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Character of the Season
Frail in body but dangerously quick of mind, Nikandr is the sort of character who proves that curiosity can be just as perilous as any weapon. A necromancer, inventor, and problem-solver with more ambition than self-preservation, Niki approaches the world like a puzzle box begging to be opened, even when what’s inside has teeth. Blunt, dry-witted, fiercely independent, and carrying a history best left partially buried, he has a knack for making even failure feel fascinating. Whether he’s raising the dead, moving across Caido to King's End, or experiencing a hangover for the first time, Nikandr brings a wonderfully strange spark to Caido, and we can’t wait to see what trouble his brilliant mind wanders into next.
Congratulations, Niki!
Credits
Court of the Fallen was created in October of 2018 by Odd, Honey, and Crooked.
OG Skinning provided by Kaons, with functionality and many custom plugins made by Neowulf!
09-01-2024, 03:49 AM (This post was last modified: 09-03-2024, 11:33 PM by Thalassa.)
A ship is safe in harbor,
Her mind drifted again as she looked across the crashing waves, her thoughts shifted as easily as the tides, refusing to be contained or tamed. Recent events made it difficult to focus on much lately, especially her role as Captain. The crew was suffering from her frequent absences, both physical and mental. Even her moods had dampened, the snark losing its bite. She could see the doubt in their eyes, and she couldn't afford to lose their confidence. That was dangerous in their line of work. It was time to call in reinforcements, to strengthen her ranks. It wasn't asking for 'help', it was just a strategic consideration.
Thal gripped the railing, rooting herself back in the moment and steeling her resolve before turning to the group gathered before her. The crew went about their usual tasks, steering the ship between the variation of small isles that threatened to ground The Marauder into their sandy banks. They were seasoned enough to do it without her intervention, but her trained eyes still scanned their progress for errors. Noting none, she finally turned her attention to the guests who had been willing to help 'interview' her candidates. Approaching the pair, she nodded her head. "Thanks again for coming. If you're ready, I think we can get started." Off to the side stood four capable looking sailors, ready to be tested and interrogated per her whim.
Your character has been recruited to assist with appointing a new First Mate for The Marauder!
Round 1: Post your character familiarizing themself with the ship/crew.
there's an angel on your story and a demon in your bed feels a bit surreal, feeling bad, don't feel it yet
Perhaps it’s to bolster a bit of help for a friend. Perhaps it’s to indulge in what truly intends to be a vacation. Perhaps it’s simply because he wants a reason to get out a bit and enjoy the sun in Torchline, even if the wind from the sailing ship dampened the heat that sinks into his bones. Regardless of the reasons, the butcher is here, surprisingly comfortable as the ship darts around the isles that otherwise would threaten to damage the Marauder’s hull.
“My dear Captain.” Astaroth drawls his greeting with a bright, shark-like grin, before settling in to listen for what their tasks would be. He’s prim and properly dressed as usual, a dark shirt to soak up as much heat as possible, matched with a dark satin waistcoat with streaks of orange and gold throughout. The sun filtering down casts his pronged horns into a variety of warm rainbow hues of fire obsidian like an oil spill as he nods his head to tell her he’s ready.
And just like that, the butcher clasps his hands behind his back, drifting over to ask a few questions to the four sailors and about the ship in particular, trying to familiarize himself with their goals even if the questions weren’t as straightforward as anyone else might.
Asta is HEEEERE and he’s familiarizing himself with the crew and their views of the ship!!
Astaroth
it's a roulette kinda deal, black and red is what you get
09-03-2024, 11:26 PM (This post was last modified: 09-04-2024, 08:35 AM by Catalina.)
Every fire burns brighter in the darkest night
Questionable gazes lingered on the freckled face woman, Catalina looking at the crew. Invited by Thal not long ago, even as it came to a surprise to the red-headed woman, she stayed quiet. Listening to the shipmates discuss amongst themselves of what was, what is, and what will be. Their stories new to the ears of someone who had been just now venturing the world, some of their tales darker than even the most deepest crevices of the ocean.
She wore a tattered, weathered cotton shirt with a worn-leathered brown waist cincher, a torn satin sunset stained waist tie that had covered majority of the cincher, and no coat.
"Captain." Her seafoam hued gaze lingered up towards Thal, hearing Thal beckon for her and another companion. Listening intently, as they had been given their duties as to what will come. A lop-sided grin tugged tickled at the corner of her lips. She would show respect to the woman whom walked with the independence she did.
With an affirming nod, Catalina had listened to the horned man ask questions of the ship. It made the most sense. Though, the fiery red-head was interested in what drove them and aspired the shipmates. It would had been redundant for her to ask the same questions as him, so she took a different approach.
Questioning them on the duties and experience they've had, not only with the ship, but within the crew. How did they function on a day to day basis, ensuring that everything that needed to happen, happened in not only a timely fashion, but a safely fashion.
Cat is here, and familiarizing herself with the crew's day to day functions and how well they function within the group, learning their dynamics as an individual, and within the ship.
09-04-2024, 12:28 AM (This post was last modified: 09-05-2024, 06:55 AM by Thalassa.)
A ship is safe in harbor,
She watched the pair peruse the ship, admiring the way Astaroth seemed totally unaffected by the twisting maneuvers of the schooner and Catalina appeared intent on extracting the most menial of information from the crew. It had been a pleasant surprise that the Ancient had been willing to join her for the grueling administrative task, but she wondered if he would ask something in return, the possibilities already shifting through her mind. And the redhead? Thal hadn't quite figured her out. Nobody was that disgustingly positive. Was she hiding something?
Astaroth's greeting was met with a mirrored fanged grin. The term was starting to grow on her after their shared experiences (meaning she didn't immediately flinch) and she found herself grateful for his input. Yet when she turned to Catalina, her expression turned cold, granting the woman a nod of acknowledgement before they all approached the candidates. Thal didn't bother to ask names, letting the others question the four sailors so she could observe their mannerisms.
The first candidate, an eager middle-aged man with a scruffy beard and exuberant hand motions, took the first show of attention as a cue to start rambling about himself. According to his choppy sailor speech, he grew up in the Draig, fighting dragons at the age of two, having to survive on his own by hiking up a snowy hill in every direction to gather three whole berries that were enough to tide him over until he escaped the mountain range. He then sailed around the entire world on a raft that he built himself, with nothing but a molten pineapple for company. Any questioning of his history's validity were immediately met with a 'scar of proof'. Although his words were scattered, he was surprisingly able to answer all questions regarding the ship's structure and machinations.
The second candidate was a tall stiff woman with short-cropped hair and a blank expression. Her outfit didn't fit the nautical setting, a heavy set of silver armor covering all except her head. Each answer was concise and devoid of emotion. The only history she was willing to provide was that her father had been a captain before she'd left to join the army, however, her knowledge of the ship and it's functions supported her claim.
The third candidate was a short, rotund man with an oily grin that matched his slick hair. His hands flipped a gold coin and he sneered at every question, throwing it back in their face. He especially enjoyed admiring Astaroth's fancy clothing. The man had come with high recommendations from a local guild, attesting to his 'motivations'. His knowledge of the ship was rudimentary, but his hungry gaze seemed to take everything in.
The fourth candidate, a lanky young man that somehow looked too tall and too small simultaneously, was like a phantom, pale with grey hair that wisped in the wind. He answered each question with soft whisper and an air of mystery, giving vague answers of growing up in Torchline and how he got his experience of ships. Somehow, his sailing knowledge was the best out of the four, able to answer the most obscure of questions.
Once the initial interviews had been completed, Thal summoned Astaroth and Catalina to follow her up to the quarter deck by the wheel. As the salty ocean spray pushed her hair over her horns and grabbed at her cloak to display the plethora of weapons hidden beneath, she leaned against the railing. "What do you think? Anyone you want to immediately eliminate?" The final word rang like a threat, but her face remained stoic, considering her assistants' opinions without giving away her intentions.
Round 2: Pick one candidate (1, 2, 3, or 4) to eliminate (you don't have to agree). No posting order!
The striking difference of gaze that she had received from Thal compared to Astaroth didn't seem to bother the red-head one bit. Let alone, she acted as though she hardly noticed. Though, it was duly noted. Thal was more reserved, and cynical than anything Cat had ever encountered before. Cat approached Thal and Astaroth, with a charming and bubbly personality, stood confidently alongside Astaroth and infront of Thal. Her emerald eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and concern as she spoke, her voice clear and cheerful but underscored with a serious edge.
“If I may chime in on our potential candidates,” Cat began, her smile unwavering despite the gravity of the situation. She adjusted the straps of her leather vest, her bright red hair cascading over her shoulders as she turned to face them fully.
“I’ve been mulling over our third candidate—the short man with the grin—and I must admit, I have some reservations about him,” Cat said, her tone still light but with a hint of firmness. She took a deep breath and continued, “While his charisma might be entertaining, his knowledge of the ship was elementary at best. In a high-stakes situation, a superficial understanding could lead to critical failures.”
She glanced over at Astaroth, her gaze steady. “His attitude also concerns me. The way he sneered at questions and focused more on admiring your fancy clothing rather than engaging with the practical aspects of the ship does not inspire confidence. A first mate needs to be someone who takes their duties seriously, not someone who’s easily distracted by superficial things.... I think most of us noticed his eyes wouldn't leave Astaroth...” Cat, while having never formulated rankings herself, had been keen on asking odd questions to gain a better feel of how someone would respond with troubling, menial questions that wouldn’t seem worthy to ask.
Turning back to Captain Thal, Cat continued, “Furthermore, his high recommendations from a guild seem to come with a caveat—his motivations. There’s something about the way he handles himself that suggests he might not be fully committed to the well-being of the ship or the crew. The crew and yourself need someone who will prioritize the ship’s safety and success over personal gain or entertainment. Not someone that you would have to watch over your shoulder every second of the day to ensure that they’re doing their best to support the endeavors of the crew, and well-being.”
Cat’s smile softened into a thoughtful expression as she concluded, “I believe that, while the third candidate might have his strengths, his overall demeanor and lack of depth in ship knowledge make him a riskier choice for the role of first mate. I believe the need is someone who is not only knowledgeable but also dependable and focused on the ship’s mission.”
She looked to Captain Thal and Astaroth, her bubbly personality still shining through but tempered with the seriousness of her concerns. “I’m happy to discuss this further or consider any other perspectives you might have, but I wanted to share my thoughts on why I’m hesitant about moving forward with him.”
Catalina has eliminated the third candidate. Due to several reasons
1. Elementary Knowledge of the ship
2. Poor attitude, seemingly more in it for himself rather than the duties that would fall upon his shoulders as first mate.
3. Even though he is recommended, the way he handles himself shows he might not be fully committed to the position, and has more of an inclination for personal gain over the ships safety.
there's an angel on your story and a demon in your bed feels a bit surreal, feeling bad, don't feel it yet
He nearly towers over Catalina, though all of his charming grace makes up for it as he dips his chin in a nod of greeting toward her before they get ready to ask the candidates a variety of questions. It’s a curious thing to witness for the butcher, lingering on what he could believe to be truthful and what seemed more like stretched out fiction. Some seemed to have expert knowledge of things related to the ship that even Astaroth wasn’t familiar enough with to know whether it was correct or not – but the confidence of which was enough to make him consider each one carefully.
Yes, including the one with the oil slick hair in an almost poor version of the slicked back look he himself sports. So he mulls it over, listening as Catalina begins to speak, his dark mahogany gaze lingering on the shorter redhead – finding her logic solid even if it was granted with a touch of her bubbly personality.
“I have to agree in regard to the third candidate.” He begins, straightening his posture a fraction, his spaded tail waving low and casual above the deck of the ship as his gaze lands on Thalassa again. “After all of those brilliant points made by our friend here, I want to also add that alongside his motivations, it leads me to think that he may not have your best interests in mind, either.”
Gesturing lightly, uncaring whether or not his criticisms are noticed, heard, or take offense, the butcher continues on with that saccharine smile. “The last thing the Marauder needs is a coup, mm?” Playfully said as he tilts his attention back toward the third candidate and the too sharp grin is on display again. “And for what it’s worth, darling, you can continue to admire my clothing so long as you do not touch.” The man had been eyeing it up, after all. And the look in his gaze matches Astaroth’s own in terms of hunger, and he wonders whether or not the shorter man would dare to try and lay a hand on any fiber of the finery he wears.
Astaroth also eliminates the third candidate!
Astaroth
it's a roulette kinda deal, black and red is what you get
It seemed that the two were in agreeance (even if it was in more words than she would have liked), and Thal couldn't really blame them. She got the impression that the man had more interest in the 'stealing' part of being a pirate than the fact that this was an application to be her first mate. Although she doubted a coup would be successful, she didn't want that kind of stress. Nodding her head, she stated flatly, "Then it's settled." Pushing off the railing, she gave them a sideways glance. "Think about how we're going to slim down the others." Then she left them on the quarter deck, making her way down the steps towards the group.
A wordless glance at one of the crew members was enough for them to begin shifting the plank into position. The four candidates stood next to it. Candidate one barely noticed it, distracted chatting with a nearby sailor about some goddess he'd managed to seduce. Candidate two glared at the wooden plank but didn't comment, standing firm at Thal's approach. Candidate three was obviously debating the risks of touching Astaroth's fine clothing. And candidate four hung apart from the others, seemingly unphased and unimpressed by anything occurring.
Thal didn't hesitate to grab the oily cretin by the collar, hauling his stunned figure to the newly created exit. "Wait! Wait! What are you doing?!" His limbs flailed, trying to keep her from pulling him to the edge, but she just laughed at the effort, kicking his legs out from under him. "If you can't figure this much out, then maybe your head will make a good floatation device."
His face went ashen, his face flapping open like a shore-bound fish. "But - but - I don't know how to swim!" The earlier confidence was nowhere to be found, replaced by an undesirable welp willing to resort to begging. Thal was more than a little grateful to see the slimeball gone. She perched him on the side of the plank, giving him the opportunity to stand and leave with dignity, even if she was completely unsurprised by his choice to cling to the wood like a lifeline.
There was no compassion in her expression as she knelt next to his shaking form. "One of the requirements for the position was that you be able to swim." And with that, she shoved the man off into the water with the bottom of her boot meeting his wide-eyed face. He screamed the entire way down, but Thal was already turned away, returning to Astaroth and Catalina before a splash could be heard. As if it was any other day, she asked, "What did you come up with?"
Round 3: Come up with a unique way to test the remaining three candidates and weed out the weak! No posting order.
there's an angel on your story and a demon in your bed feels a bit surreal, feeling bad, don't feel it yet
Satisfaction curls in his gut like a content feline to watch as Thal approaches the third candidate — his dark eyes gleaming with the threat still of just what his sharp teeth might do if he tried to get his paws on his elegant clothing. Completely unfettered by the show before them, he actually seems enamored, greedily watching the show as he tries to focus on what to ask the remaining candidates — though it’s a fraction of a challenge with how the man clings to the plank before he’s unceremoniously kicked off of it.
His tail swishes contently at the sight, grin bright and on display as he focuses his dark attention back on Thalassa upon her return, before he glances briefly at Catalina to take the lead on this one.
He starts off, lips curving a touch sharper and wider at the thought. “I would like to see how they handle difficult situations. Should the Marauder encounter difficult waters, ghost whale territory, and or other ships, what might each candidate choose to do?” He doesn’t know much about sailing or ships, so he leaves it up to Thalassa to make it make more sense. He’s simply trying to get an idea of whether or not the candidates would work well under pressure.
Astaroth wants to see how the candidates handle pressure via scenario!
Astaroth
it's a roulette kinda deal, black and red is what you get
Catalina's gaze remained unwavering as Thal’s actions unfolded before her. There was no hint of surprise or judgment on her face—she didn’t flinch, scowl, or even raise an eyebrow. Her expression was a calm mask of professionalism with an hint of her bubbly charm still there, as if the man whose presence had abruptly vanished was inconsequential. It was something most wouldn't had expected from Cat. The disappearance of the man they had all viewed with suspicion seemed to roll off her like water from a duck's back.
Instead, Catalina’s focus shifted with deliberate calm towards Astaroth. Her eyes met his with an intensity that spoke volumes. The moment was bubbling with unspoken agreement. Thal, having completed her task, now approached them with a question.
Catalina’s eyes remained fixed on Astaroth as she responded. “Considering I’ve been hearing reports of some... remarkably impressive feats from the candidates,” she said, her voice smooth and measured, “it’s time we test their mettle properly.”
Her agreement with Astaroth’s earlier sentiments was clear. This test needed to be more rigorous, something that would push the candidates beyond the superficial and truly reveal their capabilities. The questioning they had conducted so far was merely a warm-up; now, they needed a trial that would expose the essence of each candidate’s strength and resolve.
Catalina then turned her attention back to Thal, her gaze thoughtful as she considered the next step. “Perhaps we should also gauge their reactions to the very idea of such a test,” she suggested, her tone contemplative. “It would be interesting to see how they respond to the notion of facing a real challenge, as much as to the challenge itself.”
The suggestion hung in the air, the weight of its implications settling over the group. Catalina’s eyes were sharp as they assessed Thal’s reaction, ready to hear her thoughts on implementing such a strategy that Astaroth had taken the lead on.
Cat agrees with Astaroth. Let's test their mettle!
The idea of testing their instinct and overall resolve was a good one. Thal nodded her head in agreeance with Astaroth and Catalina, considering the options. She wasn't willing to risk the ship for a mere test that most of them probably wouldn't pass. Yet, the stakes had to be high enough to elicit a real response from the candidates. There was a fine line of danger and controlled chaos that she had to implement.
An idea came to mind and Thal didn't try to disguise the conniving grin that spread across her face. "I have just the thing." Waving her hand, she had the others follow her back down to the three 'sailors.' She didn't have to say a word to grab their attention, her previous actions having done that enough to keep their eyes glued to her.
Thal paced before them, scrutinizing their figures before she finally spoke. Her voice was soft but deathly serious. "The cook has been lying to me, telling me he doesn't have a secret map stashed in a box he keeps in the pantry. I want that map. Get it for me." What she didn't say was that the cook was an Attuned with a ursur shift, always diligent, and always carrying the key to his valuable pantry. She'd let them figure that out. Meanwhile, she'd be able to test their intelligence, fighting capabilities, and willingness to follow orders despite intimidating tasks. It may also help them gain the respect of the other crewmates.
Obviously finished with them, they glanced at each other before approaching the door that would bring them to the quarters and mess hall. The first candidate made his way inside with totally ignorant confidence. He sauntered up as if the position was already hit, rambling on about some impossible treasure hunt he'd completed on his own. The woman (candidate three) followed next, her armor clinking loudly like a dinner bell. Last came candidate four as a ghostly apparition.
Content to wait, Thal sat on a barrel, flicking her igneous dagger in the air, the red glinting in the sunlight. The next hour passed in a strange mixture of cries and thumps from inside. The occasional roar shook the wood of the ship, but the captain didn't move from her place, patiently waiting for their return. A few of the sailors observing began making bets, wondering who would make it out alive.
When the door finally opened, it was the cook who stepped out, his dense body stomping onto the deck. "Cap'n! These scallywags were try'nna get inna my pantry! Were'n they told that dinner is'n till sundown?!" He dragged a body behind him, the face barely recognizable as the first candidate. A few snickers were heard as he dropped the man face down. She couldn't tell if he was breathing, but she didn't care, nodding her head for one of the crew to throw him over. While they did that, the other two candidates made their way out. Each looked a little worse for wear, the woman's armor offset and covered in grime while the man actually had some color in his cheeks, a bruise on his forehead and a twinkle in his eyes.
Ignoring the complaints of the cook, Thal asked the candidates, "What are your names?" Unsurprisingly, the woman stepped forward first, "Brianne." Although she looked shaken, she remained composed, standing at attention before them. The crew looked on with respect for her bravery. Then she looked to the man, waiting for him to speak up. "Spook." His voice was whisper soft, but the crew didn't laugh, regarding him warily.
Thal looked at the two of them closer, curious about if they'd succeeded in their task. If the cook was out here, she doubted it, but she asked regardless, "So? Do you have it?" Surprisiingly, both appeared to have something to show for their efforts. Brianne nodded, stepping forward confidently to present a small ornamental box. However, Spook also drifted forward, his hands full of what had once been the box's contents. Not a map, but a bag of artesian chocolates. Thal nodded and took the bag, popping one in her mouth before she turned to the Astaroth and Catalina. "What do you think?"
Round 4: Final round! Pick between the final two candidates however you deem appropriate. No posting order.
there's an angel on your story and a demon in your bed feels a bit surreal, feeling bad, don't feel it yet
An undercurrent of excitement streams through Astaroth’s shoulders and spine, only evidenced with the way the spaded tip of his tail flicks back and forth like an interested cat’s might, standing with his arms clasped in front of him as he watches Thalassa begin to direct the remaining candidates. The dark of his gaze glitters with the prospect, and he watches as each of the candidates begin to drift off, and while they wait and Thalassa sits on a barrel, the butcher finds one for himself that’s settled in some direct sunlight, content to bask and soak up the warmth of Torchline in Longheat.
The wind ruffles his hair at some point, though, that and the way his head tilts slightly to listen as the thumps and cries occur from within, twisting the corners of his lips up in a small half smirk. Threading his fingers through his hair to comb it back, the butcher straightens out his clothes as soon as the door opens, returning to his full prim posture once more.
As the cook steps out, dragging a body behind him and the other two candidates remain on their feet, the butcher takes in the show with a vibrant grin of his sharpened teeth, slotted together not unlike a shark’s. He looks between the two remaining candidates as Thalassa asks for their names and sees if they’ve retrieved what she’d sent them in for, and he keeps that grin on full display (if not perhaps a touch eagerly) when Thal turns her question onto them.
There’s something about the both of them that makes it immensely difficult to choose – but Astaroth has always been a fan of the idea of being a wolf in sheeps clothing, per say. He did a fine job of it himself, anyway. So as he peers between the two of them and his dark gaze flits back to the other Ancient, the black of his eyes are made honey gold in the stream of sunlight he continues to bask in. “I will admit, it is a difficult choice.” He starts to say, his rich accent pouring over every word, but he glances back toward the two candidates when he finally names his decision. “I prefer Spook.” A healthy dose of intimidation and wariness amongst being completely capable to do what was required? That was practically Astaroth’s brand of person.
Astaroth picks Spook :D
Astaroth
it's a roulette kinda deal, black and red is what you get
Catalina stood against the wooden railing, her seafoam eyes alight with curiosity as she surveyed the scene unfolding in the ship’s kitchen below. The clamor of clashing metal and the crescendo of shouting were nearly musical to her ears, punctuated by the occasional thud that spoke volumes about the contenders' efforts. She had seen the gears turning inside Thalassa’s mind and recognized that the Captain had devised a clever test to reveal the true mettle of each candidate.
As the cook emerged, hauling out the older gentleman in a state of disarray, Catalina’s eyes widened with intrigue rather than distaste. The chaos had not deterred her; if anything, it had sharpened her focus. The older gentleman’s departure was a clear sign of his missteps, and Catalina remained undeterred, her gaze flicking back to the remaining contenders.
The contenders had entered the kitchen in their own distinct ways—one with a clumsy thud, another brimming with brash confidence, and the last one slipping in almost silently. Each approach painted a picture of their personalities and strategies. The noise and disorder seemed to heighten Catalina’s interest rather than cloud her judgment.
When Thalassa called for their opinions on who should be chosen, Catalina leaned slightly forward, her fingers resting thoughtfully on her chin. She had already formed her own conclusions. The quieter contender, Spook, had piqued her interest from the beginning. His movements were deliberate, and he displayed a thoughtful approach that suggested reliability and depth of knowledge. In contrast, the woman in clunky armor, despite her enthusiasm, did not seem as suited for the role.
Astaroth’s voice cut through her thoughts as he began to speak. Catalina listened intently, nodding in agreement as Astaroth echoed her own sentiments. With a subtle gesture, she allowed her eyes to settle once more on Spook.
“I have to say,” Catalina began, her tone soft but resolute, “I agree with Astaroth on this one, Cap'n.”
She appreciated the more concise responses this time around, giving them an assessing look before nodding her head in agreement. It would be nice to have another woman on board, but the only skills she'd proven were the ability to follow orders and fend off an angry cook. Spook on the other hand, had done all of that with a matter of ease, while sustaining an air of mystery. The way the crew seemed to give him space was perfect. They needed to have a healthy level of caution for their new first mate.
Thal turned back to the candidates, placing another piece of chocolate in her mouth. The cook narrowed his eyes in annoyance. He'd been trying to keep her from the sweets, pretending they didn't exist, but nothing made it onto this ship that she didn't know about. And nobody kept her from anything chocolate. It made her like the new first mate even more.
Giving them a viciously satisfied smile, she crooked a finger at the pale man. He didn't hesitate before stepping forward, seemingly unaffected by the events of the day. Thal pulled a compass from her pocket and placed it in his hand. "Congratulations. You've got the job." As he took the navigation device, she stepped in close, her breath hot against his ear. "You ever disobey me or betray me, and I will make sure your death is slow and painful." To his credit, he didn't flinch, even if his spine straightened a little more as he gave her a short nod.
Satisfied, she stepped back, her smiled back on her face. "Let's congratulate the newest addition to our ranks!" The crew erupted in cheers for the night ahead, cracking open the alcohol despite the sun being bright in the sky. Thal released Spook to receive the stiff congratulations from his new shipmates. He gave them minimal expressions of gratitude, his cold personality giving them pause while confirming her decision. She'd join them later, being sure to show them how it's really done, but she couldn't forget her guests.
Reaching out to shake each hand in turn, she said to Astaroth and Catalina, "Thank you both for your assistance. In return, I'll drop you off at any location you request, after, of course, you enjoy the festivities." Her smile was mischievous as she stepped away to handle the last failed contestant, leaving them to let loose for the rest of their voyage.
Good job everyone. With the help of Astaroth and Catalina, Thalassa has appointed her new first mate, Spook! Thank you for your help!
