  July 1791 "She's a spitfire, that one," sneered the Spaniard, throwing the dark haired French girl into the wooden cell on the ship. Jeanette Vignes gasped, turning around as the solid door was closed tightly behind her. She slumped down into her billowing skirts. "When my father hears of this -!" "He will be horrified that his daughter is a witch, no doubt. And pleased to allow the Inquisition to do their good work." The new voice was slick and mellow, belonging to the Inquisitor. Jeanette didn't even know if he had a name. "I am no witch!" she shouted hoarsely, but some of her previous fire was gone. "I am no sorcerer." "Yet you read palms at parties, flaunting your powers and drawing the faithful down to Hell with you," said the Inquisitor, his feathers unruffled. "You return with us to Cartegena to stand trial, where you will no doubt confess your plentiful sins." "I shall confess nothing," she whispered, but her captors didn’t hear her as they walked away. Jeanette buried her face in her hands, the ship rocking gently beneath her as it put out to sea. **** Captain Marco Fernandez studied the sky as his ship, the Esmeralda, left port. He had been sailing between the islands of the Caribbean ocean for years, and was a devout Papist. No doubt the reason the Inquisition had blessed his ship by pressing it into service these past months. Behind him the sun was setting, but his eyes were on the gathering darkness ahead. There were pirates in these seas, and he prayed to Mother Mary for protection as they went about the Church's work. Below decks there was a sobbing scream as the heretic was welcomed into the Inquisition's forgiving embrace. Marco crossed himself and tried to listen to the flap of the unfurled sails as the warm tropical winds caught them and propelled his ship toward Columbia. Usually he took the ship out himself, a tradition of his that bordered on superstition. If his own hands were upon the wheel then the Esmeralda felt like an extension of his body. The wind in her sails ruffled his hair, and the waters that were split by her prow were the salty spray that misted his face. Nothing could threaten her with him guiding her through the seas. Tonight, he stood by as Pedro manned the helm. Inquisitor Castillo had insisted that Marco explain their route in detail while also getting underway, and he could not be in two places at once. The captain's hands clenched involuntarily on the rail, then he nodded to Pedro and headed below decks. **** Jeanette clutched at the rosary that she'd been allowed in her cell, a small room in a particularly dank part of a ship. The daughter of a merchant, she was not unaccustomed to sailing between the islands, though she had never been confined to a brig before. A silent nun was posted outside, just visible through the barred window in the door. Her pious head was bowed, but Jeanette was certain the woman was sleeping, not praying. She didn't know what time it was, but was certain it was full dark outside. She fingered the beads in her hand, drawing them one by one through her palm. Mother Mary, full of grace... Our Father, who art in heaven… Her own mother had stood as still as a statue of the Madonna when the Inquisition had come for her, the anguish in her eyes the only thing Jeanette could hold onto after the soldiers had pulled her away. Father was on the ocean, picking up goods to be sold in other ports. Mother had no choice - to protest would have been effectively signing her own death warrant. It still hurt, however, to remember the relative coldness of the woman Jeanette had once depended on for everything. Palm reading - it was ridiculous. Jeanette rubbed the back of her fist over her damp and dirty cheeks, the rosary beads dancing lightly against her skin. It was a jest, a silly game she did for her friends at parties when asked. Promising tall dark strangers and mysterious admirers, the sort of thing girls loved to hear even though they knew it was false. And as luck would have it, the tall dark stranger at the last party had been an Inquisitor, and though the Inquisition had been falling further into irrelevance with the Church as a whole it still very much had the power to do just about anything it wanted. Which, in this case, meant dragging a twenty-four year old maiden from her home just before dinner. Jeanette dragged shaking fingers through her dark hair, trying to tease out the tangles as the ship bumped and shuddered. The nun raised her head and rubbed her bleary eyes. They were far enough below decks that it was nearly impossible to hear what was going on above their heads in the open air, but Jeanette imagined she could hear shouting. Were they being boarded? **** "Sails!" came the call from the bow, where a sharp eyed boy was shielded from the lanterns that lined the sides, and Pedro clutched the wheel a bit tighter than usual. The captain appeared from below decks after a moment, barking orders. The ship on the moonlit horizon carried no lights of its own. Ships that sailed dark were usually up to no good. Sailors heaved on lines as Pedro pulled on the wheel, slowly turning the ship broadside to the new arrival as they tried to cut across its approach and out run it. Captain Fernandez yelled for the lanterns to be doused as the mysteriously dark ship continued to sail right toward them. He grabbed his spyglass to try to get a better look, but even with the magnification he could only make out the broad strokes of the vessel. It flew no flag. "Pirates, most likely," he said to the Inquisitor who had deigned to grace the deck with his presence. Fernandez's brow was tight with tension, and he looked up at Esmerelda's sails as the wind filled them. Shouts and running footsteps filled the air, and they were making enough headway that his shoulders began to relax. And then, just like that, the sails billowed one last time and then fell limp. "Mio Dios," he breathed as his beautiful Esmeralda was becalmed and the pirate ship drew inexorably closer. **** The nun gripped a small knife in one trembling fist as she backed away from the narrow door that led out of the brig. Jeanette remained pressed to her cell door, her face against the bars in it's window. "Let me out, Sister," she pleaded, and the other woman turned to look at her briefly, shaking her head. Jeanette tried again. "If it's pirates they will rape us both, let me out so I can help you." The nun turned an almost venomous glare on her. "Be silent, witch!" There was a clatter of footsteps on the stairs beyond; the thumps and shouts from above deck were almost quiet by this time. Jeanette backed away, putting her back to the hull just as the brig door exploded inward. Her heart thumped as she heard a gasp from the nun, and then the sound of something heavy hitting flesh. A face appeared at the window to her door, but was gone so quickly she barely had a chance to process it. She clutched at her skirts as keys jangled and were fitted into the lock, a prayer stuck halfway completed in her head as she tried not to imagine her fate once the pirates got her door open. The cell, once a prison, seemed like her only sanctuary. Pressing herself as far away from the cell door as possible, Jeanette cast about for anything she could use as a weapon. She grabbed the wooden bucket she had not had occasion to use yet, and edged closer to the door as it opened outward. She had an impression of a dirty male face and a flash of knife, and them she smashed the bucket into it, knocking the man backward and shoving past him into the cabin. She saw the nun on the floor, bleeding from a cut on her cheek, while the pirate swore mightily behind her. Jeanette gathered up her skirts and pulled on the heavy brig door, slipping through just as she felt the man grabbing for her and missing. She didn't have a plan beyond finding the captain of the ship for protection, or, barring that, throwing herself into the ocean. Drowning was preferable to whatever would happen to her should the pirates catch her. The sounds of battle still came from above decks, but the shouts were diminished. One side or the other was winning. Jeanette stumbled through the dark and narrow passage, heading for the ladder up, but a sailor's body tumbled down it in front of her, his neck at an unnatural angle. She put her hand to her mouth, and edged around the ladder. She could hide below decks until things calmed down, then run for it. Someone grabbed her arms roughly, and she was pulled backward through a door, a hand clamping over her mouth and stifling her instinctive scream. "Be silent, witch," Inquisitor Castillo muttered in her ear, kicking the door closed in front of her and dragging her further into the cabin. The only light was from the moon dancing on the waves... they were in the captain's room, the only cabin with windows. Welcome to my new, CYOA experiment! We are playing a 24 yr old French heiress who has lived in the Caribbean for most of her life with her vapid mother and often absent, merchant father. She has been dragged away from her comfortable life by the Spanish Inquisition and is bound for Cartegena, Columbia, where she may stand trial for witchcraft. I will, from time to time, switch perspectives and add in other characters, like I did with Captain Fernandez. We’ll just see how it goes. I’m mostly doing this because I want to write this story and I really do well, IMO, with a little collaborative feedback. If I mess up historical stuff feel free to let me know so I can fix it. I’d blog it, but I have no blogging audience.  Edit: on the Discord server request the “The SCARE-ibbean” role OK, got it?  Here’s our first choice: A. Jeanette should try to stay quiet and safe by obeying whatever Castillo tells her to do B. She should kick up a fuss and take her chances on her own. C. Something between trying to get away from him and just doing whatever he says Perspective shift D. Stick with Jeanette and Castillo E. Switch to Captain Fernandez on deck hollylolly fucked around with this message at 18:17 on Aug 16, 2019 |
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Jun 24, 2019 20:49
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Characters: Jeanette Vignes  Captain Marco Fernandez  Inquisitor Castillo DECEASED  Jacob Martin  Erik Odinson  Thaddeus Petalas/Post  Jean Mercier  Jacques Mercier DECEASED hollylolly fucked around with this message at 21:21 on Feb 11, 2020 |
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Jun 24, 2019 22:02
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 Unnaturally becalmed, the Esmeralda was helpless as the dark ship came up to it. It had appeared so silently and quickly that Captain Fernandez had not had a chance to call for the cannons to be readied. Now it was far too late, as the ship with black sails came close enough to board them. Marco Fernandez pulled his guns, one in each hand, as men came swinging across onto the deck of his ship. “Defend the ship, in the name of God himself!” he shouted, crossing himself with one hand as he aimed the pistol at a boarder and pulled the trigger. The flintlock discharged loudly and the pirate fell to the deck heavily, crawling a bloody smear across the wood. As if it had been a signal, the Esmeralda’s crew set into the boarding pirates, hacking at ropes that were set to tie the two ships together, and slashing the marauders to attempt to send them back to whence they’d come. Marco shot another pirate, dropping them on the stairs up to the poop deck as he held his ground. Looking to his right he could see Pedro’s frightened face before red bloomed on his cheek and the man fell like a stone. The captain thrust his pistols back into the belt that was slung across his chest - with no time to reload they were only good for a shot each. Drawing his sword, he backed across the deck, looking over toward the dark ship. Lit only by moonlight it was hard to make out details, but Marco felt an uncomfortable prickle down his neck, like he was being stared at. He turned back to his own ship, where his men were fighting bravely but being overrun in the darkness. What should Captain Fernandez do?A. Order his men to keep fighting, jump down into the fray on the main deck B. Order a surrender, hope for mercy C. Light the lamps D. Run away...somewhere E. Something else? Write in (edit was to fix the banner) hollylolly fucked around with this message at 20:27 on Jun 25, 2019 |
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Jun 25, 2019 18:54
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Updated the second post with character pictures - just for a general idea of what they look like, costume inaccuracies aside. When new characters are introduced they may be added to the post. 
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Jun 25, 2019 23:26
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 “Light the lamps!” His call is repeated across the Esmeralda and Marco watched as light flared up along the deck. He pulled the covers from the lanterns nearest him, turning and standing ready as the pirates try the stairs again, a trio of filthy men swarming up toward him. His sword slashed across the belly of the first to reach him, spilling the pirate’s guts to the deck, the backswing catching the man in the face as he fell. The other two were immediately more cautious, circling around their fallen brother with their swords ready. Marco backed away slowly, toward the center of the upper deck, and nearly tripped over the body of his fallen helmsman. Catching himself in time, he parried an attack from one of the men and shoved the pirate away. His men were still fighting, holding their own better now that they could see. The pirates didn’t have the numbers - perhaps they could still be repulsed if their prize bloodied them too much. Captain Fernandez looked down at the length of the Esmerada with hope, only to catch sight of a huge red-haired man leaping from the forecastle of the pirate ship and onto one of his sailors. The jump was ...impossible. No man could jump that far, or move that quickly. Distracted, Marco nearly took a sword to the gut, but deflected it in time, and turned his attention back to the fight in front of him. The two pirates were enthusiastic but relatively untrained, and soon joined their fellow on the deck, bleeding out or dead. Marco caught his breath, some of his men joining him on the poop deck and keeping the brigands from assaulting the captain directly. He looked out and saw the red-haired pirate grabbing one of his sailors and digging his hands directly into the man’s throat, ripping it out in a spray of blood. ”Dios mio,” he breathed. “Had enough yet?” A loud voice from the other ship caught his attention, and Marco saw a lithe, muscular figure standing on the opposite deck, just barely visible in the light from the Esmeralda. His dark hair was pulled back, and his smile was a sinister flash of white. “I suggest you surrender, captain, or you’ll be killed down to a man. We only want your cargo. There’s no need for further bloodshed.” 1. It feels … right to do what this man is saying. What is Capt. Fernandez’s reply?A. Of course. He tells his men to stand down and cooperate. It’s the only way they’ll get out of this. B. Something seems off about all this. Try to resist and do not surrender the ship. C. Try to resist, but still surrender the ship. D. Something else? Write in.  The priest’s sweaty hand over her mouth, Jeanette could scarcely breathe as he pulled her further into the cabin. She tried to scream, and he shook her roughly, still holding her tight against him. “Silence, witch!” Jeanette closed her eyes for a moment, letting her body go limp as he rummaged around the captain’s desk with one hand. Castillo pulled open a drawer, bending over slightly as he looked through it, and she opened her mouth and bit his hand as hard as she could. The Inquisitor yanked his hand from her teeth, shoving her away as he howled, and Jeanette stumbled across the cabin, trying to keep her feet under her. She could taste iron in her mouth as she ran to the door, nearly crying with relief when it opened easily and she staggered into the narrow passage, Castillo’s curses fading behind her. Gathering her skirts in both hands, Jeanette could feel her heart nearly bursting out of her chest, and she looked up the passage only to find a tall man standing right in front of her. He had a kind face and sharp eyes, and he was not dressed like a sailor. Jeanette had no idea if he was another passenger on the ship or not, as she’d been dragged directly to the brig once she’d been brought on board. “Be calm, little one,” he said, his voice recognizably British, and she immediately relaxed. “I need to see the captain’s quarters. I believe they are right here?” “Yes,” she replied, more calmly than she could imagine. Part of her was still panicking, but it was small, and growing smaller. 2. What should she do?E. Hold onto that small part of her that’s still trying to engage her fight or flight mode F. This man is well-dressed and seems polite, no harm in letting him do what he wants. Being calm seems right. G. Something else: Write in. Characters in post 2 are being updated, names to come should we learn them.
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Jun 26, 2019 20:39
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I’m kind of surprised you definitely don’t want Marco to surrender the ship, but okay!
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Jun 27, 2019 19:12
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If he gets killed off in the first big scene he's obviously not a main character.  BUT - don't read too much into what I said about not surrendering the ship. I definitely didn't say Capt. Fernandez would die if he didn't surrender. I didn't not say it, either. Anything could happen. 
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Jun 27, 2019 19:39
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CourValant posted:Love the premise and the setting, can't wait to see where this goes! Also, your choice of 'casting' is great, I'm already reading lines ala Malkovich and Bardem! (Who's the actor playing Jeanette?) Thank you! The actress is Gabrielle Anwar, mostly her appearance in The Three Musketeers (1993?) as the Queen of France. So if I need pics of her being threatened by Tim Curry's Cardinal I've got those too. You know. Just in case. Sorry for double posting, I'm the worst. ...I'm also not really sorry. 
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Jun 27, 2019 19:44
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Jeanette felt the last bit of panic leave her as the gentleman took her gently by the arm and pulled her around to his side. She was tall for a girl, and he was only a few inches more than she, reaching for the door to the cabin she had just fled. “Sir,” she said, “Please, I’ll help you find what you’re looking for as long as you kill the man inside this room.” Beyond the door there was a loud thump and a muffled curse, followed by what sounded like marbles rolling across the wooden floor. The gentleman looked at her with surprise. “Why do you wish him dead?” “He is an Inquisitor taking me to Cartagena, to be tried for witchcraft. I am a good Catholic woman, I did not do what he accuses me of.” Despite the almost unnatural calm she was feeling, Jeanette’s eyes welled up with tears. “Good Catholics do not usually ask for help killing priests,” the gentleman chided. “Stand behind me. I will make sure he does not harm you.” He released her arm and she did as she was told, standing behind him as he pushed open the door into the captain’s quarters. “Stop right there!” Inquisitor Castillo shouted. He was kneeling on the floor with a flintlock pistol, lead balls rolling around on the deck. “I say, is everything all right in here?” The gentleman smiled, perhaps genuinely amused at what he was seeing. “Do you need help loading that? There are pirates aboard, after all.” “I - I do not need assistance, sir,” said Castillo indignantly as he pushed to his feet. “I see you caught the prisoner for me, for that I thank you.” He gave Jeanette a glare, and she should have been frightened. Instead she remained where she was, behind the gentleman who was walking briskly across the cabin to the desk. “Caught? Ah. Not quite.” The gentleman spared her a glance over his shoulder. “Perhaps you should sit over there, near the door.” Jeanette turned as he directed and took a seat on the wooden floor, as there were no seats where he indicated. “Well, I - are you part of the crew?” Castillo peered more closely at the gentleman as he reached the desk and began rifling through the logbooks. “Of course I am,” he said, looking up at meeting the Inquisitor’s eyes. “Hand me that pistol, I’m afraid you’ll injure yourself.” Castillo looked at the gentleman, and then to the flintlock. “Certainly.” He passed the pistol to the gentleman, who took it and placed it out of reach on the captain’s desk. Jeanette watched the scene as though she was observing a play, the sounds of chaos beyond the cabin growing louder. The vote for Captain Fernandez, #1, is still open for now (not that it matters, B seems to have won handily thus far), also write ins for Jeanette are open if anyone can think of anything interesting you want to try to do
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Jun 28, 2019 01:49
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 The more time the gentleman spent rummaging in the desk, the less she felt compelled to stay where she was at. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to stay where she was, and as far from Castillo as possible. The inquisitor was still standing at the side of the captain’s desk, his expression vacant. Jeanette cleared her throat, trying to remember her courtesies. In her earlier panic all propriety had gone completely out of her mind, but her best defense would always be her polite upbringing. "Sir, where are my manners?! In all this excitement I have quite forgotten myself, and, it would seem you do have me at quite the disadvantage.” The gentleman walked around the desk and sat, pulling a map clear of the pile of papers he had created as he looked up at her, a half smile on his face. She could feel her heartbeat starting to race once more, but continued on with her introductions as gamely as possible. “I am Jeanette Vignes, my father is a merchant of some repute in the Caribbean, and, it is indeed a pleasure to have made your acquaintance, even if it is in such an unconventional manner." He did smile then, whether from amusement or simple politeness she could not tell. “Manners are indeed important. They’re all that separate us from the animals.” He paused, and his smile grew wider. “I am pleased to meet you, Miss Vignes. I am Thaddeus Petalas.” He rolled up the map in his hands, and tucked a logbook under his arm. “I am afraid I don’t have much time for small talk. My companions will be waiting for me.” “Companions, sir?” Jeanette was confused. “Did the captain send you to retrieve something for him?” Perhaps Mr. Petalas was the first mate, or someone else of authority on board. “My captain did, certainly.” He winked at her jovially, and she narrowed her eyes as he walked toward her again, only to head straight for the door. “We will not be here long, do not trouble yourself. I’m sure the captain of this ship has already seen the good sense in surrendering, and we will be on our way shortly.” Behind him, Castillo was beginning to stir out of whatever stupor he’d fallen into, and Jeanette found herself able to get to her feet. She pulled herself up off the floor and reached out toward Petalas, who, if he was with the pirates, did not seem like any pirate she’d ever heard of. “Please, sir, are you intending to leave me here? I beg of you, on your honor as a gentleman, take me with you. I will surely die here.” He paused, hand on the door, the distant shouts from the upper deck filtering in through the wooden walls of the cabin. “It would not be safe,” he said, looking at her intently, as if he were staring into her soul. Her reply:A. “My father has money. He will pay handsomely for my return.” B. “I would prefer the company of pirates to that of the Holy Office of the Inquisition.” C. “It is not safe anywhere, sir, but I can take care of myself. Current situation notwithstanding.” D. Something else, write in. We will return to Captain Fernandez and his “never surrender!” attitude, next.
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Jun 28, 2019 20:42
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 Never Give Up, Never Surrender! Captain Marco Fernandez tightened his grip on his sword. God would save them from these men - if men they were. The unnatural way the wind had ceased and the actions of at least one of the pirates brought to mind a demonic attack. Perhaps carrying a witch on board had drawn more of her kind. The pirate captain was smiling and seemed pleasant, but Marco hardened his heart against the call to surrender. If they did not fight to keep their cargo from being stolen, he could face prison time himself under the laws of the British colonies. He tore his eyes away from the man, and shouted to his men, “We fight! Drive them into the sea! God is with us!” A ragged shout went up, and the crew fell upon the pirates with renewed vigor as Marco ran down to the main deck. He applied his sword with skill alongside his crew, and for a time it seemed that the Esmeralda would rally and push back the pirates. “I don’t have time for this.” The dark haired pirate captain called over from his perch. “Jacob!” Marco looked up in time to see the bosun go flying over the rail into the sea as the red bearded pirate shoved through toward him. The man’s fingers were unnaturally long, and he was bloody up to his elbows as he stalked toward the captain. Marco squared up, sword held defensively as the big pirate got nearer. The other man held no weapon, though he was close enough now to make out that his hands were tipped with savage claws. With a practiced move, Captain Fernandez thrust inside the man’s reach, his sword penetrating the other’s belly with surprising ease as the one called Jacob snatched at it too slowly. Gripping Marco’s sword as it impaled him, the pirate flashed a bloody grin and yanked the weapon out of the surprised captain’s hand. Withdrawing it from his body, Jacob threw it to the side and advanced.
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Jun 29, 2019 23:11
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He paused, hand on the door, the distant shouts from the upper deck filtering in through the wooden walls of the cabin. “It would not be safe,” he said, looking at her intently, as if he were staring into her soul. “It is not safe anywhere, sir. I can take care of myself, current situation notwithstanding.” Jeanette stood up straighter and returned his gaze, trying to exude confidence despite her rumpled appearance and inner anxiety. “If I remain here I’ll surely burn: I’d rather take my chances with you than tied to the Inquisition’s stake.” Thaddeus held her eyes a moment longer and then, apparently satisfied, opened the cabin door. “Come along then, Miss Vignes, you have a pretty way with words and I’d hate for such talent to be wasted.” Heart in her throat, Jeanette hurried after him, the door closing behind them. Mr. Petalas led her to the ladder that led to the upper deck, the sounds of fighting growing louder and more frantic. He pulled a body out of the way, and looked up to the night sky with a frown. “Bloody fools didn’t surrender,” he muttered, putting his thumb in his mouth and biting down. Withdrawing his hand, Thaddeus spoke something under his breath that did not sound like any language Jeanette had ever heard, a dark bead of blood welling up on the pad of his thumb. He held his hand out toward her, as if he would smear the blood on her forehead. “This will help keep you safe.” What does she do?A. Allow Thaddeus to smear his blood on her forehead, as if it were perfectly normal, pushing down any unease she is feeling B. Allow it, but this is NOT normal and now she’s second guessing her decision to go with him C. Do not allow it - jerk backwards and avoid the blood. D. Something else: Write in
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Jul 1, 2019 00:28
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A=3 B=3 I need a tie breaker or two.
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Jul 1, 2019 21:57
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Jeanette froze as he gently rested his fingers in her tangled hair and traced his bloodied thumb across her forehead. Perhaps she had made the wrong decision after all. It took a moment for him to complete whatever it was he was drawing, all the while he spoke softly under his breath. The wet sensation on her skin faded into a warm glow, and she imagined her whole body was tingling as Thaddeus finished whatever it was he was doing. “Don’t go too far,” he said, running his hand down along the side of her face until he cupped her chin, fingers touching her neck as her heart pounded with fear, or adrenaline. “This won’t last long.” He turned and started up the ladder toward the chaos above, but she hesitated rather than following. She played at reading fortunes and dabbled with astrology, but men who muttered unintelligible phrases while dabbing blood on one’s head was something else entirely. Jeanette put a hand on the wall as she ship rocked gently, looking back toward the captain’s cabin when someone staggered up the passage from the other direction and made a grab for her. “Heretic!” It was the nun who had been sitting outside her cell. Jeanette pulled out of the way of the nun’s grasping hands, moving more quickly than she thought possible and deftly avoiding capture. The nun hissed and snatched at her again, and again Jeanette darted out of her reach with ease. “Miss Vignes!” Thaddeus called down the ladder. “If you are coming, then come!” Jeanette panicked, pushing past the angry nun and quickly up the ladder, her reflexes sharper than they’d ever been before.
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Jul 2, 2019 00:37
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Once she gained the upper deck, she gathered her skirts and hurried after Thaddeus as he strode through the sword fighting. It was almost as if no one could see him, the way he simply walked across the deck unimpeded. She struggled to stay in his wake, but her body was responding easily to her panic, and no errant sword or fist could strike her. A gentleman in fine clothing was facing off with a big ginger pirate, and Jeanette realized in shock that he was the captain of the vessel. She had seen him briefly as she’d been dragged aboard, but he had not looked at her. He looked startled, weaponless as the pirate tossed a bloodied sword to the side and advanced on him. The captain ducked under an open handed swipe and barrelled into his opponent, trying to knock him off balance. “I have the logs, and the map.” Thaddeus was calling across to the pirate ship, and another man who was standing on the rail with a hand hooked into the ropes for balance. The dark haired man frowned as if he couldn’t hear, and Thaddeus sighed. “Stop. Stop!” The fighting men nearest him halted, Spanish sailor and pirate alike. Jeanette huddled at Thaddeus’ back, looking around with frightened eyes. “I have the map and logs, Erik,” Thaddeus repeated. “If you want the cargo as well, let us be done with it.” The man called Erik looked up over Thaddeus’ head and shouted, “Don’t kill him, Jacob, I want to make an example of him!” The fighting on the deck petered out as the red-haired pirate hefted the captain in the air by his neck, the man struggling in his grasp. * * * Marco clawed at the hand holding him up, getting just barely enough air to stay conscious. Jacob had slashed him across the chest with his claws, leaving his shirt in ribbons as blood seeped from the wounds, and now he was slowly choking to death as his crew looked on in horror. It appeared that whoever was still alive was losing the will to fight. Jacob looked over at the pirate captain. “Do you want to take him with us?” What do you do, Marco?A. Spit in his face, defiant to the last B. Croak an order to your crew, keep fighting even if you die! C. Panic at the face of death, struggle to hold onto your reason. D. Go limp and play dead…?? E. Pray to God for deliverance from this evil while you struggle to stay alive F. Something else: Write in
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Jul 2, 2019 02:40
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A quick kick to the testicles is almost always an available write in option. 
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Jul 2, 2019 16:42
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Captain Marco Fernandez didn’t wait for the reply to come. He brought his knee up as hard as he could into the bearded pirate’s groin, surprising the bigger man into doubling over. The pirate’s hand opened and Marco, still holding onto his wrist for leverage to keep his windpipe from being crushed, threw himself backwards. Jacob cursed loudly as Marco fell to the deck, his face nearly as red as his beard as he caught his breath. The captain stumbled to his feet, backward toward the rail as he tried to put distance between himself and Jacob. His sword was nearby, and he dove toward it, only to be stopped as a boot came down hard on the blade before he could grab it. He looked up into the dark eyes of the pirate captain, a man who’d been yards away a few moments before. The pirate leveled a flintlock at Marco’s head. “We just want the muskets I know you have in the hold. It didn’t have to be this difficult.” Erik flipped the pistol in his hand and struck Captain Fernandez across the face, sending him to the deck, unconscious. “Round up the crew!” he called to his men, clapping a coughing Jacob on the back. “Get the crates onto our ship.” Erik looked down at the deck, noting the dead and wounded with a cold eye. “Pick a few of the Spanish and bring them aboard.” He looked over to Thaddeus, who was standing across the deck with the logbook under his arm and a young woman beside him. As the merchant crew was herded to the fore of the ship Thaddeus crossed the blood spattered deck toward Erik, the girl following him like a shadow. The pirate captain narrowed his eyes, indicating the girl. “Who is this? Captain’s ...daughter?” “A heretic bound for Colombia, actually. There is an inquisitor on board. I am taking her with me.” Thaddeus did not sound like he was asking for permission, and Erik shook his head. “Another pet? You know how I feel about women on board the ship.” He stared at the girl and she shrank away from his gaze. “The loving Spanish Inquisition, it just figures. Did you kill the priest?” “No,” said Thaddeus, “I left him in the captain’s quarters after relieving him of his prisoner.” What to do with Capt. Fernandez and Inquisitor Castillo?A. Bring them along, I’m sure the pirates can find a use for them as hostages, or … something else. B. Bring Marco, leave Castillo C. Bring Castillo, leave Marco D. Kill them both? E. Kill one - specify which F. Leave them both on the merchant ship, we have what we want with the weapons shipment. G. Something else: Write in
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Jul 2, 2019 19:04
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Crazycryodude posted:+1, there's hope for Captain Nutshot yet, but inquisitors are way more trouble than they're worth. So unfortunate that Inquisitor Castillo was cut down by those bloody pirates, but these things do tend to happen. He fought bravely etc. etc. It'll draw far less heat than his mysterious disappearance or especially leaving him here to report back to his boss about vampires on the high seas. Just throwing this out there, but, what exactly has Castillo seen that would make him think there are demons or vampires involved in this pirate raid?
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Jul 2, 2019 20:20
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I don’t think it’s possible to write a vampire story without at LEAST one heaving bosom and/or ripped bodice. We’ll see. RIP Inquisitor Castillo and nameless nun, we barely knew you.
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Jul 3, 2019 06:21
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quote:Marco looked up in time to see the bosun go flying over the rail into the sea as the red bearded pirate shoved through toward him.
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Jul 3, 2019 21:47
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There’s been a lot of discussion and it seems we will DEFINITELY kill the priest and nun, but I think it’s a good point about the rest of the crew of the Esmeralda. In my mind the pirates wanted the cargo and were satisfied with leaving everyone alive, but pressing the fight and refusing to surrender, plus Thaddeus deciding to remove the Inquisition’s prisoner has changed things. So, new vote:A. Scuttle the Esmeralda with all crew and Church officials on board, set fire to it, blow it up with cannons, whichever, allow Fate (and Plot) to decide the survivors, if any. B. Methodically murder everyone on board to ensure no survivors, then scuttle the ship. C. A, but take the Captain as prisoner because he kicked Jacob in the balls and we like his spirit D. B, but we take the Captain prisoner E. Leave the crew alive and ship intact but kill the church people hollylolly fucked around with this message at 02:10 on Jul 4, 2019 |
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Jul 4, 2019 00:57
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I think I accidentally left off the “leave all the crew alive while killing the Church people” option - that is definitely still an option. Consider it E. I’ll edit it in.
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Jul 4, 2019 02:10
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I think I have enough input to do an update that will make everyone happy. OR piss everyone off.
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Jul 4, 2019 21:41
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Jeanette knew she should be frightened, but she felt strong and in control in a way she had never felt before. She touched her fingers to her forehead, feeling a bit of stickiness where Thaddeus had pressed his thumb to her skin. What had he done to her? The pirate captain, Erik, was talking. “Lock the priest into the brig -” “There’s a nun, too,” added Thaddeus. “...and the nun, too. Christ!” Erik frowned. “I want everything from this ship that isn’t nailed down put on the Sunrise. And if it’s nailed down and looks expensive, take that too.” Thaddeus turned and courteously steered Jeanette toward the pirate vessel, which was being lashed to the Esmeralda and planks placed across for easier passage. “Come with me, Miss Vignes. We’ll get you safely aboard and then I have some things to take care of.” She looked, wide-eyed, at the pirates who were dragging heavy crates up from the hold of the Spanish merchant ship. About a quarter of the men were black skinned, but they seemed to be treated the same as any other man in the crew. Her father, Lucien Vignes, had made his fortune trading in African slaves before she had been born, but had left that ugly business some ten years past. Thaddeus noted where she was staring. “Piracy is a good place for former slaves. We are all equal, here.” Then he laughed, “All of the crew are, anyway. Come now, watch your step on the plank.” Jeanette hoisted her skirts with one hand and took his with the other, making her way with ease across the wobbly board to the deck of the pirate ship. *** Once the Esmeralda had been thoroughly plundered, the Bloody Sunrise cast off from her. Captain Erik Odinson ordered the merchant to be sunk with their cannons, and so the crew set to work, round shot splintering the helpless ship at her waterline and taking down her mast. Once he was certain the ship was doomed, Erik raised sail and headed across the dark sea, leaving the Spanish to drown on their unanswered prayers. (...more to come, probably tomorrow) Teaser: I rolled to see who on the ship lives or dies, (10 or less, death, 11 or more, life) and one character rolled a nat20. 
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Jul 4, 2019 22:56
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The sound of the Esmeralda breaking apart and the screams of the men would haunt Jeanette for some time to come. Mr. Petalas had taken her to a small cabin and told her to stay there until they were done with their work. He didn’t lock the door behind him when he left. She’d tried it immediately, but hadn’t stepped beyond the threshold, returning instead to the tiny bed that made up most of the room. It had to be well past midnight, but she couldn’t relax enough to sleep, even though she felt a weariness that penetrated her very bones. When the cannons went off she covered her ears and shook with fear for the men who were surely dying. If not for her decision to petition Thaddeus, she would have been among them, lost in the dark sea. Footsteps continued to pass back and forth in the passage beyond her small room, but she didn’t move from where she sat, her fingers growing through the motions of the rosary in her lap even though it had been lost in her cell on the Esmeralda. When the door opened she jumped, startled, pressing her back against the bulkhead. “The captain wants to see you.” The pirate at the door was black, his clothes a little dirty but in good repair. “I’m to fetch you to him.” 1.What does Jeanette do?A. Refuse to leave the room unless Thaddeus is brought to her B. Go with the man to meet the captain C. Something else: Write in 2. Additionally: D. Ask the sailor’s name, be polite E. Do not ask his name.
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Jul 6, 2019 20:27
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Taking me to the captain. Jeanette swallowed hard, and got to her feet, steadying herself against the bulkhead. “Of course. Please lead the way.” The tall black pirate held the door and then walked just in front of her down the passage, past what was surely the ship’s galley. It was full of hot food and a scowling cook who chopped something just out of sight as he glared at Jeanette. She quickly looked back to her guide and hastened to stay close to him. “I didn’t catch your name, good sir,” she said, and he looked over his shoulder at her, an expression of surprise on his face. “I am Jeanette Vignes,” she added hopefully. “Samuel.” The name was spoken softly and clearly even as they continued to walk the passageway. “Just Samuel.” Jeanette smiled up at him. “I am pleased to meet you, Samuel.” He looked down at her, his face hard to read. “We are here.” They stopped walking, and Samuel put his hand on the wooden doors in front of them. Jeanette looked down at herself, knowing she looked frightful after her imprisonment and time spent running around the Esmeralda, may God have mercy on their souls. She reflexively crossed herself at the thought, and Samuel caught her hand mid-gesture with his much larger hand. “None of that here, miss.” He hesitated, as if he might say more, then released her hand and knocked at the doors before them. “Come in!” It was the voice of the one Mr. Petalas had called Erik. The Captain. Samuel opened the door and light spilled out into the passage. He gestured for Jeanette to walk inside, and she did so, her eyes adjusting to the sudden brightness. Behind her the door closed. Samuel had not followed her inside. “Well, come on girl, let’s have a look at you.” As her eyes grew used to the bright lamplight, Jeanette could see the captain sitting casually on the edge of a table - his desk perhaps, his hawkish face focused on her as she stepped forward. Thaddeus Petalas stood behind the desk and to the side, leaning over it and studying a book. A laugh from her right made her startle, and Jeanette saw the man called Jacob sitting on his haunches on the decking, scrubbing his hand through his fiery beard as he stared at her. He laughed again. “She’s a timid one.” Jacob raised his eyebrows at her, almost in a leer, and she tightened her hands in the fabric of her skirts as she forced herself to walk a few more steps into the room. Now what??A. Jeanette should start talking B. Jeanette should wait for the captain to ask her a question, or some other cue before speaking. C. Something else, write in
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Jul 10, 2019 06:22
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CourValant posted:Time to plant stakes (pun fully intended). Oh snap!
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Jul 10, 2019 17:23
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I said this on the Discord but I’m going to be camping next week and won’t have WIFI so the update won’t get posted until next-next week. On the plus side I should get the last edits done to my book and finally put that to bed. 
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Jul 13, 2019 18:42
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I'm going to interpret this vote as "speak, but with sass"
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Jul 25, 2019 19:28
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“She’s a timid one.” Jeanette paused, hands tightening into fists at her side, hidden in her skirts. Reading fortunes at parties was just a trick, really, one that involved reading the people around her. Her quick wit and sharp sense of humor had made her a favorite among the other young people of the island, and no one had ever called her timid before. One potential suitor had called her a ‘cold fish’ when she’d refused his inappropriate advances at a gathering, but she’d upended the punch bowl over his head and nearly drowned him. Ruined one of her best dresses with the backsplash, too. “Do not mistake caution for timidity, sir.” Jeanette turned her head to gaze coolly down on the red bearded pirate. “One might be forgiven a certain amount of trepidation when confronted by a man combing himself for lice, like a mangy dog.” The amused look on Jacob’s face faded slowly as he processed what she’d said, and he lurched to his feet, towering above her with a deep frown. She held her ground, lifting her chin to stare up at him, channeling all her years of privilege into a single, confident moment even as her heart thumped wildly inside her chest. The captain jumped up from his perch on the desk and walked toward them, his movements as graceful as a cat. “I am sure we can all be civilized.” He turned his aquiline eyes on Jacob, and an unspoken command was passed, making the big man step back to lean against the bulkhead. He still scowled as Jeanette turned her attention to the pirate captain. “My name is Erik Odinson, and you are on my ship, the Bloody Sunrise.” Erik’s eyes seemed to capture hers, and Jeanette looked away with effort, curtseying. “I thank you for my rescue, sir.” She remained in her curtsey for a moment, then straightened up. “My father, rather, I can pay you for my safe return to Saint-Domingue.” “I’m sure you can,” Erik said. Then he smiled widely. “However, we’ve only just left Saint-Domingue and won’t be back for some time. Will we, Thaddeus?” Mr. Petalas made a noise in the back of his throat. “No, I’m afraid not, Miss Vignes. But do not worry, we can arrange to drop you off at our next port.” “And where is that?” Jeanette felt warm, the captain was standing a little too close to her, and she focused past him on Thaddeus Petalas. “Jamaica. It will be a few nights sailing to reach it.” Thaddeus looked up from his maps. “Do not fear the crew, you will be quite safe while on board. I swear it.” “Yes,” growled Jacob from the side of the cabin, “Mr. Post has put you under his personal protection.” Jeanette looked sideways at the big man, and he smiled unpleasantly, his teeth white against his ruddy complexion. “Post?” She turned to the other two pirates, and Captain Odinson laughed, stepping back. “Thaddeus Petalas is a mouthful - we call him Post. It is easier for the crew.” “It’s because he has a stick up his arse,” supplied Jacob, grinning and relaxing again as Mr. Petalas sighed. Choices, choicesA. Insist on returning to Saint-Domingue (modern Haiti) B. Jamaica would be ok, your father has contacts there, though it has been years since you visited. C. Offer a third option - write in a destination and a reason why you want to go there Choose another POV character1. Thaddeus 2. Erik 3. Jacob edit: forgot banner image hollylolly fucked around with this message at 20:16 on Jul 25, 2019 |
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Jul 25, 2019 20:08
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Looks like B & 3 are the winners! I submitted my book to the publisher yesterday morning. ( http://bit.ly/faechild <-- my book ) No ETA on when the next step kicks off, but hopefully I'll find out soon.
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Jul 31, 2019 23:34
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Thank you, everyone! I'm very excited about it. “Jamaica will be fine.” Her father had contacts on the island, and she was sure she could leverage her position to get a berth on a ship home. It had been years since she last visited, but it was better than continuing to sail on a pirate ship. Jeanette couldn’t help looking from one man to the next, studying their body language. The captain was alert but relaxed, Thaddeus seemed indifferent, and Jacob was staring at her with an intensity that made her uncomfortable. When he caught her looking at him, the big man winked. She jerked her eyes back front, taking a deep breath. “If you don’t mind, it is … I do not know what time it is but surely it is nearly morning. I would like to return to my cabin.” “Of course.” Captain Odinson nodded, passing her and opening the door, revealing the black sailor who had brought her. “Samuel will see you back. And, Miss Vignes, for your safety, please don’t wander. Remaining in your quarters would be the best idea.” “The men don’t like having a female on board,” said Jacob, and she turned firmly away from him as she walked to the door. “Thank you for your hospitality, sir,” Jeanette said, bobbing a little curtsy as she met Odinson at the doorway. It seemed a ridiculous thing to say, but she couldn’t think of anything else. The captain only smiled, his dark eyes meeting hers, and then Samuel was showing her the way back to her little cabin. They passed a trio of Spanish prisoners from the Esmeralda, who were being led into the captain’s quarters. The men looked terrified, but they didn’t speak to her. Once she was safely returned to her cabin, Samuel hesitated in the doorway. Jeanette felt a thrill of fear as the man looked her up and down. “I think we may have something that will fit you, miss,” he said. “If you’d like fresh clothes. And I can have a meal brought if you’re hungry.” His African accent was somehow calming, reminding her of the servants back home. “Yes, I think some food will do me good, thank you. And -” Will Jeanette accept new clothes?A. Yes, it will at least give her a chance to try to clean her dress B. Yes, if it’s a dress, but no if its mens clothing C. No, the thought of stripping off her clothes on board this ship is unsettling, to say the least. “A woman has no place here,” growled Jacob, glaring at Erik as the other man crossed the cabin back to his desk. “Well, she’s here,” said Thaddeus mildly, still examining the map in front of him. “Don’t make a fuss.” “A fuss? A fuss?!” Jacob squared his shoulders, but was interrupted by the door opening again. Three prisoners, wounded from the recent battle, were pushed inside, and the doors closed tightly behind them. “Ah, finally.” “Dios mio, por favor, por favor, senor -!” One of the Spanish sailors began pleading, clutching an injured arm. “I guess turning their ship into splinters upset them,” grinned Jacob. He stalked up toward the three prisoners, noting the strong smell of blood already in the air. It was exhilarating. Thaddeus looked up from his boring work, finally, and his nostrils flared. “Don’t be rude. Be calm,” he commanded, and the prisoners quieted, standing still as the three pirates converged on them.
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Aug 2, 2019 17:15
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“Yes, I think some food will do me good, thank you. And a change of clothes, as well.” Jeanette looked around the small cabin. “Perhaps a bucket of water and some soap?” Samuel nodded, and closed the door. Again it was not locked, and a closer inspection revealed a crude deadbolt affixed to the inside, which Jeanette had to work at to get to slide into place. She sat tensely on the bed, hands folded in her lap. Her father had an associate in Kingston, a Mr. Mercier. Jeanette hadn’t visited Jamaica in years, but she vaguely remembered meeting the man. He’d seemed very jolly, and had given her sweets. Surely it would not be too difficult to find him, his office had been only a short walk from the docks and if all else failed, she could simply ask around. A knock at the door precluded Samuel handing in a neatly folded set of clothes, a bar of soap, and a bucket of water. He said nothing at all about the deadbolt which she had obviously had to pull to open the door, and bade her goodnight. Jeanette locked the door once more, feeling much more secure, and set to examining the clothing. A pair of roughspun brown pants, an off-white mens shirt, and a sash and vest which may have been green at one point. All were sun bleached and baggy, but very clean, and she would make do. Taking off her dress was difficult, as usually her maid assisted her, but Jeanette managed to undo the buttons on her own after some strenuous twisting about. The cabin had a bed, a chamber pot, and a small table which was bolted securely to the deck, and she draped her dress carefully over the table, cringing at the state of it. Most of the damage to the patterned silk seemed to be near the hem, but a close inspection revealed some reddish spots across the bodice which must have been blood. Jeanette set aside her corset and underthings and gave herself a quick wash with the water and soap before getting dressed again. She had to roll up the sleeves and the cuffs of the pants, and belted the ensemble with the sash. By the time she’d combed through her hair with her fingers and braided it, she was too tired to start cleaning her dress. As the sun rose over the Caribbean ocean it found her fast asleep on the bed, her petticoats covering her like a blanket.
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Aug 8, 2019 21:31
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A few hours previously… Captain Marco Fernandez, dazed from the blow to his temple, struggled to get to his knees on the deck as he saw some of his men taken prisoner by the pirates. The demon pirates who had assaulted his ship! He groaned and vomited, bile mixing with the blood already spattered across the deck. His own blood, most likely. He could feel the burning pain of the wounds the red bearded pirate had slashed into his chest. By the time Marco made it to his feet the dark sails of the pirate vessel were getting further away. It was still dark but the lanterns lit the deck of the Esmeralda well enough. He vaguely remembered something being said about the priest, and a flash of memory spurred him into action. Marco stumbled below decks, running into one of the two cabin boys. White-faced with fear, the ten year old clung to the captain’s arm. “What do we do?” he asked, just as the first cannonball smashed into the hull of the merchant vessel. “Abandon ship!” Marco took the boy and shoved him up onto the top deck as another explosion shook the Esmeralda. The captain fell into the passageway, and then staggered to his feet, making his way toward the brig as his ship was turned to splinters under the cannon fire of the pirates. Water was already filling the room as he entered, his personal key to the cell in hand. The inquisitor was screaming, arm extending outward from the barred door. “For the love of Christ, please, hurry!” Inquisitor Castillo’s face was pressed against the bars as Captain Fernandez sloshed toward the cell. The Esmeralda had taken so many hits it was a wonder the brig was even attached to it anymore - and perhaps it was not. Marco took a deep breath as the filthy, swirling water rose to shoulder height, and he ducked down to insert and turn the key. Unlocked, the door was instantly shoved open, Castillo clawing for freedom and kicking Marco in the face as he erupted from the cell. The captain splashed up out of the water, gasping for air, but had the presence of mind to reach forward and help the nun swim out of the tiny cell. She was pale and terrified, but silent as he pulled her to his side. Castillo was trying to make it to the door when the structural integrity of the room gave way completely and a huge wooden beam fell onto him, pinning the inquisitor to the wall. By chance his face was still above water, and he began cursing and pleading for help, his eyes rolling with fear. Marco Fernandez had been at sea long enough to know there was nothing he could do for the man. “Deep breath,” instructed Marco to the nun, and she looked at him and nodded, her cold hands tightening on his shoulder. The captain dove down into the dark water, pulling the nun along with him. A huge gaping hole in the hull served well enough as an exit, and, lungs burning, they finally broke the surface of the ocean. In front of them the Esmeralda slowly sunk below the waves, and the dark sails of their attacker were soon lost to the night. What to do now, Captain? A. Find some floating wood, set the nun on it for safety, and go look for survivors. B. Find some floating wood and cling to it along with the nun, waiting for rescue, or at least sunrise C. Something else: write in (thanks CourValant!) edit: Incidentally Captain Fernandez is the character who rolled a nat20 on my very scientific "will they survive?" dice roll. hollylolly fucked around with this message at 22:19 on Aug 8, 2019 |
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Aug 8, 2019 22:16
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For a moment they tread water, the calls of his men filling the air. The nun was tight lipped with fear as Captain Fernandez expended most of the effort to keep them afloat. Wreckage from his ship littered the waves around them, and he kicked toward a large piece. Upon reaching the section of shattered bulkhead, Marco pushed the nun onto it. “Sister, hold tightly and pray for our salvation.” He held onto the makeshift raft to catch his breath, shaking his head to clear his wet hair from his eyes. The nun, a handsome, middle-aged woman, only nodded in reply. Marco swam toward the nearest cries for help, the moonlight just bright enough to reveal the shapes in the water. Paco, one of the cabin boys, was clinging to a scrap of wood barely large enough to keep his head above water. The captain grabbed the plank and towed the eleven year old toward where he’d left the nun. The wreckage she was on was large enough to support them both. “Have you seen Miguel?” Marco had shoved the younger boy onto the deck, and hoped he had made it to safety. Paco only shook his head, and the nun put a hand on his shoulder. “We will pray,” she said, the first words Marco had heard her speak since she’d come aboard the day before. “Keep an eye on the sister,” Marco told Paco. “Keep her safe. I will keep looking.” Paco squared his shoulders, and the responsibility the captain had given him seemed to take his mind off of his lost friend. His expression was determined, and he nodded. “Gracias, Paco.” Marco nodded to the nun and pushed off again, swimming away into the wreckage. As the sun rose over the Caribbean it found the remnants of the crew of the Esmeralda clinging to life in the water. If God was with them, another ship would come near soon, or perhaps the currents would push them onto an island. If He was not … perhaps they were all damned. Author's note: only one cabin boy made it, and about ten of the crew in addition to the nun and Captain Fernandez. I don't have a specific thing to vote on right now. Jeanette's travel to Jamaica will take a few nights, and so if you have any ideas on how she should spend her nights/days please post some write in options! Also I created a wiki today: https://vampires-of-the-caribbean.fandom.com/wiki/Vampires_of_the_Caribbean_Wiki to help me keep track of all the characters. There may be spoiler information about the vampire characters in it, but there isn't a lot of information in the wiki yet.
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Aug 9, 2019 21:44
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Outrail posted:Asking a pirate about his business. Well, Jeanette does have a merchant for a father. Oh, I have an idea on something to vote on.  Jeanette's main interests of the last few years!1. She mainly busied herself with what her mother, Flores, wanted her to do - running the household (servants) and sewing, social niceties, parties, and things of that nature 2. Jeanette did what her mother wanted, to a point. She also spent what time she could with her merchant father, Lucien, utilizing her math skills to help him with the financials of his shipping business. Still, when Flores put her foot down on something Jeanette quickly acquiesced. 3. Jeanette learned as much as she could about her father's business and the bare minimum about running a household in Saint-Domingue. 4. To be honest, she learned as little as she could from either her mother or her father. Jeanette spent a lot of time with her friends, even as some of them married and started families of their own, and entertaining them with spooky stories. She learned how to read tarot cards and spoke to the servants about their tribal beliefs.
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Aug 10, 2019 01:04
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So to clarify - Jeanette already plays at reading people's fortunes. It's what she got busted for by the Inquisitor. If you vote 4 then she'll actually know how to read tarot cards and about fortune telling.
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Aug 10, 2019 01:12
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hollylolly posted:
For the results of this vote (2=3 votes, 3=2 votes, 4=4 votes) I'm going to combine a few options. Jeanette learning from her father is a clear winner. SO, Jeanette pays her mother minimal to no attention, and splits the rest of her time between learning her father's shipping business, spending time with her friends, and learning as much about reading the cards and other supernatural things as she can. (adds: read up on tarot cards to my to-do list) https://discord.gg/E2HPK9 - please feel free to join us on Discord to discuss this, and other CYOAs! Request the role "The SCARE-ibbean" to know when I've made an update. Our wiki! Feel free to play around in it! I am planning on adding more this morning. hollylolly fucked around with this message at 17:39 on Aug 16, 2019 |
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Aug 15, 2019 17:19
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OMGVBFLOL posted:I'm not sure what variation would be time- and location-appropriate, but there's a wealth of folk medicine and magic among afro-carribean culture. hoodoo/voodoo being the most famous. just tread carefully and do thorough research; incorporating stuff like that could easily get real hacky in a "The Magic Negro Trope" kind of way. but it could pay off in a neat way, given the setting, to blend european folklore (vampires, witches) with afrocarribean or indigenous folklore Oh yes, for sure. It's on my list of research topics. Also finding out what was going on in the French colonies here after the French Revolution has been interesting. It's an interesting time in the world!
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Aug 17, 2019 17:07
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 Jeanette woke to the sound of someone knocking gently at her door. The sun was slanting through the small porthole, low on the horizon as she shifted on the small bunk. As the knock came again, she pushed herself upright, her petticoats falling to the wooden floor as she balanced herself against the rocking ship with a hand on the bulkhead. Jeanette picked up her things, tossing them back onto the bunk as she made her way to the door. “Just a minute, s'il-vous-plaît.” She hesitated with her hand on the bolt, and then pulled it back with a bit of effort. Samuel stood there, the smile on his face growing as he took in her rumpled appearance. “We did not wish to disturb you, but if you would like breakfast?” Jeanette pulled the vest closed over the front of her shirt, and ran a hand down the length of her braid. She could faintly smell food, and blushed faintly as her stomach growled in response. “How long have I been asleep?” “Most of the day, miss.” Where does she want to eat? A. In her cabin, door locked B. In the galley, where she can observe the cook C. On the deck, for some fresh air D. Something else: write in This update was much delayed by me googling 18th century maps for most of the morning.
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Aug 17, 2019 20:13
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