FT Port Plunder
FT Port Plunder
FT Port Plunder
Port Plunder is governed by her founder Captain Mercy, noted pirate turned privateer.
He rules the town fairly but can be temperamental just like other members of his
profession. In the early years this was the site of a penal colony for the country of
Torusak. The scum of the country were marooned here many years ago but learned
that working together had its benefits. After a tumultuous beginning the castaways
banded together and began to create a colony where all were equal under the sword.
The land of the atoll is populated by ancient, carnivorous creatures that battled the
prisoners for supremacy for the land. At the current time the pirates have managed to
control their environment with walls on one side and the ocean on the other. Captain
“Bloodthirsty” controls the island with his brother Cain who resides in the central part of
the main island. The pair have been the scourge of nations since they assumed control
in 1916.
Initially the confederacy survived on the land of the atoll but many of the prisoners had
naval backgrounds and ships were built. After a few years the Mercy brothers began to
lead pirate raids on the ships navigating the southern tip of the continent. As their raids
became more successful their fleet grew and Port Plunder became the main base of
operations. The location was perfect for the seaborne raiders in that the natural harbor
afforded it the privacy and protection needed from pirate hunters. The seaway is
difficult to navigate and the numerous wrecks in the area are all a testament to the
dangers.
The city has undergone several renovations due in part to fires (both accidental and
intentional) and as a result sections of buildings may appear newer than ones adjacent
to them. A recent move to cobblestone the roads has started beginning with docks for
A. Docks
This section of the city is almost a constant hive of activity. During the day
offloading goods and plunder from around the area is the chief duty. Fishing
boats filled with Blasta Cod come in twice a day to help feed the residents. At
night drunken sailors stagger back to their ships if they haven’t obtained lodging
at one of the many inns in port. Guards regularly patrol the docks keeping an
eye out for intruders and other problems. Private security is present around the
two storage facilities in this region as well. All security officers must answer to
Captain Mercy if called upon.
The docks are wood with stone pilings and are quite sturdy. The harbor will often
be filled with 5-10 ships of various registries and ships under construction are a
sight to behold. Goods and services here can be anything from stolen treasure to
the slave trade with everything in between. In years past this section was quite
“rough” but as softened much like its ruler.
C. Craftsmen District
The outer rim of Port Plunder is home to multiple craftsmen who do not work
with shipbuilding. These men and women are responsible for clothes, furniture,
and other “mundane” goods and services. These business are the backbone for
day to day living in the city and are run by some ex-sailors but are mostly those
from other countries that left their homelands for one reason or another. Dealing
Work has begun at both ends of this district for the cobblestone project but has
moved slower than expected. Beyond this row of business is farm lands with
livestock roaming free. These creatures provide meat, eggs, and cheese to the
occupants of Port Plunder and are owned by independent farmers that operate
within the protective walls that guard a mountain pass. The residents in this
location will be as close to normal people as adventurers can find. Almost all of
the residents have families and small children run around this area of the
settlement.
D. Merchant Avenue
This boulevard that runs in front of these businesses were the second to receive
the cobblestone road. The merchants wanted their street done first to make it
easier to move goods back and forth from the dock but Captain Mercy felt it
would be more prudent to convert the dock first and move around the city in a
circular motion. No one dared challenge the governor’s opinion and the money
the merchants had saved for their road went to the dock. To be fair, the money
used to pave Merchant Avenue was taken from a plundered ship from the Sibian
Collective so the business owners did not have to pay twice. These buildings for
a long chain and are in excellent condition. Much like the Craftsmen District, this
E. High Town
This section of Port Plunder is filled with elegant architecture and the buildings
present indicate that a wealthier class of people are catered to. The standard
pirate class is not welcome in this area and the guards that patrol the section are
beefier. The appearances are used to keep out the scurvy dogs that are standard
sailors but in reality the buildings cater not only to the wealthy, but also the
working class of Port Plunder. Craftsmen and merchants are your standard
patrons to these businesses and the owners appreciate people who bath as their
clientele. This section of town is slated to be next in the cobblestone paving and
have already raised the funds needed to fulfill the project.
F. Naval Supply
The first “tier” of Port Plunder is home to businesses related to shipping needs as
well as several ballistae and trebuchet that are used for the defense of the
harbor. The businesses are basic structures and are more function over form.
The people that work here/own the buildings are usually sailors with a past.
These men and women either crossed lines to work with the pirates or are freed
captives that have decided to stay in Port Plunder. Unlike the craftsmen and
businessmen they usually do not have families or children.
G. Arms District
The businessmen in this district are all trusted men that have served under
Captain Mercy especially Barbara Elton. These people are all favorable to their
former leader. The governor is well aware that possession of arms can create a
Those exiting the city to the lands around Port Plunder are allowed to carry, not
wear, their weapons to that location. Visitors to the community will be told at the
docks as they disembark. Those who are armed within the city will be stopped by
the city watch and put in stocks for their first and second offense.
H. Wealthy District
Unlike other areas of Port Plunder, there are guards stationed at regular intervals
in this area both day and night. This district contains a great deal of wealth and
as such expect to be well protected by the government. Despite the money that
resides on this street, the merchants here have opted to wait for the
cobblestones to see how the project goes. This area is lined with heavy timbers
taken from shipwrecks in the bay. Some would say that the road is paved in
broken dreams while the businessmen say it is lined to honor those who gave
their lives on the seas. The truth of the matter is that timbers were used to avoid
erosion of this level as it sits higher than the sections closer to the bay.
I. Government Section
The buildings in this district are older, but tastefully decorated and give off an air
of superiority when seen. The structures sit in a small pocket between levels and
each building has a brilliant view overlooking the bay. The largest building in Port
Plunder is also present in the form of an old, stone tower.
The lighthouse was built over a depression that leads to a pocket of oil. The
circular design allows for those at the top of the tower to drop a bucket down
into the sledge pit and pull a bucket of pitch up with relative ease. This
lighthouse can be lit or extinguished by anyone at the top but is usually manned
by at least one guard. The building is commonly referred to as “The Crow’s Nest”
and allows a full view of the harbor and a limited view over to the other side of
Isla de Muerta through a narrow strait.
This area of town includes the homes of Captain Mercy, his mistress, and the
magistrate responsible for day to day affairs of the city. The current magistrate is
a former Melcore naval officer that is wanted in his homeland.
J. Education District
The buildings in this section of town are the oldest and are in moderate
condition. This district is devoted to education as Captain Mercy believes a smart
pirate is better than a strong one. He wants his buccaneers, especially
commanders, to be able to think and do calculations so that the can obtain clear
and accurate reports for those serving under him. The general school offers
classes to both pirates and children. These classes teach the basics while the
advanced school entertains those individuals that have shown higher aptitudes
than others. Classes at this level focus on tactics and navigational skills.
The clerics of each religion petitioned to open up housing for the less fortunate
men in the captain’s employ. Initially reluctant, Captain Mercy acquiesced when a
longtime crewman returned from a mission missing an arm. Secretly he funnels
personal wealth to support this cause but the clerics are sworn to secrecy.
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The following table can be utilized for all random encounters within Port Plunder to
describe the people the PCs meet/deal with. While the descriptions are not all
encompassing it does offer a quick way to describe them. A D12 should be rolled for
each attribute imparted upon the people.
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- A potential aquatic interloper (Shark, Lizardmen, Giant Crab, etc.) has entered
the harbor and is causing problems. The party will be hired by the magistrate to
handle the issue. The spectacle will be watched by the townspeople from the
docks and the cliffside
- The party will have been hired by an outside nation to go to Isla de Muerta in
search of a kidnapped noble/wanted fugitive/runaway of high born status to
catch and return the target to their family. This is the premise of the Gen Con ’17
adventure “Infiltration of Taco Del Toro”. The party will have to impersonate
pirates or criminals and arrive on a captured vessel
- A pesky, prehistoric creature has been beating on the walls of the city. The party
will be hired to rid the creature but will require them to go outside the walls and
seek out the larger predator. The wilderness outside of Port Plunder will be
exceptionally dangerous with deadly indigenous creatures. The party may also be
under a time restraint
- The PCs have been hired by Captain Cain Mercy to steal the minting die from
Port Plunder. The situation will be a capture the flag scenario but Captain
“Bloodthirsty” Mercy may not be amused at the “prank”. This challenge would be
specially designed for rogues and others that prefer role playing over fighting
challenges
- Port Plunder could be the site of either a lost relic (H5) or information pertaining
to the location of a lost artifact, information on such, or perhaps the location of a
relic’s destruction point such as the depths of the mountain outside of town, a
deep hole in the harbor, or the belly of a wreck around the edge of the large
island.
Each of these challenges would have to be fleshed out according to the level of the PCs.
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