A Horror's guide to piracy

CH 06 - Welcome to Loguetown !


Auguste

Cloaked in the veil of night, Auguste stood on the desolate shore, his gaze fixated on the foreboding vessel that now bore the mark of the Von Carstein fleet. The ship, once commandeered by the notorious Arlong Pirates, had undergone a chilling transformation, a testament to the dark powers he now wielded. The eerie glow of moonlight played upon its skeletal frame, an unholy spectacle that seemed to transcend the boundaries between life and death.

The stolen ship, now under the sinister banner of the Von Carsteins, exuded an air of malevolence. Its skeletal structure was adorned with dark, ethereal motifs that bespoke forbidden knowledge and eldritch power. The transformation had come at a cost, a few hundred of the amassed fear points Auguste had cunningly acquired. A few other thousands were spent in nasty surprised by whoever would try to board without authorization.

The ship harbored a nefarious ability that elevated its stealth and deceit to unparalleled heights. Auguste, wielding the dark arts he had acquired, had imbued the vessel with a shape-shifting capacity that allowed it to masquerade as various innocuous forms. With a mere flicker of his will, the ship could cloak itself in the guise of a humble merchant vessel or adopt the appearance of other unsuspecting crafts that sailed the seas.

This chameleonic capability was more than just an illusion. It ran deep, a manifestation of the malevolent spirit that had taken residence within the very fibers of the ship's wood. The sentient essence, a twisted entity forged from the amalgamation of dark forces, granted the ship the ability to alter its appearance at will. As it navigated the waters, the vessel could seamlessly transform its exterior, becoming a phantom in plain sight, veiled in deception.

The malevolent spirit, entwined with the ship's essence, whispered secrets of disguise and camouflage to those who listened. Auguste, with a sinister grin, reveled in the ship's newfound ability to infiltrate unsuspecting waters under the guise of a friendly vessel, concealing its true, vampiric nature until the opportune moment for chaos and terror to be unleashed. The ship, a living manifestation of deception, sailed the seas as a phantom, a harbinger of doom guided by the unholy union of dark sorcery and sentient malevolence.

Nami, now an integral part of the crew, helmed the vessel with newfound authority, assisted by the eerie company—zombie fishmen and undead humans alike. As the ship sailed through the haunted seas, Auguste's laughter echoed, a disconcerting melody celebrating the union between the living and the dead. The unholy symphony continued to unfold, casting a shadow over the vast expanse of the ocean as the stolen ship, a vampiric monstrosity, carved its way through the waters, leaving behind a trail of malevolence and dark majesty.


A random Marine

Sergeant Marcus O'Donnell squinted against the bright Loguetown sun as he stood on the bustling harbor, overseeing the docking of the colossal merchant ship. The vessel, christened as the "Celestial Serenity," cast an imposing shadow over the bustling harbor with its three towering masts and finely crafted wooden hull. As a seasoned Marine stationed in Loguetown, Marcus had witnessed the arrival and departure of numerous ships, but the scale and opulence of the Celestial Serenity left him momentarily awestruck.

The ship's sides were adorned with intricate carvings, depicting scenes of exotic lands and mythical creatures, hinting at the adventures it had undertaken. Marcus couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy at the thought of the wealthy passengers who would soon disembark onto the cobbled streets of Loguetown.

As the gangplank lowered with a creak, the first to step onto the worn dock was a finely dressed man, his attire a testament to the high status he held among the ship's occupants. Following him were two elegantly attired women, clearly accustomed to a life of luxury. Their laughter and animated conversations echoed through the harbor, creating an atmosphere of affluence that sharply contrasted with the more modest surroundings.

Marcus, donned in his Marine uniform, maintained a stern expression, ever watchful for any signs of trouble. He observed the passengers closely, noting the diverse array of characters. Some wore extravagant jewelry, while others displayed an air of mystery that piqued his curiosity. The ship's crew, a mix of skilled sailors and navigators, moved efficiently to secure the vessel, their discipline evident in every synchronized motion - even if they looked a bit pale and had uniforms covering almost of all of their skin.

As the last of the passengers disembarked, Marcus couldn't shake the feeling that the Celestial Serenity carried more than just cargo. His marine instincts tingled with a sense that beneath the veneer of opulence, there lingered an air of secrecy, perhaps even danger. Duty-bound, Marcus signaled to his subordinates to maintain a vigilant watch on the newcomers.


Auguste

"This smoker guy…he is going to be a problem".

Leveraging Perona's spectral espionage talents, Auguste uncovered crucial details about the captain of the base, a formidable figure named Smoker. Unlike the run-of-the-mill adversaries they had encountered so far, Smoker exhibited qualities that set him apart. His leadership was marked by iron discipline, a genuine commitment to justice, and the extraordinary ability to transform into smoke. This information added a layer of complexity to their plans, as confronting someone with such unique and formidable skills required careful consideration. The stakes were higher, and Auguste knew they needed a well-thought-out strategy to outsmart Smoker and navigate this new challenge.

He thus came to a reasonable decision.

"Mah, let's not give a fuck !. It's shopping time ! "


A weapon's seller

In the dimly lit shop adorned with various blades, the vendor's eyes widened as he spotted a mysterious, white-haired woman entering. Her entrance had an air of ethereal grace, and the subtle sway of her walk did not escape the vendor's attention. Eager to showcase his best offerings, he greeted her with a charming grin.

"Well, well! If it isn't the most enchanting customer to grace my humble shop. What brings such beauty to a place like this?" he quipped, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

The woman, however, responded with an enigmatic smile, her eyes revealing little of her thoughts. "I seek a blade, a powerful one, for a future member of our family. Something exceptional."

The vendor, not one to miss an opportunity, leaned in, attempting to play the charming merchant. "A powerful blade for a powerful family, I see. How about I show you some of our finest, and maybe we can discuss more over dinner?"

The woman's response was as mysterious as her aura. "The Sandai Kitetsu. It holds the power we seek."

As the vendor began to explain the cursed nature of the Sandai Kitetsu, the woman's demeanor became increasingly unsettling. Undeterred, the vendor continued, "You know, many say legends are just myths. But...Why not choose a blade with a happier backstory?"

But the woman's focus remained on the Sandai Kitetsu, and with an otherworldly calmness, she reached for the blade. The air grew tense as she whispered incantations, captivating the blade in a supernatural dance. The woman's response was cryptic yet assured. "I seek this blade for a future member of our family. Its curse shall be nothing in the face of our power. I saw his coming in the Blood. "

As she reached for the sword, an unsettling energy filled the room. The air grew heavy, and the vendor, taken aback, watched as the woman whispered incantations that seemed to resonate with the cursed blade. The Sandai Kitetsu, an entity of its own, responded to her call. In an eerie display, the blade seemed to submit to her will, the malevolence subdued in her presence. The vendor, witnessing this supernatural interaction, felt a chill run down his spine. A low, haunting laughter emanated from the girl's lips, sending shivers down the vendor's spine. The atmosphere thickened, and just as the last echoes of her laugh hung in the air, a distant roll of thunder echoed through the skies.

The vendor, now thoroughly unnerved, attempted to mask his unease with a nervous chuckle. "Well, you see, miss, this shop has a strict 'No Thunderstorms' policy. Bad for the swords, you know? They get all... jittery."

The woman, her gaze unwavering, seemed unimpressed by the excuse. The vendor, determined to make her leave, continued with a concoction of increasingly absurd reasons. "And, uh, we have a rule against mystical laughter too. It disrupts the harmony of the blades. Very delicate instruments, these are."

A skeptical eyebrow raised from the woman as the vendor pressed on, "Also, Sandai Kitetsu has a fear of heights. Yes, blades can be afraid too. And being on display makes it anxious. So..."

The woman, her patience seemingly tested, regarded the vendor with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. With a final, eerie smile, she spoke, "I appreciate your concerns, but I will take the Sandai Kitetsu. It will serve its purpose well."

As she left the shop, the vendor couldn't shake the feeling that he had just witnessed something beyond the realm of ordinary commerce. The lingering laughter and distant thunder seemed to mock his feeble attempts to drive away the enigmatic woman, leaving him with an unsettling sense of the otherworldly presence that had briefly graced his humble establishment.

He should never had stopped drinking.


Auguste

As Auguste navigated the bustling market, the lively hum of commerce surrounded him. Vendors peddled their wares, and the aroma of various street foods wafted through the air. In the midst of this vibrant scene, he overheard a conversation between two locals.

"Did you hear about Garp the Hero's grandson?"

"Yeah, the lad's unfortunate demise. They say he was with the Pirate Hunter Zoro"

"Zoro? That sounds like trouble. What happened?"

"A boat accident on a lake. Apparently, they got lost without a navigator and Garp's grandson drowned."

"Lost without a navigator? That's amateurish. What were they doing together?"

"No idea."

The marketplace buzzed with activity as the duo continued their discussion. Auguste, nonchalantly browsing a vendor's stall, couldn't help but absorb the local gossip. His playful grin widened as he strolled away, mentally filing away the information for future contemplation. The city's tales of mystery and misfortune echoed in his ears, leaving him eager to explore the shadows where secrets lurked…and the Second Book of Nagash for him and his dear, dear, Nami.


Perona

The small alley oozed with an unsettling ambiance, suffused in the eerie glow of flickering lamps. Perona, an unsuspecting figure, traversed the cobblestone passage, her pink hair a stark beacon in the dim, murky surroundings. Unseen eyes tracked her every step, shadows concealing a nefarious cabal closing in with predatory intent.

"Look what we got here, a lost lamb in our little den."

"Bet she's got something worth taking. Let's have a look, shall we?"

The encircling darkness closed in as the thugs cornered Perona, their faces etched with malevolence.

"Hand it over, sweetheart. Unless you want trouble."

Perona, feigning vulnerability, scanned her surroundings. Yet, beneath the facade, a potent, otherworldly power simmered. With a subtle shift, the air thickened, and an ominous spectral glow emanated from her eyes.

"Your choice, sweeties."

As they closed in, Perona's eyes flickered with an ethereal glow. In a sudden surge of supernatural prowess, she unleashed her power. Shadows stretched and writhed, forming tendrils that reached out like ghostly fingers. The thugs, caught off guard, felt an inexplicable dread as their life force began to drain away.

Their desperate struggles became feeble, futile attempts to escape an unseen force. Perona, a vessel for the macabre, absorbed their essence with a haunting grace. Each gasp for breath echoed in the alley, their vitality consumed in the spectral dance of life and death.

As the last breaths escaped the hapless thugs, Perona emerged untouched, the eerie glow in her eyes subsiding. The alley, once a stage for predation, now bore witness to the aftermath of a supernatural reckoning. Perona stood amidst the discarded husks, her laughter weaving through the chilling silence, a testament to the enigmatic power that dwelled within her.


Auguste & Nami

Auguste, adorned in his regal attire, awaited Nami amidst the vibrant market stalls. As she approached, the ethereal beauty of the orange-haired girl seemed to glow under the sunlight. Auguste greeted her with a charming smile, his eyes reflecting a mysterious allure.

"Ah, Nami, there you are," Auguste said, his voice a melodic blend of charm and whimsy. "How about I indulge you with a few treasures?"

Nami's eyes sparkled with delight as she nodded in agreement. Auguste led her through the bustling market, weaving between stalls that displayed an array of exotic goods. He seemed to have an innate sense of what would capture Nami's fancy. The pair delved into the marketplace's tapestry of colors and scents, and Auguste didn't hesitate to purchase various items that caught Nami's interest.

Whether it was a piece of exquisite jewelry, a vibrant garment, or a trinket that held a hint of magic, Auguste generously offered each find to Nami. Her gratitude and happiness radiated as they strolled through the market, creating an enchanting scene of beauty and generosity amidst the lively atmosphere.

Exiting the market, Auguste and Nami found themselves before a small, enchanting church, bathed in the soft glow of the fading sun. The stone exterior, adorned with delicate carvings, spoke of craftsmanship and devotion. Stained glass windows adorned with vibrant hues depicted scenes of serenity and divine grace. The doors, worn smooth by the touch of time, opened with a gentle creak as they stepped into the serene sanctuary. Inside, the church exuded an atmosphere of tranquility. Sunbeams filtered through the stained glass, casting a kaleidoscope of colors upon the polished wooden pews. The air was scented with the lingering fragrance of ancient incense, a testament to years of prayers and devotion. As they explored the peaceful sanctuary, the echoes of hallowed whispers seemed to resonate with an age-old reverence.

They reached the altar. At first glance, it appeared to be a sacred space, adorned with pristine linens and flickering candles. Yet, as they drew closer, the tranquility shattered. Unearthly screeches, as if echoes from another realm, emanated from the altar. The source of this disconcerting cacophony remained shrouded in mystery, casting an unsettling shadow over the beauty that initially greeted them. The once serene sanctuary now harbored an undercurrent of unease, leaving Auguste and Nami to confront an enigma concealed within the sacred space.

As Auguste and Nami stood in silent contemplation before the ornate altar, a sudden hush fell over the sacred space. The air seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly presence, and their attention was drawn to the slow, measured steps of an elderly priest approaching from the dimly lit aisles. His worn robes whispered against the cold stone floor as he moved with a grace that defied the passage of time.

The gentle cadence of his footfalls interrupted their quiet reverie, and as he drew near, the priest's kind eyes crinkled with warmth. His demeanor carried an air of wisdom, earned through years spent in prayer and reflection within the confines of this sacred sanctuary. The atmosphere, once charged with the eerie echoes of distant screeches, now bore witness to the arrival of the humble custodian of this dwindling bastion of faith.

The aged priest, his features etched with a lifetime of devotion, approached Auguste and Nami with a warm smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. His soft voice carried the weight of years as he shared tales of a bygone era when the faithful filled these pews, seeking solace in the divine.

"Long ago, this church stood witness to the unwavering faith of a thriving community," the priest began, his gaze drifting toward the stained glass windows that depicted scenes of piety. "People sought refuge in the embrace of their beliefs, finding comfort and strength in the face of adversity. But, alas, the passage of time has seen a decline in the devotion that once graced these hallowed halls."

He spoke of the horrors that had befallen the world, the atrocities committed by pirates and marines alike that had driven many away from the solace of faith. The pews, once filled with fervent believers, now stood mostly empty.

Undeterred by the shadows that had crept into the sanctuary, the priest turned to Auguste and Nami with a gentle gleam in his eyes. "Yet, hope persists. The divine has a way of working through even the darkest of times. Perhaps, dear travelers, you may find comfort and guidance in the teachings of our faith."

With a serene humility, the priest began to offer a prayer for their well-being, his words carrying a timeless resonance. He extended an invitation, not just to seek solace in the divine, but to embrace the comforting embrace of faith that had weathered the storms of time.

Auguste spoke up. "It's all very nice and very convincing, except for a few small details. First, my girl and I were able to enter the church - something normally difficult for us, entering a consecrated space... Secondly, the noises and aura of the altar make me think that one of the little books I'm interested in is in there...and it is definitely not alone in there. Lastly...I mean...man, you smell like crap. Like putrid flesh. Not very convincing for a man of the cloth".

Random encounter triggered - [Old Lich - Level 50 ]

Objective : Survive !

"Oh, Fuck me !"

[Dominance failed - Undead is too high level]

"Oh, double Fuck me !"

A low, guttural growl emanated from the elderly cleric, and his frail form began to convulse. His skin, weathered and worn, seemed to peel away like layers of ancient parchment, revealing an otherworldly luminosity beneath. Beneath the facade of human frailty emerged the true nature of the priest—an elder Lich of formidable power. The transformation unfolded with an eerie grace, as if the air itself contorted in response to the dark magic at play. The priest's eyes, once warm and compassionate, now glowed with an ethereal, malevolent light. His skeletal features, etched with the wisdom of centuries, sent shivers down the spines of those who bore witness to the unveiling of the undead creature that stood before them.

The elder Lich, his skeletal visage now exposed, turned his hollow gaze toward Auguste and Nami with a sinister grin. His voice, dripping with centuries of malevolence, echoed through the hallowed space of the church.

"Well, well, what do we have here? A fledgling sorceress and a baby vampire," he taunted, the words laced with a dark amusement. "You've stumbled into the realm of powers you cannot fathom, little ones. I could snuff out your lives without a second thought and add your essence to the unholy sustenance of the Book."

His bony fingers curled into claws as he advanced slowly, the echo of his steps amplifying the sense of dread in the air. "What foolishness brought you to this place? Did you think a quaint church could shelter you from the terrors that lurk in the shadows? This Book hungers for your magic, and I am more than willing to oblige."

The cavernous chamber echoed with the low, ominous clanking of armor as a dozen black knights, grotesque in their deathly presence, materialized at the Lich's command. Each knight bore armor forged in the darkest pits of the netherworld, eternally shrouded in shadows. Their helmets obscured any trace of humanity, and their eyes glowed with malevolent, otherworldly energy.

Auguste, his eyes flickering with determination, unleashed arcane energy in corrosive spells aimed at the knights. However, the spells merely dissipated upon contact with the accursed armor, leaving the knights unscathed. Undeterred, Auguste shifted tactics, conjuring a shockwave that rippled through the chamber, momentarily slowing the knights' relentless advance.

With a desperate resolve, Auguste charged at the elder Lich, brandishing his blade with lethal grace. Yet, the Lich, in a display of supernatural speed, intercepted Auguste's assault with a spectral hand. The hand phased through the blade and solidified, piercing through Auguste's chest. A pained gasp escaped Auguste's lips as he felt the unholy coldness of the Lich's touch.

You received a lethal attack by the Lich ! [Black Gold Bracelet] consumed 1 243 fear points to negate it. You have 6 433 fear points left.

Meanwhile, Nami, her hands trembling with magical energy, attempted to engage the black knights. Inexperienced and overwhelmed, her spells struggled to penetrate the enchanted armor. Auguste, his voice strained, shouted to her amid the chaos, "Nami, you can't face them head-on! Flee! Find safety, and I'll... I'll find you!" In a desperate sprint, Nami evaded the encroaching darkness, narrowly escaping the onslaught.

You received a lethal attack by the Lich ! [Black Gold Bracelet] consumed 1 342 fears point to negate it. You have 5091 fear points left.

Auguste danced with death, his Bathori Blade weaving through the air in a deadly ballet. The eerie glow of the black knights' eyes bore down on him as they closed in with relentless determination. Each clash between the eldritch blade and the cursed armor sent sparks cascading like twisted fireflies in the Stygian darkness.

The elder Lich, an architect of malevolence, hovered in the shadows, orchestrating the grim symphony. His voice echoed through the chamber, taunting Auguste with sibilant whispers that slithered into the vampire's mind. "Your futile resistance is a pitiful spectacle, young vampire. No matter how skilled your blade, it cannot sever the chains that bind these knights to my will."

You received a lethal attack by the Dark Knight ! [Black Gold Bracelet] consumed 50 fears point to negate it. You have 5041 fear points left.

Auguste, fueled by both desperation and determination, parried the relentless strikes while hurling potent spells at the Lich. The arcane energies collided, creating a volatile display of ethereal sparks. The Lich reveled in the chaos, his laughter echoing like a sinister requiem. "Your magic is feeble, little prince. You cannot escape your fate. Embrace the darkness, for it is inevitable."

You received a lethal attack by the Dark Knight ! [Black Gold Bracelet] consumed 50 fears point to negate it. You have 4991 fear points left.

Auguste shouted "Shop! Shop fuck ! I want the…"

The weight of impending doom pressed upon Auguste as he fought on, his Bathori Blade flickering with eldritch brilliance against the encroaching shadow. The Lich's taunts reverberated through the cavern, each word a sinister echo of the vampire's struggle against an ancient evil.

"Buy…Buy and use [Holy Grenade]"

You used 2 000 fear points to buy [Holy Grenades]

In the throes of desperation, Auguste clutched a small, gleaming sphere in his hand – a holy grenade pulsating with radiant energy. The Lich, momentarily caught off guard, recoiled at the sudden surge of divine brilliance. The vampire hurled the grenade into the heart of the spectral melee.

A blinding explosion of light engulfed the chamber, scattering shadows like frightened phantoms. The radiant burst incinerated the black knights, their cursed armor reduced to ash in the purifying flames. The Lich, his malevolent form writhing in agony, withered beneath the onslaught of holy power.

Auguste, caught in the epicenter of the celestial detonation, felt the searing light pierce through him. The vampire's body absorbed the divine energy, a paradoxical dance between the supernatural and the profane. The Lich's haunting laughter turned to anguished wails as the very essence of darkness was cleansed by the luminous explosion.

You received a lethal attack by Yourself ! [Black Gold Bracelet] consumed 3 000 fears point to negate it. You have 0 fear points left.

You have not enough points to negate all the damages.

-100 HP

You are inflicted with Holy Debuff for 48 Hours

In the aftermath, the chamber lay in eerie silence, the remnants of the once-mighty undead now reduced to fragments of spectral memory. Auguste, battered and scorched, stood amidst the dissipating glow, the Bathori Blade still gleaming with eldritch potency. The victory, hard-won and costly, echoed through the hallowed emptiness.

As the brilliance of the celestial detonation began to wane, revealing the scorched remnants of the once-terrifying Lich and his ethereal minions, a sudden, unexpected noise shattered the quietude. The distant rumble of a powerful engine grew louder, steadily approaching the now-desolate chamber.

From the shadows emerged Captain Smoker, the stalwart Marine, astride a formidable motorcycle. The gleam of his Jitte reflected the residual light from the recent explosion as he surveyed the aftermath of the conflict. Captain Smoker, ever vigilant and drawn by the tumultuous sounds of battle, had arrived in the nick of time. The air crackled with tension as he took in the surreal tableau before him, preparing for whatever revelations or confrontations the aftermath might unveil.


Tell me with your reviews what you think about the pairings ! I'm not decided yet !