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cawn-ffxiv · 3 years

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FFXIV Write 2021, Prompt #1 "Foster."

FFXIV Write 2021 entry, prompt #1 “Foster.”

The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor “Fetch and Carry.”

“Boredom is the birthmother of frivolity. Given enough time a sufficiently unengaged people will give rise to the same trinkets and distractions and the craft which makes them possible.”

-Ossmira Miegs, “Technospectives.”

Ches sifted her way through the dirt with a soft brush from her kit until reaching solidly packed soil, hardened for a millenia or longer. She replaced the brush to her leather dig kit and withdrew a small rock hammer. The head was new to the handle, made of pure Mythril from the east. It was a gift of sorts from a close associate who was bound to a pack of private mariner soldiers for hire. There was as story, even a song about the broken hammer heads his kindred. They were foster children to a venerated woman named Mother Maxwell. Not unlike herself.

The hammer made short work of the condensed dirt and after further work she came upon her quarry. Drawing it from a pocket of soil, which had produced a form fitting pocket that protected it for until she found it, she packed her kit and wrapped the strange object in an oil rag and deposited it in her long leather duster. Satisfied her work was done, she adjusted the rim of her leather fedora, turned and spied a ring of men in the hall between her and the exit. “Chocopoo.” she muttered.

Baxter Twinkinryker IV, “The Quad,” as his kindred Lalafel dubbed him, favored a tweed jacket with leather elbow pads and a rust hued fedora favored by his compatriots. His broom like mustache was not common but seemed to complete the quasi academic look he favored.

He awaited Ches’ returned quietly outside the archway to the ruins. The fat chocobo he rented from the keeper in Ul’Dah cooed and pecked upward at the bait at the end stick riders would use to direct it along, hoping for a random bite.

At last the rapid footfalls from within the entrance faded as Ches came in a tremendous rush out of it. As she passed him and began to mount the Chocobo he asked, “Was it there? Did you get it there?”

Not stoping, She lept upon the saddle and reaching down she grasped Baxter by his tastefully matched tweed vest and flung him into the rumble seat behind her. “Yes it was, yes I did. We go home now” Ches said, pulling the direction stick from it’s mount, spurring the Chocobo and reeling it to the left. Baxter could hear the report of weapons and feet rising from the entrance to the ruins again as the great and fat bird lunged forward and away. At once there was a sharp crack, then another, and the arch of the entrance collapsed. Standing in his little seat behind Ches Baxter looked aghast at the runs all about seeming to fall pel mel. “What did you do?” he asked. “Making friends and influencing people.” Ches replied.

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cawn-ffxiv · 3 years

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4,000 Strong! - Crystal Roleplaying!

On the behalf of the staff and members of the Crystal Roleplaying community, thanks for helping us cross the threshold of over four thousand members! If you haven't already visited, come by today and become part of our community today! https://www.CrystalRoleplaying.com/discord

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cawn-ffxiv · 3 years

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The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor - "Breaking Faith.

“Our focus was always to secure specific details related to the Company. To that end I think we succeeded remarkably well. It was our downwell domestic activities that proved vulnerable to overlapping blood feuds and vendettas we had no knowledge of.”

- Bondermir Exidines, “Seven Stars to the Horizon.”

Bandia Sulistian looked at the rickshaw with the degree of indignation a child presented a strange unappetizing meal. “And I am to do what with this?” she said incredulously to Tatania Umberbreaker who impassively returned the woman’s glare and replied. “It is our means of transportation and our business is not suited for speaking of in open crowds. Please be aboard and let us tend to matters.” she said, her eyes tensing as she gestured again to the three wheeled rickshaw, its driver, a cloaked Xeala waiting astride the cart. Awkwardly Bandia climbed into the seat with an effort and Tatania sat beside her and pulled the carts overhead cover forward, affording them a modicum of privacy. With a click of her heel on the carriage seats foot rest the driver stood on her pedals. With a creak of strained metal the rickshaw edged forward. The driver turned the wheel and narrowly avoided collision with the innumerable people as she started out for the inner merchants district.

“The junction crystals?” Tatania asked tersely as the rickshaw move forward. Annoyed, Bandia pulled a long black container, which given her disposition might have been easily mistaken for a box of chocolates and thrust it to Tatania who tucked it under her cloak. Striking a firm business tone she look at Bandia.

“My liege approves of the result of your effort.” she said.

“Thank you, I am glad he values my contribution” replied Bandia.

“Do not thank me. The result of your effort met with approval. You contributed nothing but willing betrayal of a rival, to your own gain, and compliance with instructions.” Tatania said in a dismissive tone.

“Why I never! Do you treat all of your partners thusly?”

“You are not a partner, you are a tool. This was made very clear when we met. Continue to comply and produce acceptable results and you will continue to be remunerated appropriately.”

“Humph.” Bandia snorted, turning her nose up and leering at Tatania out of the corner of her eye. Unmoved Tatania sarcastically shot back. “I am sorry Ms. Sulistian, do you find the Gil insufficient? Do you feel aggrieved?”

“No.” Bandia said, backing down. Shrinking some into her seat.

“I should think not.” Tatania said, taking a moment to adjust her hood. Bandia was left with no eyes to look into as she asked, “Who are you people?”

“Your future, in success or failure, make your peace with that.” Tatania said, leaning closer to Bandia and sharpened her tone. “Success brings you the justice you seek against those whom you hate.”

“What will it bring you?” Asked Bandia. “It will avenge our blood and deliver recompense for an age of injustice.” Tatania said.

“And what exactly would that be.”

Tatania looked at Bandia and said simply, “An empire.”

Bandia’s expression went blank and turned her eyes fixed ahead on the driver. The sudden chill she felt working up her back overrode her customary incredulity for the moment.

Aubreen stepped aside from the oncoming rickshaw, pressing Katryn out of it’s turning radius. For the briefest of moments the driver's eyes met Aubreen’s before she peddled on as her passengers. “Rickshaw drivers, more dangerous than pirates.” Katryn said.

“Frequently, yes, but second only to hair stylists and bar tenders for information if you know a good one. Where do you want to eat Meldanya?”

“A steakhouse this time.” Katryn said confidently.

“Continental or Higoshi?” Aubreen asked.

“Teppanyaki.”

“Table or grill?”

“Grill.”

“Sushi?” “Cocktails.” Katryn said a bit too eagerly.

“The Fire Bowl or Benny Lala?”

“Which one does the fire trick with onion?” “Any of them. However you seemed most impressed with Benny Lala’s chef.”

“We have a decision then!” Katryn declared and the pair continued afoot towards the heart of the merchants district.

A flash of lighting silhouetted the mountains beyond Kugane. It was a sight easy on the eyes. Both Aubreen and Katryn shared a fondness for watching storms at sea. The morning was now little more than a slate grey sky promising some sort of rain. Thunder rumbled down the foothills at last, suggesting a few hours of peace before rain arrived.

The flash was hardly noticeable near the Aetheryte crystal in Kugane. It did not enjoy the same sort of elaborate courtyard as did those in some other major cities. The rickshaw slowed to a stop near a modest flagstone path leading to the base of the crystal. Tatania paid the driver in Gil while Bandia fumbled out of the back of the rickshaw. The driver peddled away without awaiting another customer.

Recovering her whits from Tatania’s absurd belief of what her people would gain, Bandia stared up at the crystal and broke her silence. “Where are we going?” She asked.

“To meet my courier who will return with you to Ul’Dah tonight.” Tatania told her. “I’m going back to sea tonight? I had expected to be able to tour Kugane?” Bandia whined.

“You are taking the Aetheryte along with your next set of master crystals.”

“But I’m afraid of that sort of travel.”

“You are not being offered a choice. These crystals must be on-hand to be consumed when you receive the order for new devices.“ Tatania said, growing annoyed with the woman.

“How do you know when I am going to get another contract?”

“The same way I retained your effort.” Bandia’s resentful glare could not conceal a hint of hurt in her eyes. Tatania put aside her growing personal disdain for the women for a moment. Tool or not Bandia took time to find and efforts she would rather not repeat to secure as a resource.

“Do not be resentful, this is about business. For both of us. It is not personal. I’ll understand if that is cold comfort.” Bandia seemed unmoved. Tatania grasped her shoulder and put more sincerity into her effort. “Hear me. They are taking your business away. One contract at a time. Like they take everything. We know. We understand.”

Bandia nodded reluctantly, focused again on her reason for going along with all this trouble. The pair walked on to the base of the crystal’s pedestal.

“Where is this man of yours, I want to be done with this.” Bandia asked.

“He comes now.” Tatania said.

“Ms. Sulistian.” a voice said. Bandia turned and another cloaked figure thrust a thick box like that she had given to Tatania earlier.

“Your delivery for the next order.” the man said. She turned to speak to Tatania but she had vanished.

Before Bandia could turn around, she felt a firm push in the small of her back and arm reach over her shoulder towards the crystal. The world seemed to vanish in a light blue haze. All she heard was the fading voice of the man.

“We go home now.”

From the entrance to a nearby alley the rickshaw driver reflected on the coming storm and drew her own hood higher over her pitch black horns. She contemplated the intersection of people and places as she watched her fare slip around the garish clothed woman and into a crowd as the man they met shoved her toward the Aetheryte and reaching for it himself jaunted them both away. She set out across the court and followed the cloaked woman’s path towards an onsen overlooking the port.

The port district in Kugane featured one of the richest selections of street food and cuisine in Eorzea. Yatai carts in neat lines sat in squares and streets. From late afternoon until the early hours of the morning the sizzle from grills, exotic smells of spices and sauces scarcely conceivable to those not native to Higoshi filled the air. A favorite for visitors, especially those on a budget was the “Promenade of Plenty.” A long and wide but gated ally it required several Gil per person to enter, for which patrons were given tokens. These tokens could be exchanged for all manner of street food. Rice cakes, flavored mashed potatoes pressed into hand-pies, sushi, Small kabobs of spiced meat on a stick adorned the hands of many, often couples which enjoyed the promenade as a walking banquet of appetizers.

At the end of this promenade was a favorite of Katryn Vaunter.

“Benny Lala, Teppanyaki Steakhouse and Bakery” did not fit into any particular culinary orthodoxy. An old style silver nitrate image of the founding patriarch graced the wall above the maitre d station. A mustached Lalafell stared out holding a knife and onion like a scepter and orb. The back of the menus told the story of Philbers Doeburry, who in the sixth astral age established the first Teppanyaki style steakhouse and bakery. It could safely lay claim as the only restaurant to offer a sushi cupcake and Flaming Onion soju.

Aubreen offered Katryn the last of the kabob from the Promenade as they entered the restaurant. The restaurant was empty, having only just opened and the surge of mid-day diners had not yet arrived. The maitre’d, a young female Lalafell with a cheery smile stood on a set of wood boxes, at the station just inside the door. Philbers Doeburry looked down from the picture on the wall behind her. She smiled and thrust her hands into the air and cried out, “HAPPY FOOD GO!” At once the servers as well as the Itamae and teppanyaki chef’s all followed suite and the restaurant echoed with “HAPPY FOOD GO!” in response. Katryn was gleeful, even Aubreen’s ordinary self constrained nature allowed for a smile. “Welcome to Benny Lala’s! How many in your party?”

“Two.” Katryn replied.

“Table or Grill?”

“Grill.”

“A name for the reservation?”

“Vaunter.”

“Very well, if you like you may sit at the sushi bar. It should only be a few minutes!“

Off of the main floor there was a long bar with stool seating. The bar had a narrow ledge suitable for only small plates and drinks in front of a glass protected refrigerated area in which sushi was prepared. Aubreen and Katryn took seats and took a moment to review the small menu. A Namasu waddled along the elevated floor behind the bar, bowed and in a gurggly, slightly sullen voice. “Happy food go. Welcome to Benny Lala’s. Would you like a drink or appetizer while you wait? Our Flaming Onions are on special.” The chef sounded as excited as a fish drying out on a beach. “A Flaming Onion.” Vaunter said. “Maki rolls please, and a soju.” Aubreen added.

Aubreen settled onto her stool. She took a moment to shift her personal sword from her right to left hip as she perched on the stool. Long, slender and curved, it was of a style native to her people which she had carried for ages.

“I have noticed the light swords warriors in Higoshi carry have hilt guards. I have yet to see one like your own in our time here.” Katryn noted.

“There are none I expect. Though that is no reflection on the smiths here. The Elezen people produce weapons nearly worthy of my own Kin, however that should be expected.” Aubreen said.

The Namasu delivered the bottles of soju and Aubreen’s sushi.

“Have you been able to spar much with it since the boardings trailed off last year?”

“Sparingly. Benjimir and I had occasion to renew our old lessons. However his preference tended to be the bow, but he still holds his on I have found.” Aubreen said.

She continued, “His technique is unrefined but you would be hard pressed to find somebody more challenging to best. He can stalemate you indefinitely.”

“I’ve never had a particular proclivity for the tactical arts. The operational arts, command, control, that was what I wanted to study. I was honored to become a protege of you and Benjimir.” Katryn said.

“Student dear. Protege speaks to something different.” Aubreen explained.

Katryn looked disappointed. “In what way do you mean?”

“A student and a protege are not one and the same. The former learns from you and what you teach. The latter is something more intimate, personal. It is someone you teach, surely. However a protege has a natural resonance with you, carries a bit of who you are with them, makes it part of themselves.”

“Vaunter, party of two!” The maitre’d announced. Aubreen and Katryn carried their soju bottles to the nearest grill. Taking time to place their orders with the Lalafell waitress, they resumed their conversation.

“So not I am not a protege, eh?” Katrwn said. Aubreen leaned toward Katrwn and lowered her tone for emphasis. “You are as fine a student as any Benjimir and I have ever taught. But Benjimir is a protege and the best of them. He always is.”

Katryn furled a brow.

“Always?” she said.

Aubreen nodded. “He comes by it honestly. I have guided and trained the Thursby line for nearly all of its generations. Benjimir is always my favorite protege.” she said. Katryn shook her head. “I mean rather how does one protege more than once?”

“Live long enough and you see everything once and again.” Aubreen said.

“You mean to say you have taught more than one Thursby named Benjimir?”

Aubreen paused and considered the question. “No. Rather I have taught many Thursbys named Benjimir, but only ever one.” she said.

Katryn smirked. “It is true what they say about asking questions of an El…..”

“Happy Food Go!” The Lalafell chef said loudly pausing their conversation for the moment. Visible by only the top of his toque as he approached the grill and climbed atop the wooden stand behind it. The waitress followed with a cart full of the chicken, shrimp, fish, rice and such to produce the orders. The chef began the classic typikaniki dinner by pour a goodly amount of oil on the already hot grill and setting it aflame. The patrons starting to be seated exclaimed their impressions even if most has frequently seen it. The chef continued to spin eggs and toss bits of shrimp and chicken around playfully as the meal cooked and assembled before Aubreen and Katryn. The meal complete and plated the chef retired to applause from Aubreen, Katryn and excited patrons seated nearby. With time to start their dishes Katryn revived the conversations along new lines.

“There was a considerable amount of talk in Tondera Hall about if the arrival of Benjimir and decline of opposition at sea were portents we may depart these shores and resume our journey. What do you see coming?” Katryn asked.

“I do not know more about tomorrow than the sun will rise in the east and set in the west. What foresight I had before we came to these shores has left me. And do not think I say that lightly.” Aubreen said. Katryn looked alarmed. “For how long?” She asked. “Since before the fall of the moon and ever since. Unnerving at first it did have some qualities I would not trade.” Aubreen said. Katryn tilted her head and asked. “Such as?”

Aubreen smiled warmly. “I would never have broken faith with my duty as I knew it and given into

your advances. Nor pondered experiencing this ages long life more freely.” Katryn returned the smile and raised it with a pair of flush cheeks.

*******

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cawn-ffxiv · 3 years

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The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor. “Catch and Release.”

“Maelstrom had obligations to the Alliance and Grand Companies. Such were taxing its means to support the stifling presence Commodore T’Subaki had established against the Confederacy. Indeed, the slowly escalating conflicts ashore were forcing the Company fleet to stretch thinner and revert to tactics more prevalent in our first years. The risks were not what we remembered.“ - Katryn Vaunter, Personal Log.

The Scion Air Ships (SAS) Fairstar, Fairwind, Fairsea and Andustar (ex-Fairsky) comprised the four Saxton class airships in Company service. Andustar, Fairstar and Fairwind were escorting a long mixed convoy of surface and air ships toward Kugane. Ex-baggers, over several refits by the Company, the Saxtons had forsaken their lifting “air bags.” Replacing them were greatly enhanced Garlean style Corulium wheels amidships and lift plate along her conventional waterline. The class retained the masts support lines which added a grace while underway and utility in close action. But their profiles allowed them to pass for merchant vessels at a distance. Aesthetically the Saxtons resembled fat paddlewheel passenger boats in some respects. Only with gun casemates studding the sides rather than the passenger verandas.

The assorted gun mounts housed a mix of new and somewhat antiquated mid-caliber naval guns. Her main deck offered swivel guns and arms intended for boarding and repelling of boarders. Comfortable, well equipped and immaculately kept, the Saxton class were antique improvised compromises all the same. Leadership, tactics and the skill of crews made them into effective warships and Commodore T’Subaki had been at the root of that.

“Continuous bearing, decreasing range, time to track inception five minutes.” the ensign at the plot table said aboard Andustar. Her captain, Katryn Vaunter and Commodore Aubreen T'Subaki listened. "Azimuthal quad screw, wheels, no bags. Two gun decks." Vaunter reported as she used her hand scopes to view the contact.

Open piracy had not known a more miserable time at sea. Able to check the Confederacy and pirates on the open ocean for years, such had not prevented the would-be toll keepers and pirate lords from convincing privateers to challenge them. This was the third such challenge of the journey.

"Designate Privateer One.” Vaunter ordered.

T'Subaki glanced over the plot table. “I have him captain."

"Commodore has the con.” Vaunter said in turn.

“Signal Fairwind to proceed 15 points to port and advance to emergency ahead. Then bring us to a direct course abeam.” T'Subaki ordered, peering at the makeshift commerce raider hardly more than a small dark silhouette.

Andustar and Fairwind turned from their positions within the convoy. Free trade was not the wish of the ruling men of Hingashi, but it was powerless to enforce tribute or escorted vessels from making port in Kugane. The Confederacy had presented a barrier to most trade until Maelstrom pressed independent pirates into compliance with it and the Thursby Company Fleet pushed the rest aside.

“Pennant flying." Captain Vaunter said over her shoulder to the commodore whose attention was now on the opposite side of the convoy. "Aye, Sunrise and sword on a purple background. I saw it." T'Subaki said.

"Plot, report all contacts.” T'Subaki ordered, her gaze to the distance unbroken. The ensign glanced at his chart. “My only contacts are convoy and Privateer One.” he replied, looking up and seeing the direction of the commodore’s attention. As he did the sound phone buzzed. He picked the handset up and answered. “Plot…….right then” replacing the headset on its hook. He began to update his chart and announced “Con, new contact, starboard bow, unknown vessel type, range 18 kilometers. Bearing and speed undetermined.” the ensign reported. “Con aye. Designate Ghost One. Mister Vaunter the con is yours, Take us in." T'Subaki acknowledged.

"Those eyes.” Vaunter thought to herself as she snapped her hand scope toward a small dot just above the line of the horizon. “Signal Fairstar to increase angels to fifteen hundred and maintain speed. Helm, advance to flank. Signals, send all ships to stand to quarters. XO, rig for boarding action.” Vaunter ordered in a flurry that sent still more orders along their chains of command and duty. The increased altitude would make it clear to the new contact that the convoy was escorted if the new contact was hostile. The Andustar and Fairwind would still be obscured from it. But the privateer would know also. All the more reason to close the shrinking distance with it quickly.

The Andustar rumbled as her corilum powered furnaces surged and the power shunted to her thrusters. As her speed increated the inverted, or ramming bow created pressure which depressed it. Small thrusters in the bow and increased power to the Garlean designed lift wheels evened its pitch.

The Fairwind made her best speed away from the convoy. As Andustar closed within a kilometer T'Subaki retook the con.

“Signal Fairwind to begin her run and pull the hook in. Plot report changes, contact Ghost One?” T'Subaki asked.

The ensign replied, sound surprised, “Unchanged, holding at original position, now ten kilometers off starboard bow.”

T'Subaki nodded and leered at the dark shape in the distance. The faint look of misgiving did not escape Vaunters attention.

“Trouble?” she asked. T'Subaki shook her head and turned toward the contact abeam.

“No, the Garleans are not disposed to raid commerce.” she said.

Vaunter whose look of concern was followed by a quick look with her scopes.

“Garlean?”

"Yes, oversized, incoherent design. Gaudy, gilded details like a flying house of ill repute. “ T'Subaki said with a tone of derision.

"But lets be about the business at hand."

The matter of contact Ghost One was subordinated to after action discussion. The women both turned to the plot table. Seeing Fairwinds position, T'Subaki raised her voice.

"Signals, send Privateer One, issue hostile challenge and order them to stand away from the convoy or it will be fired upon. Helm, reduce speed to ahead dead slow, come to starboard and present port broadside. All mounts to global control. And raise my colors. Execute." T'Subaki ordered.

Twice already this cruise from Limsa to Kugane, a motley assortment of vessels, some bearing no weapon more threatening than the smell below decks had challenged the convoy. As before T'Subaki deployed her ships to ensure their lack of speed and numbers did not allow for their escape.

"Action on the decks." Vaunter observed as the privateer waivered in her course as its crew scurried about. "They are preparing to fight.” she added. T'Subaki nodded and shook her head.

“Their effort would be flattering were it not so ill advised and the methods amateur.” T'Subaki said. It was not the futility of this would be raider but the unseen parties that must be driving them to try. Consulting the plot, she nodded again. “Signal Fairwind to engage. Then signal Privateer One to strike colors and prepare to be boarded."

As in the previous two encounters Fairwinds course formed a hook shape on the plot chart. Like a fisher the company escort would effectively catch and release the raider after a short fight, boarding and dropping ordinance over the side.

"Fairwind engaging.” Vaunter said as from the ships forward most casemates flashes and delayed cracks announced a warning volley over the privateers bow. “Response from Privateer One?” T'Subaki asked.

“Negative, only latent coms noise on the link.” the signals bosun replied. T'Subaki furled a brow. “The new link pearls or upwell set?” she asked.

The bosun shook his head. “New.”

“Very well, log the issue after action. Signal, clear Fairwind to engage hostile, route ship-to-ship channel to the plot handset, link two.” T'Subaki said. Vaunter spared a look. “Not worried we might miss a reply?” she asked. T'Subaki shook her head.

Aboard the privateer the scattered efforts of its crew finally produced a deck of loaded cannons. Either a fire order or fearful gun captain led to one firing, which led then immediately to the decks entire division to discharge. The rounds largely failed to strike save a few shells which burst against the improvised armor plates. These plates were used for protection and emergency ballast aboard the Saxton class.

“Not worried at all. The new links have not failed yet, if the quality leaves much to be desired.” she T’Subaki told Vaunter as the vibration from the ad hoc barrage calmed. “Helm, ahead full." She ordered.

Picking up the handset at the plot table T'Subaki flipped a switch, "Control, Con, current track, Kill Gun, all mounts. Commence firing, fire continuous." T'Subaki flipped the channel selector to the next setting which connected it to the ship-to-ship Linkpearl box at the signals station. "Fairwind, Flag, weapons free, nav free, mind our solution and prevent Privateer One from egressing the engagement."

Within a moment, the full port side armement of Andustar fired. As quickly as each could reload the guns fired again. The vibration and noise merged into the engines surging to their full power thrusting the ship forward. Fairwind turned hard to starboard and released her own broadside.

Fairwind and Andustar circled the ship slowly. Their combined fire ripped through the air and into the privateer relentlessly. The engagement that followed was as lopsided as the contrast in combatants. In a matter of minutes the return fire had ceased, deck fires were prevalent and the ships propulsion and lift screws were destroyed.

Falling from the sky, the burning hulk shed crew into the water before drawling too much water the capsizing. Fairwind held station to recover survivors before rejoining the convoy. Andustar sprinted to resume her place near the front of the flock it escorted.

The convoy itself never stopped moving nor changed course. Fairstar resumed her cruising altitude and position within the convoy. Kugane was now a half days sail. "Fairsea, Orrostar and Cutlass put to sea this morning with the convoy to Limsa. Watch Tondera was advised of the downing and the Garlean contact. All ships are proceeding as before" Vaunter summed the watch notes in the officer galley.

The freshly offwatch officers were celebrating around them. No prize to be had, the privateer was not captured. All the same, after confronting and subduing two earlier assailants there was satisfaction in sounding hammering the third.

"Whatever the new Garlean ship was it never moved until the convoy passed. Then it drew east bearing toward Limsa.” Vaunter added. T'Subaki sipped at her glass of a wine from Ul'Dah. And thoughtfully looked at her friend, lover and protégé. “In your written after action report, note the performance issues with the Linkpearl gear." She said, catching Vaunters eyes long gaze for a deliberately long moment before a mutual knowing laugh broke punctuated the moment. "Early morning dear, convoy putting into port. Shall we retire?" T'Subaki asked rising from her seat beside Vaunter.

"Very well. We can….debrief more then I hope." Vaunter said with a smirk tucking and arm about T'Subaki’s waist as they walk to the exit.

*******

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cawn-ffxiv · 3 years

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The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor continues. The Thursby Company finds itself torn by it’s self appointed duties and desire for revenge as it is beset from within and at large. The losses are grievous. The future of the Thursby family and the Scions of Numenor takes shape and bonds of trust are tested. https://youtu.be/IknlsSfjVM8

#ffxiv #ffxiv-rp #ffxiv-roleplaying #finalfantasy #final fantasy #finalfantasyxiv #final fantasy xiv #crystal-rp-ffxiv #crystal-rp #crystal roleplaying #crystal-ffxiv-rp #ffxiv-crystal-rp #balmung #mateus #ffxiv lfrp #lfrp crystal #lfrp

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cawn-ffxiv · 3 years

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Benjimir Thursby Master Post

My Character Tumblrs: Benjimir Thursby: @benjimirthursby The Twinkinrykers: @the-twinkies Villious “Crazy Ivan” Funderwhite: @crazy-ivan-ffxiv Cawnjin Trilberly: @cawn-ffxiv Dabber Vaudville: @vaudville-ffxiv Tirrel Ratava: @tirrel-ratava Wangchun Chununyt: @wangchununyt Bondermir Exidine: @bondermir The Book of Thursby on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/users/Benjimir OOC Blog: @comstrike Free Company FFXIV: @scionsofnumenor Kinship: LOTRO - @sonsofnumenor

RP Community for XIV: @crystal-rp-ffxiv

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cawn-ffxiv · 3 years

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Cawnjin Trilberly.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24865591

#ffxiv #final fantasy xiv #finalfantasy #scionsofnumenor #ffxiv balmung #finalfantasyxiv #final fantasy #ffxiv rp #roleplaying #ffxiv mateus #ffxivwriters #ffxivwrite2020 #ffxivwrite2018 #ffxivwrite2019

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cawn-ffxiv · 4 years

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Friendly reminder that this blog doesn't tolerate transphobia, biphobia or aphobia

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cawn-ffxiv · 4 years

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Saturday morning cartoons.

https://youtu.be/7qGj4Z53NqM

Haven't watched this? Play MMORPGs? Then you must.

youtube

#ffxiv #final fantasy xiv #finalfantasy #scionsofnumenor #ffxiv balmung #finalfantasyxiv #roleplaying #ffxiv rp #final fantasy #ffxiv mateus

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cawn-ffxiv · 4 years

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“Footfalls on the Sagolii” - [SB] The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor.

“In seeking answers, we seek the truth in the study of history. Yet history changes. It is mutable however we record it. Be it in written words, in the spoken word, or in art, what history says inevitably changes. Because over time languages evolve, perspectives change, interpretations, translation, and context alter what we know. In our quest we fail to to realize it is not the answers in which truth lays, rather it is the question. A question means now what it meant in the past and will mean in the future. The truth of our history laid in asking the right questions.”

Benjimir Thursby, “Seven Stars from the Horizon - A history of the Scions of Numenor”

“Spill sails, engines to station keeping.” Katryn Vaunter, captain of the airship Andustar ordered quietly. “Hands, spill sail!” the conning officer echoed to the crew. “Con, engines answering stationkeeping.” The bosman responded sharply, reading the bright brass telegraph dial shifting in response to his order. “Con Aye.” Vaunter turned to a dark clad ensign, short and bare of foot. “Ensign, rig man ropes over the forecastle and pull in the launch.“ Katryn ordered the runner. “Righty O sir!” the Lalafell chirped and scurried off to comply. Vaunter stood watching nearby but disregarded the utter disregard for protocol, the little people were beyond making it hold. She turned to the stairs leading to the officers quarters calling out as she went, “Mister Briceln has navigational control, and the Con.”

The Andustar came to rest a league high in the night sky above the Sea of Ash within sight of Cape Deadwind. No moon gave silhouette or shadow to betray vessels mass looming over the lands below.

A craft, akin to a festival luminary rose below the airship passing below it’s bow. There its passengers extended a long pole with which the lines Andustar’s crew extended could be sized and made fast to the gondola. Shrouded in a cunning design, the launch powered its firebox lifting it up until the gondola could be pulled close enough for a boarding plank to bridge the gap between the vessels.

Silently in the dark of the night air a group of people, boarded the launch. They were clad alike, each with a hefty pack carrying field gear on its back. A man, Bondermir Exidines, debarked the launch and passed onto the airship and moving with haste over the main deck to the officers quarters where the captain Vaunter was waiting. They exchanged nods and the captain knocked sharply on the door.

From within a voice replied, “Where away?” “Launch secured sir, the Commander is here.” replied Vaunter. “Very well,” the room’s occupant said. Presently the door opened and the officers snapped to attention, then Bondermir spoke.

“Admiral, gear and team are aboard and secure on the launch. Our point of arrival has been reconnoitered and is secure but I do not think it wise to hold it long.”

“Noted.” the Admiral said and then turned to the captain and handed her a pair of envelopes along with a paper and self inking quill.

“Captain, on our departure you are to take the Andustar and rendezvous with the Entulesse at The Crown. Deliver these letters to her and take down these orders for her commander” Vaunter took the quill and paper as the Admiral dictated “To Admiral T'subaki, Entulesse, from Command Advocate General, Andustar. On station Cape Deadwind. Proceeding with landing. On receipt of this comunique and dispatches, return to fleet station Kugane and await orders.” Finished Admiral Benjimir Thursby, patriarch of the Thursby family and commander of it’s business and services in arms nodded in dismissal of the captain, turned to the hatch leading to the main deck. Bondermir fell into step close behind.

The deck crew lined the main deck awaiting his departure. This was a moment nearly five years in coming. They stood to attention lining the path to the launch as he passed. Each making their obedience as they neared, some with a respectful “Admiral” others with a reserved smile and touch of their hand to their foreheads. In the moment they had before boarding the Bondermir spoke. “The letters sir?” “The usual and customary. Rights of heirs, succession orders, so forth. I wanted to send them notes before making landfall.” said Benjimir. “A bit soon to worry about that though?” Bondermir said. “Fate doesn’t always afford us the luxury of waiting.” replied Benjimir matter of factly. Bondermir shook his head as they walked, amazed at the years that had passed so seemingly fast. “My apologies sir.” he said. “None required.” Benjimir said as they reached the boarding plank to the launch and turned.

“Are we ready?” he asked. “Aye sir.” Bondimir said confidently. “Six years now and we still do not know how?” He entreated on the younger man’s judgement, not as much to an officer than to the half brother he was. He was also in truth asking several unspoken questions at once. Bondimir nodded slowly. “You are seeking an answer, you really need to find and ask the right question.” he said. “Ask her a question you mean.” Benjimir said as he crossed the plank onto the launch. “Yes sir.” Bondermir stated as he stepped into the launch. “She accepted the commission. Raised the banner. The reports have been consistent and very plain.” Benjimir nodded slowly.

Benjimir looked out as the lines were dropped and the launch began to drift and sink toward the shore below. He cast his eyes back and looked at the undefinable mass of Andustar retreated behind them. Looking below again he could see the twinkle of lights among a scattering of settlements near to the shore. Lifting his eyes up he looked into the dark in the desert beyond, leading to the city leagues further. Bondermir looked at the men and women assembled on the launch, each also looking out on the land below. All were pondering what it was that was about to happen once they reached the land below. However Bondermir felt for a moment he understood and leaning over the railing next to Benjimir and began.

“You know what the old Master would say. ‘All of this has happened before….” “And all of this is happening again.” Benjimir said, finishing his sentence. The launch continued in silence to the beach below.

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cawn-ffxiv · 4 years

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Reblog if I can go on your page and write stupid things in your ask box whenever I'd like to.

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cawn-ffxiv · 4 years

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"Forth." - The Appendices of the Book of Thursby [RR]

Benjimir adds a personal review of the thousands of years preceding the House of Thursby arriving at this point in their journey and to set the tone for the unknown tasks ahead.

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As the White Fleet reaches its mid-point of its journey and involvement in the goings-on of Arda 922 it has been deemed wise to generate a succinct overview of the history that precedes it.

This cursory review serves to introduce the reader to the ancient events and souls which bridge the Fourth and what we now call the Latter Ages of Middle-earth, ending finally in our own times for which we have no title.

The Fourth Age saw the Line of Kings take root and thrive. The unified kingdom powered the purge of ancient remnants of fell people and beasts. The old strongholds of men of High Blood were revitalized, yet around them were walls. It was with and among their own that the peoples of the old Kingdoms held fast.

The Fare Folk with but a few exceptions left the shores of the world.

The Halflings held fast to their lands and were little disturbed under the protection of the King. The Dwarves revisited the heights of past ages within their halls and were rarely found beyond them.

The Middle-men of the free world for their part resumed their ways from the past ages. Memory of the past wars and enemies were quickly lost to days beyond their lives span. The keeping of Ages themselves fell out of practice and indeed it was an era of remarkable peace so far as we now know.

Yet as the keeping of ages passed, so did the traditions which kept alive knowledge and wisdom which made it possible. Relations between Middle-men and those of High Blood became, if still amiable, rarer. The walls about great cities of the Kingdom were boundaries as much as defenses.

Within them, men of High Blood kept the writings, relics and wisdom of the past ages. Outside of the walls, to Middle-men, their skills and wisdom fostered suspicion of things they could not understand. This sundered the race of men on Middle-earth.

It is only now known that after the equal of several ages of the old era the paths of the race of men had diverged both in the skill of crafts and wisdom beyond mending. Near this time several events are written as having come to pass. The Beacon of Andunie awoke. The Dagger of Warding took on a sheen unknown from the past. The remaining seeing stones took on new life but displayed only stars in the night sky. Finally, the King called a great council in the White City, to which only the patriarchs of several families, the Steward of the Realm and several of the free races of Middle-earth.

Following this council a great work began that spanned several life ages of Middle-men. When it had ended the strongholds of the free peoples across Middle-earth were emptied.

On the command of the last King on Middle-earth, those of High Blood took flight aboard great vessels, wrought true to their historical role by the shipwrights of House Thursby. Save for caretakers the men of High Blood were not seen on their native shores again. Those who remained behind whose hearts could not endure being severed from the lands of their blood, what is known of their days is not written here nor known to those of us who sallied forth.

The destiny the King had called forth the men of High Blood to make manifest was a journey to the stars. Seen in seeing stones and dreams like, were calls to answer threat of shadows on distant shores not yet risen. The “Curious Gift” or “Doom of Men” after ages of mystery finally took-on meaning and purpose. This purpose gave focus and mandate to the sons of the Kingdom. Scions of lost Numenor yet unborn would be called to stand against evils yet unknown.

How many precise ages by the old reckoning have past is not known and in truth not relevant now. In the time since the Latter Ages began the Line of Kings and then that of the Stewards waned and ended. The peoples of High Blood, their kindred peoples from their home shores, took to their purpose and heritage with ever stronger focus.

The people turned to the eldest kindred, shipwrights whose craft spanned through time to the days of the lost isle, whose ships now carried all of them through the stars. From among their blood was appointed a leader, Taladine Thursby, eldest of the Sons of Numenor.

So the Latter Ages began and have come to their conclusion now without name. A new chapter in a new volume of the Book of Thursby begins as a new era starts.

Benjimir Thursby -

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@crystal-rp-ffxiv

#fanfiction #squareenix #finalfantasy #final fantasy xiv #finalfantasyxiv #sonsofnumenor #roleplaying #scionsofnumenor

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