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| The Islander | |
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| Topic Started: Jan 3 2017, 10:54 PM (69 Views) | |
| Kit | Jan 3 2017, 10:54 PM Post #1 |
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Name:Olen 'The Islander' Grey Race:Shapeshifter-Avian Gender:Male Age:35 AlignmentLawful Evil A lawful evil villain methodically takes what he wants within the limits of his code of conduct without regard for whom it hurts. He cares about tradition, loyalty, and order but not about freedom, dignity, or life. He plays by the rules but without mercy or compassion. He is comfortable in a hierarchy and would like to rule, but is willing to serve. He condemns others not according to their actions but according to race, religion, homeland, or social rank. He is loath to break laws or promises. This reluctance comes partly from his nature and partly because he depends on order to protect himself from those who oppose him on moral grounds. Some lawful evil villains have particular taboos, such as not killing in cold blood (but having underlings do it) or not letting children come to harm (if it can be helped). They imagine that these compunctions put them above unprincipled villains. Abilities: Pure-blood Shapeshifter Companion-The Druid obtains an animal companion that possesses one special custom ability, to be approved by two members of the staff. Companions are not affected by skills that directly affect NPCs. Sunbeam-In the presence of ambient daylight, the Druid can call down a ray of intense damaging sunlight. Appearance In his pureblood state Olen Grey is a large Osprey. His markings indicate a being of incredible health and vitality. The steel coloured beak has not a single chip or crack. His plumage is maintained impeccably and almost has a sheen to it. His eyes are clear and dangerous, combined with a humane intelligence to see Olen on wing and hunting makes for a rare sight of nearly perfected Apex Predator status. With eye's burning golden Olen's unblinking gaze is unsettling; predatory, hungry. Alive. His hair mirroring the Osprey's crest. With a bow legged gait his gait off a boat is awkward to those unfamiliar with a sailor's limp. Standing average for a human Olen's build is lithe and defined by a life of hard work in the elements and a diet with little fat. His stature is compact, efficient and long comfortable in it's skin. Clothing and AttireA ranking officer on-board most vessels he finds work upon Olen has earned the right to wear an officers coat. Whilst his own version is long battle scarred and torn with memories long past the leather has been burnished to a dull sheen. A black leather Tricorn featuring a charred and muck encrusted cloth around the crown. A sign of favour from a woman long ago. Olen has never forgotten. A more grey then white cotton shirt hangs off his frame as it was intended for a stockier man but with the coat a permanent effect it's rarely noticeable. A sturdy belt holds the scabbard to his saber. Unlike the rest of his worldly belongings Olens Saber is meticulously clean. Well oiled and sharpened regularly. Often paying the commission to a Metal Alchemist to keep it's edge keen. A heavy single edged blade standing at 31 inches is short and perfect for close work. Favoring impacting slashes the blade is just at home breaking limbs as it is sloughing through flesh. His trousers like his coat are scarred and well worn. They are however replaced when too damaged as a man of the line needs to look respectable. His boots cracked through exposure are waterproofed everywhere else and have an uncanny grip about them. PersonalityA hunger burns in Olen Grey. A passionate pure hunger for the hunt. With a duality in existence; on the one hand he is free. An Apex Predator with mastery of Air and Sea. His only limitation is himself and what he can or can't achieve. The other. A leader of men. A task master aimed at getting singular cohesion from those under his watch. Regularly challenged with getting the best out of other people no matter the cost. Innovation breeds intimidation. Not afraid to let someone know exactly what they are doing wrong and giving them a physical reminder that they are always and will be beneath him. This drive and his nature give Olen a focused attitude to life in that if he wants something enough he will make every attempt to obtain it. A firm believer in Loyalty and Order it's his pure disdain for anyone else which seems to cause the most problems. His ability to command however is second to none and if he could be bothered to learn the skills of Cartography and common Literacy many speculate that he would be a commendable Captain. However the role of First officer seems to suit Olen more. His ability at running a vessel is renown in coastal area and once a crew finds their rhythm under his watch the mere sailing of a ship becomes an efficient dance on the waves. If you have earned his displeasure however his style of leadership is one of intimidation, bluntness and borderline hostility. Olen has broken men before. A midships man hiding in the bowels of the ship in fear of seeing the man for a poor running. Bruises on his face and arms. The ships boy sent skittering and crashing into the forecastle wall for being slow on his duty. This is how the sea teaches and it's a lesson that Olen learned himself. If your survive the ocean. Man is no problem what so ever. Fond of the smaller things in life for pleasure. The sea breeze, his quart of rum and raw fish he has made peace with his dual nature. Knowing that he'll never go hungry gives a life satisfaction that must men never find. When everything is running smoothly and the mood is jovial you will find Olen Grey watching the horizon with a small smile on his features. Always looking for that next catch. History 'How's the Folly? Still got ol Ted on the helm?' 'Aye he is. Smitty thinks he's losing his touch since he lost his eye' 'An the Folly?' It was then that Olen's hard stare shifted. His eyes narrowed briefly before it dropped to grip the handle of his tankard. The gaze had dropped to the liquid inside as if he was trying to draw wisdom from it. I know I was poking a short fuse. But I'd dealt with Olen Grey before. Best to get whatever it was in the open early. It gave him less time to stew on it. 'Shit to be honest. Pays not what was promised. Some of the boys aren't happy.' 'You're not one of the boys though' 'I don't like hitting people Captain.' 'Yet you have no problem letting your fists do the work' 'Got to be done sometimes. You know that. But the Folly's not a place I want to be anywhere near' 'Which is why you here with me' The grunt I got back was all the answer I was going to get back. We'd played this game numerous times over the years. He refused to admit he enjoyed working under me and I wouldn't divulge that he was a good Officer. Perhaps even the best that had sailed under me. Ever. His gaze was back on mine. I met it. My eyes caught movement at the window. There was a Gull lighting on the sill. The windows opened to catch the warmth of the day and the hint of ozone from the seaweed combined with the spray made sitting inside almost a sin for men like us. But business demanded privacy. The bird was staring at us pale yellow eyes clear. I'd read somewhere that a vibrancy and strength of their colours was an indication of their health. The bird was almost shining with it's vigor. It cawed expectantly. Olen who hadn't turned around simply moved his eyes to the side closet to the window and with a small nod acknowledged the bird 'Is that the same bird Olen?' 'Aye that my Risk. Just popping in to say hello eh?' The bird bobbed and then took wing effortlessly. Olen turned back to me slowly and drank from his tankard. It had been at least 9 years since he'd gotten the bird I had sworn they didn't live that long. Still whatever he was feeding it was doing the trick. 'I wish we were younger Olen.' Again that narrowing of the eyes. Had I caught him unaware? He sat in speculative silence, the only movement coming from the breeze as it shifted our clothes. '15 years ago both of us would have finished this dance as soon as it began. We'd both think we knew what we wanted and that it'd work out as the Sea directs. But I'm older now. My crew that remains is older. You've got a reputation Olen. Now hold on let me finish.' I'd had to hold up a hand to stay what was coming out of his mouth. He knew. 'You're a damn fined Officer. We both know that. We also know that you've perhaps the blackest temper and not managed to get a dagger in your back. We both know your fists do the talking when sometimes your mouth should. My boys are old. They've seen your fists enough. Just because your blessed with whatever vitality doesn't mean the rest of us can keep up with you. Even the green ones shy away from you on the docks.' It was out there. A history of blood on my vessel he'd caused. The men would tolerate it. They knew that his mastery was complete. But everyone was getting a bit older and slower. Experience couldn't compensate for the pace Olen demanded. But then here Olen was walking away from a crew that could keep up with him. It didn't make sense. I met his stare. There was no emotion raging through him. I'd told men similar tales and there was always anger, frustration, pleading. One thing with Olen was that he had acceptance of a mans word. 'How's Zoe?' My vitriol drained at the mention of my sister and i found my gaze wandering from his. It focused on the bordering on rotten pennant tied around the crown of his tricorn. She had chosen him 13 years ago and was desperate to court. He had been my first for two years at that point and we saw the world the same way. Good friendship which had survived the test of time and Olen. Yet despite his feelings which I knew from their tryst's he instead didn't refuse the token but offered her freedom instead. A gesture which at first I disagreed with but as I grew older and my heart realized the cost of such a partnership took. He accepted the courtship plainly and spoke his terms. They were never to wed or be coupled. She would have the freedom to live her life as she chose without being forever waiting for a sail on the horizon. But he would never see harm to her or her children. For that is the measure of a man. They remained good friends even to this day she'll ask for him and take his news with a smile. A hint of wanderlust in her eyes at what could have been. But her happiness and freedom to spend time with a man she loves is a greater gift than any man could offer me. It's why I tolerated Olen's abuse of men beneath him and always had the time to talk to him. We were practically family. 'What if I changed?' 'You said that last time. In fact its why we parted ways last time. You felt you'd dishonoured me. So why you're back here asking for another chance doesn't sit right with me Olen. Whats the Folly got your hackles up about?' 'They got a dog' 'A dog. Lots of people have dogs Olen. Good pets.' He spat on the floor and returned his gaze to mine. 'A. Fucking. Dog.' I licked my lips carefully at drank from my tankard. That's what it was about. With the extra description added I knew he was talking about a Werewolf. It had been awhile since I'd seen this side of things. Olen hated them and I had regretted pushing him to find out why. Sometimes you don't need to know a man that well. I knew what he was I wasn't proud that I knew and I don't think is comfortable with my holding of knowledge. But his loathing of Lycanthropes went beyond the normal hatred of men. It was something that offended his very core. I didn't know why I guessed he'd had a bad run in when he was younger. 'You were going to job him weren't you?' 'Planning on it. Hoping to change my mind.' i clenched my fists tight and felt my jaw tighten. He was using a mans life as a bartering chip. He was capable of this I'd seen it before. This wasn't an empty threat the sword at his side was well used. 'What's he done? You can't go murdering because you don't like who a man is.' 'He's a mouthy disrespectful git. Self centered, slack on the ropes and every time someone tried to discipline him he fought and bit back. I took matters into my own hands and beat the living shit out of him and yet he stood up and dared look me in the eyes. I kicked him until he stopped trying get to up. Then once more for good measure. He went complaining to the Captain. I wasn't allowed to hit him again. That really did my temper wonders. So I got my boot in on nights watch to teach him a lesson about crying. He tries turning and I lose my shit.' He rolled up the sleeve of his left arm and it's recently gouged, deep scratch marks and a bite mark in the center. It looks nasty but clean. 'I take him by the throat after he changes and ram him against the rail until he learns to sit. Fucking dog. Fight like a man.' This was punctuated with another spit on the floor in anger 'And then?' Olens gaze shifted again to the tankard seemingly for inspiration as he took a long time to answer. He didn't look up, almost embarrassed. The answer was tight. 'Confined to quarters, half rations and then turned off the ship' 'Ah' So he was out of a job as well. Well in all fairness the Lycan had forced his hand somewhat. It was a fool to run to the Captain to challenge the First's discipline, then an idiots folly to do it a second time. No doubt his own crew had ostracized him and that black mark would remain for his remaining life. A coward. Of course it was bad for moral to keep a man who was willing to beat a man half to death twice so thats why Olen was here. 'If I take you on. Leave it. You understand. If i get news that a man on another ship has been beaten to death and your not on watch and I'll know Olen I'll fucking know. Your lack of a job will be the least of your concern. I've taken the whip to you before. Don't make me do worse.' 'The Dog lives as long as I dont see him shore-side.' 'No. You fucking leave it. You said you wanted to change. Change.' Silence. Even the wind quieted. Our raised voices had carried and we were both standing. My breath quick from the fire I'd put into my voice. I was meeting his stare unblinking I refused to move from this. His expression was hard and dark. His fists balled and his eyes held more then just a mans anger but a hunters relish of tasting blood in the air. We didn't move. The few eyes in the building were on us. He reached into his pocket and drew his chit. He threw it on the table in-front of me. 'The dog lives.' I took it and quickly added my mark holding it out for him. He closed the distance and took it. He didn't stop and the momentum of his shoulder and body weight crashing almost staggered me back into my chair. I groaned as I pulled myself to my feet. 'Half Rations' As Olen Grey walked out into the sun a single word carried back to me. 'Sah' Edited by Kit, Jan 4 2017, 08:56 PM.
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| Kit | Jan 3 2017, 10:55 PM Post #2 |
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'You know, you've never actually told me about that bird that always seems to be around.' 'I'm pretty sure I've told you. It doesn't seem like something I would have glossed over' 'It's watching us now, I can see it. It thinks it's being sneaky' 'Aye that my Risk.' We laid in bed together my head resting in the small of his shoulder. His warmth gentle on my back and neck. The stillness of his body yielded slightly as i shifted. I had learned that he was awkward with his legs. So i gave him the quiet respect he had earned. 'Did you name it?' 'No...She took her name.' 'She, how do you know?' 'You ever seen a lady without her plumage preened. Ol Risk spends most of her day putting her feathers in order.' 'True Olen. You've had her what a decade now?' 'Bout that' I tried to soften the next question 'She's getting on a bit then?' 'No she'll live a good while yet, Gulls live long. Especially one as looked after as Risk' 'That so. Your awfully well informed Olen. Most unlike you' 'Man o'the sea' He grunted his response as I twisted my head to lay lips on his neck gently. I returned my head to it's resting position running a hand through my shortened hair. My husband had passed a year and a half ago from the pox and I had cut it short in mourning. Olen didn't know that I had courted again. He knew I had a father to my children but our arrangement didn't include discussing the finer details. We both knew each others hearts were twined and nothing more. 'How can a Gull take a name? Is it like a Horse, sometimes its name just becomes apparent' 'No. It's hard to explain but she chose it.' I remained silent and turned slightly to watch her. 'Lo Risk' My greeting was met with a grunt from Olen and a almost happy caw from the bird as she hopped closer. Narrowing my eyes and turning back I propped myself up to look Olen in the eye. His unblinking gaze turned to me without any emotion in them 'You've still not told me how you can to spending time with another woman!' A small smile formed as he drew me into his embrace and gently throwing me onto my side. He brought his arm around me as we lay together. I had my finger tracing old scars and tattoo's of the Line he had acquired. 'I think we found each other when most needed it. I was alone and not handling it as best as I could have done. As for Risk well, she was in the same position. Both alone and drawn to each other. She was out in the middle of the ocean when she dropped. It was a fish bone lodged in her throat. Small little nasty thing in the mouth of some dinner. I picked her out of the sea so she wouldn't drown. I carried her back to land and nursed her. Inseparable ever since.' 'You were on a ship silly. You must have put her down to manage the crew' I laughed at his little lapse yet he remained still. There was a reluctance in his voice 'Did we make the right decision?' I should have expected this. I couldn't stop my eyes from wetting and a tear slowly sliding down from my face. Both a combination of our mutual sacrifice and of the pain of losing Jason with the girls still as young as they were. 'Margaret is desperately unhappy. Whilst I admire my brothers dedication and effort it's not a lifestyle I'd ever want honestly. For that I feel blessed at the opportunity to have been able to live free. Unburdened by anyone else's life choices. The ability to see my lover when I wanted to. Not when tide or wind dictated. For that we made the right decision.' After I finished talking the only response I got was his breath on the back of my neck. It moved into a soft kiss before stillness resumed. I had never asked what it cost him to make the decision he did. I dont think Olen would even answer. I felt my eyes closing and I drifted off. When I awoke I was alone in my bed. I rolled over and bring the covered to my chin. I lowered my nose to them and smelled. It smelt of salt spray and sweat. A hint of ozone. Sighing I rolled over to watch the rising morning. There was a Gull in the same tree she was perched in last night. Unable to read her eyes Risk simply cawed once almost sadly before stretching her wings and lifting off. 'Lo Risk. Fair winds.' *** 'I thought I told you I didn't want to see you. Again' I stretched my toes. The grass was cold and prickly under my bare feet. The wind warmed by the season still brought a slight chill to my frame. I reached up and swept my hair back, it's colouring matching the man watching the horizon in front of me. Cocking my head back and smiling folding my arms around my naked torso 'Isn't it rude to have a lady undressed in the presence of a man?' 'It's a stretch calling you a lady though isn't it?' He shrugged off his jacket and threw it at my feet. I bent over to retrieve it and threw it over my shoulders feeling the warm settle around me. The leather barrier around me kept the wind off and already a cautious warmth was returning. 'Why are you here?' His eyes still forward unmoving, unblinking 'Do I need a reason?' He turned at that. His jaw set, his eyes directed at me. His emotion was radiating clear as day. I shrugged and met his gaze openly before turning to the horizon he had been watching. 'I thought you'd have welcomed a visit from your mother' He was still silent. He knew my game. I'd played it before. So we waited. 'You still haven't made good on your promise to find your people' 'I didn't make a promise.' 'You'd rather exist with man?' 'Man has done me better then my own kind have ever done. Even those partially related. Fucking hate dogs...' 'Men don't fly' 'Men don't hide pretending to be something they arn't' I was stilled and turned to look at him. He'd pulled out a pipe and with it dangling out of the corner of his mouth he looked oddly thoughtful. 'What do you mean?' 'Your the only other one of my kind I've ever seen; thats because you keep trying to find me and convince me that joining you is a fantastic idea. What do you intend to achieve. We're birds. Are we going to out fish Man and starve him? Well done. Top notch.' 'Your a predator Olen. Behave like one!' 'Your in my territory; fuck off. My eyes narrowed at this. And suddenly a Gull wheeled in and lit on the other side. It cocked its head and looked at me. It then squawked loudly and I knew what it was saying. It raised colour in my cheeks in anger. I hissed 'Say it again. I dare you.' The gull hopped and preened a feather before once again repeating her slander. Suddenly it took off almost panicked and frantically beat her wings for clearance. My suddenly explosion from my sons coat bearing beak might have had something to do with it. I wheeled up and off the land catching thermals to give me a quick rise in altitude. Wheeling around I locked sight of the sprinting loud mouthed seagull. Her maximum speed would just be faster then a lazy cruise for me. That and coming from above I shrieked out a war cry and began my dive. With feathers constantly aligning and vying for more speed I quickly closed the distance. I could almost taste the blood. My vision swam red and then black. Something had struck me. Something was burning into my chest. I felt my world spinning I was flapping to try and orient myself but the momentum was too great. I glanced towards my chest to see two scaled feet with talons sinking into my chest. His wings were beating to destabilize and we were plummeting. I was desperate to escape I wriggled and beat my wings trying to find any purchase. Nothing! Suddenly I was lighter. I stabilized and took a moment finding some space to recollect and gather my bearings. He then descended in front of me. Matching my hovering pattern with one of his own. His golden eyes burning into mine. I raised my eyes to see a Gull veering off behind a rocky out crop. I'd lost the bitch. Turning back to Olen I knew that Turning back out to sea was the only option. He was ready to fight now. I'd lost any chance of talking rationally to him. Maybe in a few more years. As I slowly wheeled and began my flight I felt a second impact to my back it jarring me and I dropped again. Whipping around beak and talons ready I shrieked in rage only to find an Osprey flying away with blood dripping from his own talons. I would get him back. No matter the cost. Edited by Kit, Jan 11 2017, 07:42 PM.
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9:51 AM Jul 11