Perhaps the closest equivalent of Caido’s golden retriever energy, Zavien has been the light in an otherwise patch of darkness. Always putting others first, working hard at being a Dragoon and helping Stormbreak thrive in kindness, and always being optimistic, Zavien’s outlook is refreshing and wonderful even with drama and terrible things occurring around him. He always has something helpful to say and a willingness to lend a hand that makes it so fun to keep up with him and we can’t wait to see what else comes his way.
Congratulations, Zavien!
Credits
Court of the Fallen was created in October of 2018 by Odd, Honey, and Crooked.
Skinning and hosting by the epically talented Kaons, and functionality fanciness by the coding magic of Neowulf. If you ever see either of them around, make sure to show them some love!
09-01-2024, 10:49 AM (This post was last modified: 09-04-2024, 06:33 AM 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.
Skip a levelling requirement (100x the requirement level. Skipping a requirement at level 2 costs 200, at level 10 costs 1000)
Skipping a req for level 4
Skip a levelling requirement (100x the requirement level. Skipping a requirement at level 2 costs 200, at level 10 costs 1000)
Skipping a req for level 4
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
5 merit points have been granted for participating in an Open Thread.
09-04-2024, 06:26 AM (This post was last modified: 09-04-2024, 03:35 PM 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.
Let me be your guiding light
Catalina
5 merit points have been granted for participating in an Open Thread.
09-04-2024, 07:28 AM (This post was last modified: 09-05-2024, 01:55 PM 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!
Thalassa
but that's not what ships are built for.
5 merit points have been granted for participating in an Open Thread. 5 merit points have been granted for hosting an Open Thread.
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.
Skip a levelling requirement (100x the requirement level. Skipping a requirement at level 2 costs 200, at level 10 costs 1000)
Skipping a req for level 4
Skip a levelling requirement (100x the requirement level. Skipping a requirement at level 2 costs 200, at level 10 costs 1000)
Skipping a req for level 4
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.
