Crimsonhold

"The first thing that assaulted us was the smell: of the foamy scum at the edge of the water, of the unwashed bodies pushing past us and the rank scent of trash and worse lining the dirt streets. The sound of scuffles and bar brawls leaked out through the broken windows of taverns and brothels that bore down on us as we navigated the narrow paths between them. Everything had a run-down and forgotten look to it from the people stumbling about and skulking around corners to the malnourished animals that scurried between our feet or straining at posts to get to water they wouldn't want to drink."

-Wilrose Shiverpike III, Journal of a Tour of Eigentica

Crimsonhold is a rowdy, lawless settlement on the eastern edge of the large island of Kassoth. It is a haven for the numerous pirates, smugglers, and outlaws collectively referred to as the Corsairs of Kassoth. It is currently under the control of Overcaptain Anton von Rheintach.

Description

Crimsonhold is built on and around a large cliff known as Raider's Ridge which overlooks a small inlet dubbed the Sanguine Bay on the eastern edge of Kassoth, the largest island in the Inganna Archipelago. To its west is the Techeryan Jungle which takes up a majority of the island. The city is intended as a neutral ground between pirates who may otherwise be rivals. There is no law enforcement or government save for that of the Overcaptain; individuals are expected to settle disputes between themselves, with the overcaptain only having authority to adjudicate between captains.

Sailor's Chant

At the base of the cliffs sits a string of tangled docks used by the many ships of the Kassothi Corsairs. Around the docks have naturally sprung up numerous taverns, brothels, and markets that have come to be dubbed the Sailor's Chant.

• Blacktallow's Worldly Wares: A store in Sailor's Shanty run by an retired pirate named Roddard Blacktallow, which offers a wide variety of various goods the elderly corsair collected through his journeys
• Hammer & Tongs: A small smithy run by Bombin Pinehill which specializes in barding for pack animals

Clifftop

Situated on a ledge overlooking the town is built a small keep of red limestone known as the Scarlet Fortress, which was built around the mothballed remains of the Red Runner, the historic flagship used by the first several overcaptains before its decommissioning. Around the Scarlet Fortress is built a separate section of the town, colloquially known as Clifftop. Being typically reserved for captains, officers, and other important individuals, Clifftop tends to be much less ramshackle than the rest of the town.

• The Scarlet Fortress: The historic seat of power of the overcaptains
• The Golden Schooner: An opulent tavern in Clifftop owned and operated by Captain John Foote

Undertown

Dozens of hidden coves dot the area around the town, many of which are used by the plethora of pirate captains who use the town as a safe harbor. A cave system runs throughout Raider's Ridge itself, which is largely avoided due to rumors that it is haunted. Collectively, this system of caves and grottos has been dubbed "Undertown."Deep in these caves is hidden an ancient temple of the Drowned Mistress, from which the various overcaptains of the Conclave's history have drawn power.

• Grotto of the Drowned Mistress: A cave beneath the city housing a small island in the middle of an underground lake, upon which sits an ancient temple to Sulona, the Drowned Mistress. The cavern is haunted by the spirits of past overcaptains.
• The Witch's Bosom: A dark, seedy inn built into the stone of Raider's Ridge. Its clientele is primarily elven and its patrons are wary of outsiders.

History

The eastern tip of Kassoth had long been avoided by sailors due to rumors of it being haunted by dark spirits. These rumors may have had some basis in reality, as an ancient temple of the dark goddess Sulona is situated in the caves beneath Raider's Ridge. Its dark reputation, combined with its seemingly endless caverns and coves, made the area around the Sanguine Bay a natural haven for pirates and smugglers who over time began to erect permanent structures that coalesced into the town of Crimsonhold. In the early 1600s it was made the de facto headquarters of the Conclave of Free-Sailing Captains by the first overcaptain Almos Korvallis.
In 1855 IR, the town was attacked by an armada from the Kingdom of Hildonia in response to numerous grievances against the Kassothi Corsairs. Despite the defection of several pirate captains, the Hildonian fleet was repelled thanks in no small part to the efforts of the recently-elected overcaptain Anton von Rheintach. The victory was hard-earned however, as the town of Crimsonhold was left nearly decimated in the aftermath of the battle.

Notable People

• Roddard Blacktallow: A retired pirate captain who is missing his left arm and right leg
• Mute Bob: First mate of the Mangy Dog and administrator of the city in the overcaptain's absence
• Cheldric: An excitable young sailor in love with an elven courtesan named Tourmaline
• John Foote: Captain of the Amity and the most powerful corsair captain in the aftermath of the Battle of Crimsonhold
• Anton von Rheintach: Overcaptain of the Conclave of Free-Sailing Captains and leader of the city

Flag of Korvallis, utilized by the Overcaptain

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Full Name:
Crimsonhold
Also Known As:
Pirate Town
Leader:
Elected overcaptain
Current Leader:
Anton von Rheintach
Population:
~1,000
Affiliation:
Corsairs of Kassoth
Continent:
Eigentica
Region:
Inganna Archipelago