Hand of the Mist
Committed
Roleplay posts: 57
Registered: Mar 26, 2021 0:51:23 GMT -5
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Post by Hand of the Mist on Apr 4, 2021 9:39:06 GMT -5
Black Sand Cove Carved from the cliffside is a bay marbled with black sand. It seems an ideal place to anchor, swim, or fish. Better yet to hide oneself while going about one's business. |
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Jeanette Parfait
Established
Roleplay posts: 14 
Age: 32
Appearance: Jeanette is of medium height and muscular build, with broad shoulders strengthened by many years bearing a heavy pack. Her reddish-brown hair is cut short, hanging down to her neck on the rare occasion that it’s not tied back with a bandanna. Despite her lack of children, she has what people often describe as a kind, almost motherly smile. She seldom wears jewelry beyond a single silver earring and a golden wedding band. Her clothing choices are usually more utilitarian than stylish, although she generally tries to avoid wearing colors that clash atrociously if she can help it.
Personality, Other: In her youth, Jeanette was as volatile as a firecracker. She’d spend her days picking fights and pulling dangerous and often foolhardy stunts, simply to keep herself amused. However, age has tempered her personality somewhat and given her the patience needed to lead scavenging groups. Nowadays, she’s very calm and mellow, slow to anger and quick to forgive. Despite her kind demeanor, however, she can be very strict with her expedition crews about following rules and obeying orders. This strictness has earned her the nickname “Matron Parfait” among scavenging circles, much to her annoyance. Her age never dulled her insatiable curiosity, and she will often go through great and sometimes unwise lengths to satisfy it. She takes much pride in her reputation as a fearless leader, and does her best to maintain it despite it being far from the truth.
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Growing up, Jeanette’s family was never particularly wealthy. Her parents both toiled hard in the mines as alchemists, risking life and limb to blast through stone and reach the precious veins of gold. As they worked long hours and were usually beyond exhausted when they returned home, Jeanette was frequently left in the care of her aunt. The aunt’s neglectful habits and fondness for fairy dust meant that Jeanette was left to her own devices more often than not, allowing her to go out and make mischief for her amusement. When she was 13, one too many run-ins with the authorities led Jeanette’s parents to order her to find employment to keep her out of trouble. She ended up working at the same mine as her parents, picking through spoil heaps and searching for any glimmer of gold that might have been missed and discarded.
One day, while searching through the spoil, an unusual piece of stone caught her eye. She pulled it out and found it to be a broken fragment of a marble tablet, bearing inscriptions that seemed to twist and contort before her very eyes. A trip to a local enchanter revealed that it was part of some kind of ancient artifact. The enchanter wasn’t able to decipher exactly what it was for, but Jeanette was intrigued. She began to search more intently for pre-cataclysmic artifacts, pestering the enchanter for information and history every chance she got. The marble tablet was eventually stolen, but her newfound fascination with pre-cataclysmic artifacts stuck.
As soon as she was 16, she left her home to sign up with the local adventuring guild. Her enthusiasm to learn and innate curiosity about the artifacts endeared her to the guild members, and she rose quickly through their ranks. By the time she was 20, she was running her own crew, taking long journeys out to the ancient ruins and risking life and limb in the abandoned tunnels and ruins to bring back precious relics. It was about that time that she met Thomas Brooks, an officer in the Isran military. The young scavenger and the soldier got off to a rather rocky start, when he arrested her for public intoxication and throwing a boot into a turnip-seller’s face. However, the two soon took a liking to one another, and would end up seeing each other on and off for the next few years. There was something about the man’s mischievous sense of humor and playful attitude that reminded Jeanette of her carefree troublemaking as a child and drew her to him. Some time after they met, Jeanette moved from tomb-hunting and adventuring to work for the Isran Expeditionary Corps. The pair never married, although Thomas promised Jeanette a ring after he came back from the Goraian conflict. However, the young officer never returned, and Jeanette received nothing but a cold letter of condolence in his place. The loss of her love shook Jeanette to her core, and it was several months before she was able to go out and lead another expedition. Ever since that day, she was plagued by nightmares of her deceased husband, especially when under heavy stress.
Registered: Apr 9, 2021 7:21:41 GMT -5
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Post by Jeanette Parfait on Apr 9, 2021 14:08:15 GMT -5
Captain Jeanette Parfait of the Isran Expeditionary Corps stood at the helm of the Inquiry, unable to believe her eyes. When she'd heard the calls of "Land ho", she'd thought for sure that the spotters had to have been imagining things. They certainly wouldn't have been the first ones to start losing their grip on reality on this god-forsaken expedition. Their voyage, which had only been meant to last eight months at the most, had ended up stretching out to a two-year ordeal when the ship had become lost in the mist on the return journey. It had all started off so well, too. They'd left Port Silverion with great fanfare and sailed across the sea to a foreign land, venturing deep into the savage isle and planting an Isran flag upon its soil. The jungle's bounty was plentiful indeed, allowing them to fully restock their stores with fresh fruit and wild game. It was a good thing, too. Without the hold full of dried fruit and salted meat, Jeanette was certain that their extended journey would have resulted in the entire crew starving to death. Even now, she shuddered to think of the lengths they'd been forced to take to keep the remaining crew alive. In truth, she hadn't thought she'd ever make it back to dry land again. As the weeks stretched into months within the neverending mist, she'd begun to give up any hope of ever seeing shore.
Now, though, the sight of an actual island gave Jeanette a strength that she hadn't felt in months. She piloted the ship expertly into a small cove, dropping anchor and leading a small landing crew onto the beach. As her sailors fell to their knees and kissed the coal-black sands, Jeanette looked around, hardly able to believe her eyes. They'd made it to land, finally. Now, all they had to do was survive.
"Alright, everybody," she called, waving to her crew as they marveled at their miraculous salvation. "Time to get to work. Start organizing into hunting parties and get us some food. We'll have to figure out where in the nine hells we actually are, but that can wait. For now, if we don't find anything to eat, we'll be no better than on the Inquiry."
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Bartholomew Eads
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Age: 28
Appearance: Avatar is accurate.
Registered: Apr 9, 2021 14:33:04 GMT -5
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Post by Bartholomew Eads on Apr 9, 2021 14:41:18 GMT -5
The shore provided a reprieve from the inland wildlife. Some fresh sources of water fed directly off the island itself and if one did not mind fish then they would find plenty of game to fill their bellies. At least Bartholomew had found this to be true. Two weeks after arriving on the black shore and he'd yet to go too far inland other than to follow the rivers. Rivers usually led to towns but nothing had been on the horizon each time he'd hit night.
Therefore he was left under the assumption that this place was abandoned other than the siren calls he'd heard at night. Blocking his ears with wax he'd found a cove upon the shore that was safe even during high tide. He'd crawled up to it, settled on it being a temporary home, and had arranged a pulley system off of the small boat he'd rode in on. Jameson hadn't started to drink the ocean water, and well, when one did that they tended to lose their mind. Bart had made a decision that was a bit regretable but he was alive... and poor Jameson was something else now.
Resting comfortably on the fronds he'd pulled in his skin was now sunkissed and he felt the heat of the day settling in. He'd decided to escape it there in the coolness of the depth of the tunnel. He could hear the waves breaking upon the shore, then voices. He ignored it at first assuming that it was simply a trick of his mind.
No one for two weeks, or so the scratches on the wall said, "You're going crazy," he whispered to himself.
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Jeanette Parfait
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Age: 32
Appearance: Jeanette is of medium height and muscular build, with broad shoulders strengthened by many years bearing a heavy pack. Her reddish-brown hair is cut short, hanging down to her neck on the rare occasion that it’s not tied back with a bandanna. Despite her lack of children, she has what people often describe as a kind, almost motherly smile. She seldom wears jewelry beyond a single silver earring and a golden wedding band. Her clothing choices are usually more utilitarian than stylish, although she generally tries to avoid wearing colors that clash atrociously if she can help it.
Personality, Other: In her youth, Jeanette was as volatile as a firecracker. She’d spend her days picking fights and pulling dangerous and often foolhardy stunts, simply to keep herself amused. However, age has tempered her personality somewhat and given her the patience needed to lead scavenging groups. Nowadays, she’s very calm and mellow, slow to anger and quick to forgive. Despite her kind demeanor, however, she can be very strict with her expedition crews about following rules and obeying orders. This strictness has earned her the nickname “Matron Parfait” among scavenging circles, much to her annoyance. Her age never dulled her insatiable curiosity, and she will often go through great and sometimes unwise lengths to satisfy it. She takes much pride in her reputation as a fearless leader, and does her best to maintain it despite it being far from the truth.
---
Growing up, Jeanette’s family was never particularly wealthy. Her parents both toiled hard in the mines as alchemists, risking life and limb to blast through stone and reach the precious veins of gold. As they worked long hours and were usually beyond exhausted when they returned home, Jeanette was frequently left in the care of her aunt. The aunt’s neglectful habits and fondness for fairy dust meant that Jeanette was left to her own devices more often than not, allowing her to go out and make mischief for her amusement. When she was 13, one too many run-ins with the authorities led Jeanette’s parents to order her to find employment to keep her out of trouble. She ended up working at the same mine as her parents, picking through spoil heaps and searching for any glimmer of gold that might have been missed and discarded.
One day, while searching through the spoil, an unusual piece of stone caught her eye. She pulled it out and found it to be a broken fragment of a marble tablet, bearing inscriptions that seemed to twist and contort before her very eyes. A trip to a local enchanter revealed that it was part of some kind of ancient artifact. The enchanter wasn’t able to decipher exactly what it was for, but Jeanette was intrigued. She began to search more intently for pre-cataclysmic artifacts, pestering the enchanter for information and history every chance she got. The marble tablet was eventually stolen, but her newfound fascination with pre-cataclysmic artifacts stuck.
As soon as she was 16, she left her home to sign up with the local adventuring guild. Her enthusiasm to learn and innate curiosity about the artifacts endeared her to the guild members, and she rose quickly through their ranks. By the time she was 20, she was running her own crew, taking long journeys out to the ancient ruins and risking life and limb in the abandoned tunnels and ruins to bring back precious relics. It was about that time that she met Thomas Brooks, an officer in the Isran military. The young scavenger and the soldier got off to a rather rocky start, when he arrested her for public intoxication and throwing a boot into a turnip-seller’s face. However, the two soon took a liking to one another, and would end up seeing each other on and off for the next few years. There was something about the man’s mischievous sense of humor and playful attitude that reminded Jeanette of her carefree troublemaking as a child and drew her to him. Some time after they met, Jeanette moved from tomb-hunting and adventuring to work for the Isran Expeditionary Corps. The pair never married, although Thomas promised Jeanette a ring after he came back from the Goraian conflict. However, the young officer never returned, and Jeanette received nothing but a cold letter of condolence in his place. The loss of her love shook Jeanette to her core, and it was several months before she was able to go out and lead another expedition. Ever since that day, she was plagued by nightmares of her deceased husband, especially when under heavy stress.
Registered: Apr 9, 2021 7:21:41 GMT -5
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Post by Jeanette Parfait on Apr 9, 2021 15:20:29 GMT -5
As the working parties ran off to search for food, Jeanette found herself standing alone on the beach. Letting out a long sigh of relief, she allowed herself a moment's relaxation. She'd done it, she'd finally brought the ship in to shore. How long had it been since she'd had even a moment to herself? Even her cabin on the ship hadn't felt particularly private, especially with people knocking on her door at all times of day and night to update her on one crisis or another. Now, though, she had a chance to finally take a breath and unwind. She'd saved her crew...for the moment.
Shame you couldn't save them all.
The whispered voice seemed to come from right beside her ear, and she turned, eyes wide. She knew that voice...but no, that couldn't possibly be right. Thomas was gone, just another soldier thrown into one of the Empress's wars that hadn't returned home. Indeed, when she looked around, she saw that she stood alone on the beach. She shook her head, wondering if she'd actually heard anything at all. Was she imagining things? She took a deep breath and held it, straining her ears to try and hear the soft, masculine voice again. If she concentrated, she could almost hear a quiet, whispering voice over the sound of the waves. What was it telling her? She closed her eyes, trying to focus until-
"Captain! Captain, come quick!"
A real voice, this time. One of her crewmen. Jeanette's eyes snapped open as the voice vanished and she turned her attention to the sailor calling for her. Running down the beach, she saw her men gathered at the mouth of a small cave. She gave them a questioning look, prompting one of them to point at the footprints in the sand leading into the dark depths.
"None of us went in there, captain," said one of the sailors. "That's someone else. We're not alone on this island."
Jeanette stifled a gasp, peering into the darkness. The fact that they weren't alone on this island was encouraging...unless the people here were savages. Still, it would surely be better to find out who they were dealing with now than to wait until they were being roasted over a fire by cannibals. Resting a hand on the machete at her belt, Jeanette nodded to two burly sailors. The men fell into step behind her as she walked up to the mouth of the cave, squinting inside.
"Hello!" she called, her voice echoing in the cavern. "Is anybody in there? We just landed here and we could use some help!"
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Bartholomew Eads
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Age: 28
Appearance: Avatar is accurate.
Registered: Apr 9, 2021 14:33:04 GMT -5
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Post by Bartholomew Eads on Apr 9, 2021 15:58:38 GMT -5
“Not now Jameson,” came a male voice from the depths of the cave. It barely echoed down in a garbled manner that was unintelligible to the Captain and her two men that were approaching from the entrance of the cave itself. ‘You’re going crazy’ another voice whispered beside his own. Male and deep as the ocean had seemed to be there was a sweet song like nature to how it spoke as if the world could be managed by having a jovial attitude. Bart frowned outwardly but his voice did not rise up again for he heard another. A females this time. That was a first. The word help rang out like a bell even to his foggy mind. It was a reminder of what he himself sought. He curled his arms inward to himself his hands wringing, would they be upset that he himself could not provide what they sought? He was another mouth to feed and he’d wondered what sort of people might be here upon the isle itself. His eyes were well adjusted to the dark now, and a sliver of light even reached the back of the cave even from the entrance. Not enough that most could see by without proper adjustment but he did well enough on his own to manage. Scuttling to his feet the clambering motion was not unlike that of the crabs skittering across the beach, quick, sideways, and away from perceived danger. He was not fit to lead any sort of charge against another and he heard more than one set of footsteps. “Lord I beg of thee, take my soul if I should perish.” The words were spoken only for him. A repeat of the old priests murmurings that he’d heard when he thought no one’s was listening. “Do not come any closer,” finally he spoke loud enough for them to hear. He was not parched nor unpracticed so it was clear. His eyes were searching wildly for the sword he’d used for most everything since he’d been here. There it lay a few feet away and he took a large step bending down to collect it in his hand. He was not as practiced as with the bow but it would do and the makeshift one he’d carved from a bendy fast growing wood did not have the strength for such a job. |
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Jeanette Parfait
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Age: 32
Appearance: Jeanette is of medium height and muscular build, with broad shoulders strengthened by many years bearing a heavy pack. Her reddish-brown hair is cut short, hanging down to her neck on the rare occasion that it’s not tied back with a bandanna. Despite her lack of children, she has what people often describe as a kind, almost motherly smile. She seldom wears jewelry beyond a single silver earring and a golden wedding band. Her clothing choices are usually more utilitarian than stylish, although she generally tries to avoid wearing colors that clash atrociously if she can help it.
Personality, Other: In her youth, Jeanette was as volatile as a firecracker. She’d spend her days picking fights and pulling dangerous and often foolhardy stunts, simply to keep herself amused. However, age has tempered her personality somewhat and given her the patience needed to lead scavenging groups. Nowadays, she’s very calm and mellow, slow to anger and quick to forgive. Despite her kind demeanor, however, she can be very strict with her expedition crews about following rules and obeying orders. This strictness has earned her the nickname “Matron Parfait” among scavenging circles, much to her annoyance. Her age never dulled her insatiable curiosity, and she will often go through great and sometimes unwise lengths to satisfy it. She takes much pride in her reputation as a fearless leader, and does her best to maintain it despite it being far from the truth.
---
Growing up, Jeanette’s family was never particularly wealthy. Her parents both toiled hard in the mines as alchemists, risking life and limb to blast through stone and reach the precious veins of gold. As they worked long hours and were usually beyond exhausted when they returned home, Jeanette was frequently left in the care of her aunt. The aunt’s neglectful habits and fondness for fairy dust meant that Jeanette was left to her own devices more often than not, allowing her to go out and make mischief for her amusement. When she was 13, one too many run-ins with the authorities led Jeanette’s parents to order her to find employment to keep her out of trouble. She ended up working at the same mine as her parents, picking through spoil heaps and searching for any glimmer of gold that might have been missed and discarded.
One day, while searching through the spoil, an unusual piece of stone caught her eye. She pulled it out and found it to be a broken fragment of a marble tablet, bearing inscriptions that seemed to twist and contort before her very eyes. A trip to a local enchanter revealed that it was part of some kind of ancient artifact. The enchanter wasn’t able to decipher exactly what it was for, but Jeanette was intrigued. She began to search more intently for pre-cataclysmic artifacts, pestering the enchanter for information and history every chance she got. The marble tablet was eventually stolen, but her newfound fascination with pre-cataclysmic artifacts stuck.
As soon as she was 16, she left her home to sign up with the local adventuring guild. Her enthusiasm to learn and innate curiosity about the artifacts endeared her to the guild members, and she rose quickly through their ranks. By the time she was 20, she was running her own crew, taking long journeys out to the ancient ruins and risking life and limb in the abandoned tunnels and ruins to bring back precious relics. It was about that time that she met Thomas Brooks, an officer in the Isran military. The young scavenger and the soldier got off to a rather rocky start, when he arrested her for public intoxication and throwing a boot into a turnip-seller’s face. However, the two soon took a liking to one another, and would end up seeing each other on and off for the next few years. There was something about the man’s mischievous sense of humor and playful attitude that reminded Jeanette of her carefree troublemaking as a child and drew her to him. Some time after they met, Jeanette moved from tomb-hunting and adventuring to work for the Isran Expeditionary Corps. The pair never married, although Thomas promised Jeanette a ring after he came back from the Goraian conflict. However, the young officer never returned, and Jeanette received nothing but a cold letter of condolence in his place. The loss of her love shook Jeanette to her core, and it was several months before she was able to go out and lead another expedition. Ever since that day, she was plagued by nightmares of her deceased husband, especially when under heavy stress.
Registered: Apr 9, 2021 7:21:41 GMT -5
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Post by Jeanette Parfait on Apr 9, 2021 17:04:52 GMT -5
Jeanette and her "guards" froze at the sound of the voice, eyeing each other nervously. That had been a person alright, and speaking their language. Those were encouraging signs, but the man's words were not. Don't come any closer...who did he think he was? Was that a threat? The man's voice gave her pause as well. He sounded as though he hadn't spoken in a very long time, which didn't bode well for their chances of finding civilization. Perhaps he was some crazy old hermit, or maybe he was just a castaway just like them. Whatever the case was, she didn't like it. Stopping just outside the mouth of the cave, she stared into the darkness, waiting for the man to approach. The hand resting on the hilt of her machete sent a silent message to the men, who gripped their own weapons more tightly as they watched for whoever would come out of the cave. No blades or crossbows were raised quite yet, but they stood tense and ready for a fight.
"We don't want to hurt anyone," called Jeanette, the warning clear in her voice. "We're just lost, that's all. Who are you, in the cave? Come into the light so that we can see you."
She watched the darkness cautiously, ready to leap out of the way if she saw any sudden movements. Captain Jeanette Parfait hadn't come this far to be taken out by a crazy man living in a cave.
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Bartholomew Eads
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Age: 28
Appearance: Avatar is accurate.
Registered: Apr 9, 2021 14:33:04 GMT -5
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Post by Bartholomew Eads on Apr 10, 2021 13:02:53 GMT -5
Their approach was halted, only a minor reprieve in an otherwise major event upon the island. Their arrival had been as unexpected as his own. Time worked differently in the mist that brought them here, the events of the world ending had been a mere two weeks ago for him but much longer for the ship. They might not even be aware of the full events of the world while they had sailed around it trying to find a way out of the dastardly fog that had encompassed them for so many months.
Hearing the woman speak again he half had the thought, of course everyone says that and then they go for the kill. Look at the Vikings, he mused to himself, beautiful men who destroyed the world in steel and fire.
"Who am I?" He called back coming just a bit closer. Not enough that his features could be defined clearly but enough his form could be seen, "I suppose I am the fool who thinks that a lonely fate is better than a worrisome one since my arrival in this wretched place."
It clarified nothing and he dropped the sword he'd been holding up. His strength did not fail him, the fish he had eaten contained protein and he'd had fresh water, even some of the wildlife seemed edible and he'd tried it after making sure it had been eaten by other creatures and they had not died. He was not at risk for scurvy either here as he'd found something akin to oranges that was a bit sweeter.
"But I've cornered my own self," he would say to the Captain fully coming into the light. He'd not shaved since his arrival so his beard was coming in, his hair had already been a bit longer than most mothers would have liked the tousled curls settling like a crown around his head. He looked healthy enough which meant it was survivable here if nothing else, "So I suppose I have no choice, I am Bartholomew Eads."
His eyes were clear in the light and he would blink them taking in them in return. Besides the manner of his health he was dressed rather simply, linen shirt with thong ran through the neckline and breeches made of thick cotton that had taken a beating but were reinforced in the seams.
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Jeanette Parfait
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Age: 32
Appearance: Jeanette is of medium height and muscular build, with broad shoulders strengthened by many years bearing a heavy pack. Her reddish-brown hair is cut short, hanging down to her neck on the rare occasion that it’s not tied back with a bandanna. Despite her lack of children, she has what people often describe as a kind, almost motherly smile. She seldom wears jewelry beyond a single silver earring and a golden wedding band. Her clothing choices are usually more utilitarian than stylish, although she generally tries to avoid wearing colors that clash atrociously if she can help it.
Personality, Other: In her youth, Jeanette was as volatile as a firecracker. She’d spend her days picking fights and pulling dangerous and often foolhardy stunts, simply to keep herself amused. However, age has tempered her personality somewhat and given her the patience needed to lead scavenging groups. Nowadays, she’s very calm and mellow, slow to anger and quick to forgive. Despite her kind demeanor, however, she can be very strict with her expedition crews about following rules and obeying orders. This strictness has earned her the nickname “Matron Parfait” among scavenging circles, much to her annoyance. Her age never dulled her insatiable curiosity, and she will often go through great and sometimes unwise lengths to satisfy it. She takes much pride in her reputation as a fearless leader, and does her best to maintain it despite it being far from the truth.
---
Growing up, Jeanette’s family was never particularly wealthy. Her parents both toiled hard in the mines as alchemists, risking life and limb to blast through stone and reach the precious veins of gold. As they worked long hours and were usually beyond exhausted when they returned home, Jeanette was frequently left in the care of her aunt. The aunt’s neglectful habits and fondness for fairy dust meant that Jeanette was left to her own devices more often than not, allowing her to go out and make mischief for her amusement. When she was 13, one too many run-ins with the authorities led Jeanette’s parents to order her to find employment to keep her out of trouble. She ended up working at the same mine as her parents, picking through spoil heaps and searching for any glimmer of gold that might have been missed and discarded.
One day, while searching through the spoil, an unusual piece of stone caught her eye. She pulled it out and found it to be a broken fragment of a marble tablet, bearing inscriptions that seemed to twist and contort before her very eyes. A trip to a local enchanter revealed that it was part of some kind of ancient artifact. The enchanter wasn’t able to decipher exactly what it was for, but Jeanette was intrigued. She began to search more intently for pre-cataclysmic artifacts, pestering the enchanter for information and history every chance she got. The marble tablet was eventually stolen, but her newfound fascination with pre-cataclysmic artifacts stuck.
As soon as she was 16, she left her home to sign up with the local adventuring guild. Her enthusiasm to learn and innate curiosity about the artifacts endeared her to the guild members, and she rose quickly through their ranks. By the time she was 20, she was running her own crew, taking long journeys out to the ancient ruins and risking life and limb in the abandoned tunnels and ruins to bring back precious relics. It was about that time that she met Thomas Brooks, an officer in the Isran military. The young scavenger and the soldier got off to a rather rocky start, when he arrested her for public intoxication and throwing a boot into a turnip-seller’s face. However, the two soon took a liking to one another, and would end up seeing each other on and off for the next few years. There was something about the man’s mischievous sense of humor and playful attitude that reminded Jeanette of her carefree troublemaking as a child and drew her to him. Some time after they met, Jeanette moved from tomb-hunting and adventuring to work for the Isran Expeditionary Corps. The pair never married, although Thomas promised Jeanette a ring after he came back from the Goraian conflict. However, the young officer never returned, and Jeanette received nothing but a cold letter of condolence in his place. The loss of her love shook Jeanette to her core, and it was several months before she was able to go out and lead another expedition. Ever since that day, she was plagued by nightmares of her deceased husband, especially when under heavy stress.
Registered: Apr 9, 2021 7:21:41 GMT -5
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Post by Jeanette Parfait on Apr 10, 2021 14:53:37 GMT -5
Jeanette's gaze flicked up and down over the man as he came into the light, taking in his dirty hair and worn clothes. This man had been here for a while, it seemed. He didn't seem malnourished, but it was clear that he hadn't been living in any sort of civilized town. Jeanette noted the clatter as the man's sword fell to the ground, but she didn't move her hand from her machete. A false disarmament was an old trick, and not one she intended to fall for. The man still might have a hidden blade or a gang of cutthroats hiding in the darkness. So long as she didn't know what was going on, Jeanette didn't intend to let her guard down.
"Jeanette Parfait," she said, raising a hand for the man to stop walking. "Captain of the Inquiry, explorer of the Isran Expeditionary Corps. Tell me, Mr. Eads. Where exactly are we, and why are you here? Forgive me for saying so, but you don't much look like a local. Are you alone?"
The man seemed to be a sorry sack indeed, but it was clear that he'd managed to survive here for a while. That was encouraging, at the very least. Still, something about him still bugged Jeanette. Was he hiding something?
Aren't you hiding something, Jeanette dear? Aren't we all?
The whispered voice made her jump, and she whipped around to glare at the guard behind her. The man gave her a confused look, clearly having no idea what had startled her. Taking a deep breath, Jeanette shook her head and turned her attention back to the man in the cave.
"Step outside, please," she said. "Slowly. We won't hurt you, we just want to make sure we're not going to be ambushed."
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Bartholomew Eads
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Age: 28
Appearance: Avatar is accurate.
Registered: Apr 9, 2021 14:33:04 GMT -5
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Post by Bartholomew Eads on Apr 10, 2021 21:30:07 GMT -5
"Isran Expeditionary Corps?" "Sounds as if it's made up," The deep strong voice spoke again.
Bartholomew did not look back, did not answer it.
It wasn't there, he knew it wasn't there.
Why was he still there? Still his question stood. His curiosity was present at the idea that there was more to this world than could be seen. Certainly he was not on the shores of Wessex anymore. He'd been transported by the mist that flowed over it. Brought to some strange place with stranger people who spoke as well as any other when it came to non-threatening statements. Squinting as Jeanette was outlined by the light he knew he had very little choice but he did have something. A name, her name, whoever she served unders name, and a sort of amusement at the fact that he was fairly certain he wasn't home anymore and neither were they. Not that it was truly amusing but he had not much else to go off of at that point. "Captain," he would finally acknowledge her rank after she started to question, then asked of him to move, "I am without the gall to believe myself capable of fooling anyone for long in this state. I am alone." His hands were raised in a show of being submissive as he came to the edge of the cave itself. |
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Jeanette Parfait
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Age: 32
Appearance: Jeanette is of medium height and muscular build, with broad shoulders strengthened by many years bearing a heavy pack. Her reddish-brown hair is cut short, hanging down to her neck on the rare occasion that it’s not tied back with a bandanna. Despite her lack of children, she has what people often describe as a kind, almost motherly smile. She seldom wears jewelry beyond a single silver earring and a golden wedding band. Her clothing choices are usually more utilitarian than stylish, although she generally tries to avoid wearing colors that clash atrociously if she can help it.
Personality, Other: In her youth, Jeanette was as volatile as a firecracker. She’d spend her days picking fights and pulling dangerous and often foolhardy stunts, simply to keep herself amused. However, age has tempered her personality somewhat and given her the patience needed to lead scavenging groups. Nowadays, she’s very calm and mellow, slow to anger and quick to forgive. Despite her kind demeanor, however, she can be very strict with her expedition crews about following rules and obeying orders. This strictness has earned her the nickname “Matron Parfait” among scavenging circles, much to her annoyance. Her age never dulled her insatiable curiosity, and she will often go through great and sometimes unwise lengths to satisfy it. She takes much pride in her reputation as a fearless leader, and does her best to maintain it despite it being far from the truth.
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Growing up, Jeanette’s family was never particularly wealthy. Her parents both toiled hard in the mines as alchemists, risking life and limb to blast through stone and reach the precious veins of gold. As they worked long hours and were usually beyond exhausted when they returned home, Jeanette was frequently left in the care of her aunt. The aunt’s neglectful habits and fondness for fairy dust meant that Jeanette was left to her own devices more often than not, allowing her to go out and make mischief for her amusement. When she was 13, one too many run-ins with the authorities led Jeanette’s parents to order her to find employment to keep her out of trouble. She ended up working at the same mine as her parents, picking through spoil heaps and searching for any glimmer of gold that might have been missed and discarded.
One day, while searching through the spoil, an unusual piece of stone caught her eye. She pulled it out and found it to be a broken fragment of a marble tablet, bearing inscriptions that seemed to twist and contort before her very eyes. A trip to a local enchanter revealed that it was part of some kind of ancient artifact. The enchanter wasn’t able to decipher exactly what it was for, but Jeanette was intrigued. She began to search more intently for pre-cataclysmic artifacts, pestering the enchanter for information and history every chance she got. The marble tablet was eventually stolen, but her newfound fascination with pre-cataclysmic artifacts stuck.
As soon as she was 16, she left her home to sign up with the local adventuring guild. Her enthusiasm to learn and innate curiosity about the artifacts endeared her to the guild members, and she rose quickly through their ranks. By the time she was 20, she was running her own crew, taking long journeys out to the ancient ruins and risking life and limb in the abandoned tunnels and ruins to bring back precious relics. It was about that time that she met Thomas Brooks, an officer in the Isran military. The young scavenger and the soldier got off to a rather rocky start, when he arrested her for public intoxication and throwing a boot into a turnip-seller’s face. However, the two soon took a liking to one another, and would end up seeing each other on and off for the next few years. There was something about the man’s mischievous sense of humor and playful attitude that reminded Jeanette of her carefree troublemaking as a child and drew her to him. Some time after they met, Jeanette moved from tomb-hunting and adventuring to work for the Isran Expeditionary Corps. The pair never married, although Thomas promised Jeanette a ring after he came back from the Goraian conflict. However, the young officer never returned, and Jeanette received nothing but a cold letter of condolence in his place. The loss of her love shook Jeanette to her core, and it was several months before she was able to go out and lead another expedition. Ever since that day, she was plagued by nightmares of her deceased husband, especially when under heavy stress.
Registered: Apr 9, 2021 7:21:41 GMT -5
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Post by Jeanette Parfait on Apr 11, 2021 0:56:23 GMT -5
Jeanette scrutinized Bartholomew's face as he stepped towards the exit, nodding encouragingly as he approached. He seemed to be telling the truth, which was good, but it didn't seem as though he'd be able to help them much. Best case scenario, they were on their own. Worse case, they'd have another mouth to feed. At least he seemed to be able to take care of himself, judging by the fact that he didn't look to be starving to death.
"Are you a castaway as well, then?" she asked, waving for her men to relax. "You're in the same boat as us, then. How long have you been on this Island, Mr. Eads? Have you seen anyone else around here? We've just landed here after a long while at sea. I hope you don't expect us to pick you up and take you home, as we'll likely not be setting off onto the water any time soon. Even the saltiest of sailors have had more than enough."
Her comments brought a wave of chuckles and assent from the men, who nodded and cast dubious glances back towards the Inquiry. It was a fine vessel to be sure, but they were all more than glad to have solid ground beneath their feet again after so long.
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Bartholomew Eads
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Age: 28
Appearance: Avatar is accurate.
Registered: Apr 9, 2021 14:33:04 GMT -5
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Post by Bartholomew Eads on Apr 11, 2021 9:30:39 GMT -5
Castaway. The word sounded dirty in a sense. He’d not arrived in a ship so he could hardly call it that. Being plopped in the sea in a confounding mist and searching for a way to shore was an explanation he did not feel up to sharing. Nor did he think they might believe him. Their accents were so far removed from his own he could not help to place them but they were dressed as a proper crew should be if they were truly flying under a flag of leadership of a full government. His observations had been quick enough that no one could fault him the slightest pause as if he was thinking over the answer he might give her as to his place here. “Do not mention the most here Bart, I do not think they’d take so kindly to a quick dismissal.” There was almost an imperceptible nod that did nothing to answer their question but his words would, “I doubt that our homes are the same,” he would finally decide on with a weak smile following it. He may have been disheveled but beneath the overgrowth was a handsome man, “But it is well enough then that this place seems to be thriving even if I’ve not ran into another soul until your arrival. Perhaps that is the very reason why.” Nature was allowed to grow without being held back. Unchecked and wild. The shore was more reliable to the man than the dangers he’d heard when he’d spent a night attempting to find his way back to his new home. |
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Jeanette Parfait
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Age: 32
Appearance: Jeanette is of medium height and muscular build, with broad shoulders strengthened by many years bearing a heavy pack. Her reddish-brown hair is cut short, hanging down to her neck on the rare occasion that it’s not tied back with a bandanna. Despite her lack of children, she has what people often describe as a kind, almost motherly smile. She seldom wears jewelry beyond a single silver earring and a golden wedding band. Her clothing choices are usually more utilitarian than stylish, although she generally tries to avoid wearing colors that clash atrociously if she can help it.
Personality, Other: In her youth, Jeanette was as volatile as a firecracker. She’d spend her days picking fights and pulling dangerous and often foolhardy stunts, simply to keep herself amused. However, age has tempered her personality somewhat and given her the patience needed to lead scavenging groups. Nowadays, she’s very calm and mellow, slow to anger and quick to forgive. Despite her kind demeanor, however, she can be very strict with her expedition crews about following rules and obeying orders. This strictness has earned her the nickname “Matron Parfait” among scavenging circles, much to her annoyance. Her age never dulled her insatiable curiosity, and she will often go through great and sometimes unwise lengths to satisfy it. She takes much pride in her reputation as a fearless leader, and does her best to maintain it despite it being far from the truth.
---
Growing up, Jeanette’s family was never particularly wealthy. Her parents both toiled hard in the mines as alchemists, risking life and limb to blast through stone and reach the precious veins of gold. As they worked long hours and were usually beyond exhausted when they returned home, Jeanette was frequently left in the care of her aunt. The aunt’s neglectful habits and fondness for fairy dust meant that Jeanette was left to her own devices more often than not, allowing her to go out and make mischief for her amusement. When she was 13, one too many run-ins with the authorities led Jeanette’s parents to order her to find employment to keep her out of trouble. She ended up working at the same mine as her parents, picking through spoil heaps and searching for any glimmer of gold that might have been missed and discarded.
One day, while searching through the spoil, an unusual piece of stone caught her eye. She pulled it out and found it to be a broken fragment of a marble tablet, bearing inscriptions that seemed to twist and contort before her very eyes. A trip to a local enchanter revealed that it was part of some kind of ancient artifact. The enchanter wasn’t able to decipher exactly what it was for, but Jeanette was intrigued. She began to search more intently for pre-cataclysmic artifacts, pestering the enchanter for information and history every chance she got. The marble tablet was eventually stolen, but her newfound fascination with pre-cataclysmic artifacts stuck.
As soon as she was 16, she left her home to sign up with the local adventuring guild. Her enthusiasm to learn and innate curiosity about the artifacts endeared her to the guild members, and she rose quickly through their ranks. By the time she was 20, she was running her own crew, taking long journeys out to the ancient ruins and risking life and limb in the abandoned tunnels and ruins to bring back precious relics. It was about that time that she met Thomas Brooks, an officer in the Isran military. The young scavenger and the soldier got off to a rather rocky start, when he arrested her for public intoxication and throwing a boot into a turnip-seller’s face. However, the two soon took a liking to one another, and would end up seeing each other on and off for the next few years. There was something about the man’s mischievous sense of humor and playful attitude that reminded Jeanette of her carefree troublemaking as a child and drew her to him. Some time after they met, Jeanette moved from tomb-hunting and adventuring to work for the Isran Expeditionary Corps. The pair never married, although Thomas promised Jeanette a ring after he came back from the Goraian conflict. However, the young officer never returned, and Jeanette received nothing but a cold letter of condolence in his place. The loss of her love shook Jeanette to her core, and it was several months before she was able to go out and lead another expedition. Ever since that day, she was plagued by nightmares of her deceased husband, especially when under heavy stress.
Registered: Apr 9, 2021 7:21:41 GMT -5
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Post by Jeanette Parfait on Apr 12, 2021 14:04:50 GMT -5
As far as Jeanette could tell, the man seemed to be telling the truth. Years of managing ships and sailors had honed her ability to tell if people were lying to her, and she didn't think that this man had spoken any lies. Perhaps he was hiding something, but she supposed that she couldn't blame him for it. Anyone would be cagey after spending so much time alone on an island. So long as they were careful, she didn't expect that he'd be any danger to them.
Are you sure about that, Jeanette dear? Can you stake the lives of your crew on your gut instinct?
Jeanette flinched visibly, but tried her best to ignore the voice. It wasn't Thomas, Thomas was dead. Besides, he never would have criticized or questioned her judgement so harshly, not in a time like this. The sailors glanced at her nervously, but said nothing. The captain had been acting strangely lately, but none had dared ask her about it. It wasn't the time to be questioning her leadership, not in such dire circumstances.
"How much of the island have you explored?" she asked, stepping closer to Bartholomew. "You certainly don't seem like you're starving to death, which is good. We haven't any food to offer you. In fact, we're curious to know if there's any to be found here on the island. I suppose you've been able to forage enough to stay relatively well fed?"
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Bartholomew Eads
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Age: 28
Appearance: Avatar is accurate.
Registered: Apr 9, 2021 14:33:04 GMT -5
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Post by Bartholomew Eads on Apr 12, 2021 21:10:00 GMT -5
Bart had hardly given the others a cursory glance. The person he was dealing with was the female, she held authority, she decided his fate. Not that a swift end to a long lonely time on this God-forsaken piece of land was going to not be a small mercy. Therefore he caught it when she flinched. He watched it, saw the tick, and moved on from it rather quickly. Who did not have their quirks and their own concerns. "You certainly have yours," said the warm voice.
Bart felt a hand on his shoulder but he did not divert his gaze. He would remain steadfast on those in front of him because to look meant to acknowledge and if he acknowledged it did that make him truly insane.
He closed his eyes for a second longer than a blink as she asked about his exploration, "Up and down the coast some ways," he would answer honestly for if anything was going to help him survive this encounter this was going to be it, "There's not much upon it, I've used netting for catching fish here. I've gone inland as well. There's edible plants and a fruit I've found but I only ventured as far in as I could make it in two weeks before returning here. There are things at night that I..." He trailed off. There were creatures he wasn't familiar with. Things that seemed magical and yet he didn't believe in magic before this. It was the thing of fairy tales. Perhaps he was in one now, he thought to himself. |
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Jeanette Parfait
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Age: 32
Appearance: Jeanette is of medium height and muscular build, with broad shoulders strengthened by many years bearing a heavy pack. Her reddish-brown hair is cut short, hanging down to her neck on the rare occasion that it’s not tied back with a bandanna. Despite her lack of children, she has what people often describe as a kind, almost motherly smile. She seldom wears jewelry beyond a single silver earring and a golden wedding band. Her clothing choices are usually more utilitarian than stylish, although she generally tries to avoid wearing colors that clash atrociously if she can help it.
Personality, Other: In her youth, Jeanette was as volatile as a firecracker. She’d spend her days picking fights and pulling dangerous and often foolhardy stunts, simply to keep herself amused. However, age has tempered her personality somewhat and given her the patience needed to lead scavenging groups. Nowadays, she’s very calm and mellow, slow to anger and quick to forgive. Despite her kind demeanor, however, she can be very strict with her expedition crews about following rules and obeying orders. This strictness has earned her the nickname “Matron Parfait” among scavenging circles, much to her annoyance. Her age never dulled her insatiable curiosity, and she will often go through great and sometimes unwise lengths to satisfy it. She takes much pride in her reputation as a fearless leader, and does her best to maintain it despite it being far from the truth.
---
Growing up, Jeanette’s family was never particularly wealthy. Her parents both toiled hard in the mines as alchemists, risking life and limb to blast through stone and reach the precious veins of gold. As they worked long hours and were usually beyond exhausted when they returned home, Jeanette was frequently left in the care of her aunt. The aunt’s neglectful habits and fondness for fairy dust meant that Jeanette was left to her own devices more often than not, allowing her to go out and make mischief for her amusement. When she was 13, one too many run-ins with the authorities led Jeanette’s parents to order her to find employment to keep her out of trouble. She ended up working at the same mine as her parents, picking through spoil heaps and searching for any glimmer of gold that might have been missed and discarded.
One day, while searching through the spoil, an unusual piece of stone caught her eye. She pulled it out and found it to be a broken fragment of a marble tablet, bearing inscriptions that seemed to twist and contort before her very eyes. A trip to a local enchanter revealed that it was part of some kind of ancient artifact. The enchanter wasn’t able to decipher exactly what it was for, but Jeanette was intrigued. She began to search more intently for pre-cataclysmic artifacts, pestering the enchanter for information and history every chance she got. The marble tablet was eventually stolen, but her newfound fascination with pre-cataclysmic artifacts stuck.
As soon as she was 16, she left her home to sign up with the local adventuring guild. Her enthusiasm to learn and innate curiosity about the artifacts endeared her to the guild members, and she rose quickly through their ranks. By the time she was 20, she was running her own crew, taking long journeys out to the ancient ruins and risking life and limb in the abandoned tunnels and ruins to bring back precious relics. It was about that time that she met Thomas Brooks, an officer in the Isran military. The young scavenger and the soldier got off to a rather rocky start, when he arrested her for public intoxication and throwing a boot into a turnip-seller’s face. However, the two soon took a liking to one another, and would end up seeing each other on and off for the next few years. There was something about the man’s mischievous sense of humor and playful attitude that reminded Jeanette of her carefree troublemaking as a child and drew her to him. Some time after they met, Jeanette moved from tomb-hunting and adventuring to work for the Isran Expeditionary Corps. The pair never married, although Thomas promised Jeanette a ring after he came back from the Goraian conflict. However, the young officer never returned, and Jeanette received nothing but a cold letter of condolence in his place. The loss of her love shook Jeanette to her core, and it was several months before she was able to go out and lead another expedition. Ever since that day, she was plagued by nightmares of her deceased husband, especially when under heavy stress.
Registered: Apr 9, 2021 7:21:41 GMT -5
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Post by Jeanette Parfait on Apr 12, 2021 21:31:45 GMT -5
Jeanette nodded, taking in the information fact by fact like she'd been taught. The coast was traversable. There were fish to catch. Edible plants and fruits in the woods. All these facts were filed away in her mind as crucial information that she'd need later, tidbits that could mean the difference between her crew surviving or dying a slow death by starvation. The last bit, however, gave her pause. Her brow creased as the man trailed off, his final thought unfinished. Things in the night? That sounded pretty significant, and Bartholomew's reluctance to speak on the manner spoke volumes. Jeanette stepped forward, her glare hardening as she stepped within an arm's length of the taller man.
"Speak, Mister Eads," she said. "Explain. What sort of things in the night? What roams this island? Creatures? Monsters? Spirits? I would rather know this now than find out tonight when these things appear. Tell me."
Around her, the crew shuffled nervously and cast wary glances into the woods. They'd trained to deal with monstrous creatures and strange beings in the woods, but it had been a while since they'd had to practice such skills. After so long in the relative safety of the ship, the thought of monsters in the woods was more than a little unsettling.
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Bartholomew Eads
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Age: 28
Appearance: Avatar is accurate.
Registered: Apr 9, 2021 14:33:04 GMT -5
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Post by Bartholomew Eads on Apr 13, 2021 9:09:25 GMT -5
Her insistence in knowing struck him as wise but his reluctance to speak on the matter still stood. They might laugh at him where he was and when she took a step forward he hesitated but did remain in place. It was clear he did not feel comfortable as he told her with his voice so low she may not hear, "I believe you would lock me away or see me as mad if I were to explain fully." The deep baritone laughed and slapped a hand in the middle of his back, "See you as mad, old boy, maybe they'd only see you for what you truly are."
Bart felt his skin crawl, he did feel the hand on his back but he did his best to ignore it. His eyes closed for only a second again as he collected himself, "And yet I have to tell you, don't I?" He could not let another wander there without them knowing. If Jeanette did not interrupt or insisted that he do so he would. He would describe a land of magic, of creatures who moved silently, of things flitting in and out of sight. Perhaps some manner of fae if one thought his story plausible. He told her of little wicked things with wings and sharp teeth that had made off with his jacket once. Then he spoke of what sounded like a griffin. That made him shudder at the combination all the while wringing his hands and feeling the ill suffered fate of those who were once called lunatics in his home. |
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