May | 2025 | Crows Murder

Archive for May, 2025

Gods or Priest Kings ?

[2025/05/30 08:23] Asha Blackwood (asha.dufaux): /me laughs “Good morning Captain”.. as she spills her mug of blackwine and brushes it off her dress, flashing a smile to him and Silas “Good morning to you too Sir.. good to see you both in camp. The Selnar Initiate was hear looking over our tent and camp….” arches a brow slightly.

[2025/05/30 08:25] Silas Drake (melchior.wardell): /me would dip his head to Asha and gave her that dazzling smile. He would listen and his brow arched in surprise “Missing a slave … I am sure.” he replied with a hint of sarcasm. “good I haven’t taken her here.” he replied. Of course it was unsure if the man searched for the slave he stole but still. The fact he had been able to rob them from one gave him that satisfaction clearly when he had not been able to attend the raid.

[2025/05/30 08:27] Harry Horchester: /me raised his brow hearing Asha, “The Initiate of Selnar, the one who presided over the burning of the disabled Torvie woman is here? That should make for some rather entertaining few days.” He would look to Mel, then turned to Ivy instead, hell bent on making the Free Women serve him as they seemed to have a particularly easy life in the South, “Please bring me some mead dear lady.”

[2025/05/30 08:30] Ivy Rose (buddafly.sweetwater): ‘Just staying behind some while looking about, upon spotting the port kar tent all though it would be soon for her to find a place to lay down and rest those feet, it has been a long travel. Her gaze turned to him with a slight twitch in the eye. Was he joking, surly he was as she wondered off into the tent to look for a spot to find sleep, the mead would be coming late to him’

[2025/05/30 08:30] Asha Blackwood (asha.dufaux): /me shifting slightly as a smile teases at the corner of her lips hearing of his capture of slave “Perhaps he was in search of her.. he looked around, under the table then departed quickly. What are your plans for her if I may ask? “. Casting her gaze to Harry hearing the tone of his voice and nods slowly “Aye that be the one I would expect in his official robes..” giving a wink to Ivy as the Captain orders his drink.

[2025/05/30 08:32] Harry Horchester: /me turned to Ivy as he changed his mind, “Actually, I am going to have a look around and meet some of the people before I have mead.” he said, waving off her desire for mead.

[2025/05/30 08:39] Harry Horchester: /me looked at the chaotic seen as men and women were filing into the Thing-Fair. Of course Harry’s took in all that he could see, though his attention was more focused on the women. He grinned and raised his brow at the sight of the lovely ladies and then turned to Silas, Asha, “I am enjoy this place” a grin on his face

[2025/05/30 08:41] Asha Blackwood (asha.dufaux): /me cants her head slightly hearing of the girl’s new life, intaking a soft breath then smiles “Well men of Kar are fearless and daring.. I would think Selnar will be losing more than one slave and a bridge before the war is done…” then adding “.. if she is to be sold I believe Captain Magnus is going to hold a auction in Kar soon.. he might add her to the roster of slave flesh for a little coin if you have interest.” Noting Harry’s words she slips a small laugh “Aye a man’s eye you have ..” noting his attention drawn to the women rising for the day and arriving at camp seeking their tents for some rest.

[2025/05/30 08:44] Silas Drake (melchior.wardell): /me did too study and would see if there were those that he wished to meet and those he might have to avoid. As a pirate he wasn’t always on the best sides of others. “I will tell my quartermaster of the auction. Knowing him he wants the girl to be in the best of shape – the reputation of the Black Compass Trading Company is at stake of course.” he replied.

To Harry he chuckled having seen his gaze “I doubt a warning would be needed. The woman of the North .. they are a special breed.” he whispered. “Fierce and firm. The climate seems to toughen them up.” he added quietly as he wriggled his brow. Surely this was code for something else.

[2025/05/30 08:45] Eira Brown-pelt (emma.huntsman): /me called out to the boys as they went running off, “Make sure you don’t go far!” They were gone long before the words left her mouth, and she shook her head. Her brows drew together, as she needed to see to their safety, but that would be impossible if they were off to explore. Without warning, the youngest came running back to give her a hug, “We’ll find your Papa for you and let him know you’re here!” Eira sighed and ruffled his hair, “Go on, then. Make sure your brother stays out of trouble.” The aroma of food eminating from the tent nearby drew her closer. She nodded at those standing closest, but made her way into the tent.

[2025/05/30 08:49] Harry Horchester: /me nods to Silas and Asha, “Get settled. We will go out and meet others here at the Fair soon. I am particularly interested in seeing the Selnarians if they have indeed brought the Initiate here and see how they explain the burning of the Torvie woman, that too a handicapped woman for not renouncing her faith in Odin…………..interesting times.” he said as he headed into the tent to put away a few things

[2025/05/30 08:51] Asha Blackwood (asha.dufaux): /me smile broadens hearing Silas talk of the northern women as a slight blush crosses her features. She was born of the north and raised in Kar.. toughened by steel and chaos instead of the climate but she took it as a compliment, then to Silas ‘Seems he means to start a little skirmish with Selnar while we are here.. this could be interesting…” her words trail off .. then watching the Captain leave on his quest for mead she was certain.

[2025/05/30 08:53] Eira Brown-pelt (emma.huntsman): /me grabbed a quick nibble and saw the bottle on the table. She picked it up, “Hmm. Someone must have had some surgical tools to get that inside.” Setting it back down, she went off to find her boys. Hopefully, their father hadn’t joined the Selnar delegation.

[2025/05/30 08:55] Silas Drake (melchior.wardell): /me would watch how Harry headed into the tent. The story too was quite unsettling and for sure the act of the selnar’s initiate would be talk in the North. Would they have the balls to show up here after such. “In truth … my lady … It is simply watch how things unfold. The action of the initiate surely will not fall well in the North when these men learn of such. And here we are – watching the show.” he suggested.

He would step beside her as to close the distance. His tone became more low as to have it more private “Surely it wouldn’t hurt to have the story out here. These Northern men are quite protective of their Gods and their women. And would such not benefit us grand ?” he smiled smoothly – clearly it wasn’t a first he had instigated matters and simply watched how it unfold.

[2025/05/30 08:59] Asha Blackwood (asha.dufaux): /me laughs softly hearing his words as he nears nodding in agreement “Aye.. the northerns would not take well to the initiate spreading his lies among those of Odin. It surprising he is so bold to appear without a guard… or 5… ” arching a brow leaning more towards him “.. perhaps a rumor may reach the ears of all the northern camps of the burning of a northern woman… ” a small smile creeping across her lips as the idea forms, “Camp slaves could easily spread such true tales…..”

[2025/05/30 09:03] Silas Drake (melchior.wardell): /me loved the way the woman was thinking “By sure. It is their nature to be pleasing and who does not enjoy a good story ?” he replied to her. His blue eyes scanning the area as to see if their conversation was as discrete as he hoped it to be. The voices of others drifted to his ears, but nothing really was telling him a story. So in that he ensured himself theirs wasn’t either.

“Now for a a first I regret not having a personal slave.” he replied. “surely the girl would already be up for the task.” he shared. He would look over his shoulder. Most often he felt himself cornered by them, but the North showed already different in that regard.

[2025/05/30 09:08] Asha Blackwood (asha.dufaux): /me casts a look about for her own slaves then back to Silas “I do have a few that love to tell tales… leave it to me Sir…” her smiles flashing conspiratorially. Noting his furtive looks cast about, he was a man used to watching his back .. and what happened around him… “I will get word back to you when the deed is complete. ” casting her look around as well then continues “I will go awaken the girls and see what can be done… until we speak again. Be well to you Sir…” casting him a smile.. an attractive man that was focusing on his goals.. something she appreciated.

[2025/05/30 09:11] Silas Drake (melchior.wardell): /me smiled easy and would dip his head in a manner that showed some sophistication. Not because he was brought up that way – but he came about. Was of course the one to find those special things that others desired. An Ubar chamber or a dark den filled with scoundrels.

“Excellent.” he replied as he would move his finger to his head as to salute her. He had picked up the words of another speaking of Northern men gathering near the tent of the initiate. He would indeed go take a look – just to test the waters so to speak.

[2025/05/30 09:12] Dace Emrys (arodace.writer): /me raised both of his hands. “And neither are mine,” he turned to Oskar, granting him a respectful nod. “Ah I should have brought a scribe with me for this. I know not the laws, gentlemen. But if you were to present yourself to the Sardar, in the En’Kara Fairs, no one would refuse you. Let us come to an understanding here. You need not be happy with Varkus’ presence, but neither will we desist. Bold is the ahn in which we would dare to violate the trusted laws of either of our customs.” He paused, lowering his hand and then turned to Rorik. “You are always welcome to meet us in the colourful tents of the En’Kara. But when it comes to us taking umbrage on faith alone, practice within thy respective cities. Then we will be at peace. In the meantime, if any of you play Kaissa, I would deign to challenge you in the Torvaldsland rules.”

[2025/05/30 09:13] Baby Bunny: Josefina felt blessed. Felt cleansed! And whilst she was only a woman, and not privy to the secrets of the initiates, she knew one thing for certain. ” Odin isn’t real! He can’t bless anyone! I’m sure there are many physicians about that could help. You know… With the delusions. ” Josefina tapped the side of her head for emphasis, basically calling them all nuts.

[2025/05/30 09:13] Aric Edricsson (orionbound): /me moved to step between the other northman and the initiate as he had moved over. He put a hand up between him and Varkas trying to convey to not step closer.” No need to further antagonize anyone.. let’s just all enjoy the time of no blood being drawn save for in the contests that call for it.”

[2025/05/30 09:13] Sidra (doll.starchild): Padlock pussy princess continued to evade the great firey circle in the sky, having edged her way under the shade of the tent’s entry yet not getting in the way of those who might come and go. Her gaze flicked over with interest as Deimos appeared. “my Mistress is here somewhere Master.” the words offered with a slow respectful nod, taking time to listen as Arodace spoke. The ire raising and tension to the air had her in suspense.

[2025/05/30 09:14] Elizabeth Hollyberry (rainbow.pawprint): /me having awoken on the ship telling the ship guards to guard the sleeping daughters she would have made her way to find people when she did she heard arics voice as her brows would furrow woundering what was going on

[2025/05/30 09:17] Silas Drake (melchior.wardell): /me had become curious for number of reasons. He picked up the words Dace and studied the guardsman. Surely the interest of the men of Selnar was voiced without the consideration of the customs and beliefs of those of the North.

“I had expected more diplomacy of the men of Selnar.” he shouted. “To throw a man such as him before these Northern men after what he is done. It is a slap in the face !” he added.

Quickly moving behind others so not many would know it was him that had shouted the words – so he hoped.

[2025/05/30 09:18] Óskar Vilulf (shadowstalker): /me Finally lowers his pipe ignoring a woman that calls of things she doesnt know “We followed my brother to your tend we have not moved from the outskirts… yet your.. priest moves closer to us and I must say he stinks like a woman in the baths.” Looking from one to the other of the people “no weapons have been drawn but we see where you are and you should keep your priest in check. Honestly.. we care not who you follow… do not bring your religion here at our festival. Do not use ancient laws to try and wheedle your way inside, that descrated the thing and all it means. DO NOT let him spread his oils on good northern soil, soil we honour as life. It is not much we ask. But knowing that man burns good northerners on pyres in Selnar. WIll not be accepted. He does not leave your tents.”

[2025/05/30 09:19] zCS: /me Arodace Writer rolled 44 (100).

[2025/05/30 09:19] zCS: /me Melchior Wardell rolled 75 (100).

[2025/05/30 09:19] Rorik Vilulf (hassanasad): Rorik’s eyes narrowed as Varkas approached, that thin, polished smile doing little to mask the stink of arrogance beneath his robes, As he stepped forward approaching them, Rorik’s jaw clenched, voice low and cutting like ice on steel. “Spare me your blessings, They have no welcome here” He spat the words like venom. “You speak of peace with the same tongue that once praised the burning of our kin, and yes it has reached here, you would be daft to think it would not. You dress like a priest, but walk like a colonizer…unarmed or not, your presence alone is a provocation, and those who swarm to coddle you and protect you only further illustrate it. You insult us further by daring to offer your gods’ favor upon me or my kin, as if I would bow to your Priest-Kings or carry your mark.” His hand gestured sharply toward the earth beneath their boots. “This land belongs to Torvaldsland. To our gods. To the blood and bone of our people, not soft tongues wrapped in silk. You wish us a blessed day?”

He laughed, short and joyless. “Keep your blessings. They’re worth less than the air you wasted speaking them.” Then his gaze shifted to Dace…firmer now, not hateful, but unrelenting. “You speak of understanding, southerner, and I see no weapon in your hands, nor heat in your words. That I respect. But do not ask us to meet in the shade of your tents when you trample our hearth. You ask us to play Kaissa in peace while he” he gestured sharply at Varkas “walks like he already owns the board. That is not peace. That is mockery.” He stepped back, his eyes cold as the northern seas.

“You are not barred from this land because of the nature of this gathering and that alone as a true man of these lands i am required to respect. But nor are you welcome when you forget yourself in it. Walk it like a guest, not a prophet.” Then, quieter, deadpan leaning in towards Dace: “And if you do play Kaissa, I hope you lose. Badly.”

A stolen prize

Posted in Black Compass Trading Company on May 29, 2025 by crow1971

[05:55] Silas Drake (melchior.wardell) had been firm with his hand upon her upper arm. The crew of his ship had been cheering as they noticed his prize. Surely it was just at random but to make a point. Any captain of Port Kar could still manage to get a prize from Selnar.

Keen eyes upon the woman as he took her on his beloved Stormcrow. His crew (NPC) were licking their lips in anticipation. It wouldn’t be a first he would throw a slave at their feet for their pleasure.

But this time he paused as she faced him while the ship started to depart. “Seems this is your lucky day.” his voice held that accent of Kar. Dark and mysterious and with that hint of charm.

[05:59] Svein: Pssshhtttt … Do you have anything I need to know?

[06:01] Ophelia (ophelia.violet) didn’t stumble as she was pulled along. She’d lived her whole life with short legs, so this wasn’t the first time she had to race to keep up whilst in a tight grip.

She looked over her shoulder more than once as if a look alone could raise the dead. She didn’t miss her previous owner quite in the way folks miss people, but she missed the ‘known’ that was him. She understood him and that life.

This, this was beyond what she knew and to stay alive she always preferred to deal in knowns.

She looked up at him, not in a flirty way, but in an assessing way. It would be clear to any who were watching that she was assessing. Not just him, but the situation. Would working up the crew be to her advantage? She’d thought so. until she heard the jeers…

No, it was clear this man, this unknown, was the only option. “Master, lucky is in the eye of the beholder.” Her accent marked her as northern-born and her frankness, while previously thought as a strength, is now just part of who she is.

[06:01] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): walks out on deck and spies Silas with a new catch…”how come you by this exotic beauty”?

[06:05] Silas Drake (melchior.wardell) had this smile upon his features. A smile of a man that often got what he wanted. If not given than by enforcing it. He was charming but there was this edge to him. A dangerous one. Most that rubbed him the wrong way were no longer able to speak of it. Either by the loss of their tongues or their lives.

As she assessed him – so did he – He could see that she wasn’t one in a dozen. His eyes travel over her shameless as he did so. When Portus came up he laughed “A prize from Selnar .. just to prove a point.” he shared with Portus “She is not for me – she already served the purpose.” he explained “I guess she is yours to sell or keep.” he stated as he would try to grip her chin as to lock his eyes with hers. Wanting to get into the deepness of her eyes as if secrets were to be had.

[06:09] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): walks closer to examine the goods….testing the silkiness of her hair…the softness of her skin….”well it would seem you got the better of the deal my friend….i will see how to get the most from her when we get tp shore and i have had her examined…but there are many places in need of a good bond…..we may even see how she looks in silks”

[06:10] Ophelia (ophelia.violet) didn’t fight the grip. She’d been long trained that going with what was wanted was the way forward. She wasn’t as soft as a southern girl but even bonds knew when to push and when to be still.

She unflinchingly met his gaze. She’d survived her owner… well, previous owner as death has a way of doing that. She knew what he was and knew what he’d done to ‘train’ her. And knowing this, there’s not a lot she feared other than the unknown. And this was very much unknown.

She listened to them talking over her head, about how she looked, like she was nothing more than a sack of grain to be weighed and sold. She couldn’t turn her head to look at the other man as she was in this one’s grip, but he’d see her bitting her lip in an effort to keep another smart-quip from coming out.

The touches made her eyes squint in a flinch, that alone giving away how she felt about the proceedings.
[06:15] Silas Drake (melchior.wardell) could see something about her. Something that reminded him of someone. For a moment he paused and looked at Portus “Do you remember that story about how you met your mate ?” he asks him. “This one .. she has this look … ” he would push her chin towards Portus so he could assess the gaze. “That gaze of – a – girl that is trained in the more darker and cruel side of our world.” he mused.

He grinned as he would now push her more forward to Portus so he could take her from his hands.

“A shame … I liked a feisty girl.” he called out. His crew (npc) were cheering once more. “One that kicks and screams and eventually begs for more.” he laughs. He would turn to Portus again “I am sure with your talent you can have her less docile ?” he teased his right hand.

[06:19] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): looks with surprised interest at his words….”if you are correct then we have a prize indeed…she will need to be tested of course….disciplined ……but i think we would be unwise to merely sell her to turn a profit….there may be more to gain by using her talents
[06:22] Ophelia (ophelia.violet) took a step to correct would would have been a stumble as she was pushed towards the man who’s gaze she was directed, by grip, to lankd on. She was still silent, but her face showed first a raised eyebrow about the ‘look’ and then schooled again in to being relaxed features… well, relaxed is what she hoped her features were saying.

When the crew jeered her shoulders hunched just a fraction before she relaxed them again. She knew anything more would give him, and the crew, what they wanted and she wasn’t about to do that.

Her heart sped up just a fraction when the man in front of her mentioned training as she still say visions of her previous training in her sleep, but again, she tried her best to keep her face impassive. Reacting doesn’t keep bonds alive, her previous Master drummed this in to her.

She locked eyes with the new man as if she were trying to assess if being sold would be her best option or not being sold. The jury was out on that one.

[06:25] Silas Drake (melchior.wardell) shrugged slightly. He wasn’t sure – just as he wasn’t truly completely in the know of the mate of Portus. But that she had her uses and was well reviewed was clear. He respected the woman and their children. It was not for nothing he trusted Portus and his mate with the company.

He would walk back to the wheel as to take control of it. “Tell me, girl. What is it that they called you ? Please tell me that one of those bastards in Selnar is crying himself in sleep now you are missing.” he laughed again. Surely not taking himself too serious and yet …
[06:29] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): keeps the woman close at my side….all information useful in it’s time but for now stored fr use later…looking with an experienced and expert eyes already wondering if the furs or fields may be the best…..waits to see how she answers when asked her name

[06:31] Bjorn: called out “Show the tits !!”

[06:32] Ophelia (ophelia.violet) wached him walk to the wheel and when he asked the question, she considered her words for a moment before she answered.

She answered his first question easily, after all, what’s in a name? “Ophelia, Master. It was given to me in the North and my Jarl… ah, Master, declared that it should be kept.”

She paused a long two beats before continuting her answer as if everything was riding on her next words. Even in death she knew she must be true to his training. “He doesn’t cry, Master. Not that I’m aware of. Perhaps he rather misses his clothes being washed or his meals being served.”

She looked at the man at the wheel as if that should be a good enough explanation. After all, dead men don’t eat… so it wasn’t like she was lying outright.

Her head turned from the man at the wheel to the man now gripping her. She waited another long beat before she spoke more, knowing that the man at the wheel would like to know someone is sad yet probably without much context “Yes, I’m sure he is sad… Because now he will have to shift for himself.”

She gave a little nod, just a tiny movement, as if she’d delivered enough words to give him what he wanted.

[06:32] Svein: laughs and clapped “Yes … show her tits !!! Tell them how heavy as we wagered !”

[06:35] Silas Drake (melchior.wardell) laughs as his crew (NPC) called out. He shook his head “Men !” he called out. “That is to Portus to decide.” he jested as he gave him that wink. “The sea breeze might not be the spot for such pleasantries.” he added.

As the girl spoke he tried to speak her name and how it rolled over his tongue. “Such a name would fit a slave in the pleasure gardens of an Ubar.” he jested.

He would steer his wheel as he would see the dock of their little isle and the dock.

[06:37] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): grins to the crew “no tits today my friends but the mead shall flow as we get on dry land….a profitable journey to be sure”

[06:40] Ophelia (ophelia.violet) darted her eyes sharply to the men who were shouting out the jeers. She studied their faces as if she were comitting them to memory. It was a bad habit…

The man who held her would feel her slowly release a pent up breath, however, when it became clear she’d be keeping her leathers on. She took note of the promises of mead, however, because the last thing she wanted to deal with was a bunch of drunk and gropey sailors.

She’d been to Ubar, indeed lived there for some time, but did not let her face reflect, or so she hoped, that she knew the place. “I cannot speak as to the origin of my name, Master, as I’m sure it was just pulled from a hat when I was born.”

[06:45] Silas Drake (melchior.wardell) would direct his men to see that the ship would be docked properly. The ropes out to find the small sloop so they would get to solid ground.

“There are some items in those crates that need to be taken to the storage too.” he commanded. It was clear that his crew did not question, argue or debated the mans directions or commands. One might wonder what made these pirates so compliant.

Silas would look at the girl once more. His assessment about her was on the fence. Clearly there was far more to her than meets the eye. But he always enjoyed a good mystery. “Will you grab her over your shoulder Portus … or shall I ?” he suggests as they made it to solid ground. ((moving through the mirror))

[06:46] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “she is slight enough for me to lift”…..heaves her over his shoulder and walks to my office

[06:47] Ophelia (ophelia.violet) can’t help the grunt as she’s shifted over and lands shoulder into gut… This day just isn’t improving.

[06:50] Silas Drake (melchior.wardell) followed as they came upon the familiar dock. Breathing int he air of the farm as he looked out over that small part of solid soil that is his.

[06:50] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “welcome to your new home however temporary girl…I would have you examined so you are no threat to any …i will leave you in my mates clinic so she can examine you when ready”

[06:52] Ophelia (ophelia.violet) gave a little jump when she hit the floor, just like she was flexing to land a good landing. “Yes, Master.” She looked around to orient herself as she was led to the clinic”