The Ferrymen

[Mickaelhz 3832]

THE FERRYMEN 

A coin for your troubles

 

  

In this world there is a certain balance to be kept. This balance is not seen, yet when you close your eyes, it is present, undeniably and without question. The Ferrymen serve this balance by mending its fractures, and with unwavering resolve, waging war in its name. Their belief stems from the disparity between the impossibly wealthy nobility and the dirt-poor, hardworking farmer. 

 

How can it possibly be that a laborer, toiling until their weary back gives way, settles for meager bread at day's end, while a council member, lounging with feet up, indulges in a gluttonous banquet?

DOCTRINES

Rules of the Ferrymen

 

Nobility / Nobles - Ever since their creation, the Ferrymen have primarily set their sights on those who claim noble ancestry. Their belief is rooted in the notion that they are destined to bridge the gap between hard working peasants and the privileged palace dwellers. In earlier times, the Ferrymen would seize noblewomen during grand gatherings and demand exorbitant ransoms for their release. Additionally, they took pleasure in maiming public figures. It is worth noting that their quest for equilibrium isn't always marked by violence; they also resort to overcharging royalty  for their mercenary services as a means of levelling the playing field.   Common Men - The Ferrymen, as a mercenary group, hold a distinctive stance when it comes to the common men. They see themselves as champions of the hardworking masses, aiming to uplift and advocate for their rights. These men, in most cases, are to be spared. It is crucial that members of the Ferrymen give part of what they squeeze out of the rich to the masses in the name of balance. Noblemen who have majorly slighted farmers have previously had their mansions razed and riches redistributed as a warning to their kind. Common men labelled as “luxury leeches'', on the other hand, are to be treated as their overlords.
	The Value of a Life - Within the ranks of the organization, the value of a life is measured in a binary fashion: it is either deemed worthless or esteemed as a single golden coin. This determination hinges on the individual's conduct during their final moments, as their true nature is believed to be revealed in their dying breath.   Should a Ferryman perceive that their adversary fought valiantly and displayed acts of courage in their last stand, it is customary to place a solitary golden coin beneath the fallen foe's tongue. This token serves as payment for their passage into the realms beyond life, ensuring a more favorable journey into the afterlife.
Selflessness -  One Ferryman's triumph is heralded as a collective victory within the organization, emphasizing the profound significance of selflessness among its members. Rarely does an accomplishment belong solely to an individual Ferryman, for their achievements are intertwined with the shared efforts and support of their comrades. In this close-knit community, the concept of individual glory takes a backseat to the recognition that success is derived from the collaborative spirit and unity of purpose that permeates every aspect of the organization. The ethos of selflessness is deeply ingrained, fostering an environment where personal achievements are celebrated as a testament to the unwavering dedication and cooperation of all Ferryman, solidifying their bond and forging a collective legacy that transcends the accomplishments of any single individual.   Territorialism -  The Ferrymen are renowned for their vigilant presence along the borders they safeguard, commonly referred to as the shoreline, where they diligently enforce a substantial fee for those seeking passage. This practice reflects their profound beliefs regarding the afterlife, mirroring the notion that a revered entity known as the Ferryman exacts a toll as a prerequisite for traversing into the realms beyond. Those on good standing with the Ferrymen, however, are free to roam wherever they please.

 

APPEARANCE

Attires & Clothing

 

Status - In order to avert the targeting of specific high-ranking members during skirmishes, the Ferrymen ensure that there are no distinguishing characteristics in the appearance of their ranks. This deliberate choice eliminates any visual disparities based on status. The organisation has long held reservations about the practice of adorning Commanders with attention-drawing attire, which serves to attract undue focus and potentially endanger their safety.    Examples:

 

Traditions

Culture & Heritage

 

Coins for the Dead - The ultimate show of mercy. In the eyes of the Ferrymen, the placement of a singular golden coin beneath the tongue of the fallen adversary transcends mere symbolism. It is an act of mercy that seeks to ensure a more favourable journey into the realms beyond life. By offering this token of recognition, the Ferrymen extend a compassionate gesture, granting the fallen the opportunity for a dignified passage into the afterlife.   Preventive Measure - In its essence, the most straightforward tradition practised by the Ferrymen is the sacrifice of an eye. This ritual serves as a form of punishment for individuals who exhibit a condescending attitude towards others. Those who have engaged in such behaviour have their eyes extracted, ensuring that they can never again look down upon their fellow beings.   The origins of this tradition can be traced back to an incident involving a soldier from the Imperial State Army. It was upon this individual that the act of sacrificing an eye was first carried out, setting a precedent for its subsequent use within the Ferrymen's practices.   Initiation - When the ceremony of initiation takes place, a recruit reaches a point of no return and becomes a fully fledged member of the organization. It consists of two parts: the Seafarer’s rite and the River Crossing.   First the recruit shall recite the following oath, which has been recited by many scallywags before them:   “As I sail for distant shores, I leave this simple life behind me. Exchange my bed for a pair of oars. To finally be free.   I vow to take up arms for those that don’t have any, to even out the scales. Take from those that have plenty. Like those before me did, in their legendary tales.   Only justice, I'll deliver. And know no other true allegiance, even when things go south. Until my body floats down the river, with a coin in its mouth.”   After this, the recruit will be given their first coin for the dead. To earn it they must partake in the River Crossing. The recruit is to put the coin in their mouth and be forcefully submerged in a vessel of water by a high ranking member of the organization until they are rendered unconscious. If at any moment they spit out the coin in an attempt to breathe or fight their way out of the water, the recruit fails the ritual and will have their throat slit for their disrespect and incompetence.    This part of the ceremony symbolizes the recruit letting go of what they once were and fully embracing the dangers that the life of a Ferryman brings.   Afterwards, the recruit is resuscitated and allowed to keep the coin as their own to hold if they ever fall in battle. Celebrations are usually arranged later at the former recruit’s own accord after they are given some time to rest from the ordeal.

 

Relics

Treasures & Heirlooms

 

Shipwreck Throne - A throne made from the remnants of the ship that was stuck in Shipwreck Keep on the realm of  Almaris. The throne lies dormant due to the nature of the leadership within the group, they would rather sit at the same table as the rest of their men. Instead the throne remains empty for every meeting, leaving room for the idyllic figure known as the Ferryman.   The River Crosser - A gladius of pure carbarum forged and wielded by the dark elven mastersmith of the Ferrymen. Its name was granted after it aided in delivering over one hundred separate souls to The Ferryman.   Banjo’s Banjo - A Banjo designed as both an instrument of music and war. It is a Banjo fitted with a sharpened and resistant edge of thanhic steel, functioning similar to an axe. The odd material gives it a strange sound, yet one that has become notoriously enjoyed among the Ferrymen ranks. Its first use was in the tavern of Oren, in a ballad about Emperor John VIII’s mother. This later became the most popular song of 37 S.A.   Beard #31 - A mighty beard retrieved from the 31st Grand King of Urguan during a skirmish known as the “Run through them”-incident. During this skirmish the King was captured, hung from his ankles and given a clean shave.

 

Language

Glossary & Terms

 

Captain - Brought into existence by Basiyl Mareno, the title was originally used as a title just below the idyllic Ferryman but has since his resignation been used to denote any form of leadership figure within the Ferrymen.   “It might be a tough task, but they're captain's orders.   Ferryman - A long-time member of the organization who has proven himself in battle and has been a devoted follower of Ferrymen doctrine for a very long time.    They have proven that they understand the deep meaning behind the actions of the group. They are trusted to teach the sailors and scallywags.   “A singular Ferryman is worth 100 soldiers.”   Sailor - Someone who has frequently sailed with the Ferrymen. They’ve been oathed and by doing so declared that they’re fully supportive of their cause and aspire to grow alongside the organization and become a true Ferryman one day.   “That sailor is on the right path to become a Ferryman.”   Scallywag - Someone who just started openly associating with the Ferrymen. They just heard about their goals, situation or cause and only recently decided to give the life of a mercenary a chance. They have not taken any oaths and have not proven their worth.   “Stay in line buddy, scallywags don’t get a say.”   Oarsmen - Often seen as the driving force behind the Ferrymen, oarsmen are simple laborers who aid the the organization by hard work (Farming crops, tending to animals,...) instead of fighting.   “Without the oarsmen there wouldn’t be blades to fight with.”   Helm - Someone who has been assigned leadership for a specific operation. They’re responsible for guiding and coordinating a group of Ferrymen exclusively during said operation.   “A well respected man, he was the helm for even-out evening.”   Wig - The enemy. This term is used to refer to the deceptive, silver-tongued nobility of our realm, making people believe something that is simply not true. Much like a wig tries fooling people into believing its wearer isn’t bald.   “Never trust that wig, he couldn’t speak the truth if he wanted to.”   Luxury Leech - A simple man who instead of joining the ferryman's cause, resorts to becoming a slave to the upper class in exchange for nothing but a little of luxury and comfort.   “You’d be a good man if you weren’t such a luxury leech.”   Deepwater - A dangerous, unpredictable environment with unknown risks and treacherous conditions.   “Those streets are deepwater.”   Siren’s call - An offer, opportunity or proposal that seems too good to be true, potentially luring members into a trap.   “Don’t enter the city through the gatehouse, that’s a siren’s call.”   Salt-blood - A term of endearment or camaraderie among the Ferrymen, emphasizing the connection they have with the sea. a Ferryman calls another Ferryman a salt-blood if they consider them to truly belong to the group.   “He might seem a bit distant sometimes but he’s a salt-blood through and through.”   Barnacle - Used to describe people that entirely depend on the Ferrymen for their dirty business. In other words, people who “cling” onto the Ferrymen to save them.   “They can’t fend for themselves, a whole lot of barnacles they are.”   Squabble - A small-scale conflict with little to no witnesses.   “Was Nothing but a squabble.”   Marooned - A Ferryman who currently resides in a high-security prison within enemy lands.   “We’d be lucky if we ever see him again, he’s been marooned for over 10 hours now.”   Seafoam - A term used to describe something superficial.   “I have no idea why jewelry is so expensive, it’s all just a bunch of seafoam.”   Tidewalker - A warrior that won’t risk their life even for the greatest of causes or protecting their people. They refuse to fight at difficult odds yet always show for skirmishes that are won before they start; thus hiding when the water rises but showing their face once the water (risk) is low.   “It will become easier once we start winning, for most of their knights are tidewalkers.”   Driftwood - A member of the organization that has lost contact with the bulk of the group, someone we haven’t heard from in a while.   “All of the conflict with our leader turned him into a driftwood.”   Shoreline - The borders of territories or region where the Ferrymen actively exert their control. This is often done by demanding a toll.   “It’s an honor to be sent to the shoreline, that’s where all the action happens.”   Click this button for discord invite. ^ p.s. none of this post is public.

[Valannor 6345]

Spoiler

 

Every time you escape, Mick, you're always dragged back... 10/10 post tho, god damn its fresh. 

 

[Frymark 2792]

Spoiler

one of the best posts ive ever seen ngl. except for each one that i make ofc but after those.

 

[MailC3p 1159]

Spoiler

Holy wall of text. can't wait to hear about the Ferrymen Raids of Aevos

 

[MaltaMoss 1771]

Comrade Midas felt a smile spread across his face, his ancestral ferryman blood rushing with excitement as he read over the rich cultural traditions that comprised their merry band. 

 

Spoiler

We have culture guys, we have culture!

 

[ReveredOwl 5331]

Andrik said nothing!

Edited June 27, 2023 by ReveredOwl

[Orlanth 3539]

Vyllaenen looked at the missive of culture for a moment, then returned to writing the Ferrymen history.

29 minutes ago, ReveredOwl said:

"The Canons Regular are given the boot from Adria and within the same hour the Ferrymen announce their return." remarked Andrik.

 

1 hour ago, Mickaelhz said:

p.s. none of this post is public.

Spoiler

Did you even read the post lol

 

[ReveredOwl 5331]

5 minutes ago, Orlanth said:

Vyllaenen looked at the missive of culture for a moment, then returned to writing the Ferrymen history.

 

  Hide contents

Did you even read the post lol

 

Spoiler

my bad, mistook it for a forum signature and skipped it over

 

[JustMeMorgan 1000]

Spoiler

Finally, some good ******* fun

 

[ibraheemc2000 2574]

Zubayr worked within his house as he got the missive and a warm smile appear on his face, memories surged in his time in the 33rd farfolk volunteers, the war was hard but knowing the ferrymen made it easier on the heart, they had always been there for him, and to himself, once again sang his regiment's song dedicated for this amazing group.

"The despot's heel is on thy sands

Ferrymen, my Ferrymen

 

His torches at thy noble door

Ferrymen, my Ferrymen!

 

Avenge the patriotic gore!

That flecked the roads of Kharassi!-"
Than looking to Saahir as he began to join in, a warm grin on his face with his comrads.

 @Chrisoulis777

[Chrisoulis777 255]

Saahir was sitting at the lounge sharping his blade and as he was doing  so he heard from upstairs his akhi Zubayr sing the Ferryman song and so he made his way up to see his akhi and as soon us Zubayr finished his part, Saahir Al-Samad gave him a small and a chuckle before starting to sing the next line of the song 

"And be the battle kings of yore!

Ferrymen, my Ferrymen!

 

Thou wilt not cower in the dust

Ferrymen, my Ferrymen!

 

Thy bleaming sword shall never rust!

Ferrymen, my Ferrymen!-"

@adamc2000

[adamc2000 1163]

As Zubayr began a tear formed in Arslan's eyes, A great memory of his fallen comrades filled his mind, his vision filled with the battle raging before remember seeing the ferrymen banner over cressing the hill, then Saahir joined in, The cheer of the farfolks rang in his ear as the memory of those saviors of that bloody day, Arslan couldn't help but join in with his comrades of the old and proud 33rd Farfolk volunteers in respect and honor of the ferrymen, there friends, hero's, and brothers of the Farfolks.
 

"Remember Bogdan's sacred trust!
 

Remember Caius's warlike thrust!
 

And though thy slumberers with the just
 

Ferrymen, my Ferrymen!!!”"
 

Arslan finished shedding a tear of joy as he then framed the document in the house over the fire place hugging his veteran brothers.

[Hermit_Jack 513]

Spoiler

after years of terrorizing the server with clicking its finally here /s

 

[TeawithFrisket 2634]

+1,000,000, 

 

dead man tell no tales 

[Poor_Fellow 812]