Ahoy, Dungeon Masters! It’s 3orcs here, and today we’re diving into the murky waters of Nulb, home to the infamous River Pirates who rule the waterways of the Velverdyva River and Imeryd’s Run. These swashbuckling rogues aren’t just another band of cutthroats; they’re integral to the evolving narrative of the Temple of Elemental Evil campaign. From clandestine smuggling operations to brewing rivalries, these pirates are ripe with potential for intrigue, conflict, and adventure.
Who Are the River Pirates?
The River Pirates of Nulb are a loose confederation of smugglers, raiders, and outlaws bound by shared charters and an unspoken code. Their influence spreads far along the Velverdyva, but their true stronghold lies in Nulb—a lawless village teeming with shadowy deals and whispered secrets. Overseeing this chaotic alliance is Captain Tolub, a Level 8 fighter whose grip on Nulb’s port ensures tribute payments from every ship daring to dock there.
But all is not smooth sailing. Rivals like Grud Squinteye aboard the Old Duck and Tricky McCallister of the Tramp Queen constantly test Tolub’s authority. Add in the Devil’s Song, a militarized slaver ship tied to the Temple of Elemental Evil, and you have a powder keg of competing interests waiting to explode.
Using River Pirates in Your Campaign
The River Pirates provide a perfect tool for Dungeon Masters looking to enhance their Temple of Elemental Evil campaign. Here’s how you can use them effectively:
1. Quest Hooks and Intrigue
- Infiltration: Players could disguise themselves as new recruits to uncover Temple dealings onboard the Tramp Queen or Devil’s Song.
- Rivalry Exploitation: Tolub’s tenuous control over Nulb can be leveraged. PCs might pit factions against each other to weaken the pirates’ ties to the Temple.
- Sabotage: Adventurers could intercept contraband or slaves being shipped to the Temple, striking a blow against its growing power.
2. Dynamic Encounters
- Naval Combat: With pirate ships like the Red Gold and Old Duck, you can create thrilling ship-to-ship battles.
- Tavern Brawls: The Boatman’s Tavern and Waterside Hostel are frequented by pirates. A seemingly innocent chat could escalate into a full-blown melee.
- Moral Dilemmas: Players might find themselves working with pirates to gain critical information or resources, raising questions about loyalty and honor.
3. Connecting to the Temple
The River Pirates’ ties to the Temple of Elemental Evil make them a critical cog in its operations. From smuggling goods and slaves to supplying the Temple’s forces, their actions directly impact the campaign’s narrative. For example:
- Sister Mercy, led by Redond, worships Orcus and sacrifices slaves to the Temple.
- Tricky McCallister runs covert shipments of weapons, armor, and supplies essential to the Temple’s survival.
Memorable NPCs and Their Ships
Bringing the River Pirates to life means crafting memorable NPCs and ships that your players won’t forget. Here are a few standouts:
- Tolub (The Red Gold): A brawny, ruthless fighter whose ship is equipped with a reinforced ram and light ballista. Tolub’s control over Nulb makes him a key player in the region.
- Grud Squinteye (The Old Duck): Known for his cunning and cruelty, Grud’s narrow galley excels in swift skirmishes.
- Prelos (The Devil’s Song): A terrifying half-elf captain with a cambion enforcer and doppelganger spy among his crew. This militarized ship exudes power and intimidation.
- Redond (Sister Mercy): A cleric of Orcus, Redond commands a family-run crew whose loyalty and brutality are unmatched.
- Tricky McCallister (Tramp Queen): An eccentric smuggler with deep ties to the Temple, Tricky’s ship is known for its hidden cargo holds and elusive maneuvers.
Advice for Dungeon Masters
When incorporating the River Pirates into your campaign, consider these tips:
1. Balance Combat and Role-Playing
Pirates are more than just combat encounters. Use their colorful personalities and hidden agendas to create meaningful role-playing opportunities.
2. Lean Into the Chaos of Nulb
Nulb is a den of lawlessness. Let your players feel its gritty atmosphere through encounters with drunk sailors, back-alley deals, and whispered threats.
3. Build Suspense
The River Pirates aren’t just thugs—they’re pawns in a larger game orchestrated by the Temple. Use their connections to unveil the Temple’s plans piece by piece, creating suspense and intrigue.
4. Reward Creativity
Encourage players to think outside the box. Whether it’s crafting disguises to board a ship or using diplomacy to forge temporary alliances, reward clever solutions.
A Personal Note from 3orcs
When I wrote about the River Pirates in the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576 CY, I wanted to capture the wild, unpredictable energy of these characters and their world. As a Dungeon Master, you have the power to make Nulb and its pirates as vibrant or terrifying as your campaign demands. The River Pirates can be the linchpin that ties your players’ actions to the larger conflict with the Temple of Elemental Evil.
Explore More with 3orcs
For more insights, maps, and detailed articles about the World of Greyhawk, visit the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576 CY. And don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel, where I dive deep into campaign strategies, character development, and the lore of Greyhawk.
Final Thoughts
The River Pirates of Nulb are more than just a colorful addition to your campaign—they’re a gateway to the darker machinations of the Temple of Elemental Evil. By weaving their stories into your narrative, you’ll create an immersive experience that your players will never forget. Let’s bring the rivers of Greyhawk to life—one pirate charter at a time!
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