Newbie
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: The High Seas Ceasar. The Human Tsunami. And many other, less flattering names.
|
Post by Darren the Black on Jul 28, 2017 12:56:31 GMT -8
This officially begins the recorded history of the men and women of the Wretched Mile. What do you even say of place where the underbelly of Tyran is able to thrive? Do you write on it in admiration or disgust? To write on the former would be to inspire others to filth and violence. To describe it in the latter would be to dismiss the real progress made at carving out a slice of life--if you could call it that. Its true nature lies somewhere in between. Not a place to aspire to and not one to scoff at.
How was such a blighted destination even formed, you ask? Though none of the Mile would ever admit anything close, this author knows the true purpose of its creation was an act born of desperation. The times of barons and ambiguity in law had come to a close more than three decades ago. As the lords of the realm began to form allegiances and worked in concert to crush the guilds of assassins and thieves, free spirited men and women found it increasingly difficult to survive in their lifestyle of pillage and plunder. The fellowship of lords eventually turned into national sovereignty with the formation of the official Tyran Army, forcing the hands of vagabonds and degenerates to do what they believed was unthinkable--join each other in the shared venture of survival.
There were originally seven holds, vestiges of the devilish minds of the rogues that built them, that formed the Scourge Federation. Not a name they had given themselves, for they didnt really care what you called them. Instead, it was moniker awarded by the kings that had tried to stamp them all out once and for all. For a time, no king was able to make ground against them. You would be surprised how determined this lot is when threatened. And as history records, nothing is more powerful then the will of a free people. Whenever a king's army marched on their door, their own self interests became weaponized and focused.
Eventually though, the lords of the realm had grown sufficiently weary of the Scourge Federation. Blockade after blockade after constant assault and advance saw the end of the Scourge--Save for one final remaining thorn: The Wretched Mile. The sole remaining heir to the Federation, the Wretched Mile is the last holdout for the degenerates of Tyran.
|
|
Newbie
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: The High Seas Ceasar. The Human Tsunami. And many other, less flattering names.
|
Post by Darren the Black on Jul 28, 2017 13:39:51 GMT -8
Officially listed as "obstruction" (square 69) on most naval navigation charts, the refuse of Tyran know it as the Wretched Mile. Somewhere underneath the buildup is an actual island, originally serving as a naval station turned smuggler's den turned haven port for the bastards of Tyran. Most of the old naval access ports on the island are clogged by shipwreck and inaccessible. There currently is only one navigable port of entry that wont result in a capsize or a sink, assuming the Mile doesnt just sink you anyway. The Mile itself is a complicated towering honeycomb of crisscrossing shops, bars, fencers, brothels, and anything the underbelly of Tyran would need to stay entertained and underway. The buildings are all stacked at odd angles and defy architectural reason. Any engineer's nightmare. There also is no theme--no grandiose castle surrounded by walls or sky-scrapping sculpture work. The entire complex appears to have been crafted from the salvage of the surrounding shipwrecks and the people that reside here move like ants through a maze. One truly could disappear in the labyrinth of the Mile. Where the other 'Scourge cities' had fallen, the Mile's longevity was in no small part due to its location. While the armies had well established marching lines they had utilized to rout the others, the same technique posed no threat to the Mile. Navies were a bit of a different story, but the Mile was not without teeth. Fitted with the coastal defenses from its days a naval station, it also houses heaps of improvised weapons hidden among the floating wreckage and is filled to the brim with cutthroats that know how to defend what is (wrongfully) theirs. Constantly being surrounded by vessels that called the Mile home also didnt hurt. Had Tyran tried to snuff them out? Oh sure, more than once. Had even thrown a wizard or two at them. Tried hiring assassins. Had given the old "man on the inside" a go. The Wretched Mile held her ground through it all, repelling them at every turn with its its raw grit and tenacity. Tyran proper eventually viewed the taking of the sea city as Pyrrhic, and backed off--much to the dismay of the Nobels that wished this ilk fully exterminated. Without the formal Navy leading the charge though, individual kingdoms began to accept that the Mile was here to stay. If you plan on travelling to the Mile, which the author strongly recommends against, there are some things you should know: 1. The Wretched Mile is a loose connection of seafaring mongrels overseen by a Governess. There is no authority there but her own. 2. There are no real laws there. Only the accepted truth that everything is up for grabs, including your life (with the exception below). 3. Killing is not tolerated unless it is sanctioned by the Governess. Kill without her blessing, you will be dealt with in kind. 4. You port, dock, live, and operate in the Mile at the Governess' whimsy. Remember that. 5. All, let me emphasize that once more, ALL manner of behavior is tolerated. Even unwarranted sexual advances and groping is permitted within the Mile--save for rape. If you have not already heard the tale of what the Governess did to the last person that committed this most heinous act, believe me, it is a burden of knowledge you are blessed to be spared from. You have been warned. View inside the Mile:  |
|
Newbie
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: "The Governess"
Race: Human
Gender: Female
|
Post by Belle de la Muerte on Jul 29, 2017 9:50:04 GMT -8
It was a heinous act that ended two lives, one story, and a feast.
Few remain who were present the night the Mile changed completely. The tale is a favorite in the Mile. Shared many times by many men and embellished (as sailors tend to do) more with each retelling until it has become the ultimate Fish Story, making it impossible to distinguish fact from fiction.
This author has sat through innumerable tellings and pieced together the parts all have in common.
When the Scourge still ruled the seas, there was one captain feared above all others - Marquis de la Mer. Outside the Wretched Mile tales of his victorious atrocities are still told in taverns and inns and bards grow weary of drunken requests for the bawdy shanties in which he appears. Within the Mile none dare even whisper his name.
But this story is not about him. It's about the woman who killed him.
Belle is a thing of rare beauty. To compare her only to other women is a disservice. In a place like the Wretched Mile overrun by dirty men and broken women, she stands out like a fist-sized diamond atop a mound of coal. Tall, blonde, and buxom with lush lips, clear skin, long legs, and a body made for sin she sparks a fevered lust in near all (men and women alike) who set eye on her. There is no question why the Marquis kidnapped her, although few agree on how.
Some claim it was as simple as the Marquis overtaking a ship carrying goods and ferrying passengers from Tyran to the Raven Isles and Belle had the (debatable) misfortune of being on board. She was serving as a young governess to a couple of noble brats - hence the moniker the Marquis gave her and that she proudly carries to this day.
Others claim she was actually the captain of the ship and its name had been The Governess. The Marquis defeated her in battle, slayed her crew, and sank her ship saving her as the only worthwhile treasure on board.
The favored telling is that it was all a ruse. That she allowed the Marquis to capture her, the whole scheme a masterminded plan to bring forth the Marquis' demise.
|
|
Newbie
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: "The Governess"
Race: Human
Gender: Female
|
Post by Belle de la Muerte on Jul 29, 2017 11:50:10 GMT -8
What all agree on is that Belle was not wearing a dress as the Marquis led her down the gangplank by the tail end of the rope binding her hands. Leather encased those long shapely legs and an open vest left most men drooling over the gravity defying work of the whalebone corset.
The Marquis did not have to drag or tug her along. There was slack in the rope between him and her and she strolled along in his wake, casually taking in her surroundings as if she were a grand lady on holiday to an exotic locale. The male gripping her rope wore an angry scowl, but Belle wore a satisfied smirk.
That smirk was all she wore the next time she was seen. Along with the rope and a fresh bruise on her cheek. The Marquis' scowl was deeper and he walked with a bowlegged tenderness most males would instantly recognize with a sympathetic wince.
It was two weeks before Belle was seen again. During that time the sound of their nightly fighting and the Marquis' roars was the music the Mile fell asleep to, if they could sleep at all with Belle's mocking laughter ringing in their ears. During the day the Marquis grew increasingly short-tempered and many lost their lives to his unpredictable fits of rage. His control of the Mile began to slip as he fell further into obsession and madness.
Desperate to reclaim his authority and manhood, the Marquis ordered a grand feast to be held and declared any who failed to attend doomed to exile from the filthy haven that was the Wretched Mile. He arrived last, once again leading a naked Belle by rope - multiple ropes, to be exact. A noose at her neck and her hands bound in a double fisherman's knot in front of her.
A pause here for those unfamiliar with knots. The double fisherman's knot, nicknamed the impossible knot, is not usually used by fishermen despite its name. Not overly difficult to tie, it was considered impossible to untie, the only way to undo the thing to cut the knots out. Generally used to secure the ends of separate ropes together. That the Marquis used such a knot to secure Belle said much about the woman herself.
|
|
Newbie
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: "The Governess"
Race: Human
Gender: Female
|
Post by Belle de la Muerte on Jul 29, 2017 12:50:23 GMT -8
The Marquis ate with one hand, refusing to let go of Belle's leash throughout the whole meal. The air was thick with tension, the feast lacking the usual chaotic exuberance of such gatherings in the past. Their doomed leader had a mad light in his eyes and raking nail marks scarring one side of his face.
He'd snap any moment and everyone present knew they'd bear witness to the destruction to come. They were no longer sure whose destruction, though. For Belle stood at the Marquis' side with that small, amused smirk and fire burning in her dark brown eyes.
Her beauty and spirit were untouched despite the obvious signs of multiple beatings marring her nude perfection. Her smirk broadened when she caught someone staring at her.
Legend has it that Darren the Black, one the Mile's most notorious sea captains, was present that evening. When Belle caught his eye, she dared to give him an impish wink.
The Marquis de la Mer saw it.
For those readers with delicate sensibilities and/or stomachs I advise you to skip ahead to the next chapter now.
*
*
*
You were warned.
Before most could register what happened, the Marquis had thrown Belle on the table and with his pants around his ankles took her right then and there.
And Belle laughed.
Most were so disturbed they missed what happened next but a few were lucky enough not to have blinked at the pinnacle moment. They saw the ropes fall free from her hands. They saw Darren the Black's rapier tossed into the air and Belle's expert catch.
They heard the Marquis scream, and then saw both of his heads roll across the floor.
Impossible, you say. The angle...the required strength... Surely no woman or sword is that hard or that sharp. This author is here to tell you that in every retelling of this legend, this part always remains the same.
Calm and serene, a blood covered Belle shoved the desecrated corpse aside and rapier in hand stepped lightly to center stage where she impaled the smallest of the two heads. She said nothing as she strolled to the pit.
She said nothing as she roasted her dinner. Nothing as she ate while the Mile watched in dumbstruck awe and revulsion. Once she was finished she gracefully wiped her mouth with the Marquis' coat, only then did she address her audience.
"My name is Belle de la Muerte. You will call me the Governess and never, ever, speak the dead man's name in my presence again."
|
|
Newbie
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: The High Seas Ceasar. The Human Tsunami. And many other, less flattering names.
|
Post by Darren the Black on Jul 29, 2017 16:10:15 GMT -8
Darren the Black proved to be a rather difficult figure for this author to accurately document. Almost every port cast the man in an entirely different light. Shriever's Warf spit at the mere mention of his name while claiming he owed them six hundred gold crown for damages to their docks. The port at Garret said he had once saved forty souls from the Fairview when she had capsized shortly after getting underway--personally saving fifteen himself. A few taverns told the author he had yet to pay the staggering bar tabs he had accumulated, but every card house said the debts were always cleared. It was a befuddling task then, as one may now plainly see, for this author to choose which lens to view Darren the Black. Perhaps the man actually suffered from a form of psychosis? Perhaps the man was not able to reconcile all of the voices in his head and each were getting a 'turn in the light'?
This hypothesis would ultimately prove incorrect. Through no small risk to the author, Gary White of the Smith Co. fishing service, a man who had once served with captain Darren, agreed to speak for the record. Below is transcript:
[You served with Darren?]
"Thas Captain Darren, to you. {Gary pauses to down a shot of clear liquid} The man may be a bastard, but he does 'ave proper title. {Gary suddenly grows distant in the face, as if conjuring old memory from a deep abyss} Yeah, I was with 'em. What of it?"
[We know he helped the Governess establish herself as the overseer of the Wretched Mile. Why would he do that?]
{Gary spits and laughs} "Governess you say? Now there's a name... Beautiful woman. The kind that'll make you want to stab your eyes out so shes the last thing y'ull ever see. {Gary smiles blankly as he describes the woman, then shakes his head} Im afraid I dont 'ave any hard truths for ya. Whut I can say, perhaps all you really be needin, is that the captain always had an eye for the right person to do a thing. Whether it be first mate, rigger's mate, or the bloody Governess herself, he always picked em good. With her though, she was somethin special. He uh, {Gary looks down briefly and chuckles} he used to 'ave this damned sentiment he once told me. Said some people in life are only walking forward while others are choosing. The Governess is a chooser alright, same as em. I was busy moving a haul off the ship, ya know for the taxes, when I seen her for the first time. Nearly dropped the load into the water below {Gary leans in and lowers his tone} and not just the one I was holding if you catch the meanin. Thing was, it was the first time he had laid eyes too. Of course she be busy bein led around by that uh... {Gary snaps his finger} Markweese fellow. Not in the customary way neither, by ropes and force. Him not more that six feet and an arse hair away, I seen that look in the captain's eyes as he watched her and he. Twas the look of man thinkin. Some people walk, others choose--and the Governess was a beast of a spirit. A kind of fire within that ate men and crapped out the ashes. So why'd he help? Well, to be fair, she never asked and he never offered. The two just always had a way of speakin with no words. {Gary shrugs} Twas weird. Buuuut were I still the bettin man, Idda wagered that the captain had decided she was the right kinda person I were speakin of earlier. See, he was the kinda man that wouldnt slay the dragon. He believed killing such an intelligent wonder was an affront to the great adventure and if played right, the dragon just might share with you secrets to things you didnt even know were secrets. So one night, he says to the first mate 'bring me that rapier--no, the thin sword you idiot'. Thought it a bit odd. Normally he dont carry such a skinny blade. Come to find out, later that night he tosses it to the ol' girl in ropes and bam! {Gary claps his hands together} Sure as shit draws flies that same girl is the Governess. He saw somethin in her that day at the docks, I know it. Two of em were probably planning that night ever since."
[There are many conflicting stories about his personal temperament and disposition. He helps some while almost cheerfully taking from others. What would you say about his character? Is there more to him than the average pirate?]
{Gary snarls and produces a seven inch long boot knife, stabbing it into the table in front of the author} "I know you be not a man of the ocean, so we'll call this a little bit of a misunderstandin. If you ever call him a pirate again though, we'll go from misunderstandin, {Gary looks to the knife wedged in the wood} to somethin else. "
[Apologies. What would you call him, then?]
{Gary snorts dejectedly} "What, apart from captain? Scoundrel. Womanizer. Thief. King of plunderers. Ambassador of the Scourge. Bastard of bastards. Ruthless. Basically anything one says about garbage. Anything a lord would kill you for callin em."
[Logged. You were describing the captain's temperament. Please continue.]
{Gary retracts the weapon and returns it to his boot} "Right, the captain has a sixth sense for the type ah person you be. If you be of the same cloth as the Mile, he treats you in a like manner. Otherwise... {Gary trails} Otherwise he isnt keen on bringing filth to the unspoiled. It might look 'rratic from the outside, but he is man of method. The kind that always has a plan. The kind that always chooses {Gary's tone carries admiration}. What I can say to those who might cross his flag, there are three things to sail clear of--His crew, his fleet, and especially the Governess. Do wrong by any of them and... Like I said he's a thinkin man. And when he comes for you, and he will, he is a human tsunami. Chaos personified."
[Thank you. I may return later with more questions.]
{Gary appears apathetic} "Pffft. Don't give a shit about that. Where's the coin I was promised?"
|
|
Newbie
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: The High Seas Ceasar. The Human Tsunami. And many other, less flattering names.
|
Post by Darren the Black on Jul 30, 2017 8:13:46 GMT -8
While captain Darren, colloquially known by the formal "Darren the Black", was a bit of a conundrum to untangle, the Dread Star and its associated Black Fleet (known also as the Dead Fleet) were an easier puzzle to solve. After spending time in various municipal record halls, this author was able to trace back the roots of the ships under captain Darren's flag. Below is a brief synopsis: The Dread Star Big Black Nightmare of the Sea, is a ship of the line 'Port Breaker' class vessel. Construction was almost entirely carried out by the Winchester Ship Yards, a now defunct endeavor due partly to the rise of the Darlings. Prior to insolvency, Winchester was the premier choice for capital class ship making in a time where it was still legal for the baron lords shit eaters at the top to have their own navies. At its zenith, the twelve most prominent lords fat-arsed blubber whales commissioned Winchester to build them each a ship that was bred only for the purpose of war. The next several years saw the construction of the Winchester Twelve--an impressive array of the largest, most war-ready ships ever created. Each one built to the unique fantasies and requirements of the lord dung wagon they would eventually be assigned to. Even among the elite though, the Dread Star Iron slingin Tempest was the crown jewel. Some had favored comfort in the design--probably intending to use the new vessels as some sort of floating vacation home or office to impress kings. Some had favored clever and crafty surprises, being able to partially submerge or right itself if capsized. But only one had favored the true task and driving factor behind the commission: Combat Delivering Hell to thine foes. Built from the logs of Davernam Forest, which is the reason for its deforestation and the extinction of the Dark Oak, the hull of the Dread Star Death Dealin Woman Swooner is impervious to fire and rot and, when coupled with its extensive iron reinforced frame, is resistant to collision and impact. The use of Dark Oak is also what gives the ship its signature black color menacing visage. The ship's original construction called for fifteen decks, four of which were dedicated to the impressive hundred and sixty only gods know the true count cannon batteries. The lower decks are capable of stowing twenty-five horses, ten siege weapons (when collapsed properly) and enough armaments and resupply to sustain the two hundred men soulless sharks housed above for three months. With her considerable arms, troop capacity, stowage space, hull integrity, and modest speed big swingin member, she was built to meet the one specification specifically cited on the charter--break the defending port and establish a beachhead. Prior to the command under captain Darren the dashing rogue of this story, the capital ship was used in several campaigns which shared the overall theme of destroying the other eleven in the Winchester Twelve. Now, she serves as the flag ship of the Black Fleet Scourge Runners. The fleet consists primarily of re-purposed maritime vessels pressed into service as scouts and light attack craft, but does have a small cadre of captured Tyran Child's Navy ships serving in defense of the flag ship and larger fleet. Captain Darren's armada is considered definitely is the pallbearer of the Wretched Mile's defense. Where some might say captain Darren is an untrained fool behind the helm of a large ship, he had nevertheless proven to be a brilliant maritime strategist would gut them. Having successfully thwarted no fewer than six attempts at the eradication of the Mile, both by Tyran and smaller kingdoms, and been behind numerous sea and land based robberies, multiple counts of murder and property destruction, Darren Captain Darren O'Handsome and his Black Fleet Collection of Vile Mongrels are considered absolutely armed and extremely dangerous. This ends the archived data this author was able to gather on the subject.You have been warned. Sea you out there mate.-Captain Darren
The Dread Star
 |
|
Newbie
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: "The Governess"
Race: Human
Gender: Female
|
Post by Belle de la Muerte on Jul 31, 2017 7:17:49 GMT -8
Another unusual facet of the Mile is its odd system of currency. While gold serves as the standard most everywhere else it holds little value within the Mile itself. Barter is often used between the common rabble, a crate of rum for an anchor or a can of tobacco for fine pair of boots. You may see coins tossed into the middle of a game of cards or passed into the hands of a bonny whore, but in the Mile true wealth is measured by the number of favors and tokens one has in their possession.
As it was explained to this author, favors are granted between Mile residents. Ten seems to be the magic number there (more on that later) as everyone starts out with ten to their credit. Need a sailmaker to repair your sails? Negotiate with his captain, could cost two favors or even three if the man is that good, and once the number is settled the captain passes over a bit of parchment or fabric (or whatever else is handy) with a corresponding number of bloody thumbprints. This is then given over to a strange man known as The Bookkeeper, or "Bookie" for short, where it is registered in a ledger unsurprisingly called "The Book."
It bears mentioning that only captains have a right to trade favors. What they do with their crew is up to them. Each member of their crew also has ten favors, but it's the captain who decides how and when to spend them. A good captain will manage his ship's favors wisely, only spending a crew member's to the individual's benefit and generally at their request in order to keep his men happy. A bad captain risks mutiny.
The real wealth comes via tokens. Tokens are essentially favors spent directly between a Captain and the Governess. There are only ten in existence, palm-sized wooden disks hand-carved by the woman herself with her signature Rose Compass on one side and a number (1-10) on the other. Legend has it the Governess passed these out to a handpicked few the morning after the Marquis' double beheading.
Captain Darren the Black got the first.
|
|
|
welcome
Tyrannights is a free-form play by post RPG with a medieval fantasy setting. It was formed in 1997 by Shawn and Doreen with many different owners and versions over the years. Its current version is Tyran: Tales of Legends owned by Sinead and Laelia.
Tales of Legends is world and character building focused with and original setting. There are no forced character aps or registration, so come stay in Wendy's Tavern for a drink. Have you character serve one of two Tyran gods. Rule a city of your own, or serve Tyran's Queen. There are limitless possibilities for your character's story... so what are you waiting for?
Tyran is PG 13 and LGBT friendly.
site updates (dd/mm/yy)
13/11/18 - THERE ARE NEW GODS! please check out the temple folders for more details!
29/11/18 - Both temples have staff positions open for those interested in joining the temples
29/11/18 - We are currently editing our achievements and adding more! Please be patient as we fix this.
current events
TBA
Time: Ongoing
Where: TBA
Host: TBA
staff
|
|
|
|
|
|
---
Amika
x_Tempest_D
SW_Hotaru_SD
|
---
(Username may varry)
Joshua
Shelzi
Storyteller/Trent
Wulv
|
credits
Tyrannights/VampPub was originally created by Shawn and Doreen. Tyran: Tales of Legends remake is currently owned by Sinead and Laelia Content is copyrighted to Tyran unless otherwise stated. The skin is created by Wolf of Gangnam Style. The board and thread remodel is by Kagney.
Banner Image was created by Karnage82.
|
