[Location] The Docks

[Liminal]

The Docks The docks at the harbor in Zeltiva put all other such structures in Mizahar to shame. There were four long piers that were capable of berthing ships with a crew of 100 or more -- even though no other city had such a thing. Twenty smaller piers were placed at regular intervals; on a normal day, about half of them were full. Ships, cargo, and people came in and out with dizzying speed and breathtaking precision. The Zeltivans were both the sharpest traders and the only true maritime power in Mizahar, and the quantity of traffic at the docks certainly proved it. Any passengers arriving at the docks were immediately let into the city; as each ship had a passenger manifest, the need for record keeping had already been satisfied. Cargo was quickly offloaded into a waiting wagon, which could deposit nearly anything at any location in the city in half an hour or less. The stevedores and other laborers knew their tasks and did them well -- the Sailors' Guild would stand for nothing less, and in return, they earned far more than most people employed in manual labor could dream of. All of this activity was supervised by Veraline Kendrick, the Dockmaster. She had an office in a wooden building that was set back some five hundred feet from the water. Should anyone wish to speak to the person in charge, it was to her that they would be directed. The interior of the building was surprisingly plush, with thick red carpets, and Akvatari paintings on the walls. Ms. Kendrick's doors were made of solid cherry, and they swung open without so much as a sound. Ms. Kendrick herself was a heavily tanned woman with brown hair. She might have been fifty, but she was in excellent shape and condition for her age, and gave off an impression of someone who knew their business, and knew it well. She greeted any visitors with a polite nod, and a firm, "May I help you?"   The Suvans Grace Date of Commission: Summer 37, 505 AV Class: Mizaharan Home Port: Zeltiva, Sylira Region Owner: The Sailor’s Guild of Zeltiva One of the very few Mizaharan class ships that sails the seas, the sails of the Suvan’s Grace are a pristine white while the hull of the ship is painted in the traditional blue and gold of Zeltiva. The pride of the Sailor’s Guild fleet it is the largest ship in the Guild’s possession and regularly makes trips from port to port. The Suvan’s Grace, alongside its sister ship The Maiden’s Voyage, are a very recognizable sight in the ports along the Sebakem Ocean and parts of the Suvan Sea. For nearly a decade the Mizaharan class ship has towed cargo and people from one part of the world to another gaining a reputation as a ship blessed with fair weather. On record the ship has never been taken by pirates though there have been a number of incidents in its relatively short history. To date there have been four attempts to take the ship by either Svefran or other pirates all of which have failed. The Sailor’s Guild makes a point to staff the ship with some of the most highly trained and capable sailor’s in its employ. Coupled with the light and heavy mounts that bolster the ship’s defenses it makes for an intimidating sight for all but the most seasoned of pirates. Passengers tend to rest easy under the watchful protection of the crew. Cargo very rarely gets damaged and of all the ships in the Sailor’s Guild fleet the Suvan’s Grace is always captained by the most experienced of sailors.   Thackery Gaines Ship: The Suvan's Grace Rank: Captain Age: 47 Race: Human Bio- Thackery Gaines is an abled bodies sailor who has spent most of his life traversing the high seas of Mizahar. He has a deep seated love for Laviku’s realm and always makes a point to pay homage to the Sea God before embarking on a voyage. He has been known to delay departure if he feels adequate sacrifice has not been made. He is a good natured man but he adheres to the principles of the Sailor’s Guild in that he expects discipline, order and professionalism from those under his command. When he gives an order it is to be obeyed first, questioned later otherwise one risks getting a taste of the Captain’s considerable martial prowess. A fine navigator it is rumored he passed up the chance to become an Administrator because he couldn’t see himself giving up his love of the sea to sit behind a desk. Skills- Sailing (76), Navigation(Sea) (65), Leadership (60), Weapon: Cutlass (58), Astronomy (49), Brawling (37) Gnosis- Oceanus (1)   Arthur Kline Ship: The Suvan's Grace Rank: Commander Age: 42 Race: Human Bio- Stern and organized, the First Mate and Executive Officer of the Suvan’s Grace is a dutiful man who believed that he would spend his life as an attorney in the halls of Zeltiva’s courts. It was not until he was in his early twenties did he realize that he had a passion for life at sea. He gave up his education in Law to pursue a life in service to the Sailor’s Guild and has not looked back since. He is a little less approachable than his Commanding Officer but what he lacks in terms of sociability he makes up for in being a steadfast listener and observer. He has a keen eye for potential and makes a point to give quick, concise guidance for those who appear lost. Skills- Leadership (70), Sailing (61), Organization (54), Weapon: Cutlass (45), Navigation (Sea) (38), Law (26) Gnosis- None   Mary Glass Ship: The Suvan's Grace Alias: Bloody Mary Rank: Lieutenant Age: 38 Race: Human Bio- The salty Master-At-Arms of The Suvan’s Grace is a force to be reckoned with. She is no nonsense, all business, and always ready to give a lesson in what her fist tastes like. LT. Glass once held the rank of Commander. She had been a very hotheaded and impassioned sailor then who, in her pride, cost the Sailor’s Guild a considerable amount of money, lost a very large amount of cargo and cost several sailor’s their lives. She was stripped of her rank and very nearly booted out of the Sailor’s Guild as a result. She was saved however by the actions of Administrator Justin Hopeswell and has since risen back up the ranks to be assigned as the ship’s officer in charge of security. She takes her job very seriously and always makes a point to stamp out irresponsible behavior. However, it is known that she is very fond of a good game of cards. Skills- Unarmed Combat (70), Weapon: Longsword (65), Leadership (60), Law (51), Dual Wielding (42), Sailing (35), Navigation (Sea) (26) Gnosis- None.

[Owen Westley]

13th of Summer, 509 AV

It was time, Owen thought as he walked through the streets of Zeltiva. He had turned 18 a season ago and was given the ultimatum by his parents, well more his father, to find a job or be disowned by his family. For Owen it was a matter of finding the right job to begin his future. Growing up in the city and under the tutelage of his father, Owen only had a small number of skills he felt were worthwhile. He could hit a target fairly well from about fifty yards. His swordsmanship would not get him killed, maybe maimed. If a fight broke out, he could hold his own. A master he was not.

Owen wanted to get away from the city. His thoughts brought him to the ocean. What better way to leave the city, then to sail on a ship. The docks would be a great place to start. He had heard that ships were hiring. Who knows, he could possibly make a name for himself. As his mind wandered, the busyness around him soon became apparent. People were everywhere. He managed to asked a few where he could find employment. They all pointed to the dockmaster building. He made his way there.

Entering the building, he was greeted by a female. With his brilliant deduction skills, he believed her to be the dockmaster. "My name is Owen Westley," he said in his most polite manner. His mother had taught him well. "I am looking for a job."

[Liminal]

"Mr. Westley." Dockmaster Kendrick inclined her head, though she did not get up, nor did she invite Owen to sit down.

"The Sailors' Guild has many jobs available in many different parts of the shipping industry," she said. "What are you hoping for? Stevedore? Sailor? Inventory assistant?"

There was a brief pause, and then she added, "Please tell me what sort of job you would like, and why the Sailors' Guild should hire you for the position."

[Owen Westley]

To look at Owen, one would see a young man of eighteen. His short dark blond hair had hints of lighter streaks. The blue of his eyes told of his youth, while the scruff of his chin told of his maturity. Or possibly his inability to shave. He was of a lean build, but would not come off as muscular. His clothes were neatly keep. Well his mother made sure he did look good before he left. The bow flung on his back and the sword on his hip would not speak of his ability of their use. Just that he carried weapons.

Owen's eyes widen at the name of his father. A small chuckle came from him when he realized that the person the dockmaster meant was him. The young man was not sure what he wanted to do. "I am not quite sure," he finally said, reluctantly. The most important thing for him was to make it on his own. He wanted to make his family proud. Most importantly, he wanted to get away.

"Please forgive my wandering mind," he spoke softly, "I am unaware of the tasks required for the jobs. However, sailing seems sound more interesting as I ponder your question." It was true. Owen thought of being on the ocean. He had sailed before with his father. The day trip he took years ago sparked something in the lad. "As for why I should be hired, I am a quick learner and have a strong back. I believe I was destined to sail the ocean." The latter part was said as if some grandiose dream was going to come true. He regretted it as his mind settled in on the words.

[Liminal]

The dockmaster had the look of someone who knew more than she often let on. She looked him up and down once more, and then a sly smile crossed her face.

"Laviku will be the ultimate judge of who was destined to sail the ocean. But far be it from me to deny you the opportunity to find out." It was very difficult to tell if she was joking or not. But she quickly reached down and picked up a massive register book, which she then set on the desk.

"We could use an extra deckhand on the next ship making the run to Abura. Fifty Nilos, plus all your food paid and a chance to get more regular work. Are you interested?"

[Owen Westley]

Interested?!, Owen thought. The widening of his eyes. The upward curling of the corners of his mouth. He knew his face betrayed him. "Oh, yes, that sounds like the perfect opportunity for me." He was ecstatic. This was his time, his chance, to make something of himself. His heart knew his parents would be happy for the decision. No longer would he live under his father's roof following his father's rules. Oh, he taught him well, but now he would be on his own. He would make them proud. And as a plus, he would be on an adventure.

"I will take the job," he announced proudly. Owen knew that he made the right choice. He would not need to find a place to live just yet. He would live aboard the ship and do his work and make a name for himself. His ability to work hard would show the captain that he was dependable. He would just hope he did not come off as a cocky young upstart.

"Where do I need to report?" he ask the dockmaster. "Also is there anything I will need to bring or do prior to reporting?"

[Liminal]

A wry smile crossed the woman's face, but whatever it was that she was thinking, she kept it to herself. "Report on the 20th, at pier number 5. Sailors are allowed one backpack -- any additional clothes, toiletries, or personal effects that you wish to bring should go in there. Since you'll be starting at deckhand, there's no training involved. Just go ahead and come on the 20th. Captain Boxelder will be there to meet you."

She nodded to herself. "Is there anything else you need to know?"

OOC: Go ahead and start the reporting thread, and we can take it from there.

[Hrair Ansoub]

3rd Spring 510AV...

Hrair steered to port. His keen eyes could just make out the lights of the university, and using them as a head marker he made his way cautiously into the harbour.

Despite the mist he steered with ease past the outer moorings and the four large piers where the larger ships docked.

Though the rain still pelted Hrair felt much warmer without the breaking of the waves over his head. He was looking forward to getting onto land again.

He did not know whether the people here would be friendly, it had been a long time since Hrair had touched land, and longer still since he had spoken to anyone. Hrair pulled at one of his painful teeth, loose. It was probably going to fall out anyway now whatever. He knew he was ill and was drastically in need of fresh water and fruit. Surely someone would trade fish for fruit here.

He steered carefully for a small berth close to the shore where he could just make out a figure through the rain and fog. He steered hard to starboard and came alongside the small pier.

In what could be almost be discerned as the accent of Zeltivan academic but somehow strange and laboured, he shouted down at the figure on the pier.

“HEY YOU, would you grab this line please?”

[Itasu]

Hrair, Mouse OverI think you should put our thread in another part of the forum. Label it something like "[The Docks] New Acquaintances (Closed)" and then just copy and paste your post in there. This thread is more for modded stuff.

[Liminal]

Hrair

The dockworkers soon had the boat tied up at the dock. They examined the craft's occupant with concern.

"You all right there?" one of the stevedores asked.

The port was well-equipped, and medical care would be available if Hrair so chose.