The Free Life

[Randomly Gone Insane]

STOP RIGHT THERE

I see you there, looking at MY role play.
That's right. I made this up. This is my own story.
THIS IS MY ROLE PLAY.
This means that you back the heck off and leave this role play alone.
No recreating, no copying, no nothing without saying something to me and getting my thumbs up.
Get your own material.

PRIVATE ROLE PLAY
The only allowed players are myself, Randomly Gone Insane, and Zahzi.

 

[Randomly Gone Insane]

Pillage. Plunder. Rape. Murder. Repeat. That's what a pirate does.

According to Hollywood anyway. Which is a BIG, FAT, STUPID, MONEY MAKING LIE.

What? You mean Hollywood lied to me?! Blasphemy! Pirates are fun, treasure hunters and adventure lovers!

No. No. Pirates were nothing mot but a bunch of cut throat assholes who took whatever they wanted without a single ******** care in the world.

No! They were fun lovers!

Cut throats!

ADVENTURE!!

SHUT THE ******** UP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS PUNTED LIKE A SMALL, ANNOYING, YAPPING DOG WHO GOES BY THE NAME OF SHELBY AND WON'T SHUT THE ******** UP!

Good. Now that I have the attention of you guys again, I want to tell you something.
Don't give into Hollywood's bullshit.
Yes the fun loving and cut throat attitude is fun and all, but not entirely accurate. After doing my homework, I found pirates to be actually smarter (in some cases) than portrayed in the movies. And while I go could go into major details about what I've learned, I feel it's unnecessary. I will explain what I found in the most basic way I can, but if you're curious or in absolute ignorant disbelief, then go do your homework and find me a solid argument against what I'm about to say.  

[Randomly Gone Insane]

The Truth and Lies About Pirates

If you notice an error, or want to contribute to this post, send me a private message!

Hollywood Stereotype: Pirates are cut throats. They take no prisoners and will always opt to fight to the death.
Truth: Pirates always gave people the chance to surrender (and if they wanted, join the crew). If at all possible, fights were avoided to prevent injuries, causalities, and damage to equipment/ships. Shying from the "taking no prisoners" image also prevented people from attempting to rebel, thus causing trouble.

Hollywood Stereotype: Pirates are always after gold. It's all they care about. And, like the greedy awesome people they are, they'd bury their treasure!
Truth: Gold was fickle. What could be worth a lot in Briton could be almost worthless in other counties. What held more value to seamen was food and medical supplies. And seeing how most of the "treasure" is consumables, the idea of burying them away was completely idiotic. Unfortunately, pirates weren't also very smart on what is valuable and what's not, like gems. Such items could easily get them cheated, because they didn't know the true value of an item, so while riches were needed for survival, they were not seen as the prime target.

Hollywood Stereotype: Captains EARN their way to the top. They take it and keep it.
Truth: There was actually a bit of democracy on a pirate ship. Men would choose who they would want to be Captain and Quartermaster (ship navigator and leading man in maintenance). Those two in turn would appoint officers. To keep one's job as Captain or Quartermaster, they had to do it well otherwise they would replaced.

Hollywood Stereotype: It's all about one for all/all for one.
Truth: Loot was divided accordingly and evenly among men. No one is going to work without pay, and so pay had to be decent. Depending on one's job/rank, more or less gold may be given to them. On some ships, extra gold would be given to an individual if they were injured in battle to help pay medical costs. After all, a good man is worth his weight in gold, so coughing up a few extra coins was well worth saving a good man's life.

Hollywood Stereotype: The Jolly Rodger is the flag of the pirates! If you don't fly it, you're not a real pirate!
Truth: The Jolly Rodger has a very long history, as far back as disbanded knight Templars of the early Crusades who left the Holy Land and took to the sea. But, looking in the Jolly Rodger's affairs with pirates, the infamous skull and cross bones was only flown for certain reasons. All flags hold a meaning, either meaning a phrase or showing for whom you serve (like Briton or Spain). Jolly Rodgers usually meant that you had a chance to surrender. However, if you refused, the Rodger would be replaced with a red flag, symbolizing death for all who fight back.
Also, the Jolly Rodger isn't always just a skull and crossed bones. As long as it some sort of skeletal theme, it was considered a Jolly Rodger.  

[Randomly Gone Insane]

18th Century World Map

The world itself is old, but the people and countries are still considerably young. New lands are being discovered and conquered in the name of royalty and politics.

The distances between lands are vast, and journeys are long, hard, and deadly. But the thrill of adventure and playing a part in something greater than oneself makes it worth it. Plus, getting a bit of gold never hurts either.


The year is 1780. The American Revolution is in the works, stirring up war and chaos on the new land's soil, and in the waters between the America and Britain. Men fight on both sides, women work hard to keep those men alive and well, and pirates are being hired by both parties to make it harder for the other (although they prefer the title privateer).

The pay is good, both in gold and in the love of being out on the open sea, doing the things a true seamen loves.
So what do you say? Will you come aboard the ship, and set sail across the seas?  

[Randomly Gone Insane]

The Rules of the Role Play

I hold the power to remove or add rules when necessary.
I hold the power to enforce the rules and-or ban players when rules are disobeyed/ignored.

(1. The GaiaOnline Terms of Service are always in effect, and will be enforced here. Keep them in mind in this role play, and in everything you do.


(2. As part of GaiaOnline's ToS, sexual things are to be toned down to a non-pornographic level. Perverse behavior is fine, perverse activities need to be careful, and the beast with two backs needs to be made outside of role play posts.


(3. Please following the role play's writing standards.
XXXXX-Third person in past tense. (Jim walked across the beach.)

XXXXX-Posts need to contain at least one paragraph (five sentences together in a bunch, not spaced out).
XXXXXXXXXX-If you wish to write beyond a paragraph, feel free to do so. Also, do not be intimidated by larger posts. Some players are long winded, while others are not. As long as you meet the minimum, you may post as long or as short as you want.

XXXXX-Use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. We should be old enough to understand and know the differences between there/their/they're and to/too/two.


(4. The only people allowed to post here are Randomly Gone Insane and Zahzi. As a private role play, we have the right to keep others out.  

[Randomly Gone Insane]

The Crew of Neptune's Cannon

Username: Randomly Gone Insane
Character Name: Julie "Julian" Clinton
Gender: Woman
Age: 20
Appearance: Julie/Julian
Equipment: Sabre and Flintlock Pistol.
Attire: Torso - White Tunic, Brown Leather Coat, Black Vest; Legs - Black Pants, Dark Brown Leather Boots; Head - occasionally a Blue Bandanna
History: Julie's life started in the sea, as she was born upon a ship sailing to the newfoundland. Her parents, like many others, were seeking a new and better life, and sought that life in the land of new opportunities. Her father worked as a blacksmith, earning a small but steady pay, while her mother worked with sewing, handling small tasks as to not occupy too much time away from the young child. When she grew older, she began to sew along with her mother, earning the family a bit more money.
When she turned twelve, her parents were arrested by British soldiers for the crime of treason. Despite knowing nothing, she too had been thrown in jail as well. Wanting to spare Julie's life, her parents confessed to their crimes in exchange for their daughter's freedom. The government complied, and left Julie out to the streets while her parents were publicly hung.
Still young and shy from hitting puberty, Julie started working in the pubs located near docks. While serving out food and drinks to pirates and sailors alike, Julie's interest in sailing began to grow. After a year of being a young bar maid, she started volunteering for work on the open sea. Because of her young age she had been mistaken for a boy often. After correcting potential employers a few times, she quickly learned that employers weren't interested in having girls aboard, so she began posing as a boy.
At age sixteen, she was recruited onto Neptune's Cannon by the aging Captain. She did her best to hide her true gender, but her secret was soon revealed accidentally to the Captain. Admiring her determination to work, and the skills she had earned by working, the Captain decided to keep her secret as it was her's to tell alone. Shortly after, the Captain appointed Julie as an Officer and had her work under him very often, thus teaching her how to lead and be strong for others when they couldn't be themselves for the next four years. Julie started to have a father-daughter/son relationship with the Captain after the time they spent together, and after the Captain passed away due to severe battle injuries she was the most saddened by his death.
With the old Captain gone, the crew needed a new leader. While there was plenty who wanted to be appointed Captain, Julie herself didn't. However, the crew felt differently. They knew the Captain had been personally working with Julie so she could take this role. Not wanting to disappoint the Crew, nor the old Captain's wishes, Julie accepted the crew's vote to make her the new leader.
Miscellaneous: Though she has been aboard Neptune's Cannon for four years (and going), Julie still feels uncomfortable about revealing her true gender to the crew. It's not a matter of her not trusting the crew, as she does trust them with her own life. She just sees no point or need in telling everyone her name is Julie, not Julian. It would literally take the threat of her crew's life for her to tell the truth.
Julie (known as Julian by everyone she comes across) is the current Captain of Neptune's Cannon. And she's not planning on stepping down anytime soon.
Theme Song(s): Dirty Little Secret

Username: Zahzi.
Character Name: Chekondai.
Gender: Male.
Age: 28.
Appearance: Chekondai.
Equipment: Two Hatchets, one Throwing Spear, a Bow, and the knowledge of making arrows and 'flame-water'.
Attire: While his lower body is covered in leather, (Pants and moccasins), his upper body is draped in an open fur coat, covered in the bones of several animals. Some parts human.
History: An American Indian hailing from the Pensacola Tribe, Chekondai is one of their fiercest warriors, taking down a bear on his own when barely old enough to hold a weapon. Chekondai, like many in his tribe, makes sure no one finds their lands. This is carried out by making sure any who trespass never make it out alive.
Miscellaneous: As most Indians, he has a knack in survivability. This means going for weeks without food and still fight like anyone else. He also has a way with animals, seeing as he spent most of his life near them to begin with.
Theme Song(s): Same Direction

Username: Randomly Gone Insane
Character Name: Arthur Kirkland
Gender: Man
Age: 30
Appearance: Arthur
Equipment: Pistol Sword
Attire: {See Appearance}
History: Once, Arthur was a respectful and strong ship captain for the royal British navy. In 1770, while out on an exploration mission, Arthur's ship came across a rough storm while out in sea. While trying to search for land to anchor by, the ship's hull was ripped apart by rocks and rough waters, and the ship sank, leaving the men aboard to drift in the waters. Those who didn't drown in the unforgiving waters washed up ashore, like Arthur. His once large and strong crew was thinned down to a small and weak number. After days, perhaps even weeks, of being stranded, Arthur and his men were picked up by Neptune's Cannon. Having to choose between life or death, Arthur sided with the pirates, in hopes or surviving and getting the chance to return home, while his men chose death rather than betrayal to the British empire.
Miscellaneous: Although he serves on Neptune's Cannon, Arthur still has a bit of pirate hatred because of his loyalty to the British navy. He would never sacrifice or turn against the crew, but he doesn't have to like them.

Arthur is rather sour towards Captain Julian. When the previous Captain had passed, he expected to get the position. With his history and longer service, it only seemed logical. But when logic failed, he became bitter. For now, he's settled as the Quartermaster of the ship, but Arthur is still waiting to become captain.
Theme Song(s): Just Like You

Username: Zahzi.
Character Name: Antoine Pierre.
Gender: Man.
Age: 48.
Appearance: [X]
Equipment: Anything a Chef would need.
Attire: Refer to Picture.
History: Antoine was a good friend of the previous captain, ever since childhood, the two were seen as brothers, even though the Captain was British, and Antoine was French. Nevertheless, the two could not be closer.
When the Captain started his crew, Antoine was right there to offer his skills as a Chef. Which, when you can actually feed people correctly, you'd be surprised how many would join.
Miscellaneous: Being one of the oldest members of the Crew, he knows almost all there is to know about the others, including a certain new Captain's secret.
Fortunately, while the previous Captain acted like a father for Julie, Antoine acted, and still does, as her uncle.
Theme Song(s): N/A  

[Randomly Gone Insane]

The Crew of Highwind

Username: Randomly Gone Insane
Character Name: Solaris
Gender: Woman
Age: Unknown
Appearance: Solaris
Equipment: A pistol and a mysterious blue whip
Attire: {Refer to Appearance}
History: A woman of secrets, many which she keeps closely guarded and to herself, little is known of Solaris' past before her pirating days. All she will reveal is that she grew up somewhere in England, but left as a teen to pursue her current life. Anything beyond that are nothing but unconfirmed rumors and superstition among the others.
Miscellaneous: No one knows why Solaris wears her mask or gloves. These are yet only more secrets which she keeps to herself. Rumors say she's hiding her true identity from someone and wants to remain anonymous with the mask. Others say that she's hideous and wants to hide her shame. The only confirmed thing about her mask and gloves is that they are never to be taken off nor handled by another, unless they want a swift beating or death.
Theme Song(s):  

[Randomly Gone Insane]

Between two warring countries busy in the chaos of revolution laid one vast, open sea. Travel was long and hard, and not for the weak of heart or balance and stomach. Currents and winds were strong, but they were also fickle and could leave ships stranded for days, putting schedule and supplies in a tight pinch.
But, despite all the troubles and dangers, people still went and made livelihoods on the big blue sea.

"Fifteen men on the dead man's chest...Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum! Drink and the devil had done for the rest...Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!" One voice sang quietly to themself aboard one ship with the name, Neptune's Cannon, carved into the back.

"Sixteen chests on a dead man's rum...Yo-ho-ho, in the bottle of the chest! Drink to the devils and done for the rum...Hoooooooooo!" The Captain continued, only breaking the lyrics to hum to themself as they went across the deck to a small trap door. They opened the door and went down, continuing the song and humming as they went to the very bottom and to the hull of the ship, where the kitchens were.

"Good morning, Antoine~" They sang, purposely putting on a bad fake French accent at the name.  

[Zahzi]

"Hmm...?" Antoine looked over, raising an eyebrow towards the door, expecting it to be another crew member trying to sneak food.

When he saw it was the Captain, his expression changed to a smile.
"Ahh, good morning to you as well, Julie." he said with a chuckle.

"And what brings you down here..?"  

[Randomly Gone Insane]

Though Julie had smiled at the chef when she walked into the kitchen, it quickly faded and turned into a glare after the Frenchman had used her female name.

"You know I don't like that name being used." She growled lowly at him as she closed the door for privacy.
"Last thing we need is someone finding out.." She grunted quietly, her normally low and manly voice taking on a more feminine tone, her actual tone of voice.  

[Zahzi]

Antoine rolled his eyes, listening to his Captain.
"Is there anyone here? No?" he asked, going back to his cooking.

"Besides, it's not like a lot of people here wouldn't follow you into hell already." he chuckled.  

[Randomly Gone Insane]

Julie began to speak, but her voice was gargled ad rough. She cleared her throat before attempting speech again, "They followed Roland, not I." The young captain rubbed at her throat, unfamiliar to her own natural voice.

"I was only chosen because Roland favored me." Julie continued to argue as she moved towards the Frenchmen, lowering her volume the closer she got to him to prevent risk of exposure. "If they find out I've been lying about who I am this whole time, I'm likely to be thrown overboard and replaced by Arthur."  

[Zahzi]

Antoine slowly looked over to her, raising an eyebrow.
"DO keep in mind he tends to be as popular as Scurvy..." he told her, before he looked back to his cooking.

He took a wooden spoon and dipped it into the concoction, then lifted it out, and put it near the captain's face.
"Taste."  

[Randomly Gone Insane]

"He may be unpopular in terms of his attitude, but he's also a former captain. He has the experience that I lack." Julie added to her argument of doubt.

"I have only years of being tutored by Roland in his final years to back me up. He actually has stories, tales, victories. I can't compet--" She was suddenly interrupted, the chef holding a spoon near her face. Julie glared at Antoine, "You're not even listening to me are you?"  

[Zahzi]

"You were tutored by the one who BEAT Arthur. Your lessons surpass his experience in the eyes of everyone else because of this." Antoine told her, the spoon still in her face.

"Don't let it go cold now..."