Escape from Cap François:- A Pirate's Tale

[rufusluciusivan]

Me: "But what about John Rakham?"

Annie and Mary: "What ABOUT John Rakham?"

Though given Annie's (alleged) last words to him, I suppose it's not a surprise they didn't care...

Randomly carved in some time to check a couple of stories. Have to say I was happy to see you ventured into "old" historical fiction once more. (Old as in before World War I). Read some comments. I swear sometimes entire new stories seem to be written on you coment section. Antiquity-based content sounds enticing. Same with Feudal Japan - mikos and geishas have a lot of potential but while they are prominent on the Clips section, there aren't that many stories that have featured them yet. I do recall some geishas in one of trackman's oldest stories but that's it... (Though I'll still avoid the lethal content like the plague... )

[Stormtrooper1990]

Me: "But what about John Rakham?"

Annie and Mary: "What ABOUT John Rakham?"

Though given Annie's (alleged) last words to him, I suppose it's not a surprise they didn't care...

Randomly carved in some time to check a couple of stories. Have to say I was happy to see you ventured into "old" historical fiction once more. (Old as in before World War I). Read some comments. I swear sometimes entire new stories seem to be written on you coment section. Antiquity-based content sounds enticing. Same with Feudal Japan - mikos and geishas have a lot of potential but while they are prominent on the Clips section, there aren't that many stories that have featured them yet. I do recall some geishas in one of trackman's oldest stories but that's it... (Though I'll still avoid the lethal content like the plague... )

Hi Rufus

I remember when I first read up about Mary and Anne and they immediately captured my imagination. Particularly in a time when in was a man's world they both lived in, they decided to strike out and trailblaze becoming the first female pirates and setting off a trend that continues to resonate through the ages. So I thought it high time that they got an USB story that did them justice and here we are. I like to believe that they were lovers and that avoided Rakham like the plague but as with all historical figures that become legends, it's hard to discern truth from fiction. But would have it any other way?


Yeah, I have to thank members like Saker and my good friend meditions for introducing fresh new ideas to me and keeping the Stormtrooper story factory running. As a big history nerd myself, whenever I get the opportunity to work on a story set in antiquity I have to jump. It takes me back to when I worked on the French Revolution and Napoleonic era stories with arc. I think that as writers it's important for us to consider the never-been-done or not-often done. I mean we can set stories all day long in the modern era but that's the always-been-done. So in the spirit of great explorers like Erik the Red, Magellan and Hilary we should explore the untapped potential of historical USB.


Without adding two much in the way of spoilers, the feudal Japan story will be set in 15th century Japan and while geisha's will be putting in an appearance ( it wouldn't be story set in the land of the rising sun, without them), Miko's won't be. I have done some research and found out that their were Japanese female Samurai (Onna-musha) and also women did serve as front line soldiers earlier before the Edo period( 16th century till 19th, and featured prominently in Shadow Tactics). And this meant women had more freedom before Japan became more "westernised" which was a great tragedy for their heritage and culture. I have to thank hshws for pointing this out to me during our DMs on discord, without his input the concept would never have gotten off the ground.


The thing about historical set stories is to do them justice then would have to accept the lethal scenes to get the proper historical context. The further back down the timeline we travel, the more lethal is more realistic. I mean in the story *At the Emperor's Service* we see an example of this, the Emperor ordered the assassins not to harm Roman women but that the life's of slaves meant nothing. It's harsh but as my history teacher once said; "Human history is built from the blood and bones of those who went before, there is nothing nothing nice about it but it is what it is." It generally reflects what my feelings are about USB in general, as I may have mentioned in General Discussion. I like gritty realism when it comes to history as this is the only way to do history justice.

Apologies for going dark there at the end, I'am usually quite optimistic as a rule.

[rufusluciusivan]

have done some research and found out that their were Japanese female Samurai (Onna-musha) and also women did serve as front line soldiers earlier before the Edo period( 16th century till 19th, and featured prominently in Shadow Tactics). And this meant women had more freedom before Japan became more "westernised" which was a great tragedy for their heritage and culture. I have to thank hshws for pointing this out to me during our DMs on discord, without his input the concept would never have gotten off the ground.

I didn't know about that... It sure opens up a lot of interesting possibilities...

The thing about historical set stories is to do them justice then would have to accept the lethal scenes to get the proper historical context. The further back down the timeline we travel, the more lethal is more realistic. I mean in the story *At the Emperor's Service* we see an example of this, the Emperor ordered the assassins not to harm Roman women but that the life's of slaves meant nothing. It's harsh but as my history teacher once said; "Human history is built from the blood and bones of those who went before, there is nothing nothing nice about it but it is what it is." It generally reflects what my feelings are about USB in general, as I may have mentioned in General Discussion. I like gritty realism when it comes to history as this is the only way to do history justice.

It's true they reflect the harshness of our "real" history (and "real" world). Though it was more me saying "don't expect me to stick around on these stories" even though they feature historical periods I'm fond of than a plea to spare those babes...

[Stormtrooper1990]

have done some research and found out that their were Japanese female Samurai (Onna-musha) and also women did serve as front line soldiers earlier before the Edo period( 16th century till 19th, and featured prominently in Shadow Tactics). And this meant women had more freedom before Japan became more "westernised" which was a great tragedy for their heritage and culture. I have to thank hshws for pointing this out to me during our DMs on discord, without his input the concept would never have gotten off the ground.

I didn't know about that... It sure opens up a lot of interesting possibilities...

The thing about historical set stories is to do them justice then would have to accept the lethal scenes to get the proper historical context. The further back down the timeline we travel, the more lethal is more realistic. I mean in the story *At the Emperor's Service* we see an example of this, the Emperor ordered the assassins not to harm Roman women but that the life's of slaves meant nothing. It's harsh but as my history teacher once said; "Human history is built from the blood and bones of those who went before, there is nothing nothing nice about it but it is what it is." It generally reflects what my feelings are about USB in general, as I may have mentioned in General Discussion. I like gritty realism when it comes to history as this is the only way to do history justice.

It's true they reflect the harshness of our "real" history (and "real" world). Though it was more me saying "don't expect me to stick around on these stories" even though they feature historical periods I'm fond of than a plea to spare those babes...

Neither did I truth be told. There is so much about far eastern culture and history that we in the west just don't know about, you really have to thank the internet to opening the world to us! Both in an historical sense and the possibilities that this opens up in USB terms. The more that we learn about the roles of women in history the more opportunities and inspiration this brings us as writers.


Now I don't mean to sound preachy so I apologise in advance if it comes out like that, but it's best to judge a story on its merits rather than on the actual content. As a fellow The Hunger Games fan, we judge the narrative more on Collins' dystopian vision rather than the brutal acts violence the tributes and of Katniss herself. After all, they were all products of the regime. We didn't shy away from reading those novels because of the violence instead we were drawn in by the questions it made ask of ourselves. This is what I hope to achieve with historical USB, not only is it a celebration of USB but a window into history itself. To make us wonder what life was like for the women and babes of the time.

[rufusluciusivan]

Now I don't mean to sound preachy so I apologise in advance if it comes out like that, but it's best to judge a story on its merits rather than on the actual content. As a fellow The Hunger Games fan, we judge the narrative more on Collins' dystopian vision rather than the brutal acts violence the tributes and of Katniss herself. After all, they were all products of the regime. We didn't shy away from reading those novels because of the violence instead we were drawn in by the questions it made ask of ourselves. This is what I hope to achieve with historical USB, not only is it a celebration of USB but a window into history itself. To make us wonder what life was like for the women and babes of the time.

I do agree with the idea, but at the same time the sad reality that days only have 24 hours forces me to prioritize my activities. My schedules are tight, especially if one takes into account my own projects for the board, so I simply can't afford the time to check stories I know in advance won't feature tropes to my liking. That's a bit harsh and sad, but it's an aspect of consuming works of fiction.

I recall a long while ago you mentioned how you wished people would give a try to stories even if they aren't tailored to their likings, and I'd agree but with one huge caveat: People should indeed try and confront themselves with things that are out of their comfort zone, but only IF and WHEN they feel like it. Forcing yourself to do it out of a sense of obligation will only lead to an unpleasant experience no matter the narrative qualities of the work. And leisure activities are supposed to be the only place where you can choose to not have unpleasant experiences...

Now of course I can only encourage you to keep uploading stories. Even from afar, it's always pleasant to see the story section is updated regularly.

[Stormtrooper1990]

Now I don't mean to sound preachy so I apologise in advance if it comes out like that, but it's best to judge a story on its merits rather than on the actual content. As a fellow The Hunger Games fan, we judge the narrative more on Collins' dystopian vision rather than the brutal acts violence the tributes and of Katniss herself. After all, they were all products of the regime. We didn't shy away from reading those novels because of the violence instead we were drawn in by the questions it made ask of ourselves. This is what I hope to achieve with historical USB, not only is it a celebration of USB but a window into history itself. To make us wonder what life was like for the women and babes of the time.

I do agree with the idea, but at the same time the sad reality that days only have 24 hours forces me to prioritize my activities. My schedules are tight, especially if one takes into account my own projects for the board, so I simply can't afford the time to check stories I know in advance won't feature tropes to my liking. That's a bit harsh and sad, but it's an aspect of consuming works of fiction.

I recall a long while ago you mentioned how you wished people would give a try to stories even if they aren't tailored to their likings, and I'd agree but with one huge caveat: People should indeed try and confront themselves with things that are out of their comfort zone, but only IF and WHEN they feel like it. Forcing yourself to do it out of a sense of obligation will only lead to an unpleasant experience no matter the narrative qualities of the work. And leisure activities are supposed to be the only place where you can choose to not have unpleasant experiences...

Now of course I can only encourage you to keep uploading stories. Even from afar, it's always pleasant to see the story section is updated regularly.

Of course I completely understand that, in between your personal priorities, projects and your new responsibilities as moderator your time is limited. I don't mind if my lethal stories don't receive as much in the way of comments as my non lethal ones, I know that my lethal stories are fairly niche so it goes without saying that they won't receive as much attention.


Absolutely, as humans we are all different and have varied ways of coming to terms with that which is outside of our comfort zone. And I agree that you can't force people to accept how you do things, that would be unfair on them. It's not that I feel obligated to do this, it's more how I like to work and writing USB is something I really enjoy, well next to gaming that is. I know that sometimes I can rub people the wrong way with my style but it's something I take in my stride and use to only get better.


Thanks Rufus, I appreciate that. Rest assured I will continue to upload my stories to keep story corner up to date, after all I think that in the absence of mainstream scenes it's we writers ( and the artists too) that keeps USB alive and who knows? At the rate we're going we could well eclipse the Clips section in the new year.