Los Lobos [OPEN! Looking for Crewbeasts!]

[Stryker]

The port city of Los Lobos was as lawless and fierce as it's name implied; considering it's own mayor was as greedy and corrupt as any pirate or shady seabeast to ever set paw upon it's ports. However, Los Lobos was also one of the best trading cities this side of the Southern Coast: one just had to know where to look.

Captain Stryker could not properly identify the myriad of smells hitting him from all sides; an accident at sea had left that particular sense more or less disabled, the handsome silver and black-furred fox having to rely on his remaining ones to see to it that he avoid eating or shoving his nose into something he wasn't going to like. Unable to properly smell the pungent tang of salty seabeasts, shrimp & hotroot soup, assorted grogs, clothes that hadn't been washed past a good spraying with sea water, and of course the usual uncleanliness that came with a port city.

Passing by a gruff looking mouse selling fish, Stryker turned up the tall collar of his coat, blackish silver plume swaying as he kept his gaze to himself and his paws close to his coin purse, the purposeful stride he made across the cobblestone streets ending just outside a very familiar tavern.

The Dragon's Talon, a particularly nautical themed tavern, Stryker not only knew the Tavernkeeper (a brown fox by the name of Haddock "Dogslayer" Wilde), but they were on relatively friendly terms. Well, as friendly as two foxes, two former shipmate foxes could ever be. The grimy oak door slamming shut behind him with a rattle, Stryker made straight for the bar counter, shouldering his way past a drunk water vole and an otter missing on eye and the end of his rudder.

"What'll it b-- Lightning Stryker, is that ye?"

Meeting the wily-faced tavernkeeper's gaze with a fiery one of his own, the ship Captain took a seat, allowing himself a rare smile. "Aye. I thought I might drop in a spell and see how my ol' shipmate was fairing."

Haddock scrubbed a glass with a rag, snorting hard enough his whiskers shook, before gesturing with an elbow to the busy tables and barmaids hurrying to and fro, the ruckus more than enough of a sign that business was in fact booming.
"How d'ye think I'm fairin'? I've never been happier and never been richer! But c'mon now, Stryker. I wasn't a fool when we sailed together and I ain't a fool now. What really brings ye to Los Lobos?"

As the barkeeper leaned in, Stryker cast a weary glance around the tavern, calling Haddock's attention to a streak of paranoia he'd seemingly developed in their time apart.
"Don'tchu worry about anybeast overhearin'. Half of 'em are too drunk to care, an' the rest are smart enough to know when they should and shouldn't bee listenin'."

Stryker chuckled, resting one paw on the newly wiped counter. "I'm not worried about anyone overhearing us. I'm looking for crewbeasts. I've got a ship, a plan and a navigator. I just need some able-bodied beasts who don't mind long nights at sea and hard days of work."

The silver fox cast another scrutinizing glance around the Dragon's Talon tavern. If I could just get a dozen more...we'd be all set to sail...

[Eastpaw]

[[Lorna is also looking for crew! We are part of the same plot!]]

Lorna ran a paw along the buttery smooth rail of the Compass. It was a small ship, built deep and narrow for speed, not shallow and wallowing like some of those other pirate vessels she saw. The Compass had no room for slaves, and it showed in her lines. Clean and sharp. Just how Lorna liked it. Room for cargo and crew, and even a pair of shipbows mounted fore and aft, the large crossbows menacing those who might think she wasn’t to be taken seriously. Oh, the Vixen’s Compass and her crew were not to be taken lightly.

--

The vixen strolled through the market, her tail swaying behind her. She carried no weapon other than her bullwhip coiled at her hip. The market was swarmed with creatures selling all manner of things related to the sea and trade. She stopped to run her fingers over a bolt of bright silk, but moved on. She didn’t need supplies or even new fabrics. What she needed was crew. So she left the stallkeeper calling after her, offerings of trade. They never let a potential customer go without a fight, but she ignored the prices shouted after her and headed for the Dragon’s Talon.

It was a tavern she had only frequented a few times, never for very long, but she knew one important fact. The Dragon’s Talon was popular with seafaring beasts, and the best place to go for captains and crew alike, either looking for a crew or looking for a ship. She opened the door and sauntered in, her body language cocky and self-assured. She scanned the crowd with sharp eyes as she made her way to the bar.

“Give me a whisky, straight.”

[Tulian Solum]

The first step was completed in the master plan...they had made it to the small free port of Los Lobos. Now that that was needed to complete the master plan was a few more locations and directions and it would all fall into place.

"Tul, ye comin' mate?"

Roused from his ruminations Tul looked up from the table with a map on it and quickly closed his notebook, a page titled Master Plan, and looked up to the crew beasts that were in the doorway. Smiling and nodding he slipped the notebook into his belt pouch and stood up to join the crew at the door. Mentally ticking another box on his master plan off as he walked down the gangplank with the small crew Tul smiled. A crew that wanted to spend shore leave with him would be less likely to turn on him when the times turned sour. Sure it was a small crew, for now at least, but better to take it slow then rush into these things head long.

Following the freebooters around the port town Tul smiled some more, breathing in the musky air deeply. It was still hard for him to wrap his head around that he had lived through the last crew ousting and in a really short amount of time was with another crew. Not only that but this one was in search of some lost valuables, a common but nevertheless fun objective at least.

Quickly moving to the side as a Vixen with a purpose strode past him he muttered out a quick 'sor'y miss' before moving off with the crew again. One of the rats at the front said that he saw the cap'n in the tavern, they would head there later, let the cap'n have his spiel with prospective crew beasts while they enjoy the town.

The small rat didn't like the sound of that plan too much, especially with the chuckles and smirks of the crew mates, so ever so slightly he started to fall behind a little. It would probably be better for him to just head to the tavern or back to the ship.

Ducking behind a food stall when the small group of crew turned a corner Tul turned right around and headed back in the direction of the ship by way of the tavern. But unfortunately he was going against the traffic, so it would take him awhile, despite all his quiet Sor'y's.


(Just another possible way for crewbeasts to get in if they didn't want to be in a tavern, and also another way that poor ol' Tul could get into/cause some trouble :>)

[Stryker]

“Give me a whisky, straight.”

The barkeeper Haddock was not given enough time to pry into his old friend's words, instead nodding to the vixen that had literally sauntered into the Dragon's Talon before turning around to comply with her request. Stryker, on the other hand, was not at the vixen's beck-and-call, and could take his time observing his surroundings, the vixen herself and anyone else who might decide to stroll in through the front doors like they owned the place.

The dark fox almost chuckled aloud.
A captain and a crewbeast - the difference is always going to be this obvious, isn't it? Though crewbeasts could be confident and even arrogant, carrying themselves as though they were the bloody kings and queens of the coast, that confidence was nothing more than hot air compared to the beast who was actually in charge. The fox that had approached the bar was obviously one of the latter; a captain, not a crewbeast. Fox captains weren't exactly rare, males more than females, but that wasn't surprising.

Looking from Lorna's profile to the bullwhip she carried at her side. Stryker's attention was momentarily snatched away from her by the voices increasing in volume from the left side of the room, but his deduction had already been made. Hard beasts carried bullwhips, he could tell from how worn it was that she was not shy about using it. He could already imagine it sailing over and lashing the backs of many a beast of burden;
"Waiting out the storm?" Spoke Kohl Stryker, placing his own order when Haddock came back with Lorna's. A little polite conversation between captains wouldn't be frowned upon - besides, it would spare him the likely interrogation from Haddock, who was brimming with questions, judging by one quick look in the brown fox's eyes.

Ah yes, the storm.
There had been more than one reason for sailing into Los Lobos; not only did he need new crewbeasts, Stryker also intended to wait out the storm that was blowing in from the north in a port-city he was familiar with. Though he doubted anyone would make a snatch for the Stardust, he was definitely sure no one would try to steal a vessel when a storm was nearly knocking on their front door.

Unless they were idiots who thought they knew a thing or two about sailing.

And now that he thought about it... Los Lobos really did have a lot of those.

[Eastpaw]

As she waited for the drink, Lorna slid onto a ball stool. Her ears swiveled as they picked up pieces of conversations from around the room. It was busy in here today, perfect for her needs. She shot a look under her eyelashes at the dog next to her. He was quite the striking figure, with his silver fur and well-cut clothes. Although he was wearing rather a lot more than she generally preferred. Were the boots really necessary?

Just then the bartender came up and Lorna accepted the drink wordlessly, but with a small nod of thanks. She then shot another look under hooded lids at Stryker and winked, a little smile curling the corners of her mouth. Raising her glass, she drank the shot down. A little personal acknowledgement of their little rivalry, though he didn’t know they were rivals yet. It was almost cute. Lorna figured he could stand to be ignorant a while longer.

“Waiting out the storm?”

Ah yes, that pesky little storm. The shot glass rested on the counter and Lorna made no move to get it refilled. “I’m here mostly for crew. But avoiding a rather nasty looking storm is a good bonus.”

[unknownsoldier]

Lance really needed to work on his social skills. He means is he didn't mean to insult the drunk rats mother,though he did ask for it. He hoped to have not get in a fight, least of all a drunken brawl, but fate is a cruel mistress. After so many days walking and finding this port city seemed almost like a blessing, until he got closer and saw the many vermin corsairs and the like. Though, the russet furred ferret shouldn't be recollecting memories in the middle of a brawl.

Lance just barely dodged the scimitar slash that was to lope his head off. Always pay attention in a fight Lance, never lose track of your foe. Lance chided himself for losing attention to his surroundings. He was now backed against a wall with a drunken, weapon wielding rat in front of him. Though he does know he's been in worse situations then right now, he was still thinking if he should just kill the rat right now, or just knock him out.

After he dodged a few more swings of the rats scimitar, he decided to just end it, even though his lance had a slight disadvantage in very close quarters. As the rat made a lunge for him, while saying something in drunken slur about a fish, or something, Lance brought his weapon up, sidestepped, and tripped the rat with the bottom of his lance. Thankfully, he had the foresight to not put his lance down before the brawl began. The rat's blade pinged from the impact of hitting the wall,and a slight crack of the rat's nose when he hit the wall face first.

Lance winced slightly when he heard the rat's nose crack.

"Now that was your own fault drunkard. Be lucky that broken snout is all you get."

Lance walked off after saying his warning to the dazed rat. He made his way to a nearby tavern, which happened to be The Dragon's Talon. Before getting anywhere remotely close to it, he bumped into a rat with bright green eyes. "Excuse, do you happen to know where a nearby tavern is?" Lance asked Tulian politely.

[Nagini]

Blissfully unaware of the brawl that had just taken place was a small black rat. She'd just been making her way through the street, darting around and past others on her way someplace. When she heard somebeast ask where a tavern was though, Nadie quickly stopped. The rat twirled on her paw to face and address the asker.

"The nearest tavern's right o'er there!" Nadie piped up brightly as she pointed it out. She couldn't resist answering the russet ferret's question, even if meant interrupting his conversation with that other rat. "It's called the Dragon's Talon."

[unknownsoldier]

Before lance could get any further with his questioning of the bumped into rat "The nearest tavern's right o'er there!", he heard from beside him. He turned to see who the speaker was and saw it was a small black rat. "It's called the Dragon's Talon.", the rat had continued to tell him. "Umm....thank you.I guess?" lance replied slightly surprised to the black rat. After a quick inspection, he could tell she was not exactly a threat, from how she looked.

[Nagini]

"You're welcome," Nadie replied. Her tone got a bit more contemplative as she touched her paw to her chin and continued, "But I prob'ly can't give you a good drink recommendation. I like many things too much, y'see."

Some drinks made Nadie scrunch up her face all kinds of ways in reaction to the taste, but she's still drink and enjoy them somehow. The sweeter drinks though, oh how she loved those.

"Might be able to getcha a discount though," the rat offered.

[unknownsoldier]

Lance had a bit of trouble with keeping with the conversation with the black rat. First, he was still getting over the initial surprise of her appearance. Second, he was wondering how a rat, let alone a beast, be so chatty. Lance knew he should not be rude, but to first answer her questions.

"Thank you for the directions and, thank you for the umm...discount suggestion."

Lance was a bit reluctant to share a drink with her at all. He didn't want to seem rude to her. Though, making at least a potential favor does have advantages.

[Tulian Solum]

Slowly wriggling his way through the crowds and throngs of creatures Tul was finally actually in sight of the tavern that would serve as his reference point. Now all he had to do was head down the road now and he should be able to find the shoreline, the docks, then the ship. But with that storm incoming maybe it would be better to head to the tavern and wait it out? Mumbling another so'ry as he was shoved to the side by some big otters he pondered why so many creatures were heading away from the coast...maybe the storm was going to be bigger than he thought and they were all heading to some kind of shelter after making their vessels as secure as they could? Ducking into a side alley to avoid a particularly large group of beasties Tul spun around when he heard drunken slurs and shouting.

Cringing when the rats nose was cracked against the wall Tul quickly looked back to see if there was a way to quickly leave the situation but the alleyway was now cut off by people. Slowly turning back to the ferret he held his paws up a little and tried to give a small shaky grin when he was advanced on by the large weapon. His nerves were only stemmed a little when the ferret asked about the tavern, for all Tul knew he would soon be joining the drunken rat against the wall with a broken snout, how could he not be sure that this ferret didn't just hate rats? Maybe he was looking for a reason to beat him up? Licking his lips a little as his mind raced he failed to actually answer the ferret back, but thankfully another beast did that for him.

Quickly moving to the side as the younger rattess strolled casually forward Tul raised a eyebrow a little that she was so talkative and jovial with this ferret...she must have not seen him break the other rats nose. Biting his lip a little he forced himself to stay put in case this ferret went after her. But his mind was quickly moved from this gallantry when a few rain splatters started to fall on his head...the storm may be moving in. Clearing his throat a little he spoke up quietly during a lul in their conversation.

"Sa' wuld alsa sugge'st tha ta both finnd sa covah for ta storm. Mayhap ta storm hi' landfal', wuld be gud ta get insid'."

(Hope the rains alright :>)

[unknownsoldier]

Lance had forgotten about the bumped into rat until he said to him, "Sa' wuld alsa sugge'st tha ta both finnd sa covah for ta storm. Mayhap ta storm hi' landfal', wuld be gud ta get insid'." He then felt some rain drops land on his hood.He then turned to answer the rat.

"Yes,it would be a good idea for that."

After replying to the rat, "I think we can continue our talk inside tavern." He said to the black rat and headed for the tavern. "Unless you plan on catching a cold or something, you should get inside before it gets worse." he said to the both of them somewhat nicely.

(Its fine dude.lol)

[Nagini]

"Aye, it's a great idea," Nadie agreed. She could feel the raindrops hitting her head, ears, and bandanna, but those on their own didn't bother her. She'd dealt with worse.

"An' nah, sir," she told the ferret, "I won't be stayin' outside while it rains. I could, but've got no reason to." As he left, Nadie looked at the other rat and said, "Bye, sir, if you're not comin' too!"

Merrily, she left him and went along to the tavern with the ferret. "Ooh, sounds busy," Nadie remarked when they reached the door and she heard the noise coming from inside. She opened the oak door and stepped inside, holding the door open for the ferret with her body in addition to her arm.

[unknownsoldier]

Lance heard the black rat remark, "Ooh, sounds busy," as they reached the door. "Yes....indeed." he said quietly. He was thinking of reconsidering, though it would better to be inside then outside with this rain starting to come down. He noticed the rat hold the door open for him.

"Thank you."he said to her as he went in the tavern.

The tavern was indeed busy.Lance looked for a open table, or a open chair for that matter.

[Nagini]

"You're welcome," Nadie said and shut the door once he was inside the tavern. While the ferret looked around for someplace to sit, the rat didn't bother with that. "It's likely best t'go to the bar if you want a drink right away," she mentioned and then slipped off into the crowd.

Although she was not after a drink (at least not yet), Nadie made her way over to the bar, ducking and weaving out of others' ways as needed. She glanced at the two foxes there just to see what they looked like. After that, she focused on the brown fox behind the bar.

"'Scuse me, sir, have you got any work that needs doin'?" Nadie's voice remained lively. "I noticed it's busy in 'ere an' that comin' storm's prob'ly gonna send in more customers."

[unknownsoldier]

Hearing the rats suggestion,Lance reconsider the decision for finding a table or chair.So he decided to head to the bar. He took his time getting to it and took a seat next to the black rat. He noted the two foxes and heard the black rats question for the brown fox.

He took another look at the two foxes and could tell there were different then the other customers here in the tavern. He could tell that the foxes were captains of ships, from how they were dressed, it confirmed his observation.

[Rausaro]

The reeking stench of seaweed and grog filled the air as a hooded figure approached the string of taverns along the waterfront. He wrinkled his nose in disgust. There were better places to look for jobs, but money was money. The figure scanned the taverns, and chose the one in the center. The Dragon's Talon, eh?

Upon entering the musty establishment, the creature chose an empty table from which he could watch for creatures of interest. He glanced down, not particularly impressed by the quality of the scratched and stained furniture.

The figure set his bow and his quiver off to his side, not quite where he could reach it, though his hand drifted above the handle of his concealed blade. It never hurt to be too safe, especially among the wavescum that inhabited these taverns. As if most of them were sober enough to actually BE a threat.

As he scanned the crowd, his eye was caught by three foxes conversing at the bar. and a ferret moved up to join them. Curious. The male fox, a silver and black specimen, appeared to be fairly well off, judging by his fine clothing. Perhaps he had some coin? Then again, pirates always get the good loot. The Vixen next to him was another likely target, judging by her confident air around the fox he now assumed was a Captain or Bosun.

He motioned to the pretty ottermaid serving drinks at the table across from him. He lowered his voice. "Excuse me, would you happen to know if any Shipmaster are in today?"

Seeing her frown, he swiftly retrieved a silver coin from his pouch and deposited it in her hand. With his shadowy looks, he wasn't too surprised if she didn't want to get involved. Captains and bosuns usually had an enemy out for them, and he knew the maid probably tried to avoid anything she could be blamed by a vengeful crew for. "I'm not here for trouble. I'm just looking for a little....information."

[Stryker]

"As am I," replied Stryker with some surprise, their conversation momentarily interrupted by the arrival of the rain - and three new beasts entering the Dragons' Talon. Two were rats - one was his own Tulian, the navigator - and the third was a ferret, by the looks of it, an older creature who had a bit more experience under his belt than himself or anyone else combined. As the ferret approached the bar, Stryker's attention was drawn to the female rat instead, poker face put on as she asked his friend Haddock if she could be of any assistance.

Was she a jack-of-all trades type then?

Stryker turned back to Lorna, the sudden business of the tavern making his fur prickle, the loud crashing of rain upon the Dragon's Talon roof putting the spark back in his eyes. Oh he loved a good storm. Oh yes. "Excuse me for a moment - I won't be long." Catching sight of the slightly foolish rat he called a navigator, Stryker approached Tulian, resting an arm over the sea-rat's shoulder as though they were old chums.
"Who are your friends?" He murmured in a low voice that was clearly meant for only Tulian to hear. It was crucial that he find out whether Tulian had brought potential shipmates or just come in with the rain with the rest of them. Considering the weather was currently in their favor (by sending everybeast to the tavern), Stryker was intending to have a nice little chat with everyone who looked like a seafarin' beast - the lovely vixen at the bar included.

While he was addressing Tulian, his eyes wandered over to a squirrel chatting with a pretty ottermaid, while his ears caught snippets of Haddock addressing the female rat.

"Aye - we could use another set of paws while this storm's brewin'." Chatted Haddock, tossing the rat-maiden an apron and gesturing with a quick jab for her to come around behind the counter. "Pick up that tray over there, and deliver those nettle beers to the big lookin' stoats in the corner. Ye can keep whatever tip they give ye, considerin' I won't be payin' ya." Haddock was usually quite fair, but he was cautious, as most foxes should be, and a cheery rat maiden offering to help out of the blue made his tail fur bristle just a bit.

But... Given the storm, he didn't suspect her of any foul play, and he could always use the extra paws.

As for the squirrel and the ottermaid, the waitress found herself hesitating, large eyes reluctant to stir up any trouble for herself or anyone here - but the squirrel insisted that his inquiries were benign and nothing else. She leaned in close and gestured first to Lorna, "the fox with the bull-whip. I hear she's in charge of the Vixen's Compass. As for 'im - " she then gestured to Stryker, who was still conversing with Tulian near the door "- he's captain of the Stardust. Apparently he's a new 'un, only heard of 'im 'cause of the silly name for his ship." A ghost of a smile crossed her pretty features just then, before it was back to hushed tones and shifting eyes. "It's rather pleasant for a pirate's ship, I'd say - but you didn't hear any of this from me, sir."

She threw him a fleeting look, waiting for confirmation that he wouldn't drag her name into any conversations he had with either captain.

[Rausaro]

The squirrel cheerfully winked at the ottermaid. "Wouldn't dream of ratting you out. I appreciate the information," he whispered.

In a louder voice, he carried on as if nothing had happened. "What's the house special?" Wisp listened to the choices that the maid listed off, and chose a light ale. He didn't care much for spirits, but it was the least he could do to cover her.

The maid moved off to get his drink while he considered his next step. Choices, choices. He hadn't had many potential employers to choose from of late; but he was uneasy about immediately jumping into a job, should it be offered. He knew pirates, and he wasn't going to let them just impress him into their crew. Still, he was intrigued. Better to test the waters, at any rate. The Captain of the Stardust will have to do, he thought to himself. That barmaid seemed to be sincere about his "pleasant" ship. I wonder what kind of operation he's running? He glanced at the vixen at the counter, and decided to check with her next, should he get a job offer. It never hurt to compare.

He finished his ale, comfortably shifted his bow and quiver onto his back in a jaunty manner, and made his way towards the captain, who had by nowfinished speaking to the otherbeast.

His hands clearly visible at his sides, he broached his question. "Are you the captain of the Stardust?"

[Tulian Solum]

As the ferret and the rattess left for the tavern Tul was soon left standing all along in the alleyway. Mentally slapping himself he quickly headed after them to the tavern. Gota stop being so absent minded Tul...ever since that barrel sea ride its been hard. Gota work on that. Mmming a little he quickly slide through the door just as the deluge started outside.

Flicking his tail and ears to get the water off he moved to the side of the door as he was sure the tavern would soon be filling up with creatures who were trying to escape the rain. Once he wasn't dripping anymore he took some time to look around the tavern and its current occupants. The ferret and the rattess were certainly busying themselves so they were fine. His Cap'n was busy chatting up some vixen at the bar, which seemed just like normal, and most of the other sea beasts were just sitting around drinking and talking.

Flicking his damaged ear as he heard someone walk toward him he smiled a little as his cap'n walked toward him. But before he could offer a salute and a greeting he was grabbed by the fox and one arm hugged as Stryker started to question him. Smiling Tul pointed out the two beasts he had followed and replied.

"Ta' tew be ta' on'es I met autside. Ta' ferut be a fightn' beast and ta rat lass sem's senssibl. Ta both problee' gud choices."

He considered asking about the vixen, but then, probably wisely, he decided against it as he kept smiling.