Young Writers Society

Welcome, one and all, to the Roland Troupe.

Setting

The majority of this story will take place in London, England, 1857 AD. You live in one of the shadiest parts of the city. Robberies, murders, and crime are not at all foreign to you. You must guard your interests fiercely, or you will have them taken from you. Law enforcement is virtually non-existent here. If the police do come into the picture, they usually do more harm than good. They are a corrupt and misinformed force.

Your Role

You are London's lowest. You are the criminals and rogues that lie in the gutters of the city, waiting for your prey. And, for one reason or another, the law is after you. You've had a hard life. Every day you have to compete in the daily struggle to survive. Some of you may be honorable than others, but you all have resorted to crime to make a living. This life is all you've ever known, but all is about to change for you...

The Plot

Richard Roland. You've never heard his name before. But, one way or another, you come across this very odd man. Roland saves you. He lets you into his home, feeds you, gives you warm clothes. But all is not free. Roland requires service in exchange for his generosity. Roland gives you very little choice in the matter. You have been enlisted into the Roland Acting Troupe.

What happens from here on out is up to you.

Rules

No God-Modding, please. It isn't fun for anyone.
Romance is fine (and encouraged) as long as it stays PG-13. No descriptive sex.
Swearing is allowed, considering your characters background. But keep it reasonable.
KEEP THE GENDER RATIO EQUAL.
Posts need to be reasonable length. I don't want any 2-3 sentence posts.
If you have any questions, PM me.

Character Profiles

I'd like to have 6-10 characters in this storybook.



OPEN SPOTS:
Boys:
1. Richard Roland (phantom of the potter)
2. Julian (*coco)
3. Reuben (LaurenOutLoud)
4. Isaac (mizz-iceburg)
5. Jedidiah Houston (Kelcia)

Girls:
1. Mouse (phantom of the potter)
2. Helen (Kaywiia)
3. Jessa (ninjacookiemonster)
4. Bet Miller (Dreamy115)

**I'll add more spots as necessary.

Link to the DT: http://www.youngwriterssociety.com/topic68290.html

I think that is it. JOIN! **ATTENTION** At this point, this storybook is closed to new characters. If you still have a burning desire to join, please PM me your profile. I may have a spot for you, if I like what I see.

Name: Richard Roland

Age: 25

Gender: Male

Appearance: http://frauluminara.deviantart.com/art/Victorian-time-97081372?q=boost%3Apopular+victorian+man&qo=3

Roland is tall and thin, with very pointed features. He keeps himself as well groomed as he can afford to. He has dark brown hair and eyes.

Personality: Roland keeps everyone guessing at his true intentions. He is very self-serving and selfish. But, every once in a while, Roland will have a spark of compassion. He is very protective of what is his (and he views his actors as his possessions.) He is a brilliant man, intelligence-wise. It takes a very good lie to fool him. Roland can be brutal and blunt at points, and suave and silky at others. He can also come across as insane at points (which he very well may be.)But Roland is very dedicated to his art.

History: Roland is very selective with who he tells his full and detailed history to. What is commonly known, however, is that Roland was going to have his play performed for England's royal family. But something happened, and Roland was stripped of his title and wealth. Roland is now struggling to find enough actors to put on his play for the normal citizens of London.

Crimes: N/A

Up for Love: No

Other: He treats Mouse as his pet more than anything else. Mouse refers to him as "Sir" at all times.


Name: "Mouse" (Obviously this is not her birth name.)

Age: 18

Gender: Female

Appearance: http://isabellaam.deviantart.com/art/Civil-Poor-Girl-153365488?q=boost%3Apopular+poor+girl&qo=22

Mouse is very lithe and muscular. Her face is almost always covered in dirt smudges, and her face is pocketed with the marks of acne. She's got mousy brown hair and hazel eyes. Mouse keeps her hair short for convenience, and is often mistaken for a boy. Mouse prefers it that way. She'll wear male clothes to disguise her gender better. It allows her to pass through the streets, nearly invisible. Roland has bought her one dress that Mouse will wear if she absolutely must. She is also an incredibly short stature.

Personality: Mouse is fiery and hot-tempered. She does not trust people, and is extremely protective of Roland. She is ruthless and cold at her worst, irritable and mistrustful at her best. Mouse follows Roland everywhere. She acts as his personal bodyguard, side-kick, and enforcer. Insult Roland within Mouse's earshot, and expect to be killed or mortally wounded. Unless Roland calls her off, of course. Mouse is a force of nature, and very difficult to comprehend. Deep down, however, there is a normal girl whose life has been nothing but misery since she was born.

History: Mouse does not talk about her past to anyone except Roland. She won't tell what Roland did to earn her unwavering loyalty.

Crimes: Again, no one really knows, and Mouse certainly won't tell. She's got some very nasty scars, however, that tell of a very violent past.

Up for Love: Yes

Other: She refers to Roland as "Sir" and is very rarely not at his side. He treats her like a pet, and she somewhat acts the part of a loyal guard dog.

Name: Helen

Age: 19

Gender: Female

Appearance:

Personality: She is sinister, and a bit dark. She usually wants things her way, but can compromise. She looks at things very literally, and is very greedy. She is sharp when she speaks, and a bit sarcastic. She is a very good liar, and therefore an excellent actress. She was actually payed, in a sense, to lie to people. You never know whether she is telling the truth or not, and she usually isn't. Her real name is actually Maxine, but she didn't like the name and goes by Helen. She used a lot of different names, though, over time. She is very stubborn, but also very intelligent.

History: She was born to a wealthy family, but ran away when she was little. She thought she could make it on her own in London. When she figured out she couldn't, her stubbornness ruled her and kept her from going home. She grew acquainted with a man named Lucian Walker. He taught her how to kill people quickly and without leaving any clues. He was hired by rich people to kill people they wanted to get rid of. She got into the "business" too, and made a lot of money quickly. She was a girl, and no one suspected her. Lucian was caught and hanged a year ago. Because of her "job" she has a bit more money than most people in the gutters. She is usually pretty well dressed because of the fact that she has money/keeps the outfits she wears when she kills people. She usually goes undercover as a maid or lady-in-waiting.

Crimes: she kills people for money, and steals to feed herself

Up for Love: uh, we'll see

Other: she can read very well

Every seen Oliver? Roland's a bit like Fagin, hm? I'll call a girl.

Name: Jessamine, goes by Jessa.

Age: 18

Gender: female

Appearance: Wavy, almost dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. Not especially tall or short, but skinny and not incredibly curvy, near always with a mischievous smirk on her face.



Personality: Spunky and outgoing, almost never serious, fun loving, risktaker, hyperactive and easily bored and distracted. She's loving and generous, though, if disrespectful and sassy. She acts like she's nine, but with a lot more maturity... if that makes sense. See, she sees life as a game, and is bubbly and perky, but she's very smart and smooth talking. That's one of her best skills- she's a con artist, and can talks someone into doing almost anything.

History: Her mother was wealthy, and her father... wasn't her mother's husband. When she was born, striking such a resemblance to her father, her mother's husband ordered she be given away, disowned, and forever forgotten. Her father was hung within the week. She was kept at an overrun orphanage, never fed enough, impoverished and mistreated, until she slipped out at age nine.

She made her merry way (even then, she was perky) to an inn, where the innkeeper's wife hid her in the cellar, feeding and caring for her. But her mother's husband found out about this (quite a grudge holder, he was) and killed the woman, and scaring Jessa to the streets. She picked up the art of lying quickly after a man asked if she had come from the inn- she told him seamlessly that she was lost, could he take her to the nearest tavern?

By the age of eleven, she was well connected with every street gang in her part of town, regarded well by even the elder criminals. She was talking people out of their money easier each day, and performing as well, putting on dance and drum and whatever she felt like, basically, on every corner. She didn't hold on to the money for long, though, giving it to people lower than even her, and stealing it all back from shops and nobles that passed through. A con, a thief, disowned and hunted, Jessa was at her peak.

Crimes: Conning, thievery, trespassing, conspiracy, homicide (she swears the last was an accident).

Up for Love: Yep- if she doesn't drive you insane first.

Other: Lies, steals, and cons as easy as she breathes; even her ragged dress has a beauty and air to it that only she could give. Likes cats and often will do something deemed against the rules purely out of spite or boredom. Doesn't mind being in the troupe- she's a performer by nature. In fact, she rather likes being able to do it without the risk of being arrested and hung.

Name: Bet Miller
Age: 18

Gender:female

Appearance: Bet's about five six, with flaming red hair and piercing blue eyes. She's thin and athletic from a life on the streets.

Personality: Bet's taken so many blows in her life, she's just given herself up to the cruelness in the world. IN her mind, nobody can be trusted, nothing is safe nor sacred. People are there to be swindled. She's always had a flair for the dramaic, and has usen her ample acting and lying skills to get herself out of many scrapes.

History: The world hasn't been good to Bet. She was born on the streets and immediately given to a workhouse. her early years are nothing but a blur of pain, sweat, blood, and an ever-present throbbing in her empty stomach. On her fifth birthday, and grabbed a candle and burned the place down, sprinting out onto the streets. She spent two years with a band of thieves, learning the ways of thievery. By the time she was seven, she was among the best pickpockets in London and there wasn't a lock she couldn't pick. She was only caught a few times when she was little, and could always turn on the charm and weasel her way out of it. When she was twelve, a thief tried to assault her. That was the first person she ever killed, and she was never quite the same. She's spent years pickpocketing and breaking into the homes of London's finest, never again getting caught- until recently. That was where Roland stepped in.

Crimes: Thievery, breaking and entering, illegal buying and distribution of weapons and alcohol, trespassing, murder.

Up for Love: Um... well, it'll be incredibly hard to earn her trust, but if you can get through to her, then sure.

Other:She's never without a few knives on her, and her trusty flask of gin.

Name: Julian - known in the criminal world as "The Chameleon"

Age: 20

Appearance:



Personality: Young, chameleonic and comical - Julian is a carefree life-enjoyer whose charming personality and handsome features has made him popular with the women. But past the charm and good-looks, Julian has a dark past. His years as a professional thief has gifted him with the ability to disguise himself whenever necessary in order to infiltrate both the world of noble elites to the thugs of London's underworld network of thieves. His years as a professional thief has also brought with it a vast amount of knowledge on everything and anything about the inhabitants of the city, as well as all the right connections from the very elite to the poor. Since joining the troupe his laid-back behaviour and occasional carelessness has often put him at the receiving-end of Richard's many mood-swings. Despite this he has great respect for the man who took him in when no-one else would and who showed him a new life when he thought all hope was gone.

History: Was an orphan, and raised by THE GUILD BROTHERS, one of London's most notorious and feared band of thieves. By the age of 18, he became a well-known professional thief, stealing from both the rich as well as the many rival guilds. He soon gained the nick name "the chameleon" for his incredible ability to disguise himself in order to catch his prey. However, when he turned 19, he was framed for the murder of one of the senior leaders of THE GUILD BROTHERS, after-which he went on the run from not only vengeful guild members, but the law too. He spent months in hiding, only to be surrounded one night in an alley by THE GUILD BROTHERS. He thought he would die then and there, but then Roland saved him and took him in. He owes him his life.

Crimes: Thievery, impersonation, murder (though he didn't commit it)

Up for Love: Why not

Others: He has a cockney accent, typical of low-class London citizens. He also has a tattoo on the back of his wrist from his days as a member of THE GUILD BROTHERS. His favourite disguise is that of a police officer - it holds many benefits, mainly the ability to arrest any one and everyone at any time.

Name: Reuben
Age: 21
Gender: Male
Appearance: dark brown hair (almost black), hazel eyes, pale skin, about 5 (almost 6) inches below average height
Personality: quick tmpered, he's usually quiet, but if you get him worked up he'll yell like there's no tomorrow, he can seem stuck up at times and it's hard to get him to trust you, it is possible for him to be loyal and caring though, and you mainly only see these traits when he's with animals.
History: Reuben was born into a wealthy family, at 5 his parents were assassinated and he was kidnapped. He was sold by his abductors and worked as a farm boy and lived a similar life to a slave. At 14 he managed to escape and make his way to a city; where he began a life of crime. He was in a fight with another low-life, and well,the other low-life was winning. Roland stepped in before things got any worse. The other fled once Roland came into view and Reuben was picked up off the streets (to tired to run).
Crimes: stealing valuable items to sell, starting fights, anything else he's done he keeps it secret
Up for Love: sure
Other: his favourite animals are types of birds and dogs, he has a small love for vodka, and he is quite sensitive about his height.

Okay, everyone! We just need one more guy before we can start! On a side note - If any of you have specific ways you'd like you characters to be recruited, PM me.

If anyone wants to take a second character, feel free. If we do not get a guy, we'll be starting on August 18th anyway.

we gonna do this??

Was gonna ask the same question

*Ugh, sorry this is late, guys. Life.

Mouse

Mouse paced the run-down theater's insides, little swirls of dust dancing around her feet with every step. She and Roland had taken over the building nearly a month ago, now. It had been abandoned for decades. All that really needed to be taken care of was getting rid of the rats and the homeless that had taken shelter in its confines.

Still, it was too big for Mouse's tastes. She didn't like it. There were too many holes in the place, and Mouse couldn't tell if there were more "rats" lurking in the shadows. And Mouse wasn't talking about the rodents.

Sir, however, was positively humming with excitement. He'd told Mouse that his play was nearly complete. He just needed actors, now. Mouse hadn't seen the man so cheerful since they met nearly a year ago.

As for now, Sir was bent over his master copy of the script, making checks and adding things in.

The building creaked. Mouse heard a door slam just outside of the auditorium. She darted over to Sir, protectively, looking wildly to see where the sound had come from.

It was the boy. "The Chameleon". Julian. Mouse's lip curled.

"Where have you been?" she snarled, taking a step forward. Sir looked up at Mouse sharply.

"Quiet," he hissed, pulling her back. Mouse glanced at him quickly before glaring grudgingly at Julian. Julian flashed her a glance before turning to Sir.

"Have you seen any potentials?" Sir demanded, closing the script sharply. Julian nodded.

"Indeed I have," he said smugly. Mouse gave a low growl.

**Okay. So. Just post where your character is in London, and we'll start to pick you up.

Jessa

"Richie, see that priss on the corner?"

"I see 'er."

"She's the target." I shoved a wicker basket into Richie's arms. Several round stones were underneath the flannel blanket I had thrown over it, making it look like there were rolls and bread underneath it. I'd even talked the baker into giving me the basket so it even smelled like bread. "I want you to just run by her and around the corner, and into Marty's. Got it?"

"Gotcha, Jess."

"Good. Now, go!"

I pushed Richie forward, and he bolted into the street. One, two, three, four, go. I ran after him on my count, shouting and over exaggerating my movements. I pretended to fall over a loose cobblestone and stage-fell at the rich woman's feet. This was a semi-nice part of town, right by the old theater and rich houses, but with its nasty bits too. I happened to live in the nastier side.

"Girl, did you know that boy?"

I fake-sobbed and wiped away tears that weren't there. "No, but he stole me and my brother's food! We haven't eaten in days, milady, and now we have nothing." I bit my lip and rubbed my cheekbone.

"Well, my dear, have this, then," the lady said, dipping down to hand me a loaf of bread, still warm.

"Thank you, milady!" I cried before sprinting around the corner, into the back alley we had named Marty's. I ripped the bread into fourths, gave one to Richie and the other two to his younger twin brothers, and started on my own. I looked up and caught the eye of a shady looking man. I raised an eyebrow.

"Yes?"

*Yay! We've started *

Julian

I cocked my head to the side and smiled at Mouse’s reaction. “You alright there, little one?” I teased. “Sounds like you’ve got a bit of a sore throat coming along.” I saw her lip curl in anger. She was always so easy to wind up.

“Alright, you two, enough...” Roland said, shooting Mouse a look of warning before facing me again. “So, what are the names of these potentials you’ve managed to discover?”

“Well...” I began, rubbing my hands excitedly. “The first one is a smokin’ li’l red-head that goes by the name of Bet Miller. She’s spent two years with a band of thieves from the Lower Towns-”

Mouse rolled her eyes and held back a scoff. “Sir, please, the last thing we need is another thief!”

It was quite clear who she was referring to. Hey, they didn’t call me “The Chameleon” for nothing.

“Quiet!” Roland ordered.

“Sir,” Mouse mumbled apologetically, before glaring up at me.

Visibly amused, I continued. “The red head is also quite the actress. In the few days that I’ve been following her she’s managed to lie her way out of everything from paying for food to getting arrested.”

“Hmm...” Roland began, slowly stroking his chin. “And who else have you managed to discover?”

“My next find is a very classy young lady. She’s the former student of Lucien Walker, an old mate of mine who was recently hung. She goes by a lot of names, but most people know her as Helen. She’s built up quite a reputation over the years. From what I’ve heard she’s an excellent liar, apparently the best Lucien’s ever taught...”

I took Roland’s silence as permission to continue.

“Last but not least, we have Reuben. A former rich boy turned criminal. He has a little temper on him and he’s known for getting into a lot of fights, but apart from that he’s usually quite quiet...a bit of a loner, actually...” I rolled my head over at Mouse and smiled cheekily. She snarled in response.

Roland remained silent for several seconds, apparently taking in all the information I had given him as he paced slowly up and down the run-down stage. “Well...” he finally said, “we will certainly be needing one more person before we can begin rehearsals, but I suppose those four will do for now. Excellent job, Julian.”

I shrugged as if to say it was nothing. “You know me, Roland. I aim to please.”

With a click of his fingers, Roland signalled for Mouse to bring him his coat, and, like the obedient little pup that she was, she unflinchingly obeyed.

“Let us begin with the recruitment!” Roland declared enthusiastically, before leading the way out of the auditorium, picking up his infamous black walking stick on the way out. “Come on! We haven’t a moment to waste!”

“Right you are, boss!” I called after him, before turning to Mouse and stepping aside for her to pass. “After you, sweetheart,” I smiled, bowing mockingly.

She rolled her eyes with a huff and raised her chin high into the air, before scurrying out of the auditorium to catch up with her beloved ‘sir’.

Baring a cheeky grin, I followed her out.

Helen

My footsteps echoed down the empty hall. I was so close, so close, to my goal. This was my most challenging case yet, but I was being paid well. From the profits of this I would likely be eating good for a week. The money felt light, tied in a small bag around my thigh, hidden under my many skirts. Paid in advance, just like always. But I didn't disappoint, never had, and this wouldn't be an exception. I had a reputation to uphold.

I knocked on the door, "Ah, Elizabeth, come in." I entered, and bowed.

"My liege. How may I serve you?" The words came out soft, gentle, exactly the way I intended. The man smiled, and shook his head at what he thought was my foolishness. I'm smarter than you, though you'll never know.

"Come, Liz, we are more comfortable than that. Come here, give me a kiss." I walked over to him, but I didn't kiss him. I pulled a dagger out of the top of dress, and plunged it through his chest. He made a noise that sounded like a mouse being stepped on, and collapsed. I dug around in his pockets, and was disappointed at first to find he had no valuables on him.

Then, I found a small box. Inside it was a rather large ruby necklace. I put it on, and admired it in the light. It would fetch a good price, not doubt. Two weeks of good eating in one little necklace. The rich folks had no idea what one little trinket like this could mean to someone like me. It meant food, and food meant staying alive. And if I ran out of food, I always had a job to do. For some reason, someone always wanted someone else dead. I didn't get into the personal stuff. I did what I had to do to stay alive, and so far I was doing a pretty good job.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps down the hallway. From the sound of it, it was two full grown men. Not two people I really wanted to get into a fight with. I took the door on the other side of the room, and inched down a hallway.

Once the coast was clear, I ran out of the building and fled down an alleyway. The other maids would discover soon enough what happened. They would report, and it would be one more death on my list. I didn't feel the burden I had once felt after a murder. Now, it was a freedom, a job well done. I was the best killer, the best liar, Lucian had every taught.

And no one could stop me.