Before the Mast

BEFORE THE MAST wants YOU!

PLOT|| CREW LIST|| FACE CLAIM|| NEWBIE GUIDE || WANTED ADS

We are open since August 2010 and going strong! And we are writing a swashbuckling adventure story which is waiting for your contribution too. So, join us and let’s write it together, because we are here to stay!

It’s 1719 in the West Indies. War time, and pirates are also on the prowl. Sea fights, duels, plenty of swashbuckling adventures, intrigues of all kinds, mutiny, romance, betrayal - Before the Mast brings to live the Age of Sail like none before. Be ye a pirate, a naval officer, a slave or a lady, you will find a place aboard one of our four ships or live on a paradise island.

There is no Sparrow here, mate. Enjoy our gritty, realistic historical setting if you like learning about those times while getting immersed in weaving our original story.

Come live with us BEFORE THE MAST!

Sharpen your blades, load your guns, drain that last sip of rhum and join our adventures!

(Source: memoirsofaseaman)

BEFORE THE MAST wants YOU!

PLOT|| CREW LIST|| FACE CLAIM|| NEWBIE GUIDE || WANTED ADS

We are open since August 2010 and going strong! And we are writing a swashbuckling adventure story which is waiting for your contribution too. So, join us and let’s write it together, because we are here to stay!

It’s 1719 in the West Indies. War time, and pirates are also on the prowl. Sea fights, duels, plenty of swashbuckling adventures, intrigues of all kinds, mutiny, romance, betrayal - Before the Mast brings to live the Age of Sail like none before. Be ye a pirate, a naval officer, a slave or a lady, you will find a place aboard one of our four ships or live on a paradise island.

There is no Sparrow here, mate. Enjoy our gritty, realistic historical setting if you like learning about those times while getting immersed in weaving our original story.

Come live with us BEFORE THE MAST!

Sharpen your blades, load your guns, drain that last sip of rhum and join our adventures!

(Source: slumd0gbillionaire)

raphalj-mine: I let to guess how we had to tie up the sails… By hand!

The post below belongs to the pirate Pedro Santiago, played by James and newly arrived “Before the Mast”. Click the photo in order to read the whole story!

Pedro Santiago was thinking about luck as he lay on the ground. Really, it was all he though about since the pirates ended up on Inagua with a damaged ship. Perhaps the crew tested thir luck too much, he would say to himself. Women on board meant bad luck, at least Pedro was convinced of it. Now, even more than ever. The bandana on his head slightly askew, Pedro adjusted it as his eyes drifted from the blue ocean to his attered boots. He was staring at them with half-closed eyes. He was exhausted. Pedro could feel himself drifting away as he heard the words “gold”.

He heard them again and immediately sprung up. He looked in the direction of the screams and saw Einar with hands full of gold. As he caught up to the group of men talking his eyes widened. “Gold?” Pedro breathlessly said in between his boisterous cackling. He eyed the gold as if it was a cooked chicken and he were a starving slave. His mouth was agape as he took handfuls of coins before placing them back. He had to feel them. He repeated the process again.

The gold made him forget about the bad fortune the pirates had encountered. A toothy grin made its way across the spaniard’s face. “Lets divide it up now, come on”, Pedro said, excitement in his shakey tone. He normally kept his cool. This was a special occasion. “Lets not waste time, now, whats my split?”, Pedro said.

sailorgil:” Sailor Gangplank “  …  Splash art from ‘League of Legends’ video game

The post below, from the thread “A beautiful evening to remember”, belongs to Helene de Croismare, played by Secar.

It was planned weeks before, in fact, at Hélène’s arrival in the Caribbean in the end of August she wanted to throw a lavish party for the notable citizens of the West-Indies, to celebrate her arrival and to get to know everyone in just an evening. The planning however got interrupted by a storm that struck the entire Caribbean, every colony, every city and every citizen. The list of invitations was expanded; not only the most notable citizens of Hispaniola and Jamaica would attend, but also the crew of the French flagship ‘Le Phenix’, as a thank you for their hard work to get everyone home safe. It did not work out for everyone, a sailor here and there, Cécile the maid, many citizens got lost or past away, but that was inevitable in a storm of such a caliber.

Hélène was busy with planning the party since the return from the Michaelmas Feast, to clear her mind. It had to be a great party, to forget the horrible storm and all the bad things that came along with it. It had to be perfect in the tiniest details, from the flowers, the hors d’oeuvres to the music. The party would reflect her standing, style and her ability to be a great hostess. And for the grande finale, a modest fireworks display and maybe a special announcement.

She woke up excited, it would be the first party for her to throw in the Caribbean, with many to follow she hoped. The weather was just perfect, ofcourse a tropical temperature but the breeze was delightful and made it bearable. While enjoying a cup of tea in the morning on the terrace at the back side of the manor, overlooking the ocean and the gardeners busy maintaining the garden for the evening, she asked for a report from Émile Delage, the lacquey. ‘Mademoiselle de Croismare, everything is going just as you planned. When you are done with the tea, you can inspect everything. Everyone is busy with preparing for the evening.’

As the said cup of tea was finished, she rose from the chair and entered the manor, starting at the front door, she walked through every chamber with her eye for detail. As she instructed her servants, everything was just perfect and everyone was busy. The flower arrangements reflected the meaning of the party. Made of the most beautiful roses, the colors all had meanings; the pink for appreciation and grace, yellow for joy and friendship and peach for appreciation and gratitude, filled with green leaves and the delicate asparagus. The big vases throughout the mansion were overwhelming. In salons, ballroom and dining room servants were on ladders dusting off the crystal and gilt chandeliers after the candelabers near the stairs and the gilt wall lights were shimmering. New candlesticks were placed and the marble floors were mopped. In the kitchen the maids were busy with polishing the crystal glasses, the servants with polishing the silver serving trays, candlesticks and terrines and the cooks preparing the hors d’oeuvres with caviar, salmon and tropical fruits. In his room, Delage was busy with filtering the wines in the crystal decanters and selecting the bottles of champagne.

It didn’t happen much that Helene threw a big party, so it was quite new for her and she was relieved everything went so well. The evening drew closer and the musicians arrived to play the best danceable gavottes and classical masterpieces by Moreau, Lully, Vivaldi and more. Though the moments of joy dissapeared, as she realised Cécile wasn’t there to help her dress for the evening, an other maid had to do the job. The choice fell on a cream and white coloured gown with golden accents and trims, made of the finest silk. One of her most precious dresses. In the wig were placed strips with diamonds and topazes, just like her necklace, earrings, devant the corsage and bracelets on her white silk gloved arms.

As she did a final round through the manor, through the windows of the front façade she could see the first carriages riding on the lanternlit drive to the manor.

Click on the photo to read the story of the whole party!

labelleotero:Farewell, My Queen

(Source: tiny-librarian)

The post below belongs to our newest member, the pirate Russell Lee Smith, played by Sadie. Click on the shipwreck above to read the whole story!:

At the call of gold the tall and lanky man with long, scruffy dark brown hair rose from underneath a tree where he was pouring ocean water from an old sandy rum bottle, he had found laying on the sandy beach, over his large muscular dog that lay sheltered from the sun under a tree panting desperately from the hot temperature.

Russett looked across at the three men who were obsessing over the silver coins. One of the men seemed very excitable, a bit too excitable in his opinion. Russell rolled his eyes a little but he couldn’t help but join in. He wasn’t so excited about the gold as the others however he understood the importance of gold and when the opportunity arose, he would get his hands on some also.

His clothes were still rather damp, it was a mixture of the water and the fact that he had been sweating so much. It clung tight to him making his figure a little more exposed and his rather swift walk look a bit more awkward. There was nothing worst that wet and sweaty clothes, especially wet clothes made of linen.

“But would the Captain know if some of the gold was missing” he joined in as he came to a pause only half a meter away and studied the coins within Einar’s hand for a brief second before glancing up and looking around at everyone.

He put one hand on his hip and looked at them. He avoided looking at the coins in order to attempt to seem like he wasn’t at all interested in the coins, really he was and it was obvious as he was a pirate but he didn’t want to show it.

“Gold is never shared equally, would it be so bad if the gold didn’t reach the Captain?” he commented and tilted his head to the side a little. He glanced at Nails knowing that he would more than likely protest against his opinion.

Stepping back a little knowing that more people would soon be gathered around them, he didn’t want to be caught in the middle of the crowd although nor did he want to be left out. Relaxing his arm to his side once again he looked at the coin in Nails hand.

——————————

(Source: mortisia)

DAIGH EDMUND

1. Tell me something about your family - what do you think about them, your fondest memory of them and how has been your relationship with them?

Me wife… well, she was a poor lass, so I didn’t marry ‘er for the money. Married ‘er for love. Reckon she would’a been better off with another, but ‘tis in the past now. Me daughter, love the lass with m’heart an’ soul. Last I heard she was still a bit miffed at me for headin’ to sea, but she’s a smart lass, she knows ‘er Pa’s got to do it. Favorite mem’ry? The day after me lass was born she an’ her Ma had fallen asleep on the rockin’ chair on the porch waitin’ fer me to come in from the fields. Good day, that ‘un.

2. Which is your favourite possession and why?

Me oilskins. Dead useful in the rain and have kept me old bones from catching my death from the cold many a time.

3. How do you spend your free time?

Ye’ll find me either up in the ‘Shark’s’ rigging, watchin’ the waves or down on the deck, sittin’ back while the young’ns sing and dance. Iffn’ I’m drunk enough, I might even show how a real Irishman’s jig goes.

4. Who was your first love and what happened?

First love? I was naught but a lad, ‘bout twelve years or so, feel fer the neighbor’s daughter. Didn’t know she was betrothed…

5. What are you proudest of?

Me daughter, ‘o course.

6. Which are your goals in life?

*At this, Daigh laughs* Goals? Goals is fer the young, mate. Me, I jus’ want te save a nice chunk for me daughter’s dowry and see ‘er set up in life before some pirate’s blade finds a space ‘twixt me ribs. ‘Course, I wouldn’t mind learnin’ how te do them carvings Neil and some ‘o the others do. Right neat liddle skill, that is.

7. What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for after your death?

Bein’ a good pa.

8. What do you think of the war going on in the Caribbean?

Don’t much care, ‘long as it keeps on goin’ so’s I can git paid.

9. What do you hope and what do you fear for the future?

Huh. Reckon me answer is the same as it ‘twas fer me goals. So, dyin’ afore I can send my lass on ‘er way.

10. What do you think your greatest weakness is?

I’m old, mate. Me knees creak, me eyesight’ll start t’go afore too much longer and me hands get all stiff when the weather changes. Pick yer fav’rit. Otherwise, I got a soft spot for them young sailors. Got lots ‘o life left, hate t’see ‘em die afore they get a chance to live it.

11. Why have you chosen the sea, first of all? Then why have you chosen to be a privateer and what do you like about your profession? What don’t you like?

Didn’ chose the sea, it choose me. Got caught by a press gang when I was a lad, served in the Navy for many a year, left an’, when landlubbin’ didn’ treat me well, went back to what I knew. Didn’t much care what ship I chose the second time ‘round, could’ve been a merchant or a pirate fer all I cared. ‘Long as I get paid, that’s what counts. I ain’t fond o’ salted meat no more, though I like bein’ fed regular and I hate ships that got unreasonable leadership. But I love the sea, so that tends to trump everythin’ else.

12. When have you been the happiest and why?

Reckon I got me a one track mind. Best time ‘o my life was when me wife an’ daughter an’ I were livin’ on the farm, before it all fell to pieces.

13. What is the thing that has frightened you the most?

When I thought the ‘Fate’s Hand’ mutiny was gonna go sour. Reckoned we all woulda been killed, had that been the case.

14. What is the fondest childhood memory you have?

Comin’ home one day with a sackful of meat pies to divy out ‘twixt me, me pa and me brother. Pa broke out his old fiddle and we sang an’ danced ‘till our eyeballs couldn’t stay open no more.

15. Have you ever had a pet? If yes, tell me about it!

Befriended a seagull once back in me Navy days. ‘E liked to hang about in the riggin’ with me an’ I’d feed him scraps ‘o biscuit. Named ‘im Scrapper because he was missin’ an eye and me an’ the others figured he lost it durin’ a fight over sommat. Followed the ship around fer a year afore a pretty lass seagull caught his eye an’ he flew off with her.

16. What does Thomas do that annoys you?

What don’t she do that annoys me? Fer the most part, though, she needs t’have me talk less. Don’t like to chatter.

17. What characteristic of Thomas’s do you wish you had? *

Daigh snorts* Don’t want any of ‘em!

18. How do you imagine Thomas would fare in your life?

Well, bein’ a female, I don’t think she should be on a ship, but… She’d do alright, I reckon.

Click on the photo to read the whole Chronicle!

THOMAS

1. Give us some loose details about Daigh and how you came up with him, which was his story on the other boards you have written him (if it is the case).

Made him only for BTM, so he doesn’t have a story anywhere else. As for how I came up with him, I just picked a picture and went from there. Photos are worth a thousand words and all that.

2. Do you have a preference for playing a certain type of characters? If so, why is that?

Not really, though they always turn out to be cheerful for some reason… Can’t play the dark and angry types, I get bored with them.

3. Did you find it hard to choose the playby for your character?

Well, that came before the character did, so no. ;P

4. How do you find inspiration to start threads rather than just reply to them? Do you prefer starting or just replying to threads?

My preference is I don’t really care either way. If there’s a thread/story that ought to be started, then I’ll do it. If there’s interesting stuff going on in other threads already, then I’ll reply. As for inspiration, I dunno. I write all by my lonesome, so I’m used to coming up with plot lines and things like that.

5. What does Daigh do to annoy you?

He hums under his breath when he’s working. It drives me insane.

6. Where do you see Daigh in five years (in our story)?

Oh, probably on a ship of some kind, the ‘Twilight Shark’, if it’s still around. He’ll also probably be in a leadership position of some sort, promoted against his will due to his wealth of experience.

7. What characteristic of Daigh ‘s do you wish you had?

The ability not to give a hoot about anything. He’s so mellow sometimes. It makes me jealous.

8. What about Daigh is most similar to you?

We’re both pretty laid back.

9. What has Daigh done that you would never do?

Steal stuff.

10. When and how have you discovered your passion for RPGs?

Years ago when I found out that there were people who liked to collaborate to tell a story. Thought that was pretty cool. ‘Sides, you get to pretend you’re a different person.

11. Tell us one memory or initial impression related to your beginnings on “Before the Mast”. How did it change with the time passing?

“Oh ,dear god, there’s a lot to learn!” Still think that. The 1700s is not a time I know much about, so there’s lots of reading for me to do.

12. How do you usually find your inspiration for characters and plots?

Usually with pictures. I look at a photo and think, “what’s the story behind that?” and go from there.

13. How would you see Daigh if born and raised in our time? What would he be and how would his life be?

He’d probably be a factory worker with a bunch of kids and his wife at home.

14. What would be the perfect gift from you to Daigh?

Gold.

15. What is the most fun thing about Daigh?

They way he talks. It’s always fun to see how much I can butcher up the English language and still be understood (for the most part).

16. Which is your favourite book, or author?

D’you have a few hours? This could take a while…

17. Which are your musical preferences?

Uhh… Rock and pop, for the most part.

18. Why does the past inspire you?

Day to day living back in the day was so cool, but you never hear about it in history classes. They always go on and on about the wars and why this country attacked this country, which I really don’t give a hoot about. So, being able to explore how people’s lives were really like is fun.

Click on the photo to read the whole Chronicle!

(Source: doughnutstime)