Staking a Claim [Invite Only]

[YONKOU BYAKKO]

Thriller Bark was a floating island of ships, wood and alcohol. Debauchery was common place, and instead of true order there was only the survival of the fittest. But that would soon change. A new kind of order had come to the once flippant and self-destroying township. A kind of order the miscreants calling this place home could understand, but one which they still thought of as something new. It was an imposed order that took the law out of their own hands, and gave it to those who were truly powerful. The Legacy Pirates had succeeded in making Thriller Bark home ground. Time for the next phase.

With the morning sun shining through despite the mist that surrounded the island, Nikon Fausto looked out over his domain from the balcony of his newly acquired mansion. The previous owner had picked a fight with his first mate Elias Church and subsequently wasn't on the island anymore. If any of the other residents cared for this, they sure as hell knew to keep their mouths shut. Clever folks. Clad in his combat fatigues despite no expectation of combat, it was to drive home his own serious nature to the crewmembers who were coming to the meeting he had called. The large jacket unzipped so that one could see the sleeveless vest underneath, the worn and ripped jeans around his legs...Even the boots were worn and tired looking. Nothing in his appearance told of a man who quite happily threw away money as though it grew on trees. One who enjoyed luxury and refinement. But the way he was standing told a different story. Nikon Fausto was a man completely at ease with himself and the world around him.

Emotion was something rarely shown upon his face, only the strongest emotions burst through his statuesque facade. Hate, rage and true joy could be seen when they happened, but still, even these powerful feelings were dampened by the cold logic and ambition that drove him. His crew had been handpicked by himself, all of them for their talents and skills. But also because of their age. It was almost a certainty that many who looked upon them wrote them off for being past it, and beyond their prime. But that was one of the goals of this little venture. To prove those people wrong. With a small smile allowed to grace his features, he basked in the sunlight as he awaited the arrival of his crew. It was time to announce their existence to the world.

[Kalamity]

The darkness was reeling through the island, or ship some people say island, some ship; some don’t even go near the damned area. The corrupt bastards of Thriller Bark did nothing but drink beer, smoke some ganja, slap them asses, and sleep like you saved the world. The giant island had another thing coming; the barbaric town is now ruled by the Legacy Pirates, the ruler of the seas. As the land under his feet was his new home, the soon to be revamped Thriller Bark was about to become more calm and more of a different type of town. Even though he was but a cook of the mightiest crew that hoarded the seas, he would make sure the food was perfect. It was his job after all.

It was morning and the seemingly desolate island was calm, peaceful almost like all the hatred and barbaric thoughts were sucked straight out of the people, or was it because the cook of the Legacy Pirates walked the yellow brick road. He was heading toward a mansion where Captain Nikon Fausto was, the giant mansion was acquired by an event between Church and a reluctant mansion owner. The wind picked up on the sunny day and his hair was ruffled to the side, completely un-professional like. Hancock had a cigarette in his right hand and he was taking small breaths that fogged up the already misty air. He stood in front of the collar stone mansion and stared at it from the top to bottom while taking small sips from his cigarette as well. He walked through with complete disregard for asking to come in, seriously he was a pirate and it didn’t really matter if he was in the wrong mansion. The cook was in a black suit and tie, looking rather professional except for his cigarette and katana hanging down at his waist proudly.

He walked in and took a look around to find his Captain, he hoped there would a good, stocked kitchen, and he wanted to cook something up. Arriving at the balcony Hancock spoke towards his captain living in luxury “Hey Nikon, do you want to discuss whatever the hell we discuss at these meetings over some food, I am quite hungry” he admitted at the end while looking around the area. Without waiting for an answer the collected cook took one last puff of his cigarette and threw it away and went to the kitchen. He found some regular ingredients, he was planning on making something for the rest of them, but he had wanted something sweet for himself. Taking up two ramekins from the shelf and setting them on a counter, he took out some ingredients. He took out some vanilla, put up a custard base, and made two sets of Crème Brule for him and his captain heavily topped with caramel. The cold dessert was not exactly for the morning, but he was hungry. He walked back towards the balcony and put the second ramekin in front of his captain and started eating his own Crème Brule. The delicacy of the sweet topped anything made in Thriller Bark probably, he had made sure the vanilla was heavy and light, something only a master cook could do. Well, he was Hancock after all.

[Sampson]

Thriller Bark. Nasty little place. Richter von Rosen wasn't around when the Legacy Pirates came to take it over, but now that he was a part of the crew it was just as much one of his possessions as if he had been there at its capture. And it was just as well that he wasn't there; Richter couldn't imagine the nasty mess it must have been getting this place under their belts.

At first, he was concerned that he was going to be late; Richter never went anywhere without first painstakingly attending to his appearance. Once he stepped into the meeting room, however, he could see nobody but the Captain, brooding out the window with his natural statuesque manner. Nikon Fausto was probably the only man Richter knew who was potentially smarter than he was. Not that intelligence was something that could be objectively measured, mind, but the gentlemanly marksman had to admit that Nikon at least appeared to be smarter. And that counted for something in von Rosen's book.

Tucking his umbrella under his arm (an odd move considering there wasn't a cloud in the sky), Richter saluted his captain's back with a brisk motion. "Marksman Richter von Rosen, reporting for duty, Cap'n. I take it we're here to talk strategy then?" He wisely kept the color out of his voice, though on the inside he was excited. Strategy was his signature, one of the few things he had extensive experience in (as opposed to the limited experience in almost everything that was naturally expected of a gentleman.) The other pirates were doctors and swordsmen and swordsmen who knew how to cook; matters military was where Richter ran his laps.

He stood off in a corner, leaning on his umbrella with an only slightly relaxed air. "Bad form to talk of business when the other's haven't shown, I suppose. I can only assume by the scent of that smoke in the air that Mr. Hancock has been in." He shifted his weight anxiously, impatient for the others to show up.

[/size]

[BOB GROPPER]

This Thriller Bark place was indeed depressing. Now that Bobs been here for a while he sees that. It wasn't that long ago that he was recruited. It was a odd way to be recruited but whatever. Things change at any moment. Though trouble may follow after Bob not going back to his people. He failed his mission horribly so why should he go home anyway. They'd probably beat him to death for his disgrace. Though maybe not who really knows. Anything can happen, you just need to cast the dye.

Now as the Navigator, Bob was on the roof of the mansion. He was looking at the sky, reading the weather. He just wanted to make sure of how this day will be. It seemed to be a nice calm warm day so there wasn't that much of a worry. It wasn't like some kind of super storm was coming. So all hell wasn't going to break loose today. Seeing as it didn't take long to check the weather. Bob relaxed on the roof with a dirty book. A pervy man he is and nothing will change that. Though because of the nice warm sun and it being morning. Bob had fallen asleep for a while.

Bobs shark senses woke him up. He sat up and looked down seeing with his senses threw the building. He saw someone on the balcony, most likely it was Captain Nikon. Soon Bob saw two other people arrive and on that left for a moment then coming back. "Guess the meeting is starting." He said to himself with a sigh following after. Bob stood up and walked to the edge of the mansion and looked down at the balcony seeing his captain and the cook he hasn't really got to know. Bob actually hasn't really got to know anyone. He's still knew so things may be a bit awkward at times. So Bob jumped off the roof and landed on the balcony. He landed with a thud and stared at the two. "Your Navigator has arrived. What's up Capitano?" Bob saluted in a bit of a joking kind of way. Pirates don't really salute so he was just being silly. Though it wasn't that silly.

[Elias Church]

The old adagium, 'the more things change, the more they stay the same', was rather fitting, Elias thought. Many seasons had come and gone before the old mans' eyes and yet, like many things in life, complacency grew upon the regular and routine. A new wind however, was beginning to blow across the world and for those few that could feel it knew times were about to change. The end of an age, the genesis of a new. The Epoch of the Legacy Pirates had begun. Standing atop a rather new patch of green, Eli shielded his eyes from the glaring sun as he strained his eyes to see the edge of the blue horizon. Having recently won Thriller Bark, the infamously barbaric floating island, time was scarce amid the Council meetings and Church's desire to play a sport he had only recently discovered; Golf! Unlike his Captain, and other Crew Mates, Eli's mind wasn't really suited to the chambers of politics and debate. Far more comfortable using his hands over his mouth, Eli was content to follow than to lead in that regard and the battle-hardened warrior needed something to occupy himself while he chewed over the needs and responsibilities required to govern.

Unlike his usual self Eli awoke bright and early with a club- fashioned from someone he just recently bumped heads with in fact- in hand and a sack of balls to whack into the air. He tried to use his sword, Tsumani, but the poor little white orbs couldn't stand up to it and were blasted into dust almost every time. Almost as if on cue, Eli pondered to himself as he placed another ball and took another swing, the Crew has almost doubled in size since taking this place... Was that another result Nikon had planned, I wonder? How many steps has he arranged for us to climb... Listening to the screeching whistle of the golf ball fly, Eli smiled to himself. From the roof of his new room adjoined to a tower of the perimeter wall around Thriller Bark, Eli could see for miles. In every direction was blue, apart from the small sliver kept from him by Nikon's own newly claimed territory; the estate of the previous lord of Thriller Bark. A spineless specimen of a man, these days. Happening to have glanced that way, he noticed the recently apointed Navigator of the Legacy Crew. A Fishman by the name Bob Gropper. Saddened by the fact he had spent so little time getting to know him, the fact he favored the sword and appeared to know how to use it put him in good stead with Eli's own warrior spirit. Watching him leap from the roof reminded Church of the meeting called for the day, and the urgency in which it was called.

Leaving his equipment right there, Eli traded the club for the sword and began his trek toward the meeting room. No doubt he would be the last. Sometimes being First Mate was both a blessing and a curse; though he may have been allowed certain leisures, he should have been the first one to carry out his orders, as an example. "Ach... He wont string me up, not this time at least..." Eli assured himself, a tone of doubt ringing through despite his best efforts. By the time he arrived at the entrance, the cold stone and lack of sunlight was beginning to chill his bones. Not that he really minded, he could endure far worse for far longer but that didn't mean he had to enjoy it and as he entered, after the suitably appropriate social greetings and apologies, Eli sat himself on the balcony's edge. "Sorry I'm late. I lost track of time, I guess." Church expressed jovially, "I can tell this is going to be a serious one... So. What's the topic of the day?" Though only subtly, Eli's expression hardened as he set down Tsunami to lean against the intricate stone balcony.

[YONKOU BYAKKO]

This meeting had been a long time in the making. Gathering a crew, making sure they were all as skilled as they needed to be...There had been alot of variables to consider when planning out what was about to start. Nikon turned from the balcony and nodded to each of his crew members as they entered the room, Church even getting a slight smile when he walked in last. Better late than never one could suppose. Walking slowly over to his seat at the head of the table, he waved a hand in the direction of the other seats in a gesture that was obviously meant to ask the others who were standing to plant themselves. After all, the seats were expensive, it would be a waste not to use them. Seating himself, the Chessmaster leaned forward and placed his elbows down atop the table before resting his chin atop his crossed hands.

Glancing around at the Legacy Pirates, Nikon considered them one last time before he spoke. Hancock, chef extrordinaire and one hell of a swordsman. Von Rosen, the only person Nikon thought of to be a match in intelligence with himself. Bob, a fishman with extraordinary strength and a dab hand at virtually anything he needed to do. Finally his eyes landed upon his first mate Elias Church. Giving a physical form to the word juggernaut and the most trustworthy man Nikon knew. Yes. There was only one last crew member to add to his roster and he was complete, but one thing at a time.

Taking a breath before speaking in simple words, he brought his chin off of his hands to avoid him being misheard. He would only say this once, there would be no repeats. "As you'll have noticed, all of you are above a certain age. This was no accident. I want to prove to the world that we middle-aged chaps still have what it takes to topple this world. No matter what it takes, I want the world to be speaking of us for centuries. Personally, I also want to gather as much of this worlds knowledge as possible, after all. Knowledge is power. Tell me my crew, what are your goals?" There was a reason why there had been a custom built library in the lower decks of The Archive. All it needed now was to be filled.