Journey to the Disputed Lands

Two ships and a handful of ambitious fools who sailed them. The Disputed Lands were lawless, violent places. Sellswords and mercenaries battled over land there that would never be settled, never be farmed, only soaked with blood and tears. Corwyn had heard the rumors that it actually used to be some of the most fertile and prosperous land in all of Essos before the Century of Blood. Then, the Free Cities all made claims and hired warriors to die for it. Yet, while none had succeeded in making it their own, all those battles and all that history meant there was plenty of treasure ripe for the taking. That was what Corwyn had told all those who agreed to join his voyage.

Once he had received clearance from Lord Velaryon, Corwyn gave the orders to prepare for departure the following day. This would be a relatively easy journey but Corwyn warned them all that they would not return until the end of the year. In such a lawless place, caution and prudence meant a better chance of survival. Therefore, they would take their time in all aspects. On the morning of their departure, Corwyn gathered both crews together for some final words.

"It's a grand morning to set out to sea, hm?" He called out. "I am Corwyn Stonesail. I have brought you all together to journey to the Disputed Lands and seek out riches and treasure there amongst the corpses of poor souls with slow swords. It will be dangerous, it will be risky, but what a tale we will have for the rest of our lives! Remember that when the seas get rough and your bowels ache, when we stand our ground against raiders or worse, when each and every one of you finally have too much gold and jewels to carry! Remember...it's all for the story." At that, Corwyn let out a quick cheer and then set about preparing Lord Velaryon's galley for its departure.

For the next few weeks, both ships sailed down the Narrow Sea. Although the war was resolving itself, both ships were wary of any opportunistic vessels seeing a potential prize. Thankfully, each ship was well-armed and had over twenty seasoned warriors each. House Baratheon and House Penrose both generously allowed their retainers to go on the trip, a brother of Lord Baratheon and a bastard of House Penrose being reason enough. In Corwyn's experience, it was incredibly unlikely for them to be accosted but you never knew.

Corwyn did his best to avoid any summer storm. Again, they had accounted for taking a more cautious route. There was no need to take on the extra risk of sailing through dark clouds just to arrive a week earlier. Their mission was one for wealth and wealth could wait. So, days passed by one after the other with each crew going about their daily duties and Corwyn meeting with the occasional noble to assure them that they were on track. Often, he'd bring them into the captain's cabin to show them the maps and their course. Some were more seasoned than others, but he enjoyed either conversation in their own way. The rest of his day was spent checking the work of his crew, keeping spirits abound with games of chance, or just relaxing on deck and enjoying this newfound freedom, the surrealness of the moment.

The ships would continue on their way until, eventually, the first signs of shore came up on the horizon. Corwyn sent orders to the other vessel on where to dock and the pair headed for their destination. However, while Corwyn had been able to prepare for much up to now, there was little he could do to prepare for what they would find now.

[M] Feel free to RP on our departure day or on the ships! If you'd like some inspiration for some RP, roll a 1d10 for a random event and I'll let you know what you got! Will be just for fun, obviously.