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Battle of Pirates Graveyard

2007-09-13T11:35:18Z

1stAmongstDaves:

'''The Battle of the Pirates Graveyard''' occurred at GMT midnight on 26 August '07 within a large region of cleared jungle 25-35 paces directly west of the town of [[Raktam]]. The battle was the culmination of a series of sorties by the [[Brotherhood of the Coast]] upon Raktam throughout the month of August.

==List of Pirate Combatants==

The Brotherhood of the Coast contingent was lead by [[Rozen]]'s deputy, [[Bootstrap Bill]], togther with rogue Raktami, [[a rat]]. Other participants included [[Tristam Tanhide]], [[Atriedes 88]], [[Zamiel]], and [[OOOFFBeard]].

==List of Raktami Combatants and their allies==

On the native side, the Host of the Queen of Greater Raktam, [[Blue Hummingbird]], consisted of [[Merc93]], [[Taika]], [[dchan]], [[Warrior6789]], and [[Dappled Shadow]] was augmented by reinforcements from the [[Wicksick]], consisting of [[Lama]], [[Jesus]], and [[Foo Fighter]], together with [[Azuma]] and [[Skull Face]] of the Dalpoki, and outlaw Raktami and leader of the [[Scavangers]], [[Armadox the Butcher]].

==Other players==

[[Atok]] the roaming shaman was to the east of the battlefield. A [[York]] member of the [[Royal Expedition]] on the southern border of the battlefield, apparently there as an observer, was warned to depart on the morning of the battle and promptly withdrew.

With his departure, Raktami forces and their allies outnumbered the pirate contingent by 13 to 5.

==Transcript of the Battle==

A transcript of the battle, excluding all pirate kills, follows:

Atreides 88 says “Argh! This won't end well!” (2007-08-25 23:59)

Blue Hummingbird says “How are we going for time now?” (2007-08-25 23:59)

Atreides 88 says “It be showtime!” (2007-08-25 23:59)

Foo Fighter says “One minute left....I hope you outsiders have a secret killer squad at the roaming shaman....” (2007-08-26 00:00)

azuma says “I am proud to stand and fight against the devils with each and every one of you. Good luck all.” (2007-08-26 00:00)

Blue Hummingbird says “Zamiel has wondered off. Bit short on pirates!” (2007-08-26 00:00)

Lama says “don't kill teh journalist, please ”

Blue Hummingbird says “FOR RAKTAM! INVADERS BURN IN THE LOWEST PURPLE HELL OF SOME MISBEGOTTEN....hm, drawn a blank.” (2007-08-26 00:01)

azuma kills TanhideTristram. (2007-08-26 00:02)

Armadox kills TanhideTristram. (2007-08-26 00:02)

Lama say “please don't kill 1262 this evening ”

Jesus returns to normal after a spell of acting strangely. (2007-08-26 00:02)

azuma says “Good on ya, Lama. Thanks.” (2007-08-26 00:02)

Blue Hummingbird starts acting very strangely. (2007-08-26 00:02)

Blue Hummingbird returns to normal after a spell of acting strangely. (2007-08-26 00:02)

Dappled Shadow says “Ah well, it was great fun, if it wasn't for whoever it was who attacked me beforehand.” (2007-08-26 00:02)

Dappled Shadow starts acting very strangely. (2007-08-26 00:02)

azuma kills 0000FF Beard. (2007-08-26 00:03)

Dappled Shadow says “Hey lama don't exorcise me!!!” (2007-08-26 00:03)

Skull Face kills Meirleach. (2007-08-26 00:03)

Blue Hummingbird says “Um, is Merleach the journo?” (2007-08-26 00:03)

Foo Fighter says “Victory! We took heads and all! WICKSICK!” (2007-08-26 00:03)

azuma says “Nice work all” (2007-08-26 00:03)

Blue Hummingbird says “That was quick. The game told me azuma and Armadox kill the same guy.” (2007-08-26 00:04)

Skull Face says “Where is 'A Rat'? He was supoosed to be here?” (2007-08-26 00:04)

Lama says “got nice log ”

Foo Fighter says “Hmmm...maybe we should kill Armadox now just to make sure?” (2007-08-26 00:04)

Blue Hummingbird says “A rat is in the med hut. We can get him too.” (2007-08-26 00:05)

Foo Fighter says “Atok it is! Where is he?” (2007-08-26 00:05)

azuma says “I tagged a couple of them, Tanny and Beardy. Great fun.” (2007-08-26 00:05)

Lama attacks Armadox for 5 damage. They die.

Foo Fighter says “Hey Armadox, you alright? You really look sick....” (2007-08-26 00:06)

Skull Face says “I sat and watched the numbers go down. I have used the outsider magic called 'screenshot'...” (2007-08-26 00:06)

Lama says “Sorry, couldn't resist ”

Foo Fighter says “I don't find that shaman...” (2007-08-26 00:07)

Blue Hummingbird says “Taika and I nailed A rat out to the east. where is Atok?” (2007-08-26 00:08)

Foo Fighter says “I had a look around, didn't see the bugger” (2007-08-26 00:08)

azuma says “Didn't see anyone either.” (2007-08-26 00:08)

Taiaka says “I killed a rat, with the help of the Queen.” (2007-08-26 00:09)

Lama holds a seance and senses the presence of Armadox and 3 outsider spirits.

==Outcome of the Battle of the Pirates Graveyard==

The result was the destruction of the pirate force, with no losses to the native alliance other than the death of Armadox at the hands of the Wicksick.

Azuma was later quoted as follows: "''I was surrounded by heroes and we were all hitting everything that moved in a puffy shirt. What a line-up of natives; it was like a who's who of all time great cannibals. Truly spectacular. I may have gotten lucky and had my name accredited to two kills but I didn't do all of the damage myself. Let's be honest about it. We collectively (and quite efficiently) waged a war of superior numbers and eradicated our enemy en masse. My work here is done. Crushing pirates dreams, one at a time. Ahhhh. Crushed pirate dreams. Your scent is redolent of Valhalla."''

The location of the battlefield and the overwhelming victory of the Raktami host and their allies is marked in the following way:

''"You see a tall mound of moss-covered skulls and rusting cutlasses. Decayed and rotting leather together with bleached human bones are scattered around the area. A strong stench of rum exudes from the surrounding foliage."''

Further skirmishes with the remains of the pirate contigent in the area who did not make the battlefield in time for the battle followed in the next week, with the Host of the Queen mopping up pirate survivors.

==Consequences of the Battle of the Pirates Graveyard==

Aside from the odd skirmish by members of the Host of the Queen with [[Raffles]] and [[mercedes]], the battle effectively concluded the pirate assault of Raktam.

The region itself is now the Province of the Pirates Graveyard and is a part of the Kingdom of Greater Raktam.

The battle highlighted the lack of support to pirates by other outsider groups: cemented the alliance between the native regions: firmly established the Queen of Greater Raktam's credibility as a defender of Raktam rather than a despot as feared by some senior Raktami: and demonstrated that even Armadox the Butcher and his usual prey occasionally have common cause.

Bank of Shartak

2007-08-30T04:29:12Z

1stAmongstDaves: update on the bank

The '''Bank of Shartak''' is a commercial financial institution and the only bank on [[Shartak Island]]. The Bank originally has branches in [[Durham]], [[Derby]], [[Raktam]] (oddly, the most popular branch), [[Wiksik]], [[Dalpok]], and [[York]]. Each branch was located within 1 square of a trader's hut (except Dalpok's branch, which is within 2 squares south-east-east of the trader).

In July 2007 all branches of the bank closed, except for the branch located in Durham, and a "quasi-branch" operated by [[Crowjane]] in Raktam.

Clan page: [http://www.shartak.com/clanview.cgi?id=121 Bank of Shartak]

The branches were each operated by branch managers, being:

*[http://www.shartak.com/profile.cgi?id=6792 Gitboy] in York. Operations in York were temporary suspended in February '07 as a consequence of threatened attacks by local militia, resulting in the replacement of Ibn al Xuffash by Gitboy. Gitboy was subsequently murdered in March '07, and replaced by Justice Hart of York. Hart committed suicide in July '07 and has not been replaced.

*[http://www.shartak.com/profile.cgi?id=6162 Hideo Inakajimita] in Durham. This branch is still operational and holds all despoits made at other branches.

*[http://www.shartak.com/profile.cgi?id=6689 Kristofer Schanz] in Derby. Schanz died in July '07.

*[http://www.shartak.com/profile.cgi?id=6647 Dappled Shadow] in Raktam. Dappled Shadow resigned from the bank's employment in May '07. Currently Crowjane is accepting deposits in Raktam.

*[http://www.shartak.com/profile.cgi?id=7101 Justine] in Wiksik. Justine disappeared in July '07.

*[http://www.shartak.com//profile.cgi?id=7879 Monkeypaw] in Dalpok. Monkeypaw was last spotted in Dalpok in July '07.

Services offered by the Bank include:

1. deposits, with a regular dividend of 10 GCs paid to large accounts of over 50GCs or 100 GCs, depending upon how much profit has been derived by the Bank in a given period.

2. loans, with varying rates of interest.

3. inter-branch transfers, allowing account holders to transfer funds from one branch to another to third parties, for a service fee of 10 GCs. Funds transfers are only limited by the amount of cash held by the paying branch. This service has been suspended while the other town's branches are closed for business.

All transactions are transparent and are recorded on the Shartak forum.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

===Q: What is the deal with deposits?===

A: Basically, you open an account by depositing money with a branch manager. The deposit is recorded at the bank's forum. Every so often (so far, twice in December '06) we announce a dividend, depending upon how profitable the bank has been.

The first dividend was 10 GCs for every account of more than 100 GCs.

The second dividend was 10 GCs for every account of more than 50 GCs.

(These are only indicative of what future dividends might be announced in months to come.)

So that means people who were with us from the beginning - notably, the Scavengers Community Account - have received two 10GC dividends, simply as a consequence of having the requisite amount of money deposited with the bank.

Depositers are encouraged to re-invest/not withdraw, obviously, in order to fund the loan program, and to maximise their dividends.

Donations to the bank, to help fund its operations but with no return, are obviously also welcome. A surprisingly large number of people have been happy to give money to the bank to help us along.

=== Q: What is the deal with loans? ===

A: Loans are tailored to your requirements, but here is an example. Say you want to hire the Mercenaries' Guild to sack York. If you borrow, say, 150 GCs for a month to do this, you'd have to repay with interest of 50GCs at the month's end.

Being a soulless and opportunistic bank, we have no compunction about funding both sides of a conflict (to hire mercenaries, buy FAKs or weapons, or whatever), so long as we are repaid by both sides when the dust settles.

Default on large loans not only ruins your credit record - you'd never get to borrow again - but you'd also have some angry pirates or mercenaries chasing you for a while. We usually start off with small loans. So far no one has defaulted on a loan, which is encouraging.

=== Q: What is the deal with inter-branch transfers? ===

A: Deposit money with a branch with instructions that the amount is to be collected at another branch by another person. We charge 10 GCs for an inter-branch transfer. In other words, if you deposit 110 GCs with the Durham branch, with instructions that someone is to collect 100 GCs in Derby, then we will keep the 10GC balance as our fee. This has been a popular service of the bank.

=== Q: What else does the bank do? ===

A: These are the only services the bank currently offers. The bank is not interested in buying businesses, but will happily fund such purchases on terms and conditions to be agreed.

=== Q: Can I buy the bank? ===

A: Sure, if the price is right, or alternatively you can buy into the bank and take profits.

=== Q: Where are the branches? ===

A: The branches were located in Raktam, Wiksik, Dalpok, Derby, Durham and York, all within one square of a trader's hut, except the Wiksik branch which is two squares away. Currently on Durham has an operational branch.

=== Q: Why don't you have branches at the shipwreck? ===

A: There are no huts other than the the trader's hut, which makes it difficult to establish operations there. In addition, sovereign risk at the shipwreck is considerable and we are concerned about the safety of a branch manager in that region. The temporary shipwreck branch manager Ibn al Xuffasch was killed in March '07 by pirates within 24 hours of arrival.

=== Q: Do you have any roaming branches? ===

A: No, as it would be too difficult for a roaming branch to identify people who wish to do business with the bank.

=== Q: Who are the current branch managers? ===

A: Durham's branch manager is Hideo Inakajimita.

=== Q: Who is the CEO of the Bank? ===

A: Kristofer Schanz, based at the Derby branch was the first CEO. Since his death Hideo Inakajimita has become the President of the Bank.

=== Q: How do you generate the gold to pay interest on accounts? ===

A: Primarily through profitable daily trading activities within each site. Certain items get you high quantities of GCs at the trader's hut. We generate about 30 GCs a week in trading by the branch managers, which is enough to declare a dividend every so often for large account holders to encourage deposits.

We encourage re-investment and most account holders seem happy to have the cash building up for a rainy day.

Loans also generate income but we currently don't have any big loans on the books. Inter-branch transfers also generate income, too, but they are relatively infrequent compared to daily trading.

=== Q: What sort of security do you have? ===

A: Our staff are occasionally threatened or killed, which we regard as an attempted robbery, and any murders/attempted robberies are reported to the local police force. Most of our problems with violence are in York - on 11 January '06 the branch was the scene of a violent Tarantino-esque robbery by Wicksick headhunters. Otherwise, unless looting becomes a skill (in which case we'd probably close up the bank and refund all monies to their deposit holders) your funds are secure.

=== Q: What sort of measures do you have for client confidentiality? ===

A: We presently do not keep account details secret unless specifically asked to do so. Otherwise, all deposits are recorded at the bank's forum to demonstrate transparency in the bank's processes, to encourage confidence in the bank.

1st Imperial Privateers Regiment

2007-08-30T04:21:04Z

1stAmongstDaves: re: disbanded

[[Image:1stImperialPrivateers.jpg]]

{{Clanbox|
clan_name= 1st Imperial Privateers Regiment|
official_id=96|
open_to=outsiders |
clan_image=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Gwenn_ha_du.svg/120px-Gwenn_ha_du.svg.png|
clan_leaders= {{profile|4770|First Amongst Daves}}|
clan_membership= 17, as at November 2006|
clan_goals= DISPATCHED by Her Beautific Majesty Queen Laura I of Holland with Letters of Marque and Reprisal to Disrupt all Her Majesty's Enemies' trade, shipping and commerce in the Spanish Main and Particularly Shartak Island, the Imperials invite and welcome all new recruits, whether they be Gentlemen Volunteers, Seaman, Able-bodied Landsmen, Foreigners or Indigeous Natives, and wish to acquire Riches and honour as corsair marines, provided they show Proper Allegiance to the Crown and will be met with all due Encouragement, and the best Treatment. Current operations of the Imperials include: Firstly, the Establishment of a Mercantile Bank: Secondly, ship-building at the Western Dockyards of Rodrigo island north of Durham [GPS: -70.649; +26.391] where the Hull of the 180 tonne full-rigged Man-O-War Grand Admiral Neilencio is to be Laid: Thirdly, assisting the Jolly Roger Gang, the Colonial Police, the Durham Pistoleers and the Derby Hospitallers in their Pogrom against Rogue Wiksik Headhunters invading Durham. Report at Regimental Headquarters. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN! |
clan_contact= Ingame with Colonel First, Colonel Bellamy, or at Regimental HQ(http://www.xsorbit1.com/users/incandescent/index.cgi?board=A). Upon accepting a brevet to the Letters of Marque and Reprisal, sign your name under "Regimental Roll Call"|
sort_as= 1st Imperial Privateers Regiment|
}}
<br>''' GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!!!'''|
Our Royal Highness Queen Laura I of Holland, who has commissioned this regiment, has been beseeched to hand out medals to the lads of the Imperials. (Lazy cow is on holidays in the Antipodes.)

Our [[1st Imperial Bank]] is now open for business in York, Raktam, Derby and Durham, each branch within one square of the traders' huts. Deposits have been doing a roaring trade, with only one loan to date. A third dividend to investors will be announced shortly.

And, HUZZAH! to Kristofer Schanz for claiming Derby Island, now New Maastricht, for the Crown. Ensign Schanz shall carry the regimental colours for the duration in honour of his exploits. - [[FirstAmongstDaves]] 18 November 2006.

And, HUZZAH! for the successful conquer by the Imperials of the village formerly known as Dalpok, now New Amsterdam. Medals for everyone. Top marks to Colonel Trust for 7 dead, and Colonel Chen for 5 dead. Thanks to all combatants for 30 dead in total, the indigeneous leaders in disarray and trapped in the medical hut. A victory march through the main avenue is being planned. NCOs: please make a few tonnes of confetti. [[FirstAmongstDaves]] 27 December 2006.

And HUZZAH to me, Timothy Trust and Sam Bellamy for our promotion to Major-General. [[FirstAmongstDaves]] 8 January 2007.

== Regimental Roll Call ==
* {{profile|4770|First Amongst Daves}} - A Major-General of the Regiment. Loves a strong cup of Russian Caravan tea, playing silly mid-on, and wearing no pants into combat as a sign of bravery.
* {{profile|1660|Sam Bellamy}} - A Major-General of the Regiment. Epee scars from Heidelburg. Fine bone china tea set from a tour of duty in Asmara. Wicketkeeper.
* {{profile|5578|Timothy Trust}} - A Major-General of the Regiment. Dabbler of buxom womenfolk from the Orient. Manly chest, covered in hair like a bear's pelt. Plays at gully.
* {{profile|6147|Prometheus}} - A Colonel of the Regiment. Fond of marmalade on toast, hot baths, and slaughtering native uprisings with sabre drawn. Grown a goatee to assist in foreplay. Plays at first slips.
* {{profile|6224|Captain Sammitch}} - A Captain of the Regiment. A bully at Eton, Sammitch will beat his captive foes to death with his bare fists, between eating canapes and hors d'oeurves. Plays at deep fine leg.
* {{profile|6227|Squeegeeman}} - A Sergeant-Major of the Regiment. Will not urinate in the jungle. Plays at extra cover.
* {{profile|6277|Dagwood Foreman}} - A Sergeant-Major of the Regiment. Carries the regimental gramophone. Plays at third man.
* {{profile|6547|Nowherehowdy}} - A Colonel of the Regiment. Like the French, fights with his feet, and makes love with his face. Plays at leg gully.
* {{profile|6549|Rotten Balls}} - Corporal and aide-de-camp to Colonel Nowherehowdy. Often drunk in taverns in York. Plays at deep square leg.
* {{profile|6550|David Hasselhoff}} - Colonel Nowherehowdy's private. Holds Nowherehowdy's cutlass, and polishes his boots ship-shape and Bristol-fashion. Plays at leg slip. Currently AWOL, fighting natives in New Amsterdam.
* {{profile|6596|Ella Chen}} A Colonel of the Regiment. Guerilla fighting hell-raiser from Mindanao. Likes Japanese girls. Thought he was on his way to Kobe when he arrived in Shartak. Very unhappy man. Refuses to play.
** {{profile|6788|Pariah}} Lieutenant, from the former Spanish colony of Los Angeles. Dresses like a woman, can kill an opponent at 20 feet with withering stare. Can't stand cricket.
*{{profile|7256|Piggie}} A Colonel of the Regiment, armed with his combustible cog-driven Omni Machete Wound Manufactory (Patent Pending). Medium fast bowler.
*{{profile|7285|John Crichton}} A Private of the Regiment, aide-de-camp to Colonel Piggie. Sports world's longest horizontal moustache. Plays at second slips.
* Master Lucky, a Colonel of the Regiment. We don't know much about him yet but think he will make a good fast bowler.
*Otacon, a Colonel of the Regiment. Likes causing trouble in York, God Bless Him.

Vale: Major {{profile|6798|Vlad the Inhaler}} violently killed by {{profile|5368|Jonathon T. Bench}}. Bench caught Major Inhaler polishing his helmet on the outskirts of Durham, and cowardly butchered him with a machete. Major Inhaler's body was never recovered, although we have found his pants. "May his cutlass ever be erect." Rest in Peace.

Resigned:
{{profile|6792|Ibn al Xuffasch}},{{profile|6689|Kristofer Schanz}}, {{profile|6647|Dappled Shadow}}, {{profile|6162|Hideo Inakajimita}}, all to further the commercial interests of the independent [[1st Imperial Bank of shartal]]. We wish them well in their money counting.

Professor Henry Quantos, former regimental doctor, has resigned his commission to build roads. Silly man.

{{profile|6639|Blue Hummingbird}}, a Native scout and former ensign of the Regiment, has resigned and joined the Scavengers. Kill on sight for treason, then arrest her corpse for trial.

We also seem to have new members in our ranks, {{profile|7440|Jake}} , {{profile|6408|Derry}}{{profile|7564|Alexia}} but they have not as yet presented themselves at regimental headquarters.

{{profile|1262|Lama}} is very naughty and has also joined up. Guess he'll be joining us in sacking Wiksik then!

==Disbanded==

In June 2007 as a consequence of attrition from the invasion of York the 1st Imperial Privateers Regiment was disbanded. All former members are encouraged to join the [[Brotherhood of the Coast]].