Rats

Wonder how much I can get for a slightly used spleen? Rats BTW: I'm not talking bout me own, mind you!

"Fortune dear Mistress?" smiled Reiley. "Nay... Twas more like dodging the gallows." With what he already knew of this household, his past was far from shocking and therefore divulging events past would not be out of form. As he sampled Lady Devareaux's choice of drink, he found himself wondering if her selection had been made him or for herself. "A lady such as this?" Reiley told himself, "How could I even wonder... Always the hostess. Always the lady." “She was just a young lady I had met during my tenure." Started Reiley. "A sweet girl for which I grew quite fond of. And he, he was a magistrate’s son. The kind created by money and the protection of which his father’s station providith.” Allowing a sad smile to appear, Reiley took another sip from his drink. “Though talk had her labeled as a clipper, I couldn’t let him get away with what he did. But after the duel, I had no choice but to take to the road. That’s where I met old Grady Lords, and that’s when Rats O’Reiley was born. In the years that followed, I learned the trade from one of the greatest scoundrels the world has ever seen.” “When they finally caught up to us and I was able to escape, I managed to talk me way into the service of a wealthy couple, who were bound for Port Royal. After the mistress fell ill and passed during the passage, I was relieved of my duties and looked toward other means… Or should I say “the usual means” of turning a profit.... Somehow I find myself here.” Then allowing a quiet laugh. “If he could only see me now, sitting in such a place with the very best of company, might I add… Grady would have split a stitch.”

"You have a quiet step M-lady." Announced Reiley, as Mistress Devareaux entered the parlor. Then continuing as if he was talking to a familiar acquaintance. “It’s funny. But I find myself staring at books in perplex ion over the welfare of people whom I would have normally cared less about…. Old Grady Lords would have called me a fool to tie in with a drama such as this. Yet for some reason….” Then without finishing his sentence, he turned a pair of welcome and somewhat tired eyes toward Mistress Devareaux. “And how are you faring M-lady, if I may inquire?” Without answering, Aurore calmly walked over to the cabinet. As she began to pour two drinks, Aurore called to mind the various rumors and stories she had heard concerning an outlaw known as Rats O'Reiley. Yet it was almost humorous how different the images were from the man himself. Far from the typical cut throat as rumored, this man Reiley had an obvious sense of honor. "You sir are a fraud..." She smiled, as she offered the "good doctor" a drink. "Yes M-lady." Smiled Reiley, as he accepted the drink. "I guess I am..."

By god Captain, 'ol Tiger Bill sure hits the mark, does he not??! Here's to him!! Rats! BTW: Linen jacket??

Actually it's a habit, one of my partners got me started saying it. And if nothing else... Here's to the DUKE! AAAAAArgh! Rats! BTW: Thanks for the offer Black John, we'll definately keep that in mind! At the same time, if you're ever in the midwest, the first round is on ol Rats!

Realizing his words were not out of place, "Very well then M-lady... And ahm, I couldn't agree more." replied Reiley, with his trademarked grin followed a theatrical bow, "Until then."

Top o' the morning to ye Black John! Sounds like a great time indeed! Could you give a count of the numbers ye had attend for militia and raiders? Any cannon?? How were the militia attired? Redcoats and such?? How about sailing vessels?? Camping on-site for reenactors?? How was the support for your crew by the staff? Anything you would have like to 'ave seen or things you think could have been done better?? I ask this information not only in hopes of planning for next year, but also for advice in planning our own events??? Take care my friend and here's to you! Rats!

There you go Captain Sterling, sir! Starting fireworks first thing in the morning! Looks like I'll be having to patch ye up again. For all, in case ye havn't forgotten, she's a hair puller!! Rats

Though I be serving on the Archangel, If I was to 'ave me own ship.... 'ol Rats would probably name 'er "The Shameless Hussey".... Not sure where I got it from, so why the hell not! Rats

So after looking at the websits, it seems most everything is past out timeperiod??? Also, don't some of the naval guns look..... Small?? Rats

A rare beauty she was, there was no denying this fact. However taken with the combination of dramatic circumstance and knowlege of the profession for which this household maintained, Reiley found himself caught as messegner for the unusual drama which continued to unfold. "M-lady Devareaux?" Spoke Reiley, "Captain Sterling requests for you to 'make your choice' maam.... And also to see that Mistress McKinney be escorted to his room...." With that said, Reiley began to excuse himself. However an unexpected sense of loyalty and concern began to nag at him, until he found himself again addressing the lady. "M-lady, I mean this in the very best possible way." Started Reiley, as he removed his hat and continued his imporvised speech. "There is a strange drama which has unfolded 'ere, for which I find me own self spectating. But most importantly, I believe the good captain, as well as Mistress McKinney are unfamiliar with the type of household of which they stay.... I am very grateful for the treatment and tollerance you and yours have extented to us..... And... though I've known the captain only a short while.... I believe he is a a very decent man... And the Mistress... Well maam... she's a very special lady as well.... Somehow, they've found it in their hears to befriend someone like me.... Maam." Then realizing he hadn't much more to say and in hopes he hadn't overshot his concerns or his position, "I thank you again, M-lady." Added Reiley, as he prepared to leave.

You are a genteeeelman and a scrawler Capn' Pete! Grisly Wounds!? Sounds like a metal band Here's to ya brother Rats!

I would hope the old girl would be full scale. However the rest is really up for grabs. I know not what the difference is between the liners and such. However she would be used for demos and reenactments and such. I can muster about 2 grand by the end of the year,(Still building the rest of me kit) and then if needed look to saving or investing a heafty tax return. I'm really in no rush. But let's face it, a crew should have their own gun to run out! I'm sure it's like any firearm, you get what you pay for and then always kick yer self for not saving for an upgrade or better model!! I'm just looking for a starting point or advice for what one should look for. Without going into too much, what are the different variations one could find for a good ships cannon?? Thanks again Rats!

Ok, since we have folks in the know.... I'm wondering where a person would look to buying a working replica cannon?? What would one look for a correct GAoP model? What kind of $$$ are we talking? I'm sure there's some good pics out there!~!! Thanks in advance! Rats!

"Aye Sir." Replied Reiley, with a nod and a grin. "I've just the physic you'll be needing." Then as the good captain returned to his room, "I'll be having to show you a thing or two about about the trade." He nodded to the red-faced Davis. "But for now... be a good lad and finish up here, whilst I find Mistress Devareaux." Perhaps it was the tears or the even the danger which he knew the young actress was facing. But as Reiley awkwardly found himself restraining a compassionate hand from touching the mistress's shoulder, he quickly donned his jacket and straightening himself. "Is there anything I can do for you Mistress? Anything you might be needing before I go?" Asked Reiley, as he caught young Mr. Davis watching his restrained attempt at compassion, then quickly return to his physic preperation. "Very well then, young Mr. Davis, will see to you if you need anything."

"Thanks to you mate!" agreed Reiley, as the young master offered him the drink. "I'm much abliged..." "Glad to see he dosn't hold a grudge..." Thought Reiley as he took a long and much needed pull from his tankard. However as he finished his drink and lowered said vessel, he was surprised to find Captain Sterling and the young Mr. Davis standing at the door of the kitchen. "Captain?" Asked Reiley, as he looked for signs of dementia, disorientation or any other symptom which would cause the good captain to rise from bed.

As the swarthy nobleman, left young Mr. Davis to explain himself to the good captain, Davis suddenly found himself trying to explain his actions. "Captain Sterling sir..." Blurted Davis, as his hands suddenly began to flail and point while explaining himself. "I was just... Well I was told I should... Ahm that Mr. Reiley had suggested.... I mean sir, then he, I mean she wouldn't stop bloody crying and all... But not to desturbe less it be me ass for spyling.... But not that I was, though I was! But looking to your well-being sir.... So as not t'-desturbe........... Sir chamberpot! Sir!" As he watched the sudden terror in the youngman's eyes, along with the tapestry of gibbrish that followed; Sterling wasn't sure if he should be cross or simply enjoy the youngman's desperate performance. "Sir Chamberpot?" Thought Sterling.....

Can't believe I missed this post! I've been wanting to do this for my medical notes and such, for prop usage as well as notes for living history demos and such! Great advice! Rats

Rats got the lady! Rats got the lady! I'm actually putting this out there, just cuz I already have me schedule for next year, and it looks like I have off the 1st 2nd and 3rd of Sept. Which means any and if needed all three of those days work for another raid on the Port of Bristol! Seeing that that's the last weekend each year, we should make it a "traditional raid"! When does Bristol start?? Rats!

I thank you all for the kind words. When I was a young man, I thought it was all about "making" people respect me, and doing what was right. Because I thought everything was clear cut, right and wrong. Now I realize the world is much bigger and sometime worse place. But things are far from clear cut. It's also about allowing people their dignity AND showing respect, while TRYING to do what's right. Then if you can manage to hold on to some honor and self respect, AND go home in one piece, you can look forward to your next shift. I also realize that I'm not just doing this for myself anymore. There's a much bigger picture. It's about doing what ever it takes to ensure your partners (your crew) go home in one piece.... I geuss that's why ol' Rats is as loyal as he is. Anything for yer crew right?? :) So I thank you all again, because truthfully you all are also the reason why I do the job... So you all don't have to! Now how about those pics!!! I can't believe those came from a little digital camera!!! As a shooter, it's so great to actually be in the shots!! Here's to ya Capn' Pete!! Rats!

"Mr. Davis, whispered Reiley, as he watched the mistress walk to the window. "be so kind as to go empty the captains chamber pot." The look on the lad's face was less than enthusiastic. However the task was far from a punishment. "I realize there are servants to do just that," offered Reiley, in an attempt not to seem a bully. "I need to learn of the captain's disposition. I woud also consider it a personal favor. Right." "Right sir!" perked Davis. "Tis nothing I havn't done a'fore." But as Davis left the kitchen, he noticed the youngman pause and give a somewhat lopsided smile looking from the good mistress to himself. "What was that for?" Thought Reiley, as he began to prepare another physic for the good captain. But as he continued to crush the Jesuit's Bark in the small wooden mortar, he couldn't help but continually look to ensure the good mistresses well-being. "Keep to your work boy-o" He heard the voice of ol' Grady Lords saying. "There's nothing but trouble at that window..." "Perhaps?" Thought Reiley. "Perhaps....."

Oye Pete! If I remember right, "Bleed em before breakfast!" Says the good Doctor Easterly! No wait! That's medicine! Well the sooner the better! Fear not the Prickiddy Stitch! See... See the Prickiddy Stitch! But more important....... BE THY PRICKIDDY STITCH ! Rats What kind of Reb shell jacket?

"Hellfire! I'll be needing a drink for this! insisted Reiley, as he threw his hands up. Then as he poured, contents of the first of intoxicants he could find into a glass of the same opportunity, he gave Young Mr. Davis simple instruction. "Do not make yourself know, but simply listen close by." Reiley instructed. "If all hell breaks loose, do not attempt to break it up or you'll sure to be devoured by the frenzy.... Call out and I'll be there.....Eventually..... Alright, off with you now and good luck!" "Sending a sheep off to slaughter? Perhaps not." Thought Reiley, after all how back could it possibly get?

ROCK ON CAPTAIN PETE! Rats

Aye Captain! I've already been Prickiddy Stitchin' for the last few days on a coat. But I can't wait to have a go at it! Rats!