The Tale of Barrett Brine

[pcw27]

Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat
Message sent to all nobles in Gelene Outskirts (2 recipients) - 3 days, 15 hours, 47 minutes ago
Solomon had begun his return journey to Golden Farrow after completing the payments due to the crown of Westgard when a scout reported in:

"My Navarch, the traitor is in Gelene Outskirts - it is Sir Barrett!"

Eyes wide and a hand on his hilt, Solomon looked to the horizon to see the golden horse of family Erickson flutter in the morning breeze:

"Immediately form defensive battle positions and approach the Special Forces with caution - the man is dangerous, I must speak to him. I hope he is sober..."

At once, the 20 man unit of the Navarch of Tol Goldora formed two lines, presented arms and cautiously approached the much larger force of now Astrum soldiers. With a gesture, Solomon sent a scout ahead to inform the privateer of his arrival.

Roleplay from Barrett Brine Erickson Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp
Message sent to everyone in Gelene Outskirts (4 recipients) - 2 days, 1 hour, 6 minutes ago

The scent if iron and clang of hammers fills the air as Navarch Solomon approaches the Avenging Marines, for they are at the smithy having their arms and armor repaired. The troops waiting to get their equipment back have turned the affair into a revelry. Ale and spirits are passed about, and some have begun singing a new chanty.

My name is Barrett Brine, as I sailed, as I sailed
My name is Barrett Brine, as I sailed
My name is Barrett Brine, man’s laws I did decline
A reckoning was mine as I sailed, as I sailed

Oh, my grandad vouched for me, as I sailed, as I sailed
My grandad vouched for me, as I sailed
My grandad vouched for me, gave me nobility
But no thanks would he see, as I sailed, as I sailed

The men pay Solomon little mind as he draws in closer. None seem to recognize him. Furthermore by their appearance and accents the special forces don't seem to be of Goldoran stock. The Navarch wonders what became of the men who mutinied alongside Barrett and as he wondered the song continued.

I spied three rogue land towns, as I sailed, as I sailed
O, I spied three rouge land towns, as I sailed
I spied three rogue land towns and pillaged the surrounds
Laid rogue folk in the ground. As I sailed, as I sailed

Oh, I sacked Golden Farrow, as I sailed, as I sailed
I sacked Golden Farrow, as I sailed
I sacked Golden Farrow with cutlass, mail and arrow
Far from the straight and narrow, as I sailed, as I sailed

Finally he came to a man overseeing the repairs. He had his back turned revealing a fine fur cloak.  The garment was unfamiliar, but the flask in the noble's hand Solomon recognized instantly.




Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat
Message sent to all nobles in Gelene Outskirts (2 recipients) - 1 day, 16 hours, 44 minutes ago
Seeing as the knight would not hail him, the Elite stopped and Captain Gunther would instead:

"Sir Barrett Brine of family Erickson, you are humbly requested to acknowledge the presence of royalty and to present arms for the Navarch of Tol Goldora. Please accept the mercy of the Navarch for he shall not command your immediate arrest if you comply."

Roleplay from Barrett Brine Erickson Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp
Message sent to everyone in Gelene Outskirts (1 recipients) - 1 day, 8 hours, 12 minutes ago
The figure turns, his cloak billows as he does and the Navarch recognizes it as having once belonged to his subject, Kophyn D'espana. The last of his knights to engage Barrett. He knew well that this effort had failed. And the song continued.

My marines I laid to rest, as I sailed, as I sailed
My marines I laid to rest, as I sailed
My marines I laid to rest, their arms upon their chest,
Then sought out a new quest, as I sailed as I sailed

Oh, I steered from sound to sound, as I sailed, as I sailed
Oh I steered from sound to sound, as I sailed
I steered from sound to sound, off to old Darfix town
And there I came aground as I sailed, as I sailed

"Well, well, fancy seeing you in these parts. My arms are right here, present and accounted for," he joked as he patted his elbows, "I wager you meant present my weapons, well they're in the shop as you can see. Well what now?"

A monster did maim me, as I sailed as I sailed
A monster did maim me, as I sailed
A monster did maim me, from foot to near the knee
But the beast did not stop me, as I sailed as I sailed

I answered my King’s call, as I sailed as I sailed
I answered my King’s call as I sailed
I answered my King’s call, Placed my flag upon the wall
Oe’r Golden Farrow’s hall, as I sail as I sail



Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat
(Personal message to Barrett Brine Erickson) - 2 hours, 33 minutes ago
Not satisfied with the brief attempt of humor, the Navarch strode out towards the knight and bluntly engaged him:

"Sir Barrett, why when the world was at your feet did you choose to mutiny? It was your own carelessness, lack of leadership and detail that lost your marshalship, your honor and title as Gylden Champion. The insult you gave me when you chose to turn away my mercy is something I will not forget but demand greater explanation. I will suffer this insult while in the honorable Westgardian lands but within the borders of my rule, I would not be so kind, thank the Tidemother for this mercy."

Solomon Greybrook
Navarch of Tol Goldora
Royal of Tol Goldora
Duke of Golden Farrow

Roleplay from Barrett Brine Erickson Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp
(Personal message to Solomon Greybrook) - just in
Barrett cocked his head to the side. He crossed is arms then raised his hand to his chin to stroke his beard in contemplation. The song carried on as he pondered.

To Darfix I returned, as I sailed as I sailed
To Darfix I returned, as I sailed
To Darfix I returned, and soon the city burned
Much gold and fame I earned, as I sailed as I sailed

I left to lead a raid, as I sailed as I sailed
I left to lead a raid, as I sailed
I left to lead a raid, my troops and scouts were paid
But then I was betrayed as I sailed as I sailed

"Why, why indeed," he said, "To me it's a simple thing. Command was mine. Whoever said otherwise was just plain wrong. I wasn't raised in any courtly way. I was a grown man before old Turin acknowledged me as the natural born son of his natural born son. On the wharfs of the Dragon Isles you have to fight for yours. Out in the far north I was ready to fight for mine and I did, and I won.

Far as I can see I've lost nothing but chains. My honor, glory, every title and claim to fame are intact. One day all that will be left of you, and every King alive for that matter will be a vine covered statue and your name in a long boring book that no one reads, but they'll be singing songs of my adventures at every tavern in Dwilight until the seas swallow the land.

As for the insult Navarch, my offer stands. If you want satisfaction I'll oblige just as soon as my sword is tempered, and any time after that so long as you're still raw about it and I'm still breathing".

They stripped me of command, as I sailed as I sailed
They stripped me of command, as I sailed
They stripped me of command, and so they forced my hand
Transgressions would not stand, as I sailed as I sailed

I challenged them to duel, as I sailed as I sailed
I challenged them to duel, as sail
I challenged them to duel, defied the marshall’s rule
And called him cow’rd and fool, as I sailed as I sailed

Barrett Brine Erickson
Knight of Libidizedd

[pcw27]

"Drizztle! I'll be damned it's my old Lieutenant! Everyone this here is the longest standing member of my old Privateer's guild! We took many a rogue town together. Pity it didn't last during my absence. Any idea what became of all the gold in it? If memory serves there was a good 40,000 left give or take when last I laid eyes on it."

"My old friend! It is so good to see you again. Sadly I have had little time for the Privateers Guild. Until recently, I was Lord Confessor. Since I no longer am, I have been able to attend this tournament. And the chance to fight again has me smiling big. Come and join me and tell me of your adventures"

"Well for starters," Barrett says pulling off his boot, "I got this,"
He props his wooden foot up on the table for all to see.

"Fine work of craftsmanship, works almost as well as the real thing. As for my adventures since regaining my sea legs, well as it happens there's a song about it."
Barrett claps and a portly and grey bearded man rushes over with a band of minstrels behind him.
"This here's Cliff, my chantyman, play the new one for him Cliff!"



And so Cliff sang:


My name is Barrett Brine, as I sailed, as I sailed
My name is Barrett Brine, as I sailed
My name is Barrett Brine, man’s laws I did decline
A reckoning was mine as I sailed, as I sailed

Oh, my grandad vouched for me, as I sailed, as I sailed
My grandad vouched for me, as I sailed
My grandad vouched for me, gave me nobility
But no thanks would he see, as I sailed, as I sailed


I spied three rogue land towns, as I sailed, as I sailed
O, I spied three rouge land towns, as I sailed
I spied three rogue land towns and pillaged the surrounds
Laid rogue folk in the ground. As I sailed, as I sailed

Oh, I sacked Golden Farrow, as I sailed, as I sailed
I sacked Golden Farrow, as I sailed
I sacked Golden Farrow with cutlass, mail and arrow
Far from the straight and narrow, as I sailed, as I sailed

My marines I laid to rest, as I sailed, as I sailed
My marines I laid to rest, as I sailed
My marines I laid to rest, their arms upon their chest,
Then sought out a new quest, as I sailed as I sailed

Oh, I steered from sound to sound, as I sailed, as I sailed
Oh I steered from sound to sound, as I sailed
I steered from sound to sound, off to old Darfix town
And there I came aground as I sailed, as I sailed

A monster did maim me, as I sailed as I sailed
A monster did maim me, as I sailed
A monster did maim me, from foot to near the knee
But the beast did not stop me, as I sailed as I sailed

I answered the Navarch’s call, as I sailed as I sailed
I answered the Navarch’s call as I sailed
I answered the Navarch’s call, Placed my flag upon the wall
Oe’r Golden Farrow’s hall, as I sail as I sail

To Darfix I returned, as I sailed as I sailed
To Darfix I returned, as I sailed
To Darfix I returned, and soon the city burned
Much gold and fame I earned, as I sailed as I sailed

I left to lead a raid, as I sailed as I sailed
I left to lead a raid, as I sailed
I left to lead a raid, my troops and scouts were paid
But then I was betrayed as I sailed as I sailed

They stripped me of command, as I sailed as I sailed
They stripped me of command, as I sailed
They stripped me of command, and so they forced my hand
Transgressions would not stand, as I sailed as I sailed

I challenged them to duel, as I sailed as I sailed
I challenged them to duel, as I sailed
I challenged them to duel, called the marshals craven fools,
defying all their rules as I sail as I sail

The marshalls I defied, as I sailed as I sailed
The marshalls I defied as I sailed
The marshalls I defied, ere Darfix town I spied
and mutiny I cried as I sailed as I sailed

And they hunted for me, as I sailed as I sailed
And they hunted for me, as I sailed
And they hunted for me, vict’ry they didn’t see,
I laid them low with glee as I sailed as I sailed

I captured sir Kophyn, as I sailed as I sailed
I captured sir Kophyn, as I sailed
I captured sir Kophyn, a trophy I did win,
for I stripped him to his skin, as I sailed as I sailed.

“The rest isn’t written yet but needless to say it’ll be a rip-roaring tune,”

[pcw27]

Barrett steps off his ship and marches straight for the main square before the palace of Golden Farrow. The city watch has a path of egress cleared for him, which cuts through a rather sizable crowd. Tales of his mutiny had be told among peasants and nobles alike, and of course any event in which the King addressed the people was sure to draw attention.

The mariner arrived at a set of temporary wooden steps before a raised stone stage meant for public addresses. Solomons stood at the top, on a second tier platform so as to stay in view at all times.

Barrett paused a moment and sighed. His terms were met. His crimes would be forgiven and it would all be done according to his code, but still, he was embarrassed that he lost. Without looking back he ascended the steps. The king kept a stern face, not betraying relief, or pity or even satisfaction.

Barrett cleared his throat. 

"I say first, before all witnesses here today that Navarch Solomon has proved himself a man of honor. He is the sort that would put forth even his mortal body in defense of his principles. Some weeks ago I made a wager with the Navarch that if he could best me in a duel I would make public apology for all crimes I have committed against the crown, and swear loyal service to him henceforth. As he did unseem me from hip bone to rib cage I now must keep my oath. Let it be known that this day, Navarch Solomon has the distinction of being the only man ever to make the Great Barrett Brine kneel.

The mariner unstrapped his cutlas from his side and held it, still sheathed in both hands, parallel to the ground. Then he dropped to one knee.

"To all those who were in the military council during the events of my mutiny, I apologize for having insulted you, and defied your orders," he said

"To those nobles who were tasked with hunting for me in the wild north. I apologize for your hardships and the death of your men in battle and due to the elements. 

To Sir Kophyn, I apologize for having slain your men, held you captive and divested you of your raiment. 

Last, and most importantly, Navarch Solomon, as all crimes committed against your subjects are in turn crimes committed against the crown I humbly apologies for all my transgressions."


Solomon takes the sword.

"By the power vested in me as Navarch of Tol Goldora I grant you full pardon. Swear loyalty to me and I shall restore you as a full noble citizen of the realm with all rights and privileges therein"


"Navarch Solomon," said Barrett, "I swear loyalty to you henceforth."



Solomon gestured for him to rise. Once on his feet the Navarch handed him back his cutlass. 



"It is done," he said.



Some applause broke out in the crowd.

I wonder how the song will end now, Barrett wondered.

[pcw27]

Barrett scowls at the puny fishing boat before him. No larger vessel could travers the rocky shoals off the coast of Libiddo.

"I'm sorry m'lord but there's only room for you, save yourself and leave your men behind," says the skipper.

"I've left a lot of men behind over the years," says Barrett, "I've no desire to abandon any more."

Turning from the peasant Barrett inspects his beloved marines. Only five still stand, the rest are laid out in the healer's tent. Barrett absentmindedly touches the bandage on his own arm. Then looking inland he sees the Astrumese banners cresting the hill once again.

A returning scout interrupts his moment's reflection.

"Sir, there's no possibly way we could make it through Libbido or Dizzedo, both are lousy with militia"

Barrett sneers and turns back towards the encroaching troops.

"Tell the men to hide if they can," he says.

With that he strolls to an adjacent hill and cries out at the enemy,

"Come on you mangy dogs, take me head on! I'll duel every last one of you!"

[pcw27]

Helm:

"Get out of that ditch lad, and face us in battle, or leave by sea, I don't care which. If you hide in the ditch then we'll hunt you out.

I'm no duelist, I've won a couple of contests by luck but I've no great skill with the sword, so I'll not be fighting a duel with you."

Barrett:

"Well that is a shame. Just goes to show you can't believe every bit of tavern gossip you hear. The ships that sail these waters cannot accommodate my men and I'll not leave them behind. I'm all to happy to confound your efforts and keep you tied up here as long as possible. Or one of you can test your mettle. That's a "nay" from cravens, Carlos and Helm. What about the rest of you lot? Come on! If you live you'll be telling your grandkids how you once stood up to the great Barrett Brine! And if you don't well your next of kin will tell your tale none the less."

Helm:
"Sir Barrett, I see that you are a knight of SA. I'm the Sword of the Maddening, the General of Astrum. Why not join Astrum and serve in the vanguard of the Bloodstars? You sound like a stout lad and I'm always on the lookout for good knights. It's a man's life in The "Bloodstar Invincibles" !

Barrett:
"Lord Helm, It cannot be. I am oathsworn to Navarch Solomon. He won my loyalty fair and square in a contest of arms and I never break my word."

Helm:
"Pity. But admirable, a knight should keep his word. Now I must rest, see you at sunset if you fail to evade successfully. By the way, your best chance  of getting away is to head for Libidizedd evading. If  you evade again successfully you can then use the free ferry route to Eidulb. Several of your realm mates have used that route to escape. Good Luck."

Barrett:
"That is mighty sporting of you. If that's the bet way to save my men I'll have to commit to it. I invite you to give chase."

[pcw27]

Barrett watched from the ramparts as the Astrumese soldiers departed. Beside him stood those troops of his who could still stand.

"A fine fight they put up eh lads? Let's give them a chanty to march home to"

And the men sang,

"Farewell and adieu to you fine Astrum ladies,
Farwell and adieu all you fine Astrum galls;
For we've received orders to sail for Port Nebel;
And perhaps we shall never more see you again.

We'll rant and we'll roar like true Gilden sailors,
We'll range and we'll roam over all the salt seas,
Until we strike soundings on the shores of Gold Farrow,
From Libbido to the Gold Sea 'tis thirty-five leagues.

Then we hove our ship to, with the wind at due south, my boys,
Then we hove our ship to, for to strike soundings clear;
Then we filled the main topsail and bore right away, my boys,
And straight to the shores of Golden Farrow did steer.

We'll rant and we'll roar like true Gilden sailors,
We'll range and we'll roam over all the salt seas,
Until we strike soundings on the shores of Gold Farrow,
From Libbido to the Gold Sea 'tis thirty-five leagues.

So the first land we made is called Old Dizzedo,
Next Libbido town, then on to Gold Sea;
We sailed by the beach, by Mozyr and Farrowfield, A
nd then bore away for the Gold Farrow Light

We'll rant and we'll roar like true Gilden sailors,
We'll range and we'll roam over all the salt seas,
Until we strike soundings on the shores of Gold Farrow,
From Libbido to the Gold Sea 'tis thirty-five leagues.

Now the signal it was made for the Gold Fleet to anchor,
All on the Downs that night for to meet;
Then stand by your stoppers,
see clear your shank-painters,
Haul all your clew garnets,
stick out tacks and sheets.

We'll rant and we'll roar like true Gilden sailors,
We'll range and we'll roam over all the salt seas,
Until we strike soundings on the shores of Gold Farrow,
From Libbido to the Gold Sea 'tis thirty-five leagues.

Now let every man drink up his full bottle,
Let every man drink up his full bowl;
For we will be jolly and drown melancholy,
With a health to each jovial and true-hearted soul.

We'll rant and we'll roar like true Gilden sailors,
We'll range and we'll roam over all the salt seas,
Until we strike soundings on the shores of Gold Farrow,
From Libbido to the Gold Sea 'tis thirty-five leagues."

Barrett Brine Erickson
Knight of Golden Farrow