William Brand

William had all but gained the Maintop when john McGinty called down from the Main cross-tree. "Th' Lucy is takin' in sail an' looks t' be falling off...South...perhaps Soooouth byyyy...Southwest as I see it." William did not finish his ascent, but tangled himself sufficiently in the shrouds to take out his glass and search out the cutter. There she was, lovely in predicament, and well lit as she began to fall off to Starboard. "You right, good bastard." William said of her captain, smiling. Then, knowing any call from the frigate would be mistaken for one from the Navarra, he dared to send orders down with more volume then anyone had used since the dousing of the lights. "No drums or calls! Pass quickly the word that we shall be to quarters!" And though the deck was dark and no one face was distinguishable, William could see men scatter over one another to wake any man still abed.

Welcome aboard and enjoy your stay.

You would be most welcome aboard the Mercury and we would find a place for you, but only you can decide if we meet your requirement for ruthlessness. Having met only a portion of those pirates which crew the Mercury this year, I can't speak for their ruthlessness as pirates, but a better lot you will not find for company.

"Just as I imagined you would..." William said of Avendano as he took in the full display of Spanish colors. He shook his head, as did Jim. "He's the whole of Spain alone, that one is." Jim sighed, smiling despite the brazen display. There could be no doubting that Capitán Eustaquio Alano Avendano had considered the display a matter of course, being so faithful a servant of His Most Catholic Majesty of Spain. Decorum before experience. William's eyes narrowed as he surveyed the whole of the open sea before him. "I should like to see the whole of the matter, Mister Warren. You have the deck." William made his way forward with the intention of going aloft himself. As he went he tried to remember the last time he had climbed the rigging of any ship in near total darkness. It quickened his nerves a little for it was an act of diminished senses, 'And perhaps an act of diminished senses', he thought, smiling. There was a voice at his elbow before he even gained the height of the rail. "Capitán." "Aye. Who's that there?" "Antonio." Came the replay, and this was followed quickly with a question. "¿Cuál está inoportunamente?" William looked down into the face of the man, but being possessed of so little Spanish himself, he was obliged to call for Ulrich fon Sandt-Thorvald. The German was there at once and happy to oblige, though even his Spanish was passing poor. Still it proved enough for Antonio to express his concerns and ask after the matter. William sent the Spaniard away again with the very honest assurance that all things were in hand, for with the question of the distant ship unanswered the night was no different than it had been before. When the man was sent away, William leaned down from the rail and in a volume meant only to reach Ulrich he said, "Send word to Mister Warren. I should prefer our guests divided into thirds at the galley aft, the Mainmast forward and under the Fo'c'sle Deck. No arms for them, but let them go...quietly." This last word came out in a long slow whisper. "Aye, sah."

I still recommend it. Highly.

Sniff. It's beautiful. I can't wait to drop it, tip it over, spill things on it, and trip over it in the dark.

Just the meat and a side of 36 hours of sleep.

I'll take anything but a diabolical sandwich.

And Red Cat Jenny joins the ranks, bringing with her the insomniac club and pirate toast.

The more the merrier...or bloodier. They're hoping to have forces within the fort to repel all attackers, so the inclusion of our group would greatly add to John's Pirate Brethren and other pirate groups planning to attend. It's not being touted as a true 'historical re-enactment, and like PIP it should contain many facets of pyracy, but I think the atmosphere of isolation on the island at night will make for a very cool setting. Now this isn't to say that we couldn't attend all three and even join those pirates on the Santa Maria for a fourth event each year, but at best I could only make a few of them myself, and PIP comes first.

No, no, sorry about the delay. We were just waiting for the last of the orders. The shirts are being ordered and printed within the next week and should be shipped early August at the latest.

You would be most welcome to join us there. If the festival proves to be as good as planned, it could be the next big draw and I find the idea of being isolated on an island of few if no modern amenities most appealing. I may also have a fort addiction.

I'm leaning a bit towards the Captain Kidd event. Allow me to explain why...

Now that the Mercury crew has become well established at PIP and the Fort Taylor Pirate Festival, I would like to propose that we take the crew to another event or two next year. I've already been approached by some members of the crew about representing the Mercury at their local events and I think there are enough of us on the East Coast now that we might consider one of three festivals as an addition. 1-Captain Kidd Pirate Festival at Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island. 2-Lockhouse - Havre de Grace, Maryland 3-Pyrate Invasion in Beaufort, North Carolina These are not listed in any particular order of importance, for all of them have appeal and you all should know that we have been officially invited to all three. Lockhouse and Beaufort are both well established and highly recommended, while the Captain Kidd event is brand new but very promising. Lockhouse is held twice a year, but the event in July is probably the only event we could muster, as the other is held too close to PIP. Beaufort is in August this year, so we'll assume it will be next year as well, or close to it. The Captain Kidd event has yet to be determined. Thoughts?

Welcome aboard.

Once again, and with feeling. My PM box is not full. I never let it fill it up. It's at 14% of capacity. The messaging system has a glitch and Stynky has been fixing, is fixing and will eventually fix the problem.

"Peters sums it up this way: "Ask any 6-year-old when they leave a museum or an event what they remember. It's not the labeling. It's not the lectures. It's what the guy in the costume and gun was talking about." Amen. We went to a pioneer living history museum a few weeks back. The guy in the barber shop offered to give me an actual shave, so I sat in the chair and we talked about 'current events'. Now when I say current I mean that the guy and I talked about events current to the living history of the town way back when. I think the guy was pleasantly surprised that I could keep up my side of the conversation, and my ability to interject points on 'current events'. When all is said and done, I'll remember that guy and the cobbler. Cut right out of history.

I was lucky from the word go. Tracy couldn't be happier to find just one more thing in common with me.

I thought I would just check and see if any of our fellow pirates were involved in the 259 car pile up on the Autobahn. The wreck was spread out over 20 miles. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/5871271/Autobahn-crash-involves-259-cars.html

Welcome aboard, mate.

Updated and corrected for recent changes. Please see the first post for a complete list of those who are planning to attend.

William found Tudor at his elbow. It was her smell that gave her away, and he was glad of the company. "A good meal, well prepared and presented." "Thank you, Captain...but Miss Tribbiani put the table aright." Tudor admitted. "She has more court in her than I." William nodded, passing the glass to Mister Warren, who was watching the Navarra more than the Lucy. "Please pass my compliments along." "Aye, sah." Jim was shaking his head. "A little panic among the Spanish." "We'll make use of that if the time comes." William returned. "Flushing quail." Tudor said, almost too quiet to hear it.

Granted and glad to have you aboard.

I was planning to drive down to PIP from NY with a friend. We are not members of a recognized crew and I am wondering how we might (and IF we might) be able to secure a small campsite. We can't really afford to stay at a hotel for the duration, so we where sort of depending on "roughing it". Any information would be appreciated. 'Cutter & Co. You don't have to worry about your 'spot', because you're already listed on the first page of the Roll Call. Anyone already on the list of tentative attendees in the encampments is covered. We're still hovering about the 100 attendees mark, so you and yours are fine.

The Watch Dog had fallen off the wind just enough that she was almost abaft the Navarra. The merchantmen's stern lights were stretched upon the foam of her wake, giving the 'Dog a trail of light to follow. Jack Roberts was forward amidships sending orders up the rigging and Mister Youngblood was walking the line of great guns. Jim came back up to the quarterdeck and William only just recognized him in the darkness. They stood as co-conspirators, close and in a congress of whispers. "McGinty can make no more of her, but her size. The Watch Dog alone might take such a ship." Jim confided. William did not agree nor disagree with this. "Still no colors?" "None that can be seen." William nodded, and framed the ship in the glass again. She was a hazy blur of canvas, up-lit by a few lanterns and William could mark no great detail. "How is the watch?" "Curious. Quiet." "Good. And those at rest?" "Awake." William shook his head. News traveled to fast aboard ship.