Cora Artimis's Story

After walking through the town and getting direct directions to the Prancing Prawn, Randall was standing outside a tavern with a large sign displaying its name. Randall stepped inside and looked around. It was a large crowd that day, one full of people who were visibly pirates or thieves. He walked up to the bar and sat down, then took off his hat. A few seats to his left sat a huge man who must’ve been a few years younger than him. Randall, knowingly instinctively not to mess with him, made sure three seats were between the two of them. No one sat on his right, which didn’t surprise Randall. Many of the patrons seemed to be in groups too big not to sit at a table. The woman at the bar came up to him and asked his order.
“One Orange Abby please,” the explorer asked and smiled politely at the barmaid. He had the bar and he had the map, now all he needed was a buyer.

Randall looked at the young woman that had approached him and tried to judge whether she’d be able to pay the type of money he wanted. He decided to take a chance.
“Well, I’m looking for a buyer to take a treasure map off of my hands.” He said, then paused and smiled at the woman running the bar as she gave him his drink.
“Thank you very much, young lady,” he said as he took the drink and gave her payment.
He turned back to the woman sitting next to him.
“If you would like to buy it, I’d be more than willing to sell it for only a hundred gold coins, a fraction of what you’ll find on the island this map leads to. What do you say, my lady?” He asked, internally hoping she wouldn’t ask why he wasn’t going.

"All Reports are in Cap'n Stagg." A Crewman Announced as he handed Arthur a Folder, before making his way off down the Hall.

Arthur Eyed the Report as he turned, Opening the file and Observing its Contents as he Walked.

"Four Pirate Aircraft.. Engagment.." He mumbled, only skimming over the words Scrawled Via Ink pen on the Paper.
"Fled to Muckingden Eh?"

He opened the Large door to his Quarters, Sitting at his desk. He remained still for an Hour or two, Thoroughly reading the Reports Now.

Two or so Knocks came from his door. Arthur stated, "Its Unlocked, Come in." With that, a Crewman Stepped in, His uniform glistening slightly in the shaded Lamp-light. He Saluted, "Sir, The Fidelis is Fully prepared for the Next Expedition. Weve Fixed the Damages to the Forward Hull, Re-Armed the Weapons, and Fully restocked on Fuel."

Arthur grew a smile on his Face, More adventures to be had. The Fidelis had been sitting inside the Karjala Refueling port for Nearly a Year now, and it was driving him Mad. Arthur Stood up and spoke, "Shovel more fuel into the Engines. We're making way for Muckingden."

"Sir Yes sir!"

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Muckingden had been the Interested of a Multitude of Code Officers. Often, Pirate Ships would emerge not far from its Harbors, and the Code would once again be thrusted into action to defend its Assets. A Great Many Years ago, The Code had even Attempted to siege and capture the City in hopes of Wiping its Un-civil Populous clean. Now, The Code's only buisness with the island was tracking down Pirates or Rival Privateers that attempted to Hide within the City. This of course, meant that when Code Ships arrived in the Harbors of Muckingden, it meant buisness.

The Fidelis sailed from the Clouds before it was within sight of the Harbor Crews. The Fidelis' Crewmen expertly Guided her into a Larger Dock, and extended a Boarding ramp down to the surface.

With this, Arthur Emerged, Dressed in his full attire, Sidearm visibly Holstered on his Hip. His personal Escort Met, and Saluted him.

Arthur let out a murmur. "Lets Hope we dont have to shoot the Welcoming Party this time."

He then Headed down the Boarding ramp to the docks, His Soldier-Escort on either side of him.

Randall smiled back, thinking where to go from here.
“Well,” he responded, “It’s simple. I’ve done research on the location of the treasure this map leads to, and it’s far too dangerous for an old man like me. But someone as youthful as you, and I’d imagine you have a good airship with a crew full of members as skilled as your friend here?” He smiled again. “The only reason I’m not going is because I have better things to do than be all alone on a dangerous planet when you could be with your crew on a planet with buried treasure on it.” As he finished his words, a small dock worker ran into the bar. It was Rusty. “Hey, everyone! Some guys from the Code of th’ Right’s here! Either get ready to say hello, or run away!” He shouted, then left the bar. All around Stoker and his customer, several people began to get up and leave. Randall also saw a few people write down names, presumably of pirates they had just been talking to. He turned back to the woman when about half the bar had cleared out.
“The Code of the Right, eh? Maybe I’ll give the treasure to them. It’s really up to you,” he took his hat from the bar and put it on as he finished his drink and put it on the bar. “If you have a change of heart you can find me either talking to one of the Code or at my airship. The Icarus.” He began to get up, knowing that if she didn’t stop him now for the map, she’d certainly come find him. That or he’d be able to sell it to one of the officers. Randall knew in a place like Muckingden, it wasn’t hard to sell a map. It wasn’t a matter of if, but when.

Another smile brightened Randall’s face. “Find the ship called the Wings of Icarus,” he said. He tipped his hat at the young woman and nodded at her friend, then left the bar. As he walked back to the Icarus, a thought flashed across his mind. He could find the Code and try and sell the map to them at s higher price. He quickly waved it away. That wouldn’t be fair to the young woman. If she didn’t have the money ready by tonight, however, he’d certainly reconsider. When he got back to his ship, he went to his lounge and picked out a book from his library and sat down. This should entertain him until that night.

After a short 'Greeting' with Muckingden officials at the Harbor, Arthur and his escort made his way out to The Prawn. Arthur himself was very aware of the Taverns significance with that of the Criminal underworld of The Floating Islands, But this is precisely why he had chosen it. No doubt a lead to a Swashbuckling pirate would be found there.

Arthur and his escort entered the Tavern, his Stance and Stature demanding Silence from the Patrons. His Dual-Escort moved to the Entrances and Exits, Making any routes of escape for frightened Pirates Impassable. He Approached the Counter, leaning onto it, and crossing his arms in a rather obligatory manner.

"Im looking for Pirates.." Arthur Stated, his eyes narrowing at the Barmaid.

"Im sure youve made note of some, Id like to hear a list of Who's come and Gone in the past day--Only the people of Notable importance."

Arthur let out a small chuckle. He didnt believe the Lie he was told, not for a Minute. Her Barmaid Ruse however, seems to have worked in preventing her immediate identification.

"Your Meaning a Pirate came in for a Mug, and didnt gloat about his Victories against Defenseless merchants? Ill believe that no sooner then Muckingden is clean of Liars." He Scoffed.


He then sighed and looked the "Barmaid" Over. "If I hadn't a task, Id stay for a Flask or two of Ale, But ive responsibilities to uphold. Surely, you must have a Lead, or perhaps know of someone else who may know the location of more Swashbucklers?"

He stood in silence a moment, inquiring on her leads she had spoken of.

"Its probably that Blasted Cora Artimis. Admiral Galleon has been attempting to catch her for Years now. Unfortunately for her, Galleon retired a few Months ago, and a New Admiral is on her Case."

He then considered a drink, Surely one shot wouldnt harm his Hunting-Capabilities. "Ahh, Sure. I suppose not even I can resist a Drink of Fine Ale, from a Fair Maiden." He gave a small smile, now standing straight once more. His Soldier-Esque Posture returning to him. It was, rather Menacing in all reality.

Arthur raised a Suspicious Eyebrow at the Substance, beginning to see through her Naive Barmaiden Disguise.

His Thoughts tried to make out her face, as if he had seen it before. He sat down at the counter with a bit of Vigor.

"Say, What is it that you've put in my drink..?"

"Ah, Right then."

Arthur went to down his drink, but one of his Escorts--Having left his post at the door-- Stopped him.

The Guard spoke "Sir, A Patrol just stopped by from the Harbor. They said the Icarus is here."

"Mr. Stoker's ship, Here in Mukcingden? That hardly seems reasonable." Arthur spoke, Question in his voice. The Guard stood idly by, waiting for Orders.

Arthur set his shot down, and looked back at the "Barmaid.."

"Pardon me sir, but I'm gonna just check on my little sister." she smiled, grabbing her jacket from under the bar and rolling it in the tablecloth skirt. She gently backed away from the man, towards the door." she is so dear to me, she hid the moment she heard you enter the prawn, bless her soul."

Arthur raised yet another inquisitive eyebrow. "Right then. Her Fear is justified, The Code isnt here for drinks, only to hunt Pirate scum. Perhaps I will return in a moments time. As for now, I must be off." He stood, The Pistol in his holster making a metallic sound as he adjusted it.

He spoke to his Guards, "Take me to Stokers Ship, He'll know who to find. Perhaps we can even get more expedition Funding from him." His Guards chuckled at the Thought as he turned to The 'Barmaid' "Perhaps I will see you again, But as for now, I must be off."

He gave a small, but Polite wave as he and his Escort made way for the Smaller Harbor.
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Arthur and his Guard approached the Icarus. He looked around at its Wings, rather Unimpressed that such a vessel was fit for so many dangerous expeditions--Especially for a man like Stoker.

"I doubt Mr. Stoker would shoot me dead. You two can make way back to the Fidelis, I will handle this."
His Guards nodded, and turned, headed back to the Airship. Arthur then Approached the On-Ramp to the Icarus, Hoping Stoker would notice his presence before he had to Alert the old Man himself.

"Ah, Mr Stoker, Might I first add that I am a large follower of your works. Ive followed a few of your expeditionary trails, and read quite a few of your books. It truley is an Honor. Now if i may add, Why is an Explorer with High class such as yourself--Here in Muckingden?"

Arthur had been a large follower of Stokers Travels. He was often forced to read His Works during his years of Schooling as a teen. Mr.Stokers books were among the few he actually enjoyed.

From her current location at the Harbor, Cora could see the towering Crows Nests of the Fidelis. Its Flag Waving proudly in the wind. It could no doubt Garrison at least a Thousand Troopers, All of which would be hard to escape if they were too come Hunting for here at once...