RP- The Frigate Fleet

[DezNutz]

Larboard is another name for port

Actually it's a reference to the side of the ship that was used for cargo, which was the left side. It was never used for directions.

In the Royal Navy it was not until 1844 that larboard was abandoned for port in reference to that side of the ship. The term port however had always been used when referring to the helm (ie. sailing direction), in order to avoid any confusion between starboard and larboard in such an important matter.

[Meliva]

The lookout spots the plume of smoke and the admiral begins sailing towards it, ordering his men to be ready to blast any pirate they see. He tells the other ship they can join, or they can go elsewhere.

[Jack Teach]

The ship follows, one other British frigate follows.

[Meliva]

wait, where the hell did the other 2 frigates come from. I'm pretty sure if the lookout spotted the one frigate they would have spotted the other 2 also. You can't just pull 2 more ships out of nowhere like that jack.

[DezNutz]

Meanwhile at the origin of the smoke plume....

2 large frigates and 2 frigates sail at a distance of a Merchantman that appears to be on fire. A Sloop of War is tied to the Merchantman engaged in boarding actions. The Captain of the SoW yells at his crew

Hurry up! Hunters will be here shortly. We need to be ready or our trap won't work. Get movin'.

[Meliva]

The Admiral spots a messenger pigeon in the distance, it arrives and hands him a note, stating his request for reinforcements has been approved, and that 5 more frigates are being sent now-they should arrive within half a day at the latest. He nods happy and sends it back. He orders 2 of his frigates to spread outward, just within lookout spotting distance, and orders them to scout their areas. The other 4 and his large frigate moves onward to the smoke. He orders 2 of the remaining 4 to go forward and be prepared to fight.

[Jack Teach]

They were hidden in the mist, which is a quite strong mist. If you feel that that is too much, I shall have it be only one extra ship.

the two sixty gun frigates sail in a battle line towards the smoke, the mist has cleared away now and has moved elsewhere. The commodore is a tall, thin, handsome, very tan man of thirty two. His uniform is completely clean, his tricorne hat sitting firmly on his head, it's gold cockade shining in the sun. His face is grim. He looks at the sails finding them perfectly taught and ready. His eyes narrow as he thinks of the attack. He thinks to himself. "This could very well be a trap."

Lieutenant, be prepare both broadsides. Those damn pirates are crafty buggers and I'd like us to ready for any eventuality.

Down below both broadsides are readied, so that the gun crews may rush to either side if necessary.

[Meliva]

The scouting Frigates are nearing the origin of the smoke. THey are prepared to fight as soon as they see any pirates. Their lookouts are prepared to signal the rest of the fleet of what they find. The outer frigates keep a close eye on the horizon, scanning for any ships and ready to signal the main force of any ships they spot.

[Jack Teach]

The commodore looks around through the smoke, his eyes searching. He paces around quietly saying to himself

What's causing this smoke? A fire ship? A fire ship.

His eyes widen with realization. He looks to his first Lieutenant.

Mr. Jackson, I'd like to hail the hunters Admiral, something appears to be amiss.

A signal flag is run up to the flagship, requesting a ship to ship conversation between the two commanders.

Damn it! I should've done this sooner

[Meliva]

Admiral Reginald has his ships halt, while keeping an eye out for any ships that may be approaching. His flagship heads back as he meets them to converse. He orders his lieutenant to send a message to send some cutters or sloops from Aiora if possible. He curses under his breath mumbling to himself.

Should have brought some smaller ships to serve as scouts. I'm getting too old for this, mind isn't as sharp as it used to be. Should probably turn in a resignation after this.

He snaps to attention and nods while continuing to mumble to himself.

Won't be able to resign if I keep spacing out. Gotta focus.

He calls to the commodore.

Commodore James, right? I'm Admiral Reginald. A bit of good news is we have some ships coming to help reinforce us, 5 more frigates. I sent another messenger pigeon to send us some cutters or sloops to serve as scouts. Hopefully they send them. But you know how politicians can be at times. Took ages for me get this much sent.