Corsair

Swashbuckling master or mistress of swordplay and hand-to-hand combat.

Where most would see death at the end of a sword, a Corsair sees a dance. Threats? That’s just a song they answer with steel and a devil’s grin. The blade and sea are their partners. Honor? Their compass, and I should know…

- Lysandra Vale, First Mate and Corsair of the Whispering Gale

Tales abound of fearless privateers from sea rovers to duelists in back alley streets of Europe to Asia and beyond. They are a flamboyant lot, swashbucklers who navigate both treacherous cities and the deadly sea with flair and skill. They are a constant sight among crews, and it’s rare to find a crew without one. You are one of their bold number.

The seas tell the tale of your daring exploits. Bold treasure hunts, vessels boarded to make a daring rescue, and even a high-stakes duel of honor in the street. You’re a Corsair. That legendary figure considered epitomizing the spirit of adventure in a world thick with danger, wonders, and perils.

As a Corsair, you gain xp when you address challenges with a daring feat or while upholding your personal code of honor.

So laugh in the face of danger. Taunt your opponent while dueling with them across the deck of your ship or in a local tavern. Make sure others know that when things turn sour, your sword and fists are ready. But even when your blade isn’t drawn, you hold firm to your code of honor. Your personal moral compass that guides you through life, love, and danger.

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Corsair Starting Actions

Skirmish 1

Maneuver 2

Corsair Starting Ability

Riposte and Retort

Starting Builds

Instead of the typical Corsair, feel free to use one of the following templates.

Duelist

You are known for your flashing steel and blinding skill in combat. Acrobatic maneuvers and the ability to handle multiple foes are nothing new to you. If you find a worthy adversary, you would never hesitate to duel them toe-to-toe.

Suggested Actions

Skirmish 2

Maneuver 1

Starting Ability

Blade Dancer

Starting Gear

Fine rapier or fine saber or a Ghost blade

Fine dueling gauntlets

Parrying Dagger or Whip

Ship Captain

The sea calls to you with a siren’s song. Not just as a traveler, but as its master and commander. You know every sail, each rope, portal platform and sea chantey. You’re respected by your crew and your enemies dread the sight of your flag on the horizon.

Suggested Actions

Command 1

Consort 1

Skirmish 1

Starting Ability

Captain's Command

Starting Gear

Fine long coat

Cutlass

Pistol

Spyglass

Ship's Logbook and quill

Buccaneer

You’re a terror of the coast. Alongside your crew, you raid settlements, pirates, and merchant vessels alike. Surprise, intimidation, and brute force are your stock in trade. The thrill of the hunt and the catch of a good haul drive you onward.

Suggested Actions

Skirmish 1

Stealth 1

Wreck 1

Starting Ability

Coastal Raider

Starting Gear

Cutlass

Fine dagger

Belt sash

Buccaneer's Bandanna

Grappling Hook

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Corsair Special Abilities

Blade Dancer

Gain +1 effect when balance or agility is an issue, such as navigating difficult terrain, a wet ship’s deck on the ocean, or dueling on a dance floor.

Captain's Command

If you are a ship captain or leader of a crew, once per session, you can give an order to your crew. This provides them with +1 effect level for their collective action.

Coastal Raider

You gain +1d to any Stealth or Skirmish action during coastal raids or when boarding enemy vessels.

Daredevil

You take bold risks, leap from great heights, swing from chandeliers, or execute death-defying stunts. When you do that, you push yourself for 1 less stress when performing bold or risky actions.

Riposte and Retort

When you successfully parry or block an enemy’s attack during a Skirmish, you can make a counter-attack or a sharp retort. You gain +1 effect as you stun or demoralize your enemy.

Storm of Blades

You unleash a furious barrage of attacks that lets you take on multiple enemies at once or cut a path through them. This lets you gain +1 effect on your Skirmish action.

Sworn Vow

Pick an enemy or organization. When you take a direct action against them or defend against them, gain a +1d to your rolls because of this personal vendetta.

Tough to Kill

You are tough as nails and twice as sturdy. Harm penalties are less severe by one level, though level 4 is still fatal.

Level 1 harm causes no penalties to you

Level 2 harm is treated as ‘Less Effect’ instead of -1d

Level 3 harm is treated as -1d instead of incapacitating

Level 4 harm remains lethal

Way of the Ocean’s Fury

The power of land, sea, and air lies behind your skill. You’ve practiced this dance-like martial art that combines fluid motions with sudden striking force. Unpredictable as the ocean, but as resolute as a mountain, you’re a force to be reckoned with.

This allows you to fight on unstable surfaces as if they were as still stone. Also, if you spend 1 stress, you can +1 effect in close quarter fighting to disarm your opponent.

Unstoppable

You may push yourself to accomplish a feat of acrobatic agility or speed that borders on the superhuman.

Contents

- Corsair Starting Actions and Ability

- Starting Builds

- Profession Questions

- Friends and Rivals

- Corsair Special Abilities

- Typical Corsair Items

Alternative Names

• Swashbuckler
• Buccaneer
• Sea Rover
• Blade Dancer
• Duelist
• Blade Braggart (derogatory)
• Deck Dancer (derogatory)
• Seafarer’s Fool (derogatory)

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Profession Questions

Do you have a personal code you follow?

Did you learn a special fighting style? If so, what does it look like?

What caused you to take up the life of a Corsair? Was it by choice? For vengeance? Did you swear a vow or oath?

Do you have a signature fighting move? A unique swordplay flourish or other way to handle tense situations?

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Friends and Rivals

Here are some suggestions for trusted friends and bitter rivals.

Friends

Amara

An Aylorian thayan. Your trusted first mate whose loyalty is beyond question.

“Gull-Eye” Germot

He is a morasu of Tomia Drevez. This hawk-eyed lookout is known for spotting threats, no matter how thick the fog, storm, or worse.

Estrella "Star" Moreno

Estrella is a Sunweaver thayan. This enchanting dancer and tavern owner moonlights as a spy. She often feeds you vital information from her many admirers.

Tobias "Toby" Flint

Tobias a Nativan human. An old sailor, often dismissed because of his tall tales of the sea. You, however, know the truth behind his stories and the hidden gems they contain.

Rivals

Captain “Redhand” Moros

Moros is a human from Britain. He’s a naval officer who has taken your previous confrontations personally. Now he’s sworn to see you defeated.

Adrianna “Nightshade” Ondelle

A morasu of Tomia Harogara. You crossed her path once, and it ended badly. She’s never forgotten. This deadly assassin has a score to settle with you.

Lucia "The Serpent" Del Mar

Spanish Captain of the "Sea Viper." A deadly threat with cunning tactics and poisonous strategies. She sees all the ocean as her domain and you as an intruder.

Raphael "Rafe" Durocher

Raphael is a human from France. Once an ally, a love interest came between you two. Now, with his vast political connections, he aims to thwart your every move, even though the feelings of resentment are tinged with respect.

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Typical Corsair Items

A typical list of suggested items to choose from that a Corsair might have on them.

Weapons

Blunderbuss

A short-barreled rifle that fires a wide burst of shot and is deadly at close range. (2 load)

Cutlass

A classic, curved pirate sword favored in ship-to-ship combat. (1 load)

Dagger

A short blade, ideal for close combat or as a tool. (0 load)

Fine Pistol

A two shot, flintlock handgun, made for accuracy.

Who made them? How are they different from the usual pistol? (1 load)

Ghost Blade

A mystical sword that glows a gentle, but ominous, ghostly blue-white with unearthly hum once the owner is in danger. The glow and hum from these blades cannot be concealed by any means, not even by magic. Magical attempts to douse the effect crumble away.

Stories tell that these blades are effective against supernatural threats as well as the living. When used against a supernatural creature, the blade grants a +1 effect for one scene.

These are uncommon weapons. How did you get one? Did you inherit it? Steal it? Was it a gift? (1 load)

Katana

Famous for its sharpness and sleek, curved design, this is a weapon of precision and grace. The curved blade excels at swift, deadly cuts. When using a katana, you gain +1 effect in duels where you prioritize speed and finesse over brute force. (1 load)

Long sword

An older type of weapon, this versatile and balanced blade is a symbol of martial prowess. It excels at slashing and thrusting attacks but despite its power, lacks the speed of a rapier. When using a long sword against an armored opponent, you gain +1 effect. (1 load)

Weapons (cont)

Rapier

A thin, pointed sword designed for thrusting attacks. Preferred by duelists. (1 load)

Starfire Pistol

This is a clockwork pistol with a mystical charge. It fires brilliant bursts of energy and needs to recharge after three shots. The mystic signature attracts supernatural creatures who attack on sight. (1 load)

Whip

Made of braided leather, these weapons are useful for combat, climbing, or issuing dramatic challenges. (0 load)

Gear

Satchel/Courier Bag

Often canvas with a leather shoulder strap, this is a small bag for carrying a variety of items. (0 load)

Grappling Hook

Commonly a two or three prong hook attached to a length of rope. Essential for boarding ships or climbing. (1 load)

Spyglass

Usually a metal tube with lenses that can collapse to a more compact shape. Used for scouting distant ships or land. (1 load)

Ship's Logbook and Quill

To record events, treasures, or mysterious findings. (0 load)

Mariner’s Astrolabe

Brass frame and gears, this helps in navigation, especially under unfamiliar stars. (0 load)

Ship’s Lantern

Square and box-shaped and fueled by oil, this offers reliable illumination, even in the fiercest storms. (1 load)

Attire

Buccaneer's Bandanna

A symbol of the pirate's life. Also helps keep the sweat out of your eyes. (0 load)

Belt Sash

This broad sash is worn around the waist. It’s useful for holding items and often has hidden pockets. (0 load)

Fine Long Coat

Provides some protection against the elements, the occasional dagger, and makes the wearer look dashing. (1 load)

Dueling Gauntlets

Reinforced gloves, usually leather, that offer some protection in hand-to-hand combat. (1 load)

Personal Items

Parrot or Monkey Companion

Not just for show; these creatures can be both clever and resourceful. Many are trained to perform tricks and other commands.

Where did you find it? How did it come to be your companion? (0 load)

Memento Locket

This small charm contains a personal relic or portrait. A constant reminder of what you're fighting for. (0 load)