Raiders' Ravine
Raider’s Ravine is a rugged settlement located on the western coast of Ëndria, in the region known as the Fjordlands. To its east rise the imposing Silver Mountains, which form a natural barrier between the Ravine and the Thelvara Dynasty, whose Seabound Sentinels make up the biggest threat for the Ravine's existence. This lawless haven was born of necessity rather than order, carved into the jagged landscape by the needs of exiles of Thelvara, and pirate crews seeking refuge from the dangers of the open sea and the ever-watchful eyes of the Thelvarian fleet. Its very existence is a testament to the law of the sea: survival depends on strength, cunning, and alliances forged in shared desperation.
The Ravine itself is an intricate system of deep, intersecting gorges, with one central, water-filled ravine serving as the primary harbor for pirate ships. This concealed docking area provides protection and a sense of security for the crews, who anchor their vessels far below the chaos above. Surrounding this main ravine are higher, narrower cracks filled with wooden structures that cling to the steep walls. These connecting ravines form the town proper, with bridges and platforms spanning the gaps to create a precarious but functional network of pathways and homes. The town’s construction is chaotic yet ingenious, a vertical labyrinth where life teeters on the edge—both literally and figuratively.
Protection within Raider’s Ravine comes only from being part of one of the four major pirate crews that dominate the settlement. An unspoken rule of cooperation keeps the peace within this volatile haven, though rivalries run deep, and each faction constantly searches for ways to gain the upper hand. The Ravine’s delicate balance is maintained by necessity; survival depends on unity in the face of external threats, but treachery and opportunism lurk in every shadow.
The Four Major Crews
The Cursed Tide The most feared crew in Raider’s Ravine, The Cursed Tide is synonymous with dominance. Their flagship, the Serpent's Maw with its cunning captain, Alyzza Shaprtongue, is a massive vessel armed with unmatched firepower, making it nearly impossible for any ship to outpower them in single combat. The Cursed Tide relies on careful planning and intelligence gathering before executing their attacks. They spend months scouting merchant routes, using smaller ships to gather information and locate the most strategic places to strike. Once they have gathered enough intelligence, they use the coastline to conceal the Serpent's Maw and set up deadly ambushes. The Iron Accord The Iron Accord is the most politically focused faction in Raider’s Ravine. Known for their diplomatic tact and strategic mind, they are the crew most likely to engage in dealings with outside authorities, using extortion and threats to expand their influence. Delroc Blackhand, the calm and authoritative leader of the Iron Accord, is a master manipulator, commanding respect and loyalty within the crew. Their influence extends beyond piracy, as they have managed to carve out a foothold in the broader political landscape of the Ravine. While they maintain a firm grip on the town’s affairs, their alliances with other crews are fragile, dependent on the ever-changing tides of pirate politics. The Wildcord The Wildcord is a mercenary crew that thrives on chaos and opportunism. They are unpredictable, impulsive, and driven by the highest bidder, offering their services for privateering, sabotage, and blackmail. Unlike the more unified factions, they care little for alliances and more for creating turmoil wherever they go. Their leader, Fiera "The Free", is a former noble from the peaceful and law-abiding land of Thar'ziq, who rejected her upbringing in favor of a life of piracy. Fiera’s chaotic leadership style mirrors the Wildcord's modus operandi—nothing is ever certain, and only those who can convince her that their interests align can hope to gain her allegiance. Fiera’s crew tests the delicate balance of peace within Raider's Ravine, sometimes throwing it into disarray with their violent actions. They are also frequently hired by the Iron Accord to carry out dirty work against their enemies. Horizon's End Unlike the other crews, Horizon's End is a crew which dealings are mostly unknown, and are rarely seen in Raider’s Ravine. Their ship, the legendary Horizon's End, is renowned for its swift, almost supernatural ability to track and approach targets with uncanny accuracy. Captained by Ariacara, a fierce tiefling pirate, the crew of Horizon's End is a symbol of mystery and awe. They are a rare sight in the Ravine, making only a few visits each year, but their presence is enough to remind the other crews that they remain a force to be reckoned with. Revered but largely uninvolved in the daily political dealings of the Ravine, Horizon’s End exudes an aura of mystique, leaving the townsfolk in awe every time they dock. While their involvement in local matters is minimal, their fame makes them a key figure in the pirate community. Smaller Crews In addition to the four major factions, Raider's Ravine is home to several smaller pirate crews. These crews typically own a single ship and have little influence on the political dynamics of the Ravine. However, they contribute to the chaotic energy of the town, often aligning with one of the larger factions or simply operating on their own terms. These smaller crews may engage in piracy, scavenging, or trade, but their political influence is limited, and they often find themselves caught in the shifting alliances of the major crews. The Fragile Balance Raider’s Ravine exists in a constant state of flux, with the crews maintaining a precarious balance of power. Rivalries are inevitable, and while the crews understand the need for cooperation to survive, they also take every opportunity to undermine one another. The delicate peace is constantly tested by the ambitions and unpredictable actions of the crews, especially those like the Wildcord, whose chaotic nature threatens to destabilize the town at any moment. Despite this, the crews respect one another in a grudging way. There is a tacit understanding that survival depends on unity in the face of external threats, such as the feared Thelvarian Seabound Sentinels or the authorities of Ëndria. This balance is tenuous at best, and any shift in the power structure can quickly turn Raider's Ravine into a battleground for supremacy. In addition to the four major factions, Raider's Ravine is home to several smaller pirate crews. These crews typically own a single ship and have little influence on the political dynamics of the Ravine. However, they contribute to the chaotic energy of the town, often aligning with one of the larger factions or simply operating on their own terms. These smaller crews may engage in piracy, scavenging, or trade, but their political influence is limited, and they often find themselves caught in the shifting alliances of the major crews.
Type
Outpost / Base
Location under
