William Brand

7 out of 8 on the second one.

Since the thread is hijacked... I submit that many companies and corporations used branding. Blacksmiths used a maker's mark which was hammered into their finished work. Potters used a makers mark which was pressed into the clay before firing. Printers often used symbols and illustration marks to identify which press printed a particular piece of work. The East India Company had markings for their textiles and shipped goods. It is by these very specific marks that we identify which artisans fabricated particular works from the period. Tinsmiths, silversmiths, glass blowers, jewelers, cartographers, gunsmiths, watchmakers and carpenters from then until now have employed the art of marking their original works with unique symbols.

August 4, 1704 - The Surgery of the Watch Dog "Please do me the favor of tying Miss Tribbiani down." William said, but before Treasure could apologize, and in the face of Maeve's raised eyebrows, he recanted. "Just see that our Miss Tribbiani causes herself no further harm." Treasure looked moved to words of explanation, so he stepped forward then and reassured her that he was not angry, but also said that he would be if she left that place before released from the good ministrations of Miss O'Treasaigh. He had seen too many a proud man and woman disregard their previous surgeon, often to the point of making him cross. He would not allow such foolishness to continue in the future. This said, he frowned to see her in discomfort and reassured her that food and fare were available to her at a whim to give her ease. Next, he went to the bedside of Luigi, who lay unconscious in a regular and comfortable sleep. He was troubled a little inward to see Luigi wounded, but the man seemed well enough and knowing something of medicine by experience, he bent to the man's diminished hand and smelled the bandages. "This good man was wounded in service to a woman." William could not now bring himself to say 'crew mate'. "I would have him keep his hand, if possible."

Captain Sterling has already agreed to be the custodian of the flag at this event, but thank you for the offer. It will no doubt pass through many hands over the next few years and I look forward to seeing it fly behind a great many friends here at the Pub. My thanks again to the Callahans for buying the materials and helping me build it.

August 4, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog William replaced the bottle in the stern bench, and smiled despite himself. The mention of St. George had brought up thoughts of the Ascalon again. Hollis had asked him about it just three days prior, and no doubt he had already talked about it to some of the men aboard. "Somedays th' dragon wins." he said aloud, and wondered if it had ever been said of him in reference to that ill-fated vessel. Even William couldn't be certain of the details of that particular story, having had nothing to do with it, despite the many tales to the contrary. William replaced his hat and went to the surgery door to see what Miss O'Treasaigh was making of her apartments there.

We created a large Pyracy Pub flag at PIP this year for group photos. Our intent in creating it was, and still is, to send it to festivals about the country for group photos. The flag is signed at each location with the names of those who are featured in the photo. We'll see that it is shipped to a caretaker during the festival. That caretaker will then add the names and send it on to the next location.

August 4, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog William made no remark, but two phrases entered his mind then. "Heavy is the head that wears the crown." "When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions." Both of these answers seemed appropriate, but only in the moment, so William used neither. While it was true that William had been less likely to laugh aloud of late, it was only under the circumstances of the present. Because of this, he could find no way to answer Eric at first, so he made none. Instead he drank the glass he poured for Eric and filled it again. He passed it to Eric and would not speak until Eric took it. "Mister Franklin. Weighty matters have made these few days long. That is all." Though it was not all. William was paused only a moment before he continued. "Call it the departure of too many, the arrival of not a few and the treachery of a handful. We have passed into a dangerous time. I've not enjoyed enough of Martinique to be rested. I will be more myself on the sea."

William nodded. "Mister Warren. You have the deck." William invited Eric aft, and once the Ward Room door was closed, William invited him to sit. "I appreciated your efforts regarding our men before." William poured him a drink, but none for himself. He sat the glass before Eric and asked him to proceed.

August 4, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog William shook his head very slowly. "No, Mister Franklin. She has it from me that any word spoken would be most unwise. If she chooses to speak on any important matters, then she will be condemned by her words and actions." He paused, then said, "Her position aboard this ship is in question, but for the present she is to be treated as our guest. Is that understood?"

"That will do, Mister Franklin." William said, narrowing his eyes at Eric. Then he ordered Eric to stand aft where he asked him to consider the names of two more marines for the Larboard Watch and told him to be ready to present them before eight bells. He also discussed the matter of Miss McDonough, explaining that no one was to speak with her on the matter of her imprisonment or any other matter, for the nature of her crime was sufficient to keep her there until he had spoken with Captain Lasseter.

August 4, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog "Thank you, Miss O'Treasaigh." William appreciated both her candor and pragmatism. It made his decision easier and it lent credence to another matter on his mind. "If you will pardon me for a moment." He nodded by way of a bow and went out with cat in hand. He made his way forward along the rail until he reached the gangplank, where he found Robert Thatcher. "Mister Thatcher." "Sah." "Please find a favorable home for this." William passed the kitten to the surprised marine, who took it with a bemused grin. "Uh...aye, Sah." William fished into one of the pockets of his waistcoat and brought out several small, mixed coins. He gave these to Robert. "Fare and...lodging." William explained. "Very good, Sah." Robert went at once into the crowd to find a child or woman who would take the cat. William watched him go. Then he turned on his heel and called for the Ship's Master with many orders to him and others to make ready the 'Dog for departure. Only Miss Kildare kept them at the docks now.

August 4, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog William tried looking at the cat with a detached eye, for ironically, he had always preferred them to dogs. This preference was mild, for he had known a few canines with an affection near to friendship, but he set his favor and memories aside and considered the cat. He plucked it from her hands and hefted it a moment. "This can't have been a pet long, Miss O'Treasaigh. Would the loss of it prevent you from joining us?"

Never happen again...? But this is the place for hijacking. We're pirates.

August 4, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog William watched as Tudor and Maeve made their way up the gangplank. The carts became problematic at once, and though Maeve's arrival surprised Jim Warren, he had the belongings taken aft at once while the carts were returned to Earth. Maeve went with her things and managed to look at home and completely lost at the same time. William did Maeve the courtesy of meeting her at the forward door of the surgery. "Welcome aboard, Miss O'Treasaigh."

The Mercury Crew thread shall henceforth be known as Captain Twill 2.

9 out of 12.

August 4, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog William sat a long while in the great chair. He had turned it towards the sea, but never once looked out the window. He looked like a man more advanced in years and he made no effort to comfort himself with words or ideas ennobling. He simply sat and let the weight of everything rest upon him for the moment. The past few days had been long and he was too much in the dark regarding what had been and what was to come. He hated not knowing what to do when his very position required it of him. He wanted advice, council or any word which might illuminate a path before him, but in his present mood he would not ask for it. Fournier's death would have been too much alone, but added to everything which had come before, it was overwhelming. He had not repaid his debt to the man and now he never would. A knock came at the door then and William was on his feet as if nothing had come before. He composed himself at once and gave permission for the unknown solicitor to enter. Owen Monahan put his head in at the door and said, "Beg Pardon, Sah. The lads Stoir and Dash 'ave brought three boys aboard." "Three." William managed appreciatively. "Thank you, Mister Monahan. Show them in." William repositioned his chair at the table and composed himself while Owen fetched the new recruits. Lukas Stoir and William Dash arrived with two very dirty urchins and one pristine lad dressed in a bright, seemingly new waistcoat. The first two did not surprise William, but the third stood out, being clothed better than even his own younkers. "Report, Mister Stoir." William said, forgetting the lad's lack of English. "Uhh...Verklaar...de...jong... Damn." William's Dutch was as old as he felt. "Parlez-vous français, jeune homme?" William asked, but he was certain Lukas spoke enough French to understand. "Oui." Lukas answered, and having guessed at William's poor Dutch question he continued. "Je vous...ai trouvé deux bons...jongens...no...garçons!" He smiled, then quickly added, "Capitaine." William nodded, for they did indeed look like 'good boys'. They were dirty to be sure and the smell they brought with them was of the sea and the street, but the first, Jules Laborde, looked to be strong, and the second, Maurice DeCuir was in good health. Both boys were French, but Laborde had some command of English and DeCuir was young enough to learn what was needed. William questioned them both, learning that they were orphans of orphans, having been fathered in a brothel and left like so much baggage at Martinique. William accepted them both and instructed Lukas to see them to the Boatswain that they might be outfitted immediately. William Dash remained, but he could not explain Ignace Frances Bordelon. The French lad had come along the docks with a trunk, seabag and more papers than William Dash had ever seen on a lad nearly his own age. "Sorry, sah. He and Lukas spoke some in French, but I..." William nodded and dismissed Mister Dash. When he was gone and William was alone with the boy he asked him both in English and French to explain himself. "I am Ignace Frances Bordelon. Fifth son to Albert John Voinche Bordelon. Please, I am request to join Le Chien de garde." he said with a raised chin and confidence beyond his years. William raised an eyebrow and smiled a little. The distraction of such an unusual recruit was a relief in and of itself, but the boy also had a bearing which William liked. Fifth sons in this world were often extra sons and the fact that the boy had come alone to the docks said much about his worth and even more about his confidence. With recent alliances threatened, William favored the idea of bringing aboard a boy of some means with ties to the island, and as he rounded out the number of younkers, the lad would find a place aboard. William asked him only a few more questions and then sent him forward to seek out the Boatswain. William spent the next few minutes penning in the names of the final recruits, careful to note the eventual arrival of Miss O'Treasaigh and Miss Kildare. This done, he plucked up his hat and went again into the sun. There to send down orders to move the Watch Dog. Starboard Watches on Duty

It's nice to know that we'll have establishments at both ends of the festival. Please let us know what specific items we can raise money for or donate to either the tavern or the ordinary.

I slaughtered a goat in the old fashion and spoke words in the old ways and did libations to gods long forgotten... Actually, I just hoped you'd be there.

I'd love a ditty bag to start. We should discuss a trade.

You're assuming that she is charging money. A lot of trades happen at PIP. It's a pirate swap meet!

They don't all have to be the same snapsack or wallet. I'm just looking for a broad item everyone can us in their kit. In fact, even if Lily makes them all the same, I would still encourage people to modify them according to their own taste and needs.

Whatever you would be willing to make, actually. Any effort on you part would be appreciated by all, I'm sure. I think a sailor's bag, snapsack or townsman wallet would serve. Any one of these would improve our kits and help create a crew identity.

Thank you for bumping the thread or I might have missed it. I'll gladly attend to support CoDA. Any opportunity to meet pirates in my sparse neck of the woods.

With PIP not to far off yet, from a projects point of view, should we consider any large scale additions to the camp? Shall we pool our resources again and have some lamps built just for the crew? We could do a run of sailor bags with the wings of the Mercury emblazoned on them. We might do matching small arms. We could have some crockery made. Is there any group item we might all carry in a personl kits that some of you would like to see at this year's PIP?