*Bold-Italic = Important term

In 1567 the Astorian Empire and the Guerrand Republic signed the Trade Routing Treaty ending their seven-year war at sea. The war, which would later be known as the “High Seas War,” was the result of a simple trade route dispute. During the war both sides experienced an increase in desertion and piracy, yet neither side addressed this issue. By the end of the war, the situation grew worst for both, but became a more pressing matter for the Astorian Empire. This was mainly due in part to a vicious pirate known as Errol “The Hangman” Barnabas.

Using his charisma and leadership, he organized the pirates sailing the Ingrid Sea, and formed the Congregation of Marauders (COM). Acting like different arms from the same monstrous creature, the COM took over and shutdown southern trade. Resources imperative to the continued operation of the empire were being intercepted, or destroyed by the COM. Something had to be done; financially weakened by the Guerrand Republic, the Astorian Empire could not sustain these attacks for much longer.

In 1568 war was declared on the COM, and a massive fleet lead by newly appointed admiral, John Easton – a hero of the High Seas War – was tasked with ending it as quickly as possible. And so, without mercy, Easton and his fleet swept through the Ingrid Sea like a famine, destroying all members of the COM. Although well-organized, the COM was no match for the gunnery of Easton’s fleet, and the sea monster was being torn limb by limb, until only the head remained. However, even in the face of imminent defeat, Barnabas would not surrender – at least not without a fight.

Knowing the end was near; Barnabas set out to attack every coastal town he could with his ship, the Lady Raciela, in an effort to inflict as much damage as possible. His crew objected to the idea, but Barnabas killed anyone who would not comply. Valuing their lives over morality, they followed his orders and began to firebomb various towns. Porter Newport, Barnabas’ lieutenant, decided enough’s enough, and corresponded with Easton to help him intercept Barnabas before he could kill anymore. Barnabas, who had a feeling he would be betrayed by one of his men, had organized the kidnapping of Easton’s daughter before hand. She was taken to an uninhabited location in the south-west Ingrid Sea called Merch Island. Barnabas left the Lady Raciela on a pinnace to meet the kidnappers; Porter and Easton soon followed suit. Porter arrived to Merch Island before Easton; but, he was too late, as the poor girl had already been killed.

During that fateful night, many lives were lost, including those of Porter, and Barnabas. And although there are rumors that Barnabas survived and went into hiding, they are speculative at best. But regardless of whether or not Barnabas died, one thing is for sure – piracy did… Or so they thought.


The year is now 1584, and a problem once thought to have vanished has now reappeared. For the past 12 years, the Lady Raciela has been manned by a new crew lead by Quintessa Newport, daughter of the late Porter Newport. A throwback to the early days of piracy, Quintessa and her crew have gone back to the principles of their forefathers by profiteering while refraining from killing the innocent. Despite the philosophy of Quintessa, she was labeled “Mad Quin” by the office of Wynondham’s governor, William Avery. Therefore having the only pirate ship sailing the Ingrid Sea, she has become the main focus of Admiral John Easton. Years of pursuit, however, proved unsuccessful for the admiral and his men, as most of the empires resources are being used to aid in Earl Albrecht Fenwick’s exploration for new lands, and new trade partners.

In 1583 Fenwick “discovered” a continent Empress Mildred of Astoria named Lavinia and began colonizing it. Later, trade began with one of the tribes of Lavinia called the Incomati. Described as “savages” by Fenwick, the Incomati are naïve, and remain ignorant of the ambitions of their newfound neighbors. Lavinia has the potential to greatly benefit the Astorian Empire, but with the lingering existence of piracy, their plans for expansion remain vulnerable. Can they end the reign of Quintessa and the Lady Raciela, thus bringing law back to the seas? Or will Quintessa and her group of depraved men continue to flourish, reeking havoc along the way?