William Brand

Everything below deck changed within a few short minutes. Men who had been asleep were awakened to the danger of precise shouting. While much of the berth was still dry, the unmistakable sound of water rushing into spaces not intended for the medium caused more than a few heads to raise from hammocks. The sound came like a hiss and a spray in the near dark, belying the pressure of seawater coming in at seams and small spaces. Men so recently freed from prison listened to the sound so many of them had heard in capture, if not before. The youngest lads, with no name to give the sound, stared about for any answer that might come, but all the able seamen not already employed above and below listened in attentive silence. From a curving corner, someone could be heard to mutter a half remembered psalm.

I picked up two brass ship's bells for the Mercury crew at a TJMaxx. Less than $12 each.

I have read the entire thread and all of the arguments and historical references. That said, I will gladly accept any non-period Queen Anne pistols that people are throwing away. Just drop me a line.

Which poor sod did you have in mind?? hawkyns Someone of girth and luxury, well fed on barley corn.

Cut some sod and place it on the bench.

Works for me... when you need a break we can possibly arrange for someone to cover your area or be free to stow your gear in my tent for safe keeping. Seconded.

Yep. Decision already made. No more polling. No more considerations. And even if it wasn't already completely out of our hands anyway, my arguments about the fort would be simpler than that. While I have my opinions for and against camping in the fort it comes down to this. I can complain or I can focus on what we have and what we need and what I can do. I can't change the rule as it is, and when considering the positives, I'm not so sure that I would if I could, given the primary reason for the event. The Fort. I think we should examine the fort idea as it is now, with no reflection on the past. Consider the positives (subjective at times, but positive): Soft grass Close proximity to all events Larger, immediate social dynamic We'll have the fort no matter what the English do in battle. Our stuff is there. Bigger party More work, which is a good thing More privacy on the beach for long walks with a special someone Less running about gathering pirates More immediate control of the gathering as a whole Closer to main restrooms Closer to ice Large crowd at the hangings More storytelling Greater chance for shared learning a higher random recruitment opportunity Shelter in a storm More public attention Greater draw to the fort Shared rum Shared food Shared frivolity More people watching No running back to camp if you forgot something Closer proximity to fort poles, rope etc. More demos Proximity to the forge Proximity to food vendor Proximity to other vendors Less walking More games More flags More guns More people to borrow a knife from Proximity to electricity (sleep apnea machines, camera, phones) Less opportunity to miss changes or announcements More photo opportunities More news coverage and advertising Easier garbage control Less bugs Less pine needles Less weirdoes (highly subjective) More ghosts (YELLOW FEVER!) More altitude Closer to main gate at night Less wind (This might not seem like a plus, but ask Diosa about the column of smoke through her tent) Building better ties through interaction with park staff More music Better safety meeting attendance More hands for setting up and breaking down in one location Sunsets from the fort Sunrises from the fort Sun, sun and more sun from the fort (vitamin D blowout special)

Now he'll want his own dashboard bobble-head. Everyone will have one, but Sterling. Captain Sterling comes on a noose that you hang from the mirror.

Crew? No. SPY?. Yes. Of course. Nefarious allegiances are par for the course.

Not the first rant that I've heard, nor the worst that I've endured. You are most welcome to sign aboard, Mister...?

Fan films! The Game

William considered an order for lifelines forward, but said nothing. He also considered retiring, for the sea was not very forgiving in regards to his sore back. He reproved himself again for not being more careful aboard the snow, for while he had remained somewhat untouched, but for a fall, he had exerted himself without care in the rescue of goods. "A cripple for a cask of beans." he muttered to himself. The men at the helm looked over, but William made no explanation. "Steady on."

We were at Fort de Chartres not three months back. A most excellent place and we were well received. Did you make this year's rendezvous?

Well, that's almost a philosophical question. It would be more accurately stated that the Mercury isn't located. I own the excellent drawings of the Mercury (as created by William Brand aka Red Wake), but that's about as much of it as there it outside of imagination. As far as group location goes, we tend to be spread out all over the US. Many of us are from the midwest, but there are some on the East and West coasts and points in-between as well. The crew (AFAIK) was really begun at Pirates in Paradise 2007 in Key West by William. If I had to write a description of the aim of this crew (and this is just me, not official or anything), I'd say it is to help people develop their period accurate character persona, clothing, camping and so forth in a friendly, non-imposing way, while also having a good time together at period events. All the members are quite free and open with their information and idea exchange from my experience. This crew is nothing like formal as far as participation goes; you can choose what events and sorts of re-enactment opportunities at those events you wish to participate in. Although I've noticed that the staged mini-things are often kind of fun to do; things like battles and sketch scenarios help make for a more interesting event. I'd say where two or three Mercury crew members are gathered at an event, there the Mercury be. More to point with regard to you question, Mercury crew member Silas Thatcher is based out of St. Louis. You might get in touch with him to find out which events he attends to get an idea what is going on near you. Mission did an excellent job of describing the mood and intentions of the Mercury crew. However, I must concede that it was not my idea, but rather the collective wish of many pirates who attended the Fort Taylor Pirate Fest at the Pirates in Paradise (PIP) Festival in 2006. They really started the whole thing rolling. Captain Jim officially proposed the beginnings of the Mercury as a crew on December 11, 2006, based on the suggestions of the attendees at PIP to make a careening encampment. The name for our crew and ship was accepted in January of 2007. The crew meets at several different events now, having spread out from PIP like a plague. With so many of the crew in the Missouri/Illinois area, we have begun to push local events in that region (Pirates of Paynetown, Fort de Chartres, etc.). We primarily recreate life in the year 1720 and ask that new members to the crew consider a 'three year plan' when they join up. This is considered by most to be a fair period of time for a person to amass the kit necessary to represent the period well. No one is required to have a certain type of kit, especially from the word go, but there are enough craftsman in the crew and armchair historians to help any new crew member achieve as much potential as they may.

Welcome aboard, gentlemen. The muster grows and grows.

Magnifique.

Thank you for heading up the event and for fielding so many questions to and from park services and all of us.

My Facebook profile The Mercury

I should have you demonstrate shaving at one of these events, so long as you remember that it's not for bloodletting purposes.

Paynetown. It's like a baptism with no drinking limit.

This killing looks almost...gleeful.

Bucharest, Romania! Fantastic! Welcome aboard, Elena.