| pi-rate (py'-reht) (fr. Lat.
pirata, fr. Greek Peirates, fr. Peiran to attempt - more at fear) - N. Often regarded as barbarous mercenaries, pirates are often found in large sailing ships of the Caribbean, most particularly in the port of Tortuga. Members of a pirate crew generally work on a deck, an area where heavy sails attached to a series of battens are held overhead by a network of carefully-designed rigging. Pirates are easily recognized by their beards, their numerous battle injuries, and their continual drinking of rum. Those who think a pirate's life is filled with leisure have never watched them work. A pirate's job requires nerves of steel and split-second timing. There is no margin for error in their work, no going back to correct a mistake; they know a single error on their part can be enough to crash the ship on the rocks. Accordingly, they have spent long years perfecting their skills. The typical pirate carries one or more deadly weapons at all times, and will not hesitate to use them. Pirates often begin as tradesmen, such as shipwrights or sailors. They often turn to careers in piracy because of the lure of easy money. Although often well-educated, pirates must serve apprenticeships lasting many years before being able to serve aboard a good ship. In spite of their formidable training and abilities, however, pirates are generally regarded as barbarous, treacherous, loathsome, backbiting, evil, twisted scum. They take some small measure of pride in this. For more information about pirates, we recommend reading Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini. |
stage-hand (stayj-hãnd)
(fr. Sax. estage, fr. (assumed) V.Lat. staticum to stand; + OE hand,
akin to OHG hant hand) N. Often regarded as barbarous mercenaries, stagehands are often found in large flagship theatres of the Northwest, most particularly in the port of Seattle. Members of a stagehand crew generally work on a deck, an area where heavy scenery attached to a series of battens is held overhead by a network of carefully-designed rigging. Stagehands are easily recognized by their beards, their numerous occupational injuries, and their continual drinking of triple mocha espressos. Those who think a stagehand's life is filled with leisure have never watched them work. A stagehand's job requires nerves of steel and split-second timing. There is no margin for error in their work, no going back to correct a mistake; they know a single error on their part can be enough to bring the production to a halt. Accordingly, they have spent long years perfecting their skills. The typical stagehand carries one or more college degrees at all times, and will not hesitate to use them. Stagehands often begin as tradesmen, such as carpenters or electricians. They often turn to careers in theatre in spite of the complete lack of easy money. Although often well-educated, stagehands must serve apprenticeships lasting many years before being able to get jobs where they can pay their rent. In spite of their formidable training and abilities, however, stagehands are generally regarded as barbarous, treacherous, loathsome, backbiting, evil, twisted scum. They take some small measure of pride in this. For more information about stagehands, we recommend reading Scene Design and Stage Lighting by Rafael Sabatini. |