Your crew is sitting, joking, and laughing around a table in the Broken Tusk, the tavern that sits beneath the rickety ship perched atop the cliffs of Galleon's Grave Outpost, a settlement on an island in the heart of the Wilds, a nasty, bitter, swampy region. You're actually kind of revered now, since you were one of the crews that took on the Warsmith's skeleton fleets, fighting the fleet that threatened the Shores of Plenty all on your own (though it seems as though the Faithful Gull is claiming to have helped). Some other crews worked together to take on the fleets threatening to take over the Ancient Isles and the Wilds. There's other pirates in the tavern, but your crew is too busy enjoying themselves.
[TALK]
[CONTINUE]
Around the tavern there are some other pirates, as well as Tess the barmaid, Duke, and the Men of Low Moral Fiber. Of the other pirates, there is depressed pirate at the bar, and a group of whispering pirates at another table.
[DUKE]
first interaction
- You might want to fill a few barrels for your ship, pirate. Soon everyone will be sailing east!
Why are people going east?
- Rumour is, The Devil's Shroud has lifted there. Nobody knows why, but a region we thought lost has finally opened again! The Devil's Roar… an extremely dangerous place, with volcanoes, boiling water, earthquakes… I can't wait! It'll be a Bilge Rat's playground! Better still, some pirates have started a new Outpost over there! Imagine that; a new base to explore from, to have adventures from… a new tavern to drink in! Think you've got what it takes to tame the Roar? Some long-lost pirate captain is overseeing things. They say she was already living out there! Must be one tough lady.
[TESS]
first interaction
- Welcome to Tess' tavern. Let me be your guide through the exciting, mysterious and rewarding world of grog.
I'm not much of a grog expert. Any advice?
- Why not start with one of my own brews I make here at the outpost? I think you'd like Tess's Dawn Amber. It's a fruity little number I often start the day with. Not too strong, with a nice frothy head and a subtle taste of bananas.
What's been going on in Galleon's Grave lately?
- I had a new grog in yesterday that I'd been waiting to try, called the Deep Sea Tentacle Tickler. It's a bold infusion of seaweed and real Kraken vomit. You get a lovely salty smell on the nose, followed by a staggering taste of semi-digested shark. It's not for everyone, but I'd recommend you give it a try.
Who have you seen in here recently?
- A few nights ago Howlin' Mad Hofman strode in and ordered an Old Faithful's Best. Now there's a grog for the connoisseur! It's made with three different types of rock dust from the island, mixed with generous handfuls of thorns and brambles. You get lost in its complex aromas and bewildered by the depth of its taste. A drink to savour, but one you are glad to finish.
[MEN OF LOW MORAL FIBER]
first interaction
- Whaddaya need?
hint
- If yer lookin ta visit the Devil's Roar, then ya might want ter head to Liar's Backbone first, tha man there could give ya some advice about tha region.
[DEPRESSED PIRATE]
first interaction
- Ohhhh... Woe is me... she's left me for a merman...
Who's left you?
- Me lassie! Rachel was her name, but she's left for good... what have I got that a stupid fish doesn't?
legs?
- You're right! Thank you so much! That's just what I needed! Ya hear that Rachel? He'll never be able to fulfill your fantasies of being stepped on! Hahaha, who got the short end of the stick now! I can fetch myself a new girl anyway, with my beautiful long legs, my perfectly shaved calves, and my luscious, rippling thighs! Goodbye!
the depressed pirate rips off their pants to reveal fishnet stockings and runs out of the tavern leaping about like a rabbit
[WHISPERING GROUP]
first interaction
- And that's- SHH! ... (awkward silence as they stare at you)
So what were you talking about?
- Nothing.
leave
- (they start whispering again)
[OTHER NPCS]
[LIAR'S BACKBONE]
A small rocky island sticks out of the water. There is a man who's age you cannot discern in an outfit that looks like it's burning, and he's wearing a necklace sporting a strange symbol. He is holding a spyglass and looking out at the horizon, but you can't really see what he's looking at.
[MAN - STITCHER JIM]
first interaction
- Hmm? Can you see it? So near, yet so far.
What are you looking at?
- The Devil's Shroud... it keeps the Sea of Thieves hidden from the outside world, but... what does it hide from us, in turn? If we can get through, well, there are lands beyond that haven't been plundered for many, many years. We could have a gold rush on our hands! If only my old Alliance was still together. We'd be setting sail in earnest.
What's out there to find?
- The Devil's Roar, one of many places that the Shroud covers. My Alliance called such places 'Forsaken Shores'. But this one is more forsaken than most, a land blighted by volcanoes and quakes! Forget skellies. The very ground tries to kill you, there! Yet there are also riches and rare, valuable mysteries... oh, yes... Agh. I've waited so long to get back there!
What's that necklace you're wearing?
- This? All members of the Forsaken Shores Alliance wore one. A band of pirates dedicated to finding all the regions lost to the fog. And we were good at it. We found our way to The Devil's Roar! But only I made it back. We were betrayed by our leader, Captain Sorrow. A pirate who spreads sadness and misery wherever she goes. She got us, one by one, in the pursuit of riches. Perhaps I'll make it back there one day and get my revenge on her!
As your ship sails further east, the air starts to change, there's a taste of ash and everything looks a little blurrier, the water has gone from green to gray, and the sky has become a soft grayish blue, but dark clouds loom over the dark islands ahead.
[SCORCHED PASS]
As you approach the small spit of ashy sand, your map names it "Scorched Pass." There doesn't seem to be much here, but you could check for treasure.
[FETCHER'S REST]
This is a large island with a large black mountain central to it. As you approach your map names it "Fetcher's Rest."
['FETCHER' FARLEY'S CORPSE]
- That necklace is curious. Seems this person was an explorer, but someone cut them down with a cutlass!
[VOLCANO]
A large rocky mountain looms over the water.
[BRIAN'S BAZAAR]
A dock and shelter rest on a rock in the water, your map says this is "Brian's Bazaar," but it didn't take it's direction for you to tell this is a seapost shop.
[BRIAN]
first interaction
- BRIAN'S BAZAAR! Be not afraid, simple wanderer! You have entered a world of mysteries and esoteric wonders! The Devil's Pantry! Mephisto's Sock Drawer!
Why is your shop called... oh, wait...
- BRIAN'S BAZAAR?! Because dear traveller, whenever people speak of me, that's what they say! Clearly, demand for a shop was high! And not just any shop, don't INSULT ME! This is a seapost! Striding atop legs hewn from sturdy oaks, walking on water, a modern marvel! Even the GODS will GAPE at it! What WONDERS lie within?!
So, you have some fun things for sale?
- FUN?! My poor, grog-befouled patron, I sell items of great ESOTERIC SPLENDOUR! Trinkets from lands consumed by TIME'S PODGY FINGERS! Mysteries found only in Lucifer's Lost and Found! Captain Flameheart himself would rather stay at home and read the Pirate Times than peek into my bargain bin! But... I'll show you the more... earthly items. For your own safety.
And I suppose you like The Devil's Roar?
- I love it! At home, people said my voice was TOO LOUD! But out here, people can hear me even over the so-called quakes and eruptions! I LAUGH at the volcanoes! SILLY MOTHER NATURE! TRY HARDER, I DARE YOU, YOU TEMPESTUOUS HARPY! Mountains of fire? HA! They are merely hills of bothers! Mounds of mild irritation! Be silent, wailing lava demons, for BRIAN is your MASTER!
[MOLTEN SANDS FORTRESS]
This huge island houses a giant wooden fort that seems to dominate it. There is a broken wooden bridge leading across a gap to a rocky mountain. Your map calls it "Molten Sands Fortress."
[CURSEWATER SHORES]
This island is a small ring of dark sand with a pond in the middle. Your map dubs it "Cursewater Shores."
[CINDER ISLET]
A pathetic little island. There's nothing noteworthy here. It's called "Cinder Islet" I guess.
[FLINTLOCK PENINSULA]
This is a large island that looks like it could be hiding something sinister. It's called "Flintlock Peninsula." There's a large rocky mountain at its center.
['FLINTLOCK' BERT'S CORPSE]
- This poor pirate was trapped here, reaching out for help that never came. Their necklace is quite distinctive.
[VOLCANO]
A large rocky mountain looms over the water.
[FORSAKEN BRINK]
A small island sits here, but its name, "Forsaken Brink," suggests it could be important.
[HEPZIBAH JONES' CORPSE]
- Hard to tell how this poor soul died, but they seem to have been marooned. Who leaves a pirate behind?
[RUBY'S FALL]
This is another large island with a mountain dominating it. Your map labels it "Ruby's Fall."
[RUBY CARTER'S CORPSE]
- This pirate fell a long way. Maybe a quake knocked her off-balance... or maybe she was pushed?
[A JOURNAL BELONGING TO 'GRACE']
Read 'No land like it...'
- The Forsaken Shores Alliance has reached an accord and named this place 'The Devil's Roar'! It's so damn hot! Especially compared to the last place... Flintlock Bert suggested it. He doesn't say much, but when he does, I listen. He's good with words, but folks just see him as a big, dumb ox. Maybe I'll teach him to write. He can help me name some of these islands.
Odds are, we'll be here for a long time to come. This place is so... violent, so inhospitable... but it's alluring, too. We intend to make several trips - exploring, discovering, maybe even settling this land, one day. Even Jim seems to like it. His usual aversion to anything dangerous seems to have been overtaken by his love of plunder!
Read 'Should we have come here?'
- The pressures of this place, both literal and figurative, are taking their toll on my crew and Jim's. Our Alliance is fraying. Even Ruby is out of sorts. She's never been keen on heights and this land isn't exactly flat. But that's par for the course. The real problem? That damned box. Jim coined the term 'Box of Wondrous Secrets' . He peeked inside, just a peek mind, and could barely describe what he saw. Whatever's in there, it's not worth it. I fear what it might do to our unity.
[MORROW'S PEAK OUTPOST]
This island has a settlement on it, maybe an outpost! That question is quickly answered when your map says its name is "Morrow's Peak Outpost."
There's an old woman standing outside the "Charred Parrot" tavern, she's holding a large gun and has a purple stain on her face. She seems a bit intimidating.
[GRACE MORROW]
first interaction
- You seem a little wary, pirate. I may have been out here a long time, but I haven't gone savage. Unless you're a certain 'Jim'...
Are you… Captain Sorrow?!
- Yes! No?! Captain SORROW? Is that what Stitcher Jim's saying about me? He's the one who caused all the sorrow in my life. My name is actually Captain MORROW! Oh, but I'm not much of a captain since my ship got wrecked, so you can just call me Grace. You seem apprehensive. I don't blame you, I haven't spoken to other pirates for decades. I almost forgot how to do syllables.
Didn't you betray your Alliance?
- ME?! Have you eaten a bad banana?! I was the leader of the Forsaken Shores Alliance. Using our charmed figurehead, we found our way here long, long ago. We found such adventures and riches, including something very rare - a Box of Wondrous Secrets! Hey, don't look at me like I'm mad! But… we were betrayed by that greedy Stitcher Jim. And you say he blamed it on me? He just wants to hunt for that Box himself, the cur! I've stayed here ever since I chased him out, keeping the place safe... until my ship, Shroudbreaker, was smashed in a storm recently. It was so intense, the ship ended up beached here! And I was flung way out to sea. I almost ended up in Redmaw's belly… long story. Anyway, the figurehead fragments drifted through the Shroud, which seems to have dispelled it completely. And now look! More pirates than I can shake a stick at. I've tried! As for Jim - I head someone like him was sneaking around. Pah, he won't stick his head out while I'm here.
Why should I believe you over him?
- Because Jim tried to off me, just like the rest of the Alliance. Why do you think my face is like this?! Stitcher Jim is fond of using poison, the coward. But I've drunk worse things just for a dare. It almost killed me… but I pulled through, even if I've never been quite the same since. He even mentioned it in a letter. Found it a week or so later. I have it right here, look.
Read Jim's Letter
- "Master… the Forsaken Shores Alliance has now been exploring The Devil's Roar for months. They all trust me. There is such untapped plunder here! I have much to add to your hoard. And something else… as you predicted. A box of… of… wonderous secrets! I peeked inside but it hurt my head! Who knows what forgotten lore it hides? The power to make curses… or to break them? I'll soon deal with the others and return to you. Morrow will be harder… she's smart, she watches me. But she still has to drink…"
I found the skeletons of the Alliance. (Only available after finding all crewmates)
- My poor allies. As you saw, Stitcher Jim got them all in the end. The Forsaken Shores Alliance owes you a debt, for exposing the truth. That Box of Wondrous Secrets drove us all a bit mad, but Stitcher Jim worst of all. That's why I sent him packing without my figurehead, so he couldn't get back. That guy's older than he looks - he knew the first Gold Hoarder! Devil knows what dark pacts he might have made. I fear that's who he was working for all along… doesn't bear thinking about. Oh yes, and if you should ever find another Box of Wondrous Secrets, bring it to me. I'll reward you VERY well!
[MEN OF LOW MORAL FIBER]
first interaction
Whaddaya need?
[BRIMSTONE ROCK]
"Brimstone Rock" is a fitting name for this small rock of an island.
[GLOWSTONE CAY]
The island itself isn't very special, but as you get close to it you start to taste that all too familiar rusty flavor of the Devil's Shroud air. you can almost see the mists of the Shroud, and you can hear the thunder rumbling inside; this island must be right on the edge of the deadly fogbank. The map has noted it as "Glowstone Cay."
[ROARING TRADERS]
Another seapost. This one is called Roaring Traders.
[ELEANOR]
first interaction
- I'm Eleanor of Roaring Traders! We do a roaring trade! Because this is the Devil's Roar! Don't keel over laughing yet, I have more...
You seem a jolly sort...
- The pirate life can be hard, so why not crack a smile and a joke?
Why does the Ferryman have so many friends? Because pirates are DYING to meet him!
What did the Gold Hoarder say to the shipwright? Have you got anything... on SAIL?!
Roaring Traders... good name!
- Thank you! I am known for my wit. I was a jester before I became a pirate, but I got sick of clowning around! And once you start pirating... you get HOOKed! Here at Roaring Traders, we buy low and sell high... at low tide and high tide! We love trading with pirates. It keeps the SEAconomy healthy! That's called P-commerce!
What's a pirate's favourite letter?
- Arrrr! Sorry, I already heard it in the tavern.
[FLAME'S END]
Another small island. "Flame's End" says the map.
[VOLCANO]
A large rocky mountain looms over the water.
[ROARING SANDS]
Yet another small island, this one is named "Roaring Sands."
[VOLCANO]
A large rocky mountain looms over the water.
[THE DEVIL'S THIRST]
This island has the tallest mountain you've seen so far. The map calls it "The Devil's Thirst."
[OLD COOP'S CORPSE]
- This pirate's grog was poisoned! Seems their crewmate was not to be trusted.
[MAGMA'S TIDE]
Nothing notable but the name, "Magma's Tide."
[ASHEN REACHES]
This is the furthest south you've ever been in the Sea of Thieves, and this large island's name, Ashen Reaches, is fitting. There's a busted up dock.
[A JOURNAL BELONGING TO 'GRACE']
Read 'Week 43'
I talk to myself so much, I've started answering. But you know what? It isn't lonely here, not really. It's too loud and dangerous for me to feel alone. It's more like living with a big, angry monster. I entertain myself with games and by exploring the region. I have a grog or two, if any bottles wash up. Sometimes the giant sharks try to eat me.
I noticed something. There's always a quake just before an eruption. I can avoid them, if I'm careful. So I guess I get to survive a while longer.
Read 'Week ??'
I've lost count of the years I've been here, but I'm not bored. The great sharks keep me on my toes! I call the biggest, angriest one 'Redmaw'. She reminds me of my mother. Then there was the merfolk incident. They weren't so friendly in these parts. But I've smoothed things over, since I married their prince... Then the Ferry of the Damned appeared! If it had been around sooner, my crew might still be alive. I took a couple of trips there, but how long was I truly gone? Decades? Who knows. The Ferryman seemed amused to keep me in his service.
Several years flew by during the invasion of the crabs. I wish someone had been here to see me take down Lord Pinch! What an epic adventure! And I suppose all these visits from the Pirate Lord helped. Gosh, I remember when he was still alive. Me, Jim, Ruby, we were practically kids. I miss home, but I can't go back to the Wilds, not with folks like Jim out there. The Roar is my home now and it's my duty to protect it.
[STITCHER JIM]
first interaction
- Hmm? Can you see it? So near, yet so far.
Grace Morrow had a lot to say about you
Grace... well, hehe, 'Sorrow' was more a nickname. Don't believe everything she says! She's a traitor. A stone-cold murderer! She'll say anything to shift the blame on me! Trust old Jim. Living in the Roar has probably driven her mad! You have to believe me!
She had a letter from you to your 'master'...
What?! A forgery! Why would I just leave something like that behind? ...huh... Alrighty then, fine. There's no arguing with that. Don't expect me to tell you any more, though. I've got plans to make, if Morrow's going around telling pirates I'm a murderer. Should've used a stronger poison...
You can't hide from her forever.
Don't need to. I have a very big, very wealthy friend. Not that he parts with his coin easily... And while everyone was scrabbling to explore The Devil's Roar and get the grog flowing, I was digging up my old stash. My Box of Wondrous Secrets...right where I left it! So old Morrow can squawk all she wants. Our plans are already in motion...
[BOX OF WONDROUS SECRETS]
A box lies in the sand.
Approaching it you can't help but feel unsettled.
It's got strange symbols etched into it. They glow as if they are on fire.
Its tightly wrapped with ropes, and the lid is held on with a red wax seal. There is also a glob of wax stamped to the ropes with a symbol on it of a crude skull and crossbones.
You don't want to open this.
Wouldn't you rather just bring it to Grace for a reward and save yourself the trouble?
It felt wrong to peel the wax off the ropes.
The ropes easily fall as you push them off the box.
The lid cracks open.
inside is a pool of water reflecting an endless sky- no, it IS an endless sky of green stars. It goes on and on, a thousand places, all at once, inside a box. You can hear a low rumbling voice start to whisper out from the box. You want to put the lid back on the box immediately.
the voice says "I can help you..." You want to close the box right now.
You quickly shove the lid back on the box and tightly wrap it with the ropes. You can hear the voice inside start to laugh, but it trails off.
