you don't know me

[insertusername]

bad rap

The things we become known for aren’t always what we’d like to be known for. Reputations are hard to run from. Sometimes they’re not even deserved. So here’s your chance to set the record straight. Clear up some misplaced assumptions, debunk any rumours about yourself and defy your stereotypes.

how to play:

Top level with something(s) your character is tired of people assuming about them, blaming them for, or pigeonholing them about, etc. Say it in person or over text.

Comment on any surprising, or not so surprising declarations.

Comments

[realpirate]

You're sweet to say.

But I think I might need a few more wins before anyone —the crew even— can start believing it's not just dumb luck.

[thekraken]

Alright, so let's get you some wins. What is it you wanna do?

[Ed doesn't doubt Stede's capabilities in the slightest. This is the guy shaking up piracy, of course he's competent.]

[realpirate]

What? Really? [That'll light him up like a lantern. Every time.]

Actually. I was thinking. What might be good is not quite a raid really. Same result, perhaps something more like... a heist?

[thekraken]

Ah, stealth! Haven't done something like that in a while. I'm usually more of a smash 'n' grab kinda guy.

It'll have to be a small operation, as few people as possible needed to get the job done. In and out. And with apologies to your exquisitely colorful wardrobe, you're gonna have to wear black.

[realpirate]

And it's incredibly effective. Clearly. But I think... if I'm going to make a go of this whole. Gentleman Pirate thing. I ought to consider tactics that suit the brand. Something a little debonair, a little roguish might do!

[He frowns acceptingly. He can handle that. At least until he's really fucking good at this and thinks he can get away with something bolder.]

Fair point. I can do black! For the time being.

[thekraken]

I've seen you in black, looks pretty damn good. So if that's a worry you've got at all you can scratch it off the list. One thing already done!

Here's a question: How are you going to get the word out that you did the heist if the whole point of those things is to be secret? Not insulting your methods or anything, more like brainstorming.

[realpirate]

Oh please, you're too kind. [Now look Ed, you'll make him blush being such a good brainstormer.]

Hmm. It's a fair question! Definitely the sort of thing that needs to be considered. I suppose I'll need some kind of... calling card. Perhaps a note. Or a mark at the very least. Something unambiguous.

i see what you're doing there with the icon choice

[thekraken]

How about a calling card with your flag drawn on it? Might wanna have several in stock so you can pass them out. Sounds like a prime craft night opportunity.

LOL caught.😇

[realpirate]

[Gasp!] Genius!

You're brilliant, Ed. This is going to be the greatest heist the sea's ever seen! We should really probably narrow down that flag first though, hm?

[thekraken]

You mean you're not going with the cat design? That would give me a fright instantly.

[realpirate]

Oh I didn’t realize you were a fan! It’s not bad, is it? Would be unique. And the craftsmanship is certainly top shelf. I just wonder if we shouldn’t consider something with a skull or some manner of bones… seems a bit of tradition. And one of so few I’m comfortable keeping.

[thekraken]

I mean, I do like a good set of bones. I'm pretty attached to my flag as it is. Is there anything there you'd wanna incorporate? Like a co-captain kinda thing.

[realpirate]

[Another look of shock and awe! Some kind of open-secret pirate symbology connecting them as co-captains?? Yes please.]

Edward! You're brimming with incredible ideas today! I love this! You've got that horned-skeleton man... spear... heart— oh! Yours is certainly the only flag I've seen with a heart. That might be a nice common motif. [Too obvious? Maybe too obvious.]

i am having so much fun with this thread i can't

[thekraken]

[Obvious, but not in a bad way.]

I think that would be kinda cool. And you can make hearts scary, they are a human organ after all. Maybe a weapon somewhere too.

❤️❤️❤️ my mission: accomplished!

[realpirate]

[At this point, it's basically a fashion conversation. Apologies Ed. You've unleashed the beast.]

Really? You think? I thought that might be a little bit of a reach for me... I could sport a skull though I think! More in the name of tradition than anything... Seems to be a staple of a good flag, if you ask me.

Have you seen Thomas Tew? Bart Roberts? An arm? Initialisms? [He bats his hand about dismissively.] Feels a little insecure.

Bones. Step one, I think. No?

You also you're daring enough to use a bit of red, aren't you? Don't see that too often. You know how I feel about colour...

or should we say 🔪💀❤️

[thekraken]

[Ed can handle a fashion conversation if it's about flags. That he can understand. Though the second Stede starts bringing in fabric types it's in one ear and out the other.]

I see that Tew arm and all I can think of is "well that's a ship with a buncha severed limbs." Definitely don't wanna give off that impression.

[Maybe Ed doesn't know about fashion, but he does know a thing or two about crafting an image. If he can help with Stede's that's goddamn motherfucking exciting.]

Bones for sure.

[The comment about red causes some red of Blackbeard's own to flush along his cheeks.]

If you want red, yeah. Red is good.

😍yesss. 🏴‍☠️❤️🏴‍☠️

[realpirate]

[He snickers at that and it turns into a cringe to think about a cargo full of stay arms. Yuck.]

See, I thought it was sort of self-aggrandizing. The man's flexing on his flag. And if you have say it... [Judging the hell out of other captain's flags? This is top secret for-Ed's-ears-only kind of stuff.

Of course he wasn't expecting to trip over something that makes Ed blush like that, but if he needs to tread gently around that one, he's happy to.]

I think it's lovely. If you don't mind me using you for inspiration.

🏴‍☠️👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏴‍☠️

[thekraken]

[Ed, on the other hand, doesn't think of the judging as anything to hide. If he's displeased it needs to be known. Especially if someone's complete shit.

Stede's anything but.]

It would be rad as fuck if you wanted to use me as inspiration. An honor, even!

[The arm outside them flails in a gesture to show just how wide the appreciation goes.]

It's like if anyone sees either one of us they'll know to back off because the other one's not far behind to blow 'em up.

LOL thats the perfect emoji combo.

[realpirate]

[It feels like a bit of gossip to Stede— he knows better than to judge books by covers and talk about people who aren't around to defend themselves. But then again, he's never really had the kind of friend one might gossip with.]

Really?

[Charmed. That's how you fucking charm him, Ed you big lug.]

I can't imagine anyone on the Revenge has that kind of a reputation. Yet. But that's certainly the sort of thing we should aspire to!

Hey! you should be the deciding judge in our next flag decision making committee? I think we need the outside objectivity and I think the crew would really bring their best work if they knew they had you to impress.

[thekraken]

Really. Think of how great of a team we are. The Revenge is most certainly part of it.

[Ed's been charmed a long time ago. It's time to use his status to boost both Stede and his crew. They deserve it.]

I'd be more than happy to judge. But you gotta let the guys know that a decision is a decision. Can't have any art fights boiling over.

[realpirate]

We are a pretty great team, aren't we?

[A team? A flotilla? Maybe a fleet some day! It's all more than enough to stoke Stede's imagination.]

Final ruling. Definitely. Shouldn't be difficult. Between you and I, most of them admire you too much to second guess you. But I'll be sure to include a participation ribbon anyhow. Make sure everyone feels included.

[thekraken]

Do people actually want participation ribbons? Don't wanna come off as condescending.

[realpirate]

They do if you frame it up just right. Everyone wants a pat on the back for their effort. Not necessarily a literal ribbon.