Aquaria

Aquaria is a world covered almost entirely in oceans. Islands pepper the world, offering a place of refuge to those who are unable to survive beneath the sea. Some islands even float, only accessible to flying folk and those with specialized ships. Sea-faring professions dominate the global economy. Of those who sail the seas, none are as powerful as one privateer, a man they call the Corsair, but who calls himself the Pirate King of Land, Sea, and Sky. He works closely with the most powerful nations, offering their trading ships protection from other pirates with his massive crew. This relationship causes many rulers to turn a blind eye to his nautical crimes. Because of his power, he believes he owns the sea, and all who sail it owe him a cut of what they earn from it. Those who refuse will meet horrible ends. He has fleets of ships. His underlings are so many in number they could populate an island of their own. In short, he is unstoppable. Our story follows a group of adventurers looking to see the world. As they prepare to set sail, a strange man approaches and offers them a quest: he needs them to draw a map of the world. He has always wanted to see the world, but is too weak to do so. Although maps already exist, he wants something with more detail, with more heart; and he wants a little piece of every land the explorers visit. He offers to pay an incredible amount of gold for each and every island they visit. Of course, they accept. But the old man isn't the only one looking to see our party off. The Corsair himself decides to come and wish them safe travels. He tells them that because they are in his territory, he will be collecting taxes as his fee for letting them use it. He warns them that if they try to disappear, he will know about it, and there will be hell to pay. He then gives them a parting gift and disappears. With the gift in hand, the crew set sail, unsure of what they will find.