The Unknown: A Game of Fear, Ignorance, and Adventure

[Octorok]

After declaring himself in the rude manner he found so amusing, he smiled to himself. However he was then simply flabbergasted by the response he got - in a rather strangled twirl, the gnome kissed his hand and offered him a fruit.

How very eccentric. How very gnome-ish .

He began to giggle, then chuckle, then laugh uproariously, and soon was caught in a fit of mirth not entirely unbefitting a Painted Elf who has just pulled off a successful prank. The moment that particular thought struck him however, he sobered up. Adorning his more quiet, softer voice he proclaimed, "Thankyou, but not. I am Gris Axthorn. Pleased to meet me. I am delightful" in his most polite English, not to be outdone in courtesy.

 

[Zombie_Fish]

"Oh, I've never had a fear of the skies, it's just that I've never been able to understand how to fly a ship. Never have and I have doubts if I ever will. I guess I just don't think the right way for life airborn." Mareck explained to his fellow dwarf, when he realised he could sense some ale coming from nearby.

"Here's a tip though, avoid Orc beer, tastes like boiled granite"

Mareck heard this comment from Alexis and agreed with him entirely. "I don't really trust orcs anyway, why would I want to drink their alcohol?" He sniggered a bit at this comment before getting back to the conversation.

"...but in truth my real home is my airship, the 'crusty turtle'. I picked the name myself..like it?"

"Meh, it's okay and is fairly clever. Mind you, I don't know much about ships in general let alone naming them. So you spend most of your time- on land that is- in Ver Acana? How is that place, as I've heard of it, but I've never been there before."

As the two of them went down a ladder into the bowles of the ship, Alexis asked Mareck a curious question:

"What's your story then laddie?. What bring you to this voyage?" Mareck thought about this for a while.

"Well, as I said before, I grew up in The Merchant's Water. I spent most of my life travelling between those four cities, but eventually got bored of just living between four cities. I started to know those cities like the back of my hand and it was just becoming terribly annoying. However, whilst resting about in one of the smaller, original pubs in Buron, I noticed a flyer on a notice board, talking about travelling to the Unknown Continent. As soon as I saw that flyer, I knew I wanted to take part. Thus, I signed up and, here I am."

There was a bit of a pause following that conclusion, so Mareck tried to fill in the silence whilst trying to keep a nose out for the smell of beer. "So, what's it like, living as a pilot? I've always been interested in it but, as I said before, I have never been able to work an air ship. The mechanics behind it just confuse me beyond belief."

 

[Khedive Rex]

Tiber nodded his head carefully, absorbing the information.

"Of course..." Ticky continued slowly, lowering his voice "... that happens to be a skill I keep to myself, most times. Information I keep, really. You never know what someone might do once they find out that your use has shriveled." Ticky sighed, scrubbing a hand through his hair. "It's just safer to leave them thinking."

"I agree." Tiber said, lowering his voice in kind. "I have skills of my own that I prefer to keep private ... Should you find need of any of these skills, I'd happily trade them for the work of a skilled linguist, or whatever it is you do for support. It suffices to say I'm the observant type. There is little that goes on anywhere that I don't know of."

"... Do we have a deal?"

It was at that moment the serious and austere mood was shattered quite completely by a Painted elf. Tiber would typically ignore a Painted Elf's tomfoolery, but this one spoke in the old language. The old language was not bandied around for pranks. He hoped.

"Good morrow, my dear Frozen Elf. What news from the High Courts?" he asked, almost keeping a straight face.

"Good morrow Painted Elf. The courts are -"

"Ugh, ME HUNGRY!"

Tiber jumped with at the shock reached reflexively for his pistol. He stopped himself mid-grab though as the Orc did not appear to have violent intentions. Or, at the least, he was not attacking now. The Painted elf laughed danced and ate something while Ticky moved slightly closer. The Painted Elf tripped mid-pirhouette And Tiber caught him under his shoulders.

He was quite surprised to hear the Orc laughing at this point. Laughing quite uproariously. Whatever Ticky did it appears to have worked.

"Thankyou, but not. I am Gris Axthorn. Pleased to meet me. I am delightful"

Tiber paused to meditate on this uniquely odd situation. He was holding a Painted Elf and listening to an hungry orc who had just been calmed by a gnome. He mentally added it to the list of ridiculous situations he'd been thrust into.

"I'm glad to hear you're delightful Mr. Axthorn. Tiber said letting the Painted Elf go. "I'd tell you when dinner was if I knew but unfortunately I think we are at the mercy of Mr. Deslocke."

"As for you ..." Tiber said turning to the Painted Elf "... Are you high?" There was a light in the elf's eye's that spoke of supreme inebriation and he giggled a little more than was appropriate, though, it was always hard to tell what is appropriate for a Painted Elf.

Tiber ran a hand through his hair. It was going to be a long, interesting, trip.

 

[ThreeWords]

Spoiler: To clarify

It seems that something has become confused, and Jakob's actions have been confused with those of a gnome.
You may want to edit, or you may not, as you see fit

Jakob steadied himself on the Ice Elf who supported him, and giggled slightly. "I soar on wings of the mind" he said, in a voice full of wonders for things only he could see, "But fear not, the legs of my body still function. As for you, my dear Gris," he announced, turning to the orc, "I am most delighted to make your acquaintance. I am Jakob of the Dor-Khelle, and this is my fellow elf, who's name is, uh," he paused, and glanced at the Ice Elf in momentary confusion, "What is your name, ice-brother?"

 

[Saskwach]

"Why do you seek the Unknown Continent? What purpose has brought you to stand before me?"

The question, though expected, still came as a shock to Jonas. His hand flinched towards his sword, but he wrested it back to his side quickly enough to mostly conceal the reaction. Damn. Like a schoolboy with his tutor.

Jonas pretended nothing had happened and plunged on. Blunt honesty - after a fashion - seemed the best tack here; that'd throw him off balance, too. After such a simple mistake, Jonas needed a respite. And this man was disconcerting. Unlike most people in life, he seemed to be listening.

"I'm here because an employer of mine wishes a hand in this venture. I'm no adventurer myself. I prefer a room and bed to a tent, and I'll never suffer mud for the hell of it. But hard times can fall on a man - and once they have, he'll change his tune rather suddenly."

Jonas' eye gathered a reflective sparkle as he gazed off beyond Raven's shoulder.

"Incidentally, did you know that in the Streggan Valley in north-west Merdallan it's considered the gravest faux pas to ask a man's motivations? I never quite understood the taboo, but I've always remembered it. All the men I met from that realm were very tricky."

 

[Octorok]

While Gris attempted to sort out the complexities of the grammar he had just heard, he began to wonder if he had said the right thing. They all seemed to assume that he really was hungry, and that food would calm him.

"I not hungry. Just funny!" At that he broke out in laughter again, at the sheer absurdity of the situation. A painted elf was clinging to a bemused Ice Elf, who had been talking to a humourous gnome, who appeared to be a ballet dancer of some description.

This was not going to be a normal voyage...

 

[Kaboose the Moose]

""I'm here because an employer of mine wishes a hand in this venture. I'm no adventurer myself. I prefer a room and bed to a tent, and I'll never suffer mud for the hell of it. But hard times can fall on a man - and once they have, he'll change his tune rather suddenly."

"I can understand" Raven replied. "This is a new undertaking and I am sure that there are many people out there who are interested in seeing what this new land holds for their own benefit. There are very few pure explorers left nowadays, men like Deslock who explore for the sake of knowledge and for the thrill of adventure. It seems that money and propaganda is what..." he paused to fill his pipe with more tobacco.

"I...'eally wish...get...Tyb soon" he said suddenly between puffs from his pipe as wisps of thick white smoke bellowed from his nostrils and mouth. "I need to stock up on the tobacco leaf. Anyway what was I saying?..oh I forgot, probably nothing important anyway!."

"Incidentally, did you know that in the Streggan Valley in north-west Merdallan it's considered the gravest faux pas to ask a man's motivations? I never quite understood the taboo, but I've always remembered it. All the men I met from that realm were very tricky."

"I was not aware of that, then again Merdallan is not someplace I would stop off for a long period of time, at least not long enough to study it's people. They are a complicated bunch I'll admit, I never really understood their feudal system let alone why they haven't elected a king yet. Still, they seem to be holding things together" he chuckled as he spoke "Now thanks to you, I shall chose not to ask a man of his intentions when in the North-West of the region. You have saved me from potentially countless prickly predicaments that I would have otherwise stumbled upon. I thank you for that!" Raven bowed slightly with a twinkle in his eye.

The two paused to enjoy the sea breeze and to let in the sights and sounds of the expedition. Out of the corner of his eye, Raven noticed a few of the other expedition members and what seemed like an amusing setting; an ice elf, a painted elf, a gnome and an orc were having an animated conversation amongst themselves. Looks like the start of a tavern joke!. he laughed to himself as he watched the group for a few minutes.
Lords of Karnos!, why am I so cheery today?. This is uncanny!. Am I actually enjoying the company of others?..this is ridiculous!

"If I may be so bold" he continued turning to Jonas after a long stretch of silence. "I have been curious about how you came to lose the use of your arm?"

 

[Saskwach]

"If I may be so bold" he continued turning to Jonas after a long stretch of silence. "I have been curious about how you came to lose the use of your arm?"
This was the last straw, one question too far. Jonas stared out at the sea, much calmer than he. His patience had worn thin, and then been rent apart. This Raven was saying nothing and asking everything. He had no respect, no sense of decorum nor propriety. Jonas had tried to turn the conversation aside, but this man was rapacious. He was a strip miner among men; he tore and tore until he hit paydirt, and tore again. A man's private life was only so much gold to him, to be bartered and sold as easily as the coin he probably hoped to make aplenty on this expedition. From the sea, Jonas summoned up a cold anger, refusing to reveal his thoughts to such a brute.

"Boldness is always permitted. However, it is not always rewarded. I think I should prefer to keep this story close - close to the bone as it were. Perhaps another time, over a bottle of fine wine. Now if you'll excuse me: I am tired, and wish to find my quarters. Perhaps later we can speak more of Merdallan?"

Jonas turned to leave.

Spoiler

Nice RP, but this is the logical endpoint for my character. Perhaps later we can speak more of Merdallan?

 

[Dragonearl]

"So, what's it like, living as a pilot? I've always been interested in it but, as I said before, I have never been able to work an air ship. The mechanics behind it just confuse me beyond belief."

Alexis laughed aloud at this comment. "Oh no not really, all you need is a good mix of gasses in the balloon itself for lift and a favorable wind to nudge you along. Navigation itself is a matter of pulling the right lever at the right time. Then again all the basics of flight are drilled into us at flight school. Must be careful of pigeons though, they tend to get adventurous altitude wise" the dwarf laughed heartily. He was enjoying the company of the fellow dwarf. Perhaps here was someone that he could trust during this expedition, only time would tell!.

"Oh I say!" Alexis exclaimed suddenly pointing to a stack of barrels that had small taps attached. "Can it be?" he asked, gently turning a tap and sniffing the golden liquid that spewed out. "It is!!" he grinned mischievously "Beer!"

He immediately set about filling his mug with a frothing glass of the liquid from his recently plundered stock. "Say, what do you think about the rest of our crew?. Lots of elves and humans about, eh?" he asked after taking a long swig at his drink.

 

[Zombie_Fish]

"Oh no not really, all you need is a good mix of gasses in the balloon itself for lift and a favorable wind to nudge you along. Navigation itself is a matter of pulling the right lever at the right time. Then again all the basics of flight are drilled into us at flight school. Must be careful of pigeons though, they tend to get adventurous altitude wise"

"You see, it's stuff like that that I struggle to understand. Having to learn all the gasses and how to navigate, I just have never been able to learn to fly." Mareck responded. "I just could never understand complex mechanics of that kind anyway." he said to Alexis just before passing through a door into a dark room filled with barrels and a strong smell of alcohol.

"Beer!" Alexis cheered at the liquid. Upon sight of this dwarvish fantasy, Mareck was more than happy to celebrate in turn with this partner of his.

"Well, fill her up." Mareck asked of Alexis, before lifting the frothy, sweet substance to his lips, and he could instantly feel the sweet, pleasure-like substance pass down his neck to give him fresh joy. He loved the taste and finished it in about thirty seconds in one, long solid gulp. He then gave a breath of pleasure afterwards, before reaching for some more beer. He then took that one down with even more ease than the first one before wiping his mouth with his dirty sleeve.

"Say, what do you think about the rest of our crew?. Lots of elves and humans about, eh?"

Mareck wiped his mouth a bit more, just to get the rest of the beer off his mouth. "Sure are, lot of orcs as well. Currently, I have no trust for any of them, especially the painted elves. Whether or not my trust in them changes though I don't know. We'll just have to see." He sniggered a bit at his dwarf friend before swallowing down another mug of beer.

"So, what's your opinion on the others currently then?"

 

[Dragonrabbit]

Reeko smiled as Derlan handed him the cockroach. He pulled his hand up to his face and sniffed the bug, eying it intensely all the while. "This appears to be a standard Lomarian Roach. Strong after taste, sorta grapey mixed with banana, fine with some fresh or..." he paused glancing around the ship briefly, "got distracted, anyways, good with fresh oranges. Yes sir, mighty fine with a freshly picked orange."

Reeko smiled at Derlan once more, before tossing the cockroach into his mouth. Chewing it while staring at Derlan with a wide smile. He finished and still smiling at Derlan said, "Sorry, couldn't resist, I'm sure you'll find another one soon enough though. As for me, I need to find some oranges!" Reeko turned around and ran into the supply hold. He stopped before entering all the way though, he heard voices.

"...rest of our crew? Lots of elves and humans about, eh?"

Reeko smiled and continued listening hiding in the shadows, always fun to here what others say when no one's watching.

"Sure are, lot of orcs as well. Currently, I have no trust for any of them, especially the painted elves. Whether or not my trust in them changes though I don't know. We'll just have to see."

Dwarfs, it would seem...

"So, what's your opinion on the others currently then?"

Please do tell.

 

[Kaboose the Moose]

"Sod it, I really need to work on my people skills", Raven thought to himself as Jonas walked away. "There clearly is a nerve there that I touched, or is it a clever ploy to get away from divulging information to me?". Raven was most intrigued, most people he ever met were very simplistic and or led very simple lives. Yet, the man before him was as stubborn as an Omicron mule and was far from simplistic. "Intriguing!", he muttered as he ran a hand through his hair.

"Yes, perhaps another time then. We shall discuss about Merdallan!" he called out after Jonas as he disappeared into the ship. Raven was left standing against the rails looking out to sea, the departure of Jonas had brought him back into his brooding state. He took a long puff from his pipe and blew out the smoke in the shape of a ring to occupy himself.

Spoiler: OOC

Yup sure, I'll be around :O

 

[Flying-Emu]

"... Do we have a deal?"

Ticky raised an eyebrow. This Tiber was... trusting... for an Ice Elf. Curious. Use the Ice Elf in exchange for... 'support'. Things were getting thicker and thicker.

As Tiber was subsequently assaulted by a number of individuals, Ticky saw his chance. He stepped briskly away towards the prow of the ship, clasping his hands behind his back. Oh, how he despised elves. All of them. Painted or cold. The humans too. Dwarves he could stand to a point; a point crossed after about three brandies.

He sighed, staring at the breakers crashing against the lacquered wood of the ship. The waves pushed and pulled, ebbed, flowed, yet were shattered by the indomitable force of the Free People's will. Beautiful, yet disgusting. Fascinating, yet harrowing.

"Any natural force can be overcome by the power of thought."

The old proverb whispered through his mind.

 

[Shapsters]

"This appears to be a standard Lomarian Roach. Strong after taste, sorta grapey mixed with banana, fine with some fresh or..." he paused glancing around the ship briefly, "got distracted, anyways, good with fresh oranges. Yes sir, mighty fine with a freshly picked orange."

He isn't going to eat him is he? He had better not eat him!

Derlan stared open mouth at Reeko, who had just eaten the cockroach,

Gah! Jimmy! Why Jimmy why?! You were so very young!

Reeko walked over to a group of shipmembers who were talking, he began conversing with them. Derlan began to slink back into the corner when he got a burst of cofidence. Walking over to the group he quitely mumbled,

"Erm Reeko, why would you eat my cockroach?" Reeko paid no notice, Derlan repeated slightly louder, "Reeko, why would you do that?!"

Still no response from Reeko and Derlan began boiling with anger,

Punch him you pussy! Right in the teeth!

Derlan tapped Reeko on the shoulder, as he turned his head, Derlan punched Reeko in the face. Reeko was caught off guard and stumbled back, Derlan took advantage of this and jumped him. Punching him viciously he began yelling,

"This is what I get for trusting people! Son of a *****!"

Spoiler: Hehe a little conflict!

You guys can do whatever you want with Derlan, he is in a bit of a crazy state. Either cheer him on or pull him off. Feel free to control him a little bit if you decide to pull him off Reeko. Also @DragonRabbit, I had a sinking feeling you were going to eat the bug

 

[Dragonrabbit]

Spoiler: OOC

I expected the first fight to be interracial, then again I ate your cockroach... Also, I wasn't talking to them I was hiding listening to them.

*edit* Shapesters I believe you were supposed to send your initial attack to Zemalac via PM. May've affected that there punch or something like that.

Reeko shouted as Derlan jumped at him, "You crazy sod, cockroaches aren't pets they're food!" They landed in the middle of the cargo hold. Reeko struggled to avoid Derlan's punches, achieving moderate success. He grimaced as a punch found its way to the side of his face, but didn't fight back, instead he started yelling, "Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!"

I guess I see why peo- Ohh, my face- people dislike Painted Elves so much.

 

[Shapsters]

Spoiler: Shit

Ah well, lets just roll with it, not much of a fight anyways. Sorry I misread your post :S

Derlan punched wildly at Reeko, most punches missing him.

"You crazy sod, cockroaches aren't pets they're food!"

Derlan landed a good punch, but Reeko was not fighting back. He merely avoid the punches then began chanting,

"Why are you chanting?! Fight back or something!" Derlan slowed down a it, "Ah fuck it."

Derlan jumped off of Reeko and helped him up,

"Sorry about that friend, lost control for a moment there." Derlan offered his hand to shake, but wouldn't be surprised if Reeko punched him in the face.

 

[Dragonrabbit]

Reeko took Derlan's hand and promptly grabbed the other one as well, "No worries friends, as well among friends and Elves, besides a little conflict is good once in awhile. Keeps you fresh, ya know?" He started to dance with Derlan, keeping a wide smile on his face all the while.

And now we begin the dance of destiny.

Reeko began giggling rather intensely as he danced. He was a fan of puns.

He looked at the two Dwarfs against the wall drinking, some undoubtedly stolen, beer. "Come on fellas join the fun!"

 

[Caimekaze]

Keil quietly emerged from his little cabin into the hold, to be greeted by a painted elf engaged in fisticuffs with another. Actually, one elf was punching the other in the face, while the recipient egged him on.

A fight. Already. How typical. Hopefully it will not end in... Oh. They have stopped. Now they are acting like friends again. How very, very strange. Oh, who am I kidding. They are Painted Elves.

... This should be interesting.

"Hello there. Please, do not let me interrupt your merriment, but would I be able to go out on deck? Stale air really does not agree with me, and I will have to spend the night under here; I may as well make the most out of the light while it lasts. Oh, how rude, I have not introduced myself yet. My name is Keil. It is a pleasure to meet you."

As he introduced himself, Keil quietly appraised the mis-matched pair. Were they friends prior, or are they merely very friendly people? If the latter, this voyage may be a little more interesting than I thought. Otherwise, I will just have to see how things pan out.

 

[Shapsters]

Derlan looked at the newcomer, he walked up to him and dropped to one knee.

"G'day to you m'lady sir! I shall escort you to the deck, and if we are not allowed, we shall jump off in defiance!" Derlan jumped up, "Twig it to the man if you will!"

He began laughing and walking in the direction of the deck, he gestured toward the door and jumped into the fresh air.

 

[Caimekaze]

Keil allowed himself a small chuckle.

"Thank you kind sir, for the escort. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Might I enquire as to your name?"

As he stepped out onto the deck, he released a quiet sigh. "Ah, that is much better. So, good sir, could you recommend anyone for me to meet?"

Rule one: Make friends. The more you have, the easier it is to survive. It may even make it possible to enjoy yourself. But that comes after survival, and the mission.

Keil squinted a little in the harsh light and pulled his hat a little lower. "Ah. Much better," he muttered, to no one in particular.