The River Pirates

The River Pirates of Nulb, a loose confederation of outlaws and smugglers, have long ruled the waters of the Velverdyva River and the Imeryd's Run. With a variety of colorful characters and ships, they bring life, commerce, and chaos to the infamous village of Nulb. Although they are known for their illicit activities, their influence in the area continues to grow, especially as the Temple of Elemental Evil seeks their services. In this article, we’ll delve into the background, hierarchy, and notable crews of these river-dwelling marauders.

Overview of the River Pirates

Nulb, a town of scoundrels and shadowy deals, has always maintained a "friendship" with river pirates. However, in recent years, a pirate named Tolub has solidified his control over the area, raising tension along the Velverdyva as competing captains test his authority. Pirates and smugglers operating in Nulb are bound by various self-made charters, which dictate their shares, responsibilities, and crew conduct. While the pirates have little legal oversight, they adhere to their own strict codes of conduct and hierarchy, with captains often elected democratically by their crews.

• Primary Gathering Spots: Pirates frequent the 43: Boatman’s Tavern and Nulb Market on the north side of town, and occasionally the Waterside Hostel.
• Rising Tensions: Captain Tolub’s control over Nulb has created friction among other captains, with tribute payments required to use the port.
• Charters and Codes: Pirate crews follow written charters that assign shares and outline responsibilities for each position, from the captain to the carpenter.

 

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Secrets and Hidden Agendas

The River Pirates of Nulb serve as more than just smugglers and thieves; they are pawns in a larger game as the Temple of Elemental Evil strengthens its grip on the region. Here’s what the DM should know about the hidden activities and alliances brewing among these pirates.

• Tolub’s Influence: Captain Tolub control over Nulb serves as a barrier to external pirate crews who may seek their own profits from Nulb’s resources. While some pirate captains pay him tribute, many harbor resentments.
• Vesrek and the Crimson Trader: Captain Marad Vesrek operates under the Slave Lords, secretly transporting slaves to the Temple of Elemental Evil. Vesrek is a dangerous opponent with allies in high places.

Possible Adventure Hooks

• Infiltration: PCs could try to infiltrate a crew as new recruits to gather information on Temple activities.
• Conflict Among Crews: Rising tensions between Tolub’s crew and other captains provide an opportunity for PCs to exploit rivalries.
• Intercepting Contraband: Adventurers might be tasked with intercepting or sabotaging shipments heading to the Temple.

The River Pirates of Nulb

The village of Nulb, with its reputation for lawlessness and secrecy, has become a favorite base for several notorious river pirate crews. These bands of cutthroats and smugglers use the town's lack of oversight to conduct trade, unload stolen goods, and occasionally carouse at local taverns like the Boatman’s Tavern and the Waterside Hostel. Below is a detailed list of these pirate crews, their leaders, and the types of ships they use to navigate and control the riverways around Nulb.

1. The Iron Dagger

• Captain: Tolub, a ruthless and brawny Level 8 Fighter
• Ship Type: The Iron Dagger. Wide-hulled river barge with reinforced hull, ideal for ramming and defending against boarding
• Crew Size: 40 (typically, half are docked in Nulb, others are patrolling or stationed on the ship)

Crew Overview

• 1st Mate: Level 4, AC 16, HP 23 (Chain + Shield), Longsword
• 2nd Mate: Level 4, AC 16, HP 21 (Chain + Shield), Battleaxe
• Bosun: Level 2, AC 14, HP 12 (Chain), Morning star
• 3 B’mates: Level 0, AC 16, HP 6-7, Longsword or Bastard Sword
• Sailors: 18 Level 0, AC 11 (leather), HP 3-5

Ship Details

• Length: 70 ft
• Crew Armament: Light ballista for ranged attacks, reinforced ram on prow
• Function: The Iron Dagger operates as a patrol and raiding ship, ensuring safe passage for those who pay tribute, while ambushing any vessels that refuse Tolub’s demands.

2. Crimson Trader

The crew of a The Crimson Trader functions much more like a military ship than a typical pirate operation. As such, there is no pirate charter, and each member of the crew is payed a base amount of coins weekly along with the possibility of earning additional bonuses should hauls be particularly good. The rules of this ship are different because it is part of a much larger organization. Note: the party should notice that this is a powerful ship with several armored and hardened pirates walking the deck. A level of intimidation should be apparent. The players are unlikely to fare well in a direct assault against the Crimson Trader.

• Captain: Marad Vesrek
• Ship Type: Flat-bottomed galley suited for transporting slaves and evading shallow waters
• Crew Size: 35, with additional slaves on board

Crew Overview

• First Mate: Karith “Scar” Drayal
• Quartermaster: T’rallak “The Chainkeeper” Vornath
• Bosun: Lira “Two Tongues” Vekkel
• Pirates: 12 Level 2 Pirates, AC 14 (studded leather), HP 14 each
• Sailors: 12 Level 1 pirates, level 1, AC 10, HP 6-9
• Slaves: 9 held in chains in the cargo hold

Ship Details

• Length: 75 ft
• Armament: Heavy ballista at the bow, guarded storage compartments for contraband and slaves
• Function: The Crimson Trader functions as a militarized slave galley, part of a larger operation. Its intimidating crew and well-armed deck make it a dangerous vessel to approach.

Conclusion

The River Pirates of Nulb are more than just a band of criminals; they are a network of rogues with ties to the dark forces at play in the region. Each crew has its own unique structure, loyalties, and hidden agendas, making the pirates both a formidable foe and a potential resource for adventurers. As the Temple of Elemental Evil’s influence grows, these pirates could either bolster its power—or be the key to its undoing.