Gray

The new guy looked from one to the other as they talked about him. He couldn't help but think they were pretty rude, being he was just stopping to say hello. What was this stuff about a job, though? A job sounded good. He needed a job. He dediced he'd play along. Yeah. That would work. Probably. He raises his right hand and scratched his cheek, then put both hands in his pockets, and he just sort of stood there casually. "The hells? What's -your- problem..." He looked her over more carefully, and happened to catch a glimps of something around her. Her tail. He was fishing for a word to call her, so he dediced to point out the first thing he saw other than her scrawny figure. "Kink." He then turned to Ruru. "And what's -your- deal? I can lift stuff just fine. Jeez. You guys are...Whatever." Then he looked off to the side casually, and then back to Zhi. "Just call me Axel."

Caer crossed his arms, and glanced at Zhi, then down to Ruru. His own expression seeming to convey something along the lines of "You're the inside man. I hope you've got a plan."

A young man slowly made his way through the back areas of the warehouses. He knew how to stay out of sight enough to not be seen by some random patrol, though he didn't exactly scream "stealthy!" Nor did he seem as if he was looking for anyone or anything in particular. "Man... This sucks." He said quietly to himself, as he slipped past the last patrol in the back, and made his way up toward the front from between two buildings. "Got no food. Got no gil. An' those pricks think they're too good for me. Heavy Handers my ASS!" He turned back and raised his voice as he said the last two words, as if to taunt the patrols back there. But none came. "Tff...Whatever..." He said, and continued walking. "More like -Lame Handers.-" And then he popped out from the buildings, and spied the small gathering. He just made his way over without a care or thought, andstopped, raising one hand in a low wave, almost as if he belonged there. "Sup."

"And that is the attitude I was talking about...! You think you can talk to anyone you want any -way- you want because you're in with the Heavy Handers? Maybe I -should- go to the boss and bring to light your rudeness. You're primary skill seems to be making enemies, so all you'll do is bring down more heat on your group. Not that I care." Caer replied, scornfully.

Caer looked back at the guard, and pu ton his "disgusted" face to go along with the ruse. He looked back to Ruru. "About time someone showed up. You flunkies are such a pain to deal with." He turned back to the guard, starting to slowly approach him. "Yes, we were rattling the little guys cage. What of it?"

"Scouting for talent, actually. I can always use a few extra backs that don't mind breaking. What better backs than those that won't be missed?" Caer answered with a slight smirk. "And what about you? Out for a stroll or looking for some...hired companionship?"

I think it's a good idea, and a good thing you are approaching it so carefully. My general rule for these things is "If there is no lore established, I am free to work with it, within reason." So as long as you don't directly go -against- anything that's been laid out, you're fine. If the actual class ever -were- released, that could cause some issues, but nothing we couldn't work through. If nothing else, it coul dbe a derivitive of the blue mage that is passed down through your tribe or something, but not be the exact blue mage we get. That would leave it lore friendly, but give you the freedom to experiment amd mpt be hard bound to the blue mage lore SE gives us. (again, within reason.) As for coming up with a character sheet and, skills, rp template, you can grab me pretty much anytime I'm not at work and we could brainstorm. Personally, I'd like to see you do this with your character. It would be interesting, and I think your "sword dance" mechanic sounds neat. There will of course be lore nazis and people who will spit on your idea, but you know what? You don't want to rp with them anyway. Your idea is -not- currently going against lore. You're merely working in the grey area. I like that.

Caer nodded, smiling,trying his best to portray his role in the farce. "-Too- long...! I recall that wager we made last time. Seems there's a bottle of rum up in the air." Caer said. He then lowered his voice, taking on a more serious tone through the false banter. "Let's make it quick, hmm?" He said.

Due to lack of interest/participation, this rp topic is cancelled. I may just do it as an event in game.

Enough time had passed. It was time to begin the project. Garrett had spent almost no time at the academy recently, so he was curious to see how the signup sheet would look. It was a less than busy hour when he entered, and approached the bulliten. He looks down for his posted signup sheet. "One...? I suppose not many people have the determination and interest for this work after all... I suppose we'll have to hire a small team." Garrett said to himself, reading over the one name that had been written down. "Eudalie, huh? She certainly has the curiousity...but I wonder if she has the stamina and endurance for an excavation? I suppose we'll see" He said, removing the sheet, and stashing it away in his coat. "Well, I had hoped for more, but it's better to have a tiny team of people with a passion for the work, than a larger team of apathetic ones." He said, turning to go upstairs to his desk. It was time to contact those that were coming, which meant Lilith, and Eudalie. ((At this point, you can just assume that he wrote letters/used a linkpearl to contact you, and we can skip to them meeting up for briefing at the Academy, so go ahead and make your initialposts close to that point. Unless you -want- to play out recieving the letter and all, in which case I am absolutely fine with it!))

Caer offered a subtle nod, without looking to Zhi. "I'm on him." He said, breaking away from her a bit to ensure his path crossed with the targets. He got ever closer, adjusting his pace and direction as to make the crossing appear as organic as possible, until finally, they were were close enough. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. There's a face I haven't seen for a -hell- of a long time, now...!"

"They've gained a fair bit of fame and power recently. It could be that they're branching out, after all. Either way, I'm putting a stop to it." Caer said, taking on a more serious look. He turned and beckoned silently to someone on the ship. One of his men went below deck, and after a shortwait, a midlander Hyur exited and approached Caer and Zhi. Shuuda Greywind... Third Mate... Ships Doctor... "Surgeon of Death" "Captain." He answerd simply, as he came toa halt. "Shuuda. We'e got ourselves a problem with one of the main supply lines. A big one. I need you to keep -him- off our backs while our new ally here, and myself get to work." Caer instructed. "Easily done." Shuuda answered. "Excellent. I'm counting on you, Doctor. We could get bloody on this one." Caer answered. Shuuda turned to walk, and as a man walked between he and Caer/Zhi to briefly obstruct their view of him, he'd suddenly have disappeared as the man passed. Caer turned back to Zhi. "The doctor will buy us some time...but only so much, so let's get this operation started."

I give it to the member that I feel has earned it, based on a variety of factors, much of which is the same as yours, Eva. I try to be fair to dps, as they get screwed on commendations because everyone automatically favors the tanks and healers, and it's easier togaughe if they are doing exceptionally well, or poorly, plus people are usually just so glad to get in when they -finally- get a tak or healer, they'll give them one automatically. That, coupled with may peple just not caring about the system at all, make it hard for dps. But here are some good ways to get a commendation from me: Be helpful and patient with new players. The entire community is not a pool of people that exists just to make sure you get soldiery capped for the week. If you bitch because the new guy messes up or watches a cutscene, you're probably not getting mine. Communicate with the group when needed. You don't need to be hyper-social andburp ad moo the whole time (in fact, that will make sure you don't get mine), but at relevant parts, put your blinker on. Don't be a dick. This covers so much, I'm not even going to try to explain it. Have at least a working knowledge of your class. Have gear that is acceptable. Basically, I can sum it up as "Just be a decent person."

Caer pondered her words for a moment. He had always been big on trust. It's how his crew operated so smoothely. They could all trust eachother, and they all know the punishment for breaking that trust. But was he trusting too quickly in this? Perhaps. But given the circymstances, he had little choice. "Excellent. I was confident you would come through." Caer replied. "Indeed, outside of my cupply line contacts, I am little more than just another pirate. I would be very...interested to learn about this "in" you're talking about." He continued, nodding at her offer as a strongarm.

((This is the start for the upcomming excavation For now, all those participating please post your characters ame, relevant skills, and what they hope to gain frm the project. Once we are satisfied we have all participants, we can jump into the rp and move on to briefing)) Garrett sat at his desk, making the final touches on the sign up sheet. Things were going well enough. He had found work as an instructor at Vylbrand Academy, as professor of archaeology, and was teaching classes. Just a few nights ago, the review class concluded, and with it, the introductory portion of his archaeology class. It was time for the students to get their hands dirty, literally and figuratively. It was all coming together nicely so far. Someone at the very academy Garrett teaches at offeed to sponsor the excavation, imposing certain impediments upon Garrett and his would-be dig team, of course, but she seemed trustworthy enough, and had something of an interest and respect for the discipline. A structure that supposedly dated back to the great flood. The sixth umbral era. 1500 years ago. It was well-hidden. Garrett had scouted the area on his own after speaking with the sponsor, miss Akane. Her guards reported to him that not a soul had stirred in the area since they'd been posted. Excellent. Just the way it should be. He only hoped it would last. The dig site was very close to Garlean territory, so there was also that to watch out for. With a final swich of the quill, and a nod, the sheet was finished. Garrett stood up, walked over to the bulliten, and posted the signups. SIGNUP SHEET - CLASS EXCAVATION Sponsor - Miss Lilith Akane Overseer - Professor Garrett Gray Faculty and students of Vylbrand academy, guests, sponsors, and hirelings, Thank you for your interest in uncovering and preserving the past of Eorzea, and Hydaelyn itself. Those who have either completed 2/3 of the introductory classes, or attended the review class are all eligible to take part in the upcomming excavation. Others who wish to attend will be dealt with on a case by case basis. It is my hope that this experience be enlightening and exciting to you all, and open you up to an entirely new world. The world of the past. You will soon find out that archaeology is not "X marks the spot", and the process is uncomfortable, exhausting, and dangerous. This is not a controlled class project. This is an actual excavation, and should be approached with the utmost care and respect. We will be bound by certain contractual impediments and obligations by our sponsor. This is a normal part of the process, and will also serve to give you a glimpse into the world of archaeology. Together we will face the elements, insects, wild animals, and possible hostiles. However, to those who posess a drive to succeed, and a thirst for knowledge, it will be worth it. Below, you may sign your name, which will confirm you as a member of the dig team. Please list any relevant skills and what you hope to get from this experience as well. Thank you again, and good luck out there. *Below, and on the next page are a number of blank lines, each with enough space to write a couple of sentences.*

5/26/14 -deleted-

Caer looked off to the side, out over the docks, at nothing in particular. He ran a hand through his long hair, and sighed. "Heavy Handers, is it? Word is they've been stepping up their game, so to speak. This fits their increased ambition. If they don't know the goods are coming from me, that leaves more room to work. But if they do know, that'll make things harder." Caer said. He looked down a bit, and said something in his worry that was meant to be to himself, though miqo'te hears could likely have picked it up. "I just hope they don't know who the goods are going -to-..." He shoved the uncertainty aside, andlooked back to Zhi. "You're sure?"

have you ever just made a character for rp and be like "your past was tragic enough, you don't need anymore crap." Not specifically, no, though I've had a couple characters like that, and tried to keep them from getting involved in too much sad stuff. But it can be tough, because everyone is trying to rp the "tortured soul looking to be saved" so there's a lot of sad going around. "or "you're going to be a joy, and have a sweet ending." then later on as you rp them they get into situations and get trapped and now you look at them and you just feel sad. like "i don't want to play you anymore because i know nothing happy is going to happen to you ever now." Many, many times...I don't even know what a happy ending is. Or you have like that one friend who you rp with for like...ever all times all rps. and you suddenly get a sad idea, but instead of your friend saying "no, stop thinking that." they join you in the feels train, and it just makes it worse. and the worse part is is that it can be so damn cannon so your just sitting in the corner crying. No. Never had anyone stick with me long enough for that. Sometimes I get halfway there, then they bail. The result is pretty much the same as yours though. i made unrealistic sounds talking about some of my ARR character. unrealistic. sounds. Do tell... Point is...no, you aren't the only one.

Caer didn't bother looking over, though it wasn't out of disrespect. It's a simple matter of he having been expecting her, and recognizing the voice. He nodded at her words, and kicked against the bowsprit with his right foot, causing him to flip over backwards. He placed one hand over his shoulder, and used it to puish as he went over, causing him to go a bit into the air, and his feet to land perfectly on the ground as he landed down on the forecastle, just a few steps from Zhi. He turned to her, and with a confident smile, answered. "Ready. Let's hear what you've got in mind."

Ohh yes I was likely afk. I do that a lot... And I'm not specifically IC when just standing around (but will be if someone approaches me icly). Though I am sometimes tempted to go around icly commenting on peoples ooc antics. Haha.

I remember you.

((Dunno why I did that. Haven't been feeling the greatest, sorry, haha. Deleted)) Snow stepped forward with a small smirk, though it was not one of ill intent. She motioned with her head for Zhi to come aboard. "Aye. Caer's taking it easy up on the bowsprit. For now, our ship is your ship." She said, stepping back, and aside to make way. It was a good ship in the design of a three-masted barque. Not uncommon, but a good ship to be sure, and a fine choice for a smaller crew. The various crewmen could be seen going about their business, watching Zhi for a bit whenthey noticed her, before returning to their duties. Caer could be seen from here, laying up on the bowsprit, watchingthe sky, hands crossed under his head. Snoe spoke again. "Go on. We've all been told to expect you, so no one will cause you any problems."

As someone who is unable to really take part in public RP and events, I would definitely use the forum. As it stands now, I already make any reliable RP contacts I have through posting advertisements. A dedicated for looking for connections would definitely help.

It could't hurt, right?

Night... Aboard the Sunset Chaser... Captains quarters... Some time later... Caer sat at his desk, looking through the papers he had carefully laid out before him. Papers with information on them no mere pirate should have. The look on his face was that of worry, even bordering on fear. "This is bad." He said to himself, as he began nervously tapping his finger on the desk, probably thinking of what might happen if his suspicions turned out to be true. Things were working out so well, and now it might be in danger of falling apart. Just what was in danger of falling apart? Well, Caer- *knock knock knock* "Caer, Captain. You in there?" A knock and a voice came from his door, snapping him back to reality. For a second or two, he began to frantically pile the papers, but then he realized it wasn't necessary. "Is that you, Snoe? Come in." Caer answered, prompting the door to open, and then shut. The sound of heavy footsteps approached. Caer didn't look back. Snoe was his most trusted crewman. His first mate. And one of only two people who knew the truth. "It's me." The voice said, as it's approach slowed, moving around to one side of him, glancing at the papers, then to him. "You look concerned. And from what you've got layed across the desk, I can probably guess why." She said. "If it's true, it's a bad situation. The flow of cash stops pretty high up in the chain. That means someone near the top is the culprit. That also means they know what this stuff really is, and who it's going to." Snoe was silent for a long moment. She watched Caer. She had respected him for some time. One of the few men she did. His way of handling things always proved beneficial. Neat. And it didn't hurt that he was the only one on board that could beat her in a match. Finally, she spoke. "Aye. It's bad, if true, but we'll have to deal with it somehow. We'll play it cautiously, like always. Make sure we don't make a bad step and get cornered. But for now, I just came to give you tonights report." Caer nodded, still not looking up at her. Seems the worry was really getting to him. "Let's have it." He said. "All's quiet. Kiki just took watch, and the boys on deck are in for an easy night, if it keeps going how it is. There's a bit of unrest, though. We haven't hit a ship in two weeks, and some of them are wondering what's going on." Snoe explained. Caer was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I'll take care of it. We'll make a pass north of the island tomorrow and get a nice, heavy freighter. That should placate them." "Aye, it will, but do you think you can keep it going this way forever? Piracy's getting harder these days. The last year's been rough, with the admiral cracking down. All the rookies are just about done. It's mostly the experienced and devoted crews remaining, and even those are staying low. It's going to make it that much harder to manag ethis side business you've got going. You can't afford a mistake there, you know..." Snoe said. "Do you think I don't know that, Snoe? It's getting to be too much for one man to handle. I'll tell you...I've already started thinking of was to pull out of one or the other." Caer confessed. "You mean...?" Snoe asked. Caer finally looked at her, and gave a stoic nod. "It may come to mebacking out of the underworld, and going full time pirate... Either that, or handing over control of the crew, and focusing on my other business there. I know you're more than capeable of running this ship, and leading this crew, and the men would follow you, for certain." He explained. "Aye. Something's going to have to give at some point. But I know you're going to take both of them as far as possible. If you left the crew, though, I do'tknow if I'd stay. I'm not really interested in the captains seat these days. Done it already, as you know. I prefer to play second fiddle to a good leader." Snoe said, as she moved closer, resting her right hand on his left shoulder as he sat there. "Gee, Snoe. If I leave, you leave? No pressure..." Caer said, almost giving a chuckled. Snoe smirked, and lifted her left leg, swinging it up and over Caer, and settling down, straddling him,resting both arms on the back of the chair behind him. She moved her face closer. "Don't act conceited. I just don't want the job, and there's no one else on board capeable of taking it. It's not as if I'm in love with you." "Mm hm. It's still a lot of added pressure though..." Caer answered, as his hands crept up past her hips, and slipped around her waist. "Well, you know what Ringo always tells you, right? You should loosen up. You've got to deal with the situation no matter what. Stressing yourself sick isn't going to help." Snoe said, as her face got even closer, the tip of her nose brushing past his own, their breath upon one-another. "Maybe...But you know me, Snoe. I can't rest when something like this is looming over me. It'll always be there, casting a shadow over everything, until it's finished." He said, his voice lowering, as their faces came closer still. Their lips met, and Snoe slipped her arms around Caers neck as she felt her bottom lip being taken between his own lips, and his tongue gently brush over it. His hands, moved more tightly around behind her, and slowly up back as her chest pressed against him. The parted only long enough to switch lips, Caer now taking her top. Snoe gently took his bottom between her teeth, drawing back slowly, letting it slip from them, and finally sealing their mouths together. The embrace tightened and their tongues flicked past one-another, in a coy game of tag. It continued as such for some time, before they finally parted, Snoe grinning at him, and pulling back. Caer managed a grin of his own, and spoke. "That could be considereda conflict of interests. Favoritism among the crew." He said, as his hands began to retreat from around her back. "What the boys don't know, and all that." Snoe answered, rising from his lap. "I trust you to make the right decision, Captain. Always have." She continued, turning to leave, her steps heavy, and measured as she approached the door. "Again with the pressure. You can bea real bitch, Snoe." Caer said, in mild jest. Snoe just gave a slow, methodical chuckle, finding the sense of kinsmanship in his words. She gave a silent wave over her right shoulder, ad opened the door, exiting Caers quarters. Caer stood, and reached for the Chasers pearl, opening a private frequency. "Zhavi. Met me at the dock again tomorrow evening. We need to discuss something."