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Andrekan
Seeker
65 Posts |
 Posted - 22 Mar 2011 : 04:39:19
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North Carolina, we have Bath and Ocracoke Island. But I know he did a number down in the Port of Charleston.
Ocracoke Island in September all of the "Former" Pirates gathered and had a pig pickin' with plenty a keg I'm sure, it was Ed Teach's retirement party. A few years later he went back to his old ways and fell for the trap with his skeleton crew. After his head was cut off they threw his body in the water, named Teach's Hole, where the story says it swam around the ship a few times before sinking. He was charismatic and cunning but harshly cruel, from some of the other stories I've read. |
"Those two talk only of drink, riches, women, brawling, and magic, so ye've a one in five chance..." Quote from "Elminster in Hell" |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2011 : 05:35:21
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Bad guess on my part...I knew it had to be one of the Carolinas.
I'm from Virginia originally...used to upset me when people said Pirates only sailed in the Caribbean. It was the Governor of Virginia that did ol' BB in!
I love pirates...playing one now actually in a game that Kuje from here on Candlekeep is running.
Back on topic: Pirate stereotypes are actually fun to play...but I'd throw twists as well.
Nothing says pirate like a peg-legged Dwarf strapped on with a bandolier of pistols, a heavy beard and an eye patch as he swings away with a "boarding axe" (Dwarven War-Axe) in one hand and whipping out pistol after pistol in the other to blast away! |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Lily M Green
Learned Scribe
Australia
115 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2011 : 16:23:56
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quote:
Originally posted by wintermute27
I've always liked the idea of a dandy nobleman who is secretly the captain of a rather ruthless band of were-rat pirates (think The Scarlet Pimpernel). Just one of those ideas written down in my DM's notebook during a campaign brainstorming session that I never got around to fleshing out or using...
You've been reading Frenchman's Creek, haven't you. 
Actually Jean-Benoit Aubrey's character and exploits might be a good source to plunder for inspiration. Dependent on your PC's you could... act on behalf of the 'local nobility' to bring an end to his audacious pirate raids and 'rescue' the Lady wife of one of the Lords, who they believe the pirate captain has taken hostage. However she has actually gone willingly and takes part in the raids. Or you could act with the pirate in the raids, designed to make fools of the local nobility and law enforcement. As a character he's interesting because he's charismatic, well educated and - he believes - beholden to no one, and his piracy is born out of boredom, not because he's particularly wicked or desperate. And of course there's always the romantic sub-plot to play out if you so desire? |
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
A Dark Alliance - Beyond Baldur's Gate |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2011 : 20:07:19
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Thanks for that idea, Lily. It's simple but effective. Hmm . . .
You raise a good point about tailoring it to my PCs--let me tell everyone who/what we've got:
The captain: male human (Dragon Coast) rogue/swashbuckler. It should be noted that he's into the boyz, not the girlz, making romantic subplots a little interesting for him. In fact, the player has written a narrative backstory for him, if anyone's curious: http://community.wizards.com/zephsright/blog/2011/03/14/backstory_for_my_gay_pirate!
The first mate: male human (Calimshan) monk/sorcerer. This guy is exotic, mysterious, taciturn, and has a way with the ladies that strong silent types often do. (The high charisma doesn't hurt!)
The navigator: male human (Dragon Coast) cleric of Valkur. This guy is a professional sailor who seems born to the sea.
The twins: female elf (Yuirwood) bard/ranger and female elf (Yuirwood) bard/druid. These elves are twin sisters exiled/on the run from their family in the unapproachable east: their primary motivation is to seek out their sister/cousin (I think she's a half-elf) who they've heard is sailing the Sea of Fallen Stars. The druid of the pair boasts a staff taken from the living wood of a great tree of her homeland, which enhances her druidic powers. The ranger carries a bow she took from her former betrothed--a great elf hunter.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2011 : 20:18:38
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| Your players don't like sticking to a single class either, eh? |
[/Ayrik] |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2011 : 20:45:07
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Nope! Multiclassing is the 3.5 way. 
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4458 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2011 : 14:13:14
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I'm suprised no one mentioned the idea of a Ghost Ship in the Sea of Fallen Stars. I mean, it's a classic pirates tale!!!
Another idea is battling great sea-monsters like Giant Octopus, Sharks, and even Levithians! I did a quick Sea-faring adventure for my group (on board the Sea Sprite no less) that was attacked by a Giant Squid. It was so funny to watch our Scout tumbling about the deck skirmishing the tenticles as they tried to grapple him. Then the druid went and set off a Flaming Sphere......on the deck....made of wood....*tsk tsk*. Suffice to say, after the beast was killed (it might have fled after taking some serious damage, I can't remember) the group was quickly put to port the next day, lol. Robillard was not very happy to say the least.
I'd also suggest perusing the supplement Stormwrack for additional content on boats, sea-faring mechanics, equipment (yay Shark armor!!), and even Prestige Classes and Monsters. It's really great for any sea-campaign no matter the edition (I used it for my 4E adventure to some heavy extent).
I would also play up the Druid of the party becoming accustomed to the sea and the creatures there in. I'm not sure what her Animal Companion is but she might want to change it to a ocean creature in the future and gain some spells that help with swimming, breathing underwater, and keeping the wood of the ship in good condition. Might want to make sure she keeps weather-based spells (Fog Cloud, Gust of Wind, Sleet Storm, Control Water, etc...) on hand or in wands.
Hope some of this helps you Erik.
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Nope! Multiclassing is the 3.5 way.
QFT! |
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Lily M Green
Learned Scribe
Australia
115 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2011 : 16:25:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Thanks for that idea, Lily. It's simple but effective. Hmm . . .
 Y' welcome, but really I can't claim much credit. It's Daphne Du Maurier's for the most part and somewhat oversimplified at that.
quote:
You raise a good point about tailoring it to my PCs--let me tell everyone who/what we've got:
The captain: male human (Dragon Coast) rogue/swashbuckler. It should be noted that he's into the boyz, not the girlz, making romantic subplots a little interesting for him. In fact, the player has written a narrative backstory for him, if anyone's curious: http://community.wizards.com/zephsright/blog/2011/03/14/backstory_for_my_gay_pirate!
Well, reading that backstory I'd imagine it's possible that our Captain could have his head turned by an Aubrey type...
Also prompted by the backstory and thinking along the Du Maurier / Cornwall lines... There are plenty of stories of pirates, smugglers and wreckers from that area to provide a good plot hook (bad pun intended) and one particularly villainous individual who springs to mind is Coppinger The Dane. Like all good tales. Coppinger is alleged to have had a degree of the supernatural about him and his child was born without a soul in judgement of his wicked deeds. The link I've included features an old ballad about Coppinger but 'Coppinger' and 'Feather in a Storm' are a couple of recent songs by Seth Lakeman you might find interesting.
quote:
The first mate: male human (Calimshan) monk/sorcerer. This guy is exotic, mysterious, taciturn, and has a way with the ladies that strong silent types often do. (The high charisma doesn't hurt!)
Ha! *Some* of us are far too level-headed to be swayed by such...Oooh pretty. Monk/Sorcerer mmmmmm 
quote:
The navigator: male human (Dragon Coast) cleric of Valkur. This guy is a professional sailor who seems born to the sea.
quote:
The twins: female elf (Yuirwood) bard/ranger and female elf (Yuirwood) bard/druid. These elves are twin sisters exiled/on the run from their family in the unapproachable east: their primary motivation is to seek out their sister/cousin (I think she's a half-elf) who they've heard is sailing the Sea of Fallen Stars.
There's an NPC candidate here I can think of but you're no doubt way ahead of me!
Hope some of this proves useful? I love the theme!
EDITED: Because I shouldn't post when I'm (supposed to be) doing other things.
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Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
A Dark Alliance - Beyond Baldur's Gate |
Edited by - Lily M Green on 28 Mar 2011 18:59:10 |
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Icelander
Master of Realmslore
1864 Posts |
Posted - 16 Nov 2016 : 10:03:31
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I've been re-reading the Pirates of the Fallen Stars in preparation for more closely detailing the various pirate captains and leaders that the PCs are now allied with, after their defeat and mind-controlling of Vurgrom the Mighty and their contract with Azla of the Black Champion.
I've also been viewing the excellent Black Sails, which shows how very interesting and gamable the democratic traditions and Articles of Agreement of historical pirates in the 17th and 18th century can be.
Rather than merely a dictatorial captain and a crew that can be mutinous but has no way to express legitimate dissent, one has a democratically elected captain, along with a democratically elected quartermaster serving in the role of crew's representative, distributor of booty and purchasing agents for all ship supplies. The captain's word is the sole law in combat, but as he can be deposed by vote any time the ship reaches shore, it is a dim-witted captain who does not listen carefully to his quartermaster and crew at all times when there is time for consultation.
I was wondering if any gamemasters who had featured piracy on the Inner Sea in their campaigns had featured pirate crews willingly accepting Articles of Association in order to sail on a given ship, under a given captain, and been able to depose an unpopular captain by vote ashore. And whether anyone had tried having Quartermasters have a role similar to the role of historical pirate Quartermasters, |
Za uspiekh nashevo beznadiozhnovo diela!
Forgotten Realms fans, please sign a petition to re-release the FR Interactive Atlas
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Edited by - Icelander on 16 Nov 2016 10:06:43 |
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AuldDragon
Senior Scribe
USA
577 Posts |
Posted - 17 Nov 2016 : 20:36:15
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Dungeon magazine had a few adventures that specifically took place in the Sea of Fallen Stars (and more that were generic pirate fare):
#48 - The Oracle at Sumbar
#63 - Huzza's Goblin o' War
#66 - Operation Manta Ray
#79 - The Akriloth
Might be good to mine for NPCs, local flavor/history, spinoffs/sequels, or just update and run as written.
Jeff |
My 2nd Edition blog: http://blog.aulddragon.com/
My streamed AD&D Spelljamer sessions: https://www.youtube.com/user/aulddragon/playlists?flow=grid&shelf_id=18&view=50
"That sums it up in a nutshell, AuldDragon. You make a more convincing argument. But he's right and you're not." |
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Elren_Wolfsbane
Learned Scribe
USA
111 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2016 : 22:47:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Ahoy and well met!
So I'm starting up a 1375-1384ish campaign soon that revolves around a group of privateers (the PCs) in the (at least ostensible) employ of the kingdom of Cormyr.
They're a crew of buccaneers sailing the waters of the Sea of Fallen Stars, preying on Sembian/Netherese ships, killing pirates, rooting out conspiracies against the Crown, and seeking out treasures for the treasury of the Purple Dragon (and a modest cut). They make their main berth in Westgate, which is where their Cormyrean highknight contact meets up with them and gives them missions for the crown.
I have a few ideas for potential story hooks and adventures (Night Masks, cold war with Cormyr and Netheril, sahuagin vs. aquatic elves, etc.), but you guys give me great ideas, and I'd love to open it up to suggestions. What challenges might they face? What intrigues should they find themselves in too deep? What sunken treasures should they discover--and what guardians might await?
They start at 8th level, so appropriate challenges are a plus.
Cheers
EDIT: Oh, and if you're Brian James, you're the cleric in the party and you should stop reading now!
This sounds really neat. I can't think of a huge plot twist at the moment, but I'd love to see a kraken type creature.. or an unknown mist that kills the crew one by one posing as their loved ones.
Anyway. I hope it goes well and we get to hear all about it :) |
Aa' lasser en`coialle n`natula brown.
(May the leaves of your life tree never turn brown)
-Elren Wolfsbane |
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Pirates of the Fallen Stars
