Blackbeard’s Hand

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Blackbeard’s Hand

To the South of the East Watch Lighthouse, is a cluster of 5 large islands. Known as Blackbeard’s Hand, these large rocky islands are the not-so-secret home of the Blackhand Reavers, a notorious band of pirates and brigands.

Skull Rock

The first among these islands is Skull Rock, so named because of the massive skull carved out of the island. The skull faces toward the docks of Harbour City and is a constant reminder of the perils of the sea. Many an adventurer has traveled to skull rock to root out the ne'er-do-wells, but each is found hanging from a tree within the week. In the center of the circle of 5 islands is a graveyard of ships and sunken treasure. Besides Skull Rock, which sits at the 10'o'clock position, the other islands are known for their position on the clock. 8'o'clock, 6'o'clock, 4'o'clock, and 2'o'clock. At the 12'o'clock position is a great whirlpool known as the Maw of the Abyss that is eager to devour any ship foolish enough to come close to Blackbeard's hand from the North. Ships lost to the maw, eventually find themselves in the graveyard at the clock's center.

Artists Rendering of the Islands

Note: No artist who actually saw the islands has lived to tell of it.

The Blackhand Reavers

This band of pirates and brigands is notorious across the region for their merciless raids on merchant ships and coastal towns. The Blackhand Reavers are led by a charismatic and ruthless captain known only as "Crowbeak," who is rumored to have once been a naval officer before turning to piracy.

The Maw of the Abyss

This whirlpool is legendary, not only for its size and destructive power but also for the superstitions surrounding it. Sailors tell tales of it being the gate to another world or the resting place of a giant sea monster whose breath creates the swirling waters. Navigating near The Maw is considered a gamble with one's life, and it serves as a natural deterrent, preventing the forces of the law from mounting a full assault on the Reavers' stronghold.

Adventure Hooks

• Treasure of the Sunken Fleet: Players could be hired or motivated by legends of a particularly valuable ship that went down in the graveyard of ships. Diving into these dangerous waters, they must deal not only with the hazards of the deep but also with patrols of the Blackhand Reavers.
• Parley with Crowbeak: The players could be sent as emissaries to negotiate with Crowbeak, either to secure passage rights, retrieve a kidnapped person of importance, or even broker a deal involving pirate alliances.
• The Secret Behind the Maw: The players discover an ancient map or tome suggesting that the Maw of the Abyss is not merely a natural whirlpool but was created or is controlled by a powerful artifact. They must decide whether to attempt its recovery or ensure it remains hidden.
• The Ghost Ship: A ship lost to the Maw of the Abyss has returned, crewed by the undead and captained by a vengeful spirit. The players must find a way to lay the ship to rest before it wreaks havoc on the region.
• The Blackhand Reavers’ Heist: The Reavers have stolen a valuable artifact from a nearby town or noble, and the players are tasked with tracking them down and retrieving it. This could involve a chase across the islands, a daring rescue, or a tense negotiation.
• The Maw’s Secret: The players learn of a hidden passage beneath the whirlpool that leads to a forgotten temple or treasure trove. They must navigate the treacherous waters and evade the Reavers to uncover the secrets hidden below.

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