I am scared...

“Trygon Avoura, you are no priest. No are no Matser of War. You are a sad, sad child who misses his mother. You gave up Ylessa’s love for the lust of battle. And without her, there is a void left in your heart. And no amount of blood, demon or otherwise, can fill that Void”

-Rashka

(An Entry of Trygon Avoura’s Journal)

Every return to Seahaven is hard. Every time I leave it’s a joy. So many years ago I was brought down and cast aside. Only a few months ago I decided to leave and head back to sea… though what I found was not what was expected. There is a new East and the old North has returned… flowery bastard. You would think that West would have been happy to see me, no… she’s the one who delivered the message.

The Black Dot.

I’ve been marked. They’ve been spying on me! Lost control of my crew!? Lost control of myself! They barely recognized me until I slapped North across his damn face. Black John was there, King of the Pirates, I ain’t scared of much… but that fucker… Yes. To the very middle of my core…. It was his call. I told them I was a priest and life was different. Black John didn’t care.

I AM SCARED

They want me dead… He wants me DEAD. Black John. The most ruthless man in the world wants my Head. Master Save me.

No… this is not fear any longer. This is power… this feeling. It is.. it is so new! Could the master be calling me again?

The Master is quite as of late. I’ve been so occupied with getting things ready for the Church I have hardly prayed. I fear my master’s anger as well. The last Vision was like a Dream… my skrell body was sinking to the bottom of the ocean…. I felt so peaceful… a mermaid was swinging to me to pull me to safety but suddenly a black, snake-like dragon swims up and swallows me whole. Awaken is all I heard and I knew that all these spears, and lions, and whatever shit… its all wrong. My Master is a Great Black Dragon.

Death is now following me at every door. So Angery. I am being assaulted by land and Sea. I will continue to match through the Sky. There is a void in me, a hole that was ripped away when I was ripped from the Sea and they are coming to reclaim it.

Yes, I may fear black John… but there is one thing I do not fear: Death.
I’ve tasted death and I’ve been born again under my Master’s hand.
And how can they stop that which refuses to stay dead?

…. Bring it, John. Bring all your powers. Mages, Rogues, Warriors, and Dogs. Bring them to my doorstep and meet your end.

Is it still possible… that even under My Master… is it my fate to become a King?

Awaken, my Son.

Alone, Trygon Avoura slumbers within the Marsh west of Seahaven. Sweat pours off his body, kicking and groaning he appears to be in grate pain; his symptoms matching that of a sickly, dying man.

Within this creatures mind a story is being played, a dream which will eventually shape the fate of others... the fate of himself... if not even the fate of Seahaven....

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Oasis stirs. The perfect world. No pain, no memory, only the here-and-now. The soul of a blue monster pears out over its company, staying to itself. The anger within this creature so great that many whom come near are sucked into his torment; a pain hard to find within this 'Oasis'.

Over this seemingly beautiful place the eyes of Ylessa scan over the surroundings and she is pleased. .Suddenly the world rumbles as the presence of anger catches her eyes. The lady of Love frowns, though not one of sadness but one of sorry, “My child.” she says to the torn blue spirit, “Why are you angered? I've brought you this Oasis. Be at peace.” she raises her hand as if to still the creatures rage. Though at that very moment something unexpected happened...

A black gauntlet forms around the wrist of the healing Goddess and continues to form into the shape of the God of War: Balor. “You will not touch him!” the angered deity roars. A call so loud, all of the dead felt his presence. “Balor,” the woman began, seeming to not fear his wrath much as the mortal spirits before them, “I've held this one to me for so long, his life lived within my waters, his prayers always to me, his spirit would be mine to affect.” this brought a smile to the Lord before her, “That may be, though before his death... who was his last call to?” this brought shock to Ylessa, never before had she thought about this. The mortal, a Sea Captain, his last prayer was in fact not to her, but to Balor.

The two stood from their heavenly thrones and watched over the anger within the blue-energy grow even stronger, “His spirit belongs to me, when he was young he swore his body to me. I'll find his peace for him, Great Balor.” this brought a laugh to the Warrior, “His body, maybe, but not his spirit.” The two looked back to the creature and Balor continued, “In three days. You have three days to calm the rage within this creature or I will take him. I have been watching this Mortal since his first kill all those years ago within his camp. I felt the presence of battle within him. I alone will control his fate.” at that Balor turns and fades back to his realm.

Three days pass and try as Ylessa might there was no soothing the rage within the poor blue spirit. Balor returned and looked over the sorrow he sees before him, “I will recreate him.” the god says suddenly. Ylessa widens her eyes, “What are you planning?” he asks fatly, this bringing a bit of anger to the War God, “His spirit will come with me.” is his only response and within a blink of an eye, the blue-spirit of the Sea Captain's spirit and Balor vanish.

Within a void of nothingness the only the presence of the god of war could be felt, “You are angry, my child. Why?” the god asked the blue-spirit. The energy looked around itself, “I am dead.” he answered simply, “Me murderer ta be free.” This brought a laugh to the great entity, “Did you not murder before, my son? As the great Pirate you once were? Killing all who stand before you, Great Pirate Lord Trygon Avoura?” this brought a shock to the blue spirit, not that Balor had known his name in life, but as Balor would challenge his title, “No!” the spirit roared, seeming to forget for a time whom he was speaking with, “My killin' 'ad purpose! Never 'ad I killed someone who did'n deserve it!” The God only laughed and vanished, leaving the spirit within the void to its thoughts.

Some time later the god returned, showing himself this time, “You will be reborn, my child. Though your former life is dead and never to return.” the spirit frowned as the god continued, “You will be my tool of War. You will bring me followers and raise my church. I will give you a hand within Fate, my child, and a hand within my Sky. I alone will give you a second chance at life. I alone will grant you this but with all second chances, there will be change. The Skrell is dead, so are your days at sea. Now you will follow the path I have carved for you. You are my priest.” at that the God of War thrusts his hand forward and forces it into the blue-spirit sending and forcing his will, his might, and his favor into the creature. Lighting shot from the void, a violent crack of energy waves over the realm of the gods, even catching the attention of the Golden Dragon. The blue-spirit now red, matching the shades of the blood of man, “Raise, my son.” he says, no longer referring to the spirit as a child, “You will not remember any of this until I see it fit. You will not even know why you are doing the things you do. Prove to me that you are worth this gift, my son.” at that Balor faded away though his words still echo, “Trygon Avoura. No longer will your past haunt you as you no longer belong to that life. Your soul, your spirit, your mind belong to me. Do not stray from my path. Raise my army, raise my church, Find your purpose, my tool of war.”

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"Awake, My son."

Waking from his dream Trygon looked around his sleeping area, “Yes.” the large, skre- no... Aartiran man said as he rose, “I'll do as ye' ask, My Master. Lord of War.” his axe at his side he walks deep into the fields, deep into the darkness. Screams of death, the death of demons, fill the sky but something else follows behind them, two things in fact. Roars of anger mixed with the laughter of victory.

Crimson Sky Charter

Purpose of the Crimson Sky:
Our Purpose is to aid the City of Seahaven and the Crown against Demon attacks and other dark deeds that impede Trade and the Common Good of the Citizens of the Crown’s Kingdom. We offer training to all who desire it towards that goal and take pride if our members join the Watch, Rangers, or Royal Guard. The Crimson Sky will serve as a supplement to the Watch and Rangers and keeps our first loyalty to the Crown.

The Crimson Sky and its leaders also believe that no one is beyond rehabilitation and hold that criminals and indentured servants can, ‘Pay for their debts by deed or blood.’ We will instill the discipline necessary to gracefully reintroduce them into society as productive citizens.

Fees and Dues

Insurance: Guard duty on person or property can be insured at the discretion of the Command Hierarchy and the cost will be based on the amount of protection purchased. Purchasing a larger guard force will result in a lower Insurance cost. Insurance will always be kept aside to pay for any damages incurred by the Company.

Disclaimer: All rates are subject to modification by the Command Hierarchy based on their assessment of the threat involved with a mission. Any missions into the Darkness automatically increase the rate by 200% and requires at least a full platoon be purchased.

Company Rate: Hiring the full company is a costly endeavor and requires compensation for other customers hiring out the Soldier’s of the Company as well as incentive pay for the Company to break their contracts. Compensation includes a full refund plus 10% of the cost other customers pay to hire members of the Sky.

Commander: On any mission in which the Commander is required or requested to accompany units of the Company, a 20% increase in the fee will be applied. In any mission where the Second is required or requested to accompany units of the Company a 15% increase in the fee will be applied. If both are required the increase will be 40%. This includes missions where the entire company is hired.

24-Hour Service: Continuous, 24-hour service requires at minimum 2 graduate or higher members of the Company.

Divvying Fees: Each member of the Company receives an equal share of the total fee received by the Company (minus insurance.)

Missions will be assessed on a case by case basis, the following is a general guideline but other arrangements can be made:

One Platoon includes 2 Soldiers, 2 Graduates, 2 Seniors, 1 Hand of the Fallen, 2 Questioned or Redeemed, and 4 Questioned, Redeemed, or Fallen. Base Rate: 5L for mission not more than 12 hours in duration, including travel.

One Graduate Squad includes 2 Soldiers, 2 Graduates, and 2 Seniors. Base Rate: 2L for mission not more than 12 hours in duration, including travel.

One Fallen Squad includes 1 Hand of the Fallen, 2 Questioned or Redeemed, and 4 Questioned, Redeemed, or Fallen. Base Rate: 1L for mission not more than 12 hours in duration, including travel.

One Pure Platoon includes 2 Soldiers, 2 Graduates, 2 Seniors, 4 Sophomores, and 4 Freshmen. Base Rate: 8L for mission not more than 12 hours in duration, including travel.

One Fallen Platoon includes 2 Hands of the Fallen, 2 Graduates, 4 Questioned or Redeemed, and 6 Questioned, Fallen, or Redeemed. Base Rate: 3L for mission not more than 12 hours in duration, including travel.

Guard Duty and Surveillance Duty will be evaluated on a case by case basis, the following is a guideline to determine pricing but fewer of the Company may be contracted if desired:

Standard Guard Unit includes 2 Soldiers, 2 Students.
The standard Guard Unit provides 24-hour surveillance and guardianship of property or person in 12-hour shifts of 1 Soldier and 1 Student. Base Cost: 4L/Week within Seahaven.

Student Guard Unit includes 2 Graduates and 2 Lesser Students.
Same as Standard Guard Unit, providing 24-hour service in shifts. Base Cost: 2L/Week within Seahaven.

Fallen Guard Unit includes 2 Hands of the Fallen, 2 Questioned, and 6 Lesser Fallen.
24-Hour Guardianship and Surveillance with two 12-hour shifts of 1 Hand, 1 Questioned, and 3 Lesser Fallen on each shift. The rate is discounted enough because of the criminal nature of the guardians to give a good reason to pay for more eyes watching. Base Cost: 4L/Week within Seahaven.

Chain of Command

Command Hierarchy

1.Master of the Sky
1.Title: General
1.Dues: 0L
1.Wage: 0L
1.The Leader of the whole guild. In the case of an even number of commanders, the Master of the Sky has the tie-breaking vote in matters which allow a vote and is expected to represent the best interests of the Mercenary Company as a whole. The Master of the Sky is not provided a wage, and is not expected to pay dues. It is understood that missions on which he personally accompanies the Company will provide a larger sum (which he is not required to pay a percentage of) and he is also allowed to draw from the Company funds at need.

1.Second in Command
1.Title: Sergeant Major
1.Dues: 10% of profit from missions assigned by the Company.
1.Wage: 5s plus raises from time served.
1.The Second in Command is the direct heir to the Master of the Sky, and has the full authority of the Master of the Sky in the absence of the General. The Second in Command has a decision in any matters requiring a vote and is expected to represent the best interests of the Soldiers and Aspiring Mercenaries.

1.Treasurer
1.Title: Quartermaster
1.Dues: 10% of profit from missions assigned by the Company.
1.Wage: 10s plus raises from time served.
1.The Treasurer is in charge of disbursing and receiving payments required by the Crimson Sky. In the absence of both the Second in Command and the Master of the Sky, the Treasurer is expected to take command of the Company - he is not expected to succeed the Master of the Sky if that position is vacated, but he is expected to adjucate the replacement and fill in until that replacement is found. The Treasurer is given a vote in matters which require a vote and is expected to represent the Fiscal necessity of the Company.

1.Soldier
1.Title: Sergeant
1.Dues: 25% of profit from missions assigned by the Company.
1.Wage: Based on Time Served.

Training Hierarchy

1.Master of Study
1.Title: Master
1.Dues: 10% of profit from missions assigned by the Company
1.Lower than normal rate outside of the Command Hierarchy because the Master is expected to supervise his students as well as participate in the mission.
1.Wage: According to Martial Proficiency plus time served.
1.The Master of Study is responsible for assessing applicants to join the Company and continuously assessing students to determine what their stature in the Company shall be (From Novice to Soldier). The Master is expected to be proficient in at least three forms of martial combat and an expert of at least one. His wage is based on his mastery of combat and his teaching ability.

1.Master of the Fallen
1.Title: Master
1.Dues: 10% of profit from missions assigned by the Company
1.Lower than normal rate outside of the Command Hierarchy because the Master is expected to supervise the Fallen as well as participate in the mission.
1.Wage: 2s 5d
1.The Master of the Fallen is responsible for the rehabilitation of indentured servants and volunteer criminals. The Master of the Fallen determines when the Fallen are suitable to enter the student’s ranks. The Master of the Fallen teaches only basic combat arts to his ‘students.’

1.The Hands of Discipline
1.Title: Drill Sergeant
1.Dues: 20% of profit from missions assigned by the Company.
1.Lower dues because they are required to supervise the Fallen during missions.
1.Wage: Based on Time Served.
1.The Hands of Discipline exist to serve the Master of the Fallen and help facilitate training of the Fallen. They are required to supervise the Fallen at all times.

1.Graduate
1.Title: Graduate, Specialist, or Corporal
1.Dues: 30% of profit from missions assigned by the Company.
1.Wage: 0L (Or, Time Served)
1.Graduates are students who have completed their training. Graduates have three choices:
1.A) They may remain with the company until they find other employment and retain the title, ‘Graduate.’
1.B) They may choose to remain in the Training Hierarchy and assist either the Master of Study or train to become a Hand of Discipline. At this point their ‘time served’ begins to accrue and they gain the title, ‘Specialist.’
1.C) They may choose to remain with the Company and train to join its ranks as a Soldier. At this point their ‘time served’ begins to accrue and they retain the title, ‘Corporal.’

1.Senior
1.Title: Senior Initiate
1.Dues: 50% of profit from missions assigned by the Company.
1.Wage: 0L
1.Seniors are expected to join Company Missions on a regular basis and receive the majority of their training in ‘the field.’ They are taught primarily maneuverings, large-scale combat, and anything else that requires live experience to assimilate.

1.Sophomore
1.Title: Initiate
1.Dues: 75% of profit from missions assigned by the Company.
1.Wage: 0L
1.Sophomores are trained in advance martial arts, they are expected to become proficient in at least two styles of martial arts before they achieve the title of Senior Initiate. Sophomores are also trained in squad-sized maneuvers and are expected to begin joining Company missions more often.

1.Novice
1.Title: Novitiate
1.Dues: 90% of profit from missions assigned by the Company in addition to 1d weekly.
1.A loan may be offered in certain circumstances, as decided by the Treasurer, to cover the costs of Novice training.
1.A Novice is also expected to furnish an entrance fee of 5s which may also be loaned to them.
1.Novices who are unable to repay their loans will be remanded to the ranks of the Fallen.
1.Wage: 0L
1.Novices are required to become proficient in at least one martial arts style before advancing to the rank of Sophomore. Most Novices train very hard due to the required 1d weekly tuition that is abolished upon becoming an Initiate.

1.Redeemed
1.Title: Redeemed
1.Dues: 90% of profit from missions assigned by the Company.
1.Wage: 0L
1.The Redeemed are those who have earned their freedom from slave status, repaid their debt, or shown themselves worthy of upgrade. This is a form of 'limbo' the only way to soldier status or to leave the guild is via a vote of the three, recommendations by a noble or seated official, or completion of ‘time served’ for their crime. Redeemed are allowed to join the ranks of the Novices to begin learning advanced martial arts, but retain a lesser status and will always be known as ‘Redeemed’ until that status is removed.

1.Questioned
1.Title: Fallen
1.Dues: 90% of profit from missions assigned by the Company, plus they accrue a 1d per week debt that they must pay off before they are released from the Company.
1.Wage: 0L
1.The mid tier in the slave/criminal sect of the guild. These are the ones whom are still in practice or still working to repay their debt. They are aloud to walk alone, but are still held to the will of the Three and the Master of the Fallen. More than two instances of disobedience within the period of a single week will demote the Questioned to the rank of Fallen.

1.The Fallen
1.Title: Lesser Fallen
1.Dues: 90% of profit from missions assigned by the Company, plus they accrue a 5d per week debt that they must pay off before they are released from the Company.
1.Wage: 0L
1.The lowest possible rank. Those who have joined by force, trade, or to repay their debt to society. They are to, without question, do whatever they are told. They are to be guarded at all times, if they are to go anywhere it is known by a high ranking member of the guild. They are in a sense slaves to the Company. The Fallen will be taught some trade-skills useful to the Company, whether it is cooking, gathering, fishing, smithing, whatever. Becoming proficient in that trade and being obedient for a time of no less than three months will advance them to the rank of Questioned.


Regulations:
1.Leadership
1.All leadership positions are chosen by the General of the Company (ie. Second in Command, Treasurer, Master of Study, and Master of the Fallen.)
1.Hands of Discipline and ‘Specialist’ ranked Graduates are chosen by their appropriate Masters.
1.Absence of the General due to Death or Other Circumstance.
1.Should the General be absent for a period of not more than one month the Second in Command will temporarily take control of the Company and appoint a new temporary Second in Command.
1.The General Pro Temp may not replace any of the other Commanders except for temporarily if they are absent for a period of not more than one month.
1.If the General is absent for a period of not more than six months, the appointment of the Second in Command as General becomes permanent unless he chooses to relinquish Command.
1.If the Second in Command is similarly absent, it falls to the Treasurer to Appoint a new General, who will subsequently choose a new Second in Command. The choice of the new General is expected to be from among the Soldiers or Hands with the longest time served.
1.If the Treasurer is similarly absent the Soldier or Hand with the longest time served becomes the next General and all appointments are made by him.

Everything and Nothing

(A conversation between a drunken Trygon Avoura and a Fallen of the Crimson Sky)

Slam: the bottle hits the counter in the back room of the Whispering Wraith. Its late and most of the day-to-day customers have all went home to their families. Me? I stayed here because really... The Master of the Sky is all we really have. Hes giving us a second chance where the city wont. My name is Nilroth, I was caught stealing from Seahaven Grocer by Captain Avoura himself. He laughed when he found me, said that I was the worst he had ever seen though instead of turning me into the Watch he ... he made me join his Sky. Hes a good man, I don't see why everyone bothers him so.

“Alright...” the Captain began to grumble but everyone kept carrying on, “Alright!” he yelled, slamming his tankard against the top of the table where he sat. A strange outburst fort he normally calm man, “Rules in place, same as the Code.” he slurs slightly... the past few days have been quite rough on our dear Captain Avoura. The Watch has been hasting him, his 'sapphire' has seemed to be misplaced... none of us know what that means, among other things going on. His dark eyes scanned up over us, “Things are going to be rough for a while, men. I've yet to have the scribe I sent the charter to say anything, apparently 'es to much work to do with his books than to aid us to our victory.” the room begins to fill with 'boos'. The Captain likes to have a captive audience, “So for now, there is nothing. We wait until this city with its corrupt Watch and its incompetent Rangers and its high-and-mighty Royal guard to see what we are! To see our Greatness!” the room, on its own began to erupt in cheers. This one wasn't for the show, these people actually adore the Captain, “Go on about'che day.” at that the men and women of the Crimson Sky go about their drinking and marry making.

Later I approached Captain Avoura and asked, “Sir, Captain... uh... Master...” though he halted my speech, “Just call me Captain Avoura for now, at least till the Charter is taken care of.” there was a weakness to him. Something has been eating at the life of this man and whatever it could be, its tearing this mountain of a person apart, “Are you alright?” I asked calmly but only recevied a quiet grunt followed with, “The land does not want us nor can we go to the Sea. We call to the Sky for our salvation and await its word. The Sky is quiet tonight, my friend. At the same time, lad, we have everything and also nothing...” he offers a grin and stands before walking to the back of the Wraith and exiting into his quarters.

We are Favored by Balor, The Slums adore us, We are the greatest thing in Seahaven spoken off lips of nobles and poor alike... how come we cannot advance. If the Captain is bothered by this, we should be too... Maybe... maybe we should act in his stead and show the city that they need us. It is so true.... we do have everything and nothing...

Devotion of a Half-Moon Blade

"A pirate is not judged by the notches in his axe nor by the size of his bounty. A pirate is judged by the loyalty and his crew. And without a crew, what am I captain of?"

My steps are slow as of late, I find myself more angery every day. People simply standing before me seem to set me into a rage. Nothing makes me happy any longer.

I can't take it anymore! All the silence. There is nothing left for me here it seems. Nothing but drunks and wannabe heroes. I cannot return to the sea and the land will not have me. That leaves me one option... I must reach for the Sky.

How silly it sounds, to reach for the sky, but it seems that is the last place I have to turn. Ripped from the sea like a lifted plague, thrown from the woods like discarded cloth. The sky, it is where I will find my next crew.

Ylessa told me herself to look to Balor and Sykala. She still holds a special place for me and awaits my return to her sea but for now she claims the guidance I need is within the God of War and the God of the Wolves.... and I'm no fucking Mutt.

I will fight, for every drop of my blood... they will lose a hundred times more. If I die, so be it. I've no purpose. Hear my call Balor... let me Captain you're sky.... Let me Captain that sweet Crimson Sky...

Jab, Cross, Hook, Cross

One.... I take my first jab at the hanging target. The lifeless body of the kid who tired to take my coin. Two... right hook, square across the jawline; not bad for a non-moving target. Three, four... jab jab, seems my sailors knots still are in shape. Five... cross, blood splattered on my blu- no, not blue. Tan. Why did they change me? I wonder while sending an array of attacks squarely into the figure hanging by its next before me.

Hours later, the suns are fading, I'm still beating this lifeless corpse with every ounce I have. I have to get stronger. To much on the line for another fuck up, just more enemies. I want to remember, I really do... am I fated to never know my killer or will I be guided there.

I scream. Birds fly in all directions and I send a forceful right hook directly to its stomach. It sways, mocking me. Mocking me like everyone else. At least Chelle believes me, if that is even worth the time, one moment shes acting like shes going to swallow up my manhood the next moment shes trying to kill me. In a way, it does turn me on. For some reason I couldn't keep myself from laughing at that thought.

Finding my way over to a stump have I have seat and wipe some sweat from my face, only smearing blood over myself in the process. Its times like these I loose hope and just want to walk out into Ylessa's arms. That is not my purpose though, they sent me back. But why?

I'm not skrell anymore, this race I am now. Someone my age ... its harder to move. Why did they change me?

I've got so much shit to do, I'm over loaded now. The Grocer takes care of itself since Kunglar vanished, leaving me with his fortune to do with as I please. That is the closest thing to a lucky break I've had in ages.

My thoughts won't stop spinning.

At least I have a couple pleasant thoughts. First and foremost.... The Crimson Sky. Me, the leader of a guild... let a lone a Merc guild. Oh what this city is in for. I can't help but laugh at that thought.

Soon I'll be a noble to this city. Soon they will give me more power than they thought. Soon they will be foolish enough to grant me a ship. Soon.... I will be free.

Waking from a dream...

(Thoughts of Captain Trygon Avoura)

Its so relaxing, like being pulled away to a place where I can finally be at peace. The wind is calm, the sky is blue, nothing seems to be wrong anymore...

Wait... where am I? Looks like the Shrine in the slums... I guess I was dreaming....

Where is my hat? Where are my things!? ...

...

I feel different ...

...

What happened to me?!

...

...