaming with you for the first time! Eorl, I particularly liked your first post; I'm curious to see where you end up going with your character.

[piosenniel]

There is another player coming on board -- Folwren.

She will, I believe, be taking the part of the Sea Captain on the first Gondorian ship.

~*~ Pio

[The Perky Ent]

PLACED ON DISCUSSION THREAD ~*~ PIO

Firefoot's Character Proposal Sheet


~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RPG's I'm currently involved in: Island of Sorrow, Red Flows the Sirannon

RPG's I've played in: Bloodstained Elanor, Seekers of Truth, Siege of Gundabad, Sailing Away, Shadow of the West

And yes, I've posted in the Green Dragon.


__________________

~*~*~*~

NAME: Menelcar (King’s advisor/record keeper)

AGE: 141

RACE: Man of Gondor

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Though rarely necessary in these days as the king’s advisor, Menelcar still regularly bears a sword, mostly out of habit from his days in the army. (In this campaign, of course, he might very well need it.) He is also proficient with a bow and can handle most other weapons with reasonable skill.

APPEARANCE: Númenorean blood runs nearly true in him, and it shows. He is tall, about 6’4”; his hair is shoulder-length and black as a raven’s wing; his eyes are grey and clear. He would be quite handsome if it weren’t for a certain hardness and arrogance in his features. He carries himself nobly and not without pride. His clothing is unremarkable except in its fine quality.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Menelcar’s intelligence is above average; this is one trait he has shown even as a very young boy. In addition to being smart, he was also good at just about whatever he put his mind to (those things he wasn’t good at, he sooner or later quit), and he began to think of himself as better than others. This was aided along by his family and heritage: he was born into a wealthy, noble family and is of nearly pure Númenorean descent. As a result, he has never been very social, preferring to keep to himself. There have been very few people he has ever been able to call a friend; the king is one of them. He holds his friends in high esteem, but generally looks down upon all others.

Though skilled in weaponry and horseback riding, neither has ever been his favorite. What he really loves are history and reading and writing, and in writing he has found his freedom. The thoughts that he would never confide to another person are regularly recorded in a journal. The job of record keeper and advisor to the king came naturally to him; there is little else that he would ever care to do.

HISTORY: Menelcar was born the middle child and second son of a noble family. Even as a child, he was a loner having few or no close friends. He was thought of as a bit odd for spending so much time by himself, especially in contrast to his older brother, who was, if slightly less talented, a great deal more social and well-liked by most everyone, in addition to being the more handsome. Menelcar was originally envious of his brother’s easy way with people, but what attempts he did make to fit in invariably failed to a greater or lesser extent, causing Menelcar to retreat more and more inside himself. He comforted himself by telling himself that he was better than they were anyway, that he didn’t need them, and the former at least was true in many ways. Eventually he came to wholly believe these things.

As he got older, he had no care to be married, and as the second son he was under no obligation to do so. Instead, he did the next logical thing for one of a noble house and joined the army. Though he had no particular care for weaponry and fighting, it was at any rate better than the social life that he might otherwise be expected to lead.

It was in these years of fighting that Menelcar met Telumehtar, then the prince, when he returned his sword to him. The two quickly came to an understanding which developed into a fast friendship such as Menelcar had never before or since experienced. When Telumehtar became king, Menelcar was the natural choice for a record keeper and advisor, and Menelcar readily gave up the army for the new position.

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Firefoot's post

It was with great impatience that Menelcar had awaited Telumehtar’s arrival. His impatience was not with the king himself, precisely, but he had been at the harbor since early that morning overseeing the muster and organization of the troops while the king took care of last minute preparations inside the city. He cared for this part of his job the least, for he disliked, nay, despised, dealing with people. This sentiment only compounded with so many people needing instructions at the same time. He had to direct the many captains to the ships that would transport them, as well as answer any questions that they or the ships’ captains might have. The job was necessary but tedious, and Menelcar had long since wearied of it. His mount, a restive bay stallion, seemed to concur.

The king’s arrival heartened Menelcar greatly; it meant they would be departing soon, and he would no longer be plagued by the many questions and problems of the soldiers. He nudged the horse forward to meet the king, threading his way through the busy harbor as quickly as he could manage. However, he was interrupted before he could get very far by yet another inquisitive captain; his uniform proclaimed him to be from Dol Amroth.

“Yes?” asked Menelcar curtly.

“I am Captain Baranor, out of Dol Amroth,” said the man, clearly unsure of how to take his brusque manner. “It seems that we brought a few more men than we had originally estimated; our assigned ships will be loaded full and there are still about twenty more men than the ships’ captains say that the boats will safely hold.”

Menelcar barely stifled an irritated sigh and dug out of his pocket the little book in which he was keeping the details of the attack. He scanned the ship assignments and wrote a note of the captain’s situation. “There should be some extra space with the soldiers from Anfalas. If not, check with those from Morthond. Do so quickly; we will be departing soon now that the king has arrived.”

“Thank you, milord,” said the captain with a salute. Menelcar paid no heed; he had already begun to ride off, scanning the harbor for Telumehtar, whom he had lost sight of while speaking with the captain. The king would be looking for him by now, no doubt. The soldiers milling about had parted to let the king pass through, and Menelcar took advantage of the more open space, nudging his horse into a dignified canter to catch up. The stallion took the extra rein eagerly after having stood around for so long.

“You were looking for me?” asked Menelcar as he drew even with Telumehtar. “Do not think I would not be here before you left!”

Telumehtar turned in recognition of the voice: “Menelcar! Trusty as ever! We will have time for pleasantries later, but I have more important matters to attend to. Where are my men? Where are my captains? My soldiers? My kingdom?”

“I should hope you know where your kingdom is by now,” commented Menelcar, smiling in spite of himself. “As for the rest of it, many of the soldiers are already aboard their ships. These rest ought to know where they’re heading by now, or their captains do.” Quickly he outlined the organization of the soldiers – where the units from the various regions of Gondor were situated and so on. “We will be traveling in that ship, there-” Menelcar pointed to a fine ship a short way down the harbor. “I have spoken with the captain of the ship; he seemed very eager to make sure all was in line for your arrival,” he added with a hint of contempt. The captain had spoken with him several times that day, to the point of being bothersome. “It should not be much more than an hour before we are ready to set sail; they mostly await your order.”




~*~~*~*~*~~*~*

I just approved Folwren's playing of the other captain! (s)he will be joining our crew as soon as he gets everything written up!

[Eorl of Rohan]

Perky, hope you get well. Really. (No cynism, reutoricalism -if it is a word, which it isn't- in my statement.) By the way, can you give us any details about the ship? For instance, the interval between the thralls being put off and on, which would presumably be important in any actions they make. Is the number you gave us the total number of thralls on the ship, or is it the number of thralls on active duty? I don't want to assume false information. Are those details left to our discretion? And exactly how are the thralls, who are stuck beneath the planks and out of all touch, get to participate in the roleplay?

[The Perky Ent]

This is where I wish people have all these books I pull my resources out of! Well, if you want, I can go through my various books and pull up Corsair resources, but here's a quick view of how I view the ship. On the top deck is the open ship itself, where men are constantly working, and the captains man the wheel. There's a mast with a tower (the place where the guy with the telescope looks to the horizon) and a sail. Lots of crew moving things, and getting things ready. Then, under it is a few purpose rooms and the Lord and Captain's quarters. Under that is the kitchens and soldiers quarters. At the very bottom of the ship is where the ~200 slaves are. They have no replacements, and are constantly rowing (except when they get a few hours of sleep). They are chained and controlled by the slave master. A lot of this can be just your own imagination and you can create it however you want.

And exactly how are the thralls, who are stuck beneath the planks and out of all touch, get to participate in the roleplay?

Haha! This is a good question! This is why playing slaves are great! When you pick a thrall, a large part of your writing is your emotion and your direct feelings. A good example is Land of Darkness, an RPG I've played in where slaves from Cirith Ungol escape and try to free themselves from Mordor. Many good writers in that one! Would be worth skimming if you're a slave. Now, back to the beauty of the slave. Apart from your emotion as a slave, there are two slave spots, and I expect the two to interact quite a bit. Next to each other even, interjecting comments when their slave driver isn't watching. During battles, you won't be rowing, giving the slaves little to do except watch the view....that is, unless you take matters into your own hand. Ever see the movie Amistad? I'll talk to you about it later on in the game Slaves have the option of several conflicts: Character vs Self, Character vs Character, Character vs Enviroment, Character vs Society, etc. Slaves are really fun to play, as you have so many options you can take!


Anyone else need information on your character? Please speak up, as I love giving out this kind of info

[Eorl of Rohan]

Originally Posted by The Perky Ent

At the very bottom of the ship is where the ~200 slaves are. They have no replacements, and are constantly rowing (except when they get a few hours of sleep).

I imagined so too, until I read Ben-Hur. And now I'm confused. I mean, Corsair ships must be constantly on the move if to elude pursuit, and who's going to row while the slaves are sleeping? And in Ben-Hur, a harsh division has been to 'Put on and take off every two hours'. I was going to mention that, but then decided that any reference to non-LOTR books might just get me more reprimands. So, yeah. But your word is the law, Perky. Will go by that statement.

Originally Posted by The Perky Ent

slaves have the option of several conflicts: Character vs Self, Character vs Character, Character vs Enviroment, Character vs Society, etc. Slaves are really fun to play, as you have so many options you can take!

Here I wish I had experience in roleplaying games, because I don't get what you are saying. Just shows my ignorance, I suppose. Or maybe my question wasn't that logical either. What can a single thrall do to turn the tides of war? Or there'd be little point in there being a slave role at all, if the characters as a slave do not take active role in the whole war itself, not only in a small scale. Especially as they are seriously restricted if other characters, those in power, e.g. slave master, do not open a way for them for action. Or the slave paragraphs are only going to be long monologues, or long futile conversation between two slaves. It would not be exactly fair, for instance, if the two slaves took over the ship or sunk the ship or set fire to it. It won't be realistic either. I guess I'm not making any sense.

Anyway, maybe when I read through that roleplay, I'll know better. And no, I haven't seen the movie.

PS. I've seen the roleplay. While it is amazing, as the slaves are at the center of the roleplay at that game, I guess it doesn't have the problem I have.

[The Perky Ent]

Here I wish I had experience in roleplaying games, because I don't get what you are saying. Just shows my ignorance, I suppose. Or maybe my question wasn't that logical either. What can a single thrall do to turn the tides of war? Or there'd be little point in there being a slave role at all, if the characters as a slave do not take active role in the whole war itself, not only in a small scale. Especially as they are seriously restricted if other characters, those in power, e.g. slave master, do not open a way for them for action. Or the slave paragraphs are only going to be long monologues, or long futile conversation between two slaves. It would not be exactly fair, for instance, if the two slaves took over the ship or sunk the ship or set fire to it. It won't be realistic either. I guess I'm not making any sense.

What can a single thrall do to turn the tides of war?

What can one single little hobbit do? Eorl, I think you're forgetting how much space I'm giving you. You can do whatever you want with your slave. He can fight, sleep, row, dance, kill, and every other action. All you have to do is let him



I do hope I don't seem too confusing

[Folwren]

Hallo, all! I’ve just read over (most) everybody’s character bio’s and first posts. This looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun. Lot of good writers.

Originally posted by The Perky Ent:
Anyone else need information on your character? Please speak up, as I love giving out this kind of info

Yes, I do have some question about my character...I guess they’re probably a lot of the same question Alcarillo will be asking.

Firstly, about the ship. I’m playing the part of a Sea Captain. Therefore, I’m assuming that my ship is generally out at sea. Most of my knowledge of ships have to do with an 1814 frigate, or man-of-war. Needless to say, there are going to be many differences between those sorts of ships and the type that I’ll be writing about (mainly because we don’t have cannons in Middle-Earth), but I wouldn’t be surprised if the ship that I’m to captain has maybe three masts, as the frigates did. So, my question is, is my ship going to be like a frigate with three masts and square sails (except for a few, which were triangle).

Another question - what’s the Navy discipline like? I’m assuming that I’m on a ship from the navy...I don’t think that a merchant ship would be much good in this war.

How many people are going to be on board? What’s the usual crew number?

In ME (poor Perky...hope all these questions don’t bother you a terrible amount), would they have all of the other warrant officers? Sailing Master, Left Tenant, so forth and so on. Perhaps under slightly different names, but still holding the same responsibility?

Quite simply with all my questions rolled into one - what are the details of Gondorian ships and their navy? (Navy seems like a very Earth like word, though.)

Or, better yet, perhaps you could give me something that I could read for research on this subject.

Hope I’m not a bother. And I’m still working on my bio and such.

-- Folwren

[The Perky Ent]

...





*twitch*







...






....ok. Yeah....I'll get back to you on that...

[Folwren]

*blushes*

Sorry.

[piosenniel]

ABOUT SHIPS OF GONDOR

We really have no clear picture of what the Gondorian Navy was like. We can assume they were fairly advanced, since they drew on the ship/sailing knowledge/skills of the Numenoreans.

I'm sure the ships will be ships of war, not merchant type since this is a battle oriented RPG.

Since both the ships from Gondor will paraticipate in the battles, what I would suggest is that Folwren and Alcarillo PM or discuss on the planning thread how they would like their ships to be, how they're manned, what sorts of equipment they want on them, etc. They don't have to be exactly the same.

As long as there is some consistency between the two Gondor Navy ships, it should be fine.

HERE'S and interesting site for looking at ships - you can also check out the section on ships in Resources for RPG's in the Shire for info about sailing in general - types of ships, nautical terminology, etc.

Hope this helps!

~*~ Pio

[The Perky Ent]

S'alright! That's what I get for being sick and lazy

Don't be suprised if some things happen to your ship that you won't expect (This is why I love being the person who has a big book of secrets and saves them for least-expected moments)! Hi, I'm Perky and I'll be your Neptune for this journey! Don't be surprised if your ship randomly splits in half from the bottom (Is he joking?!? ), or sinks below into the abyss. Constant vigilance! hehe, I just had to say that. Yes, some captain unity would be good. Also leaves some opportunity to interact with Firefoot! I've got several Corsair resources I'm gonna type up shortly!