William Brand

Liam had not one, but three good birthday parties. One for each year of his life. We took him to Train Town in Sonoma County on Friday where he got to ride miniature trains. On Sunday night we had a party with all of his Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Grandparents on Tracy's side of the family. Then last night we had cake and he opend even more gifts. Our little pirate is cleaning up in the gift department. Arrr.

Wash it down...? Just add more cake.

It's Liam's Birthday, so we'll be serving sugar-charged-children's cakes all day today.

Plus...when the airbag goes off you get a mouth full of splinters and die like a pirate.

It's a very good idea, Patrick. As additional ideas, you could have the Callahans photograph the Powder Monkey of the Year for a poster. We could have hammock relays to see how fast the monkeys can get to work at the call of "All hands!". A hard tack eating contest (which might be a good adult activity as well). A shot carrying relay. We could have life-line tying contests.

Welcome aboard, Captain McKenzie.

Our best wishes in your hour of need.

August 4, 1704 - At the Chirurgeon's Home "Quiet, you." William said in good humor, then added, "If she should say 'No.' than I may still retain those instruments necessary to secure another, and time is against us if we mean to sail before the end of the day." Tudor was still smiling, so William continued. "Besides, I may leave a tome or two against the debt of restoring Captain Lasseter and Master Whitingford to health." He said Preston's surname without thinking about it and he didn't think about it afterwards.

Tonight's special is mesquite-grilled swordfish.

August 4, 1704 - At Martnique William made several inquiries before finding himself before the residence of chirurgien and anatomiste, Laurent Tramois. Tudor smiled and regarded William with her head cocked to one side. William answered only with a raised eyebrow as he knocked. Within moments an older man with a shock of bone white hair greeted them at the door. This proved to be Laurent Tramois himself. "Bonjour, Monsieur. Mlle. Comment est-ce que je peux être utile ?" the doctor said, smiling. "Pardon, Docteur Tramois. Parlez-vous anglais ?" "But of course, Monsieur." Tramois said with wry regard. "Excellent. Then this will go faster." William proceeded with introductions, and hastily. Laurent Tramois did not hide his surprise at hearing that Tudor was William's Steward. Tudor took this in stride, but William was impatient to finish his business, so he brushed aside the doctor's social consternation and pressed forward. He explained his reason for being there, which was this; he was there to secure some medical instruments not available aboard the Watch Dog or in town. Again, Laurent Tramois was surprised and said as such, and again, William had no time to explain. Instead, he drew out some large, round coins and held them out. The doctor, being the man of business that he was, recognized William's haste and wealth and took him at once to the cabinets where he kept his instruments of healing. William was quick to pick out several tools of good craftsmanship, as well as a few he could not easily identify, which he chose solely because they had been used much. He reasoned that they were important by that use and chose them for no other reason. Some of these instruments would prove superfluous later, but William wanted to be certain to have too many rather than too few. During William's presual Laurent Tramois chanced to ask him if his doctor was an Anatomiste, he being highly schooled himself and wont to remind everyone who met him. "I do not know, Monsieur. I'm sure she will tell me if and when she joins my crew." "She...?" Again Tramois did not hide his surprise and it was laced with a sort of aghast indignance. "Miss O'Treasaigh has been of good service to my men already, having mended a captain and ship's master in my company." William said as he fished into the ship's purse to pay for the instruments. As Tramois took the coin he felt chagrinned for having sent Maeve so much healthy business of late, for he had heard by rumor and inquiry of her services, and all because of his own laziness in the night. Still, William paid him handsomely for the extra instruments that he could and would replace in time. Their business done they made as if to leave, but William spied several large tomes of medicine shelved nearby and with several added coins he purchased these as well, so by the time they left the home of Laurent Tramois, they bore enough to entice the most established doctor to sea. William was taking no chances and time was short. Within moments they reached the home of Maeve O'Treasaigh and William knocked heavily upon the door. Just before five bells of the Forenoon Watch

Key lime pie is one part virtue and three parts mortal sin.

There is some good feedback here, and no, "specialized roles" does not mean "pecking order". No one is in charge. I just want people to learn and grow and help the rest of us immerse ourselves in history. Parts are meant to be roles in history, not leading roles. Find your niche and make it look and feel real. That said, feel free to list your needs for the year in the various threads. We have a clothing thread (which includes personal kit) and we have a tent thread (which includes discussion on various camp kit and canvas).

Aye. Ask anyone who has been to PIP. If you don't have it when you arrive, you either don't need it, or we can get it for you in under thirty minutes. Arrive without stakes, we'll get you stakes. Arrive without a hat, we can probably get you a hat. I've always ended up there without something and I've done without it or some generous soul has lent, shared or given me what I needed. Crew helps crew. PIP is a very self sufficient festival.

We've discussed the matter extensively here... http://pyracy.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7305

Your tastes have grown beyond the divine. More's the pity. I'll see if the cook can make something with a very long name and lots of spices.

No. Taters annnnnnnd gravy.

That's a firm 'aye' if ever I heard one.

Welcome aboard. I hope you enjoy your stay.

Today's special is mashed potatoes and rich gravy... Just beautiful gravy.

William was a long time in the shop, buying everything from bolts of fine linen to bottles of unusual spices. He purchased some unusual tools that looked to be for some medical purposes, and Tudor began to understand. "Bandages and medicines, Sah?" "Aye, Miss Smith." William returned, distracted by a delicate watch on display. He added it to the list of purchases. "And bribery." In addition to the many medicinal viles, bottles, scales, spices, herbs, bandages, and instruements, he purchased some finer ladies goods, most of them frivilous. "She is a simple woman, Captain." Tudor offered with a smile she couldn't hide. "An Irish woman doctor living in Martinique is anything but simple, Miss Smith." He said seriously. Then William, who had known some several thousand days in the marketplaces of the East before he was seventeen, did something he had never done before. He purchased the goods at cost without haggling a single farthing. Tudor was surprised to say the least, but said nothing of it, and out of the shop they went laden with parcels.

Turcotte was not pleased that William had chosen to leave on errands while awaiting the return of his men and William had not made the decision to irritate the lieutenant, but he still smiled a little as he went. The pressing business of securing a ship's surgeon could not wait, for even if the missing men were not found, he still meant to take the Watch Dog to Trinidad and he woould not go without the assurance of a surgeon to see to the sick and wounded. He explained as much to Tudor, who noted that the Captain seemed bound to destination already decided upon. She thought that he might be bound for Miss O'Treasaigh's, but in this she was wrong, for he passed the street leading to her shop. Instead, he made his way to the street beyond and they found themselves in front of a merchant's shop which sold some of the finer instruments of land and sea to be had on Martinique.

Yes, but I stand by my believe that it is easier to play it geunuine and in a way that feels natural. I do not try an effect any accents or unusual personality traits when playing Brand, I just play me as he.

August 4, 1704 - At the docks William watched the Lucy row gracefully away from his vantage point on the docks. She was delightful to watch, beautiful in shape and movement, and he was proud in the knowledge that she had joined the Whole Company. On some levels he was more deviously delighted, for he knew that anyone watching the bay that morning knew that the Lucy, Star of the Morning, was one of his ships sailed masterfully under the direction of Captain Lasseter. William smiled to think of the title Commodore, though he had not assumed it. Dorian had suggested it in jest after the taking of the Maastricht and Heron, but William was content to remain Captain of the Watch Dog and the Whole Company, for the position of Commodore placed him outside the scope of his own perspective. "Un beau bateau, Capitaine." Turcotte said, his expression placid. It was the first openly pleasant thing William could ever remember him saying. Still, William couldn't get past enough of his dislike for the Lieutenant to make conversation, but he did manage a nod. "Aye." Tudor arrived at his elbow about this time and he was glad of her company. She too watched the Lucy on the light breeze and light of the bay. She carried with her some parcels and ever looked the part of the adventurous traveler. He smiled to think of her boarding the Maastricht and striking the colors there and she caught him shaking his head. "What ever are you thinking, Captain." "It's nothing, Miss Smith." he said, and waved it off with a gesture. Then he though of another pressing matter and turned business at once. "Miss Smith, see your things aboard ship and fetch me coin, pistols and my cane if you please. Then join me here for an errand in town." "Aye, aye, Sah." Three bells of the Forenoon Watch

It's the dry delivery which makes you funny without effort. I wouldn't recommend that you play it any other way but honestly. Play the surgeon as you feel he should be played. I believe you'll end up genuinely studious and humorous.

I recommend asking Sterling for suggestions on clothes for younger re-enactors. I'm guessing that the Captain has some excellent recommendations.