The Iron Dagger

A fearsome flat-bottomed river pirate ship, The Iron Dagger strikes terror into those who ply the waters near Nulb and on the Imeryd's Run and Velverdyva River. Commanded alternately by the ruthless pirate leaders Captain Tolub or his trusted lieutenant Grud Squinteye, The Iron Dagger serves as a mobile base of operations for the Cult of the Crushing Wave and their nefarious dealings. It is both a weapon of intimidation and a smuggler’s lifeline.

The Iron Dagger

The Iron Dagger is a flat-bottomed river vessel designed for speed and versatility, perfect for navigating shallow waters and tight river bends.

• Hull and Design: Its wide, flat hull is painted a dull, rusty red, reminiscent of dried blood. The name “The Iron Dagger” is scrawled across its side in peeling black paint. Its structure appears ramshackle, patched together from years of battles and repairs, but this is a deliberate deception; the ship is sturdy and battle-ready.
• Deck Features: The main deck boasts a small ballista and ample space for smuggling crates of stolen goods or weapons. Rope rigging and makeshift planks hang precariously from the edges, hinting at frequent boarding operations.
• Sails and Banners: The ship flies the Crushing Wave emblem when engaging with cult operations, a dark blue flag with a stylized crashing wave. However, Tolub often disguises its true allegiance with false merchant flags.
• Interior: Below deck lies a dank hold for cargo, cramped quarters for the crew, and a reinforced captain's cabin decorated with spoils from their exploits: gilded goblets, rare furs, and stolen merchant insignias.

Flat-bottomed river galley

The Iron Dagger is well-suited for navigating rivers, especially those with shallow waters and tight bends, like the Imeryd Run in the Viscounty of Verbobonc. Here’s why:

• Flat-Bottom Design: This type of hull minimizes draft, allowing the vessel to traverse shallow rivers without running aground. It also provides stability when navigating slower-moving or meandering river currents.
• Lightweight Structure: River galleys are typically lighter than seafaring vessels, making them faster and more maneuverable, which is ideal for tight bends and smaller waterways.
• Compact Size: Compared to ocean-going ships, the smaller size of this galley ensures it can dock at makeshift riverbanks, smaller harbors, or hidden smuggler coves—perfect for covert operations like those conducted by Tolub.
• Versatile Rigging: The design would often allow for quick adjustments to the sails or even the use of oars if needed. This makes it highly functional in areas where wind is inconsistent or restricted by the surrounding terrain.
• Ramshackle Appearance: The rugged, battle-worn aesthetic combined with its efficient structure makes it a perfect ship for both trade and combat along the river.

"Every crate we haul fills the temple’s coffers—and our pockets too, so quit yer grumblin’!"

Pirate Crew Aboard The Iron Dagger

The Iron Dagger’s crew is an amalgamation of hardened criminals, thugs, and misfits bound by greed and fear. They are known for their brutality and ruthless efficiency.

Command Structure

• 1st Mate (Level 4): Keeps discipline among the crew and coordinates boarding actions.
• 2nd Mate (Level 4): Oversees cargo operations and ensures the ship remains seaworthy.
• Bosun (Level 2): Enforces physical discipline and maintains the ship's rigging and weaponry.
• Boarding Mates (2 at Level 0): Serve as elite boarders during combat.

"Aboard the Dagger, there’s only two rules: don’t cross the captain, and don’t drop the rum!"

Sailors

• 2 elite sailors (Level 0) with leather armor serve as scouts and sharpshooters with crossbows.
• 12 regular sailors (Level 0) form the bulk of the crew, armed with clubs, short swords, or daggers.

Operations and Activities

The Iron Dagger is a key vessel in the pirates' smuggling operations, river raids, and alliance with the Cult of the Crushing Wave.

• Raiding and Extortion: The Iron Dagger preys on merchants and river travelers who refuse to pay protection fees. Ships are attacked and looted, their survivors often sold into slavery.
• Smuggling Routes: The Iron Dagger is vital to delivering goods such as weapons, liquor, and luxury items to cultists at the Temple of Elemental Evil.
• Port of Call – Nulb: The ship frequently docks at Nulb, where the pirates resupply and conduct trade. Tolub uses 4: Boatman’s Tavern and Nulb Market as his base for negotiations and recruiting new crew.
• Combat Tactics: The Iron Dagger relies on speed and surprise, using shallow waters to ambush larger ships. The pirates favor grappling hooks and boarding actions, overwhelming foes with sheer numbers.

"Tolub says the temple’s just a means to an end. Me? I don’t care, so long as the pay flows."

Captain Tolub and Lieutenant Grud

Both leaders play crucial roles in the operations of The Iron Dagger, but their styles differ significantly.

• Captain Tolub: A charismatic yet ruthless leader, Tolub commands absolute loyalty through intimidation and cunning. His partnership with the Crushing Wave cult fuels his ambition to dominate the river trade.
• Grud Squinteye, while less refined than Tolub, is equally brutal and feared among the crew. His loyalty to Tolub is unquestionable, and he often serves as the ship's captain during Tolub’s absences.

Role in Nulb’s Economy

The Iron Dagger is deeply intertwined with Nulb’s illicit economy, providing the village with stolen goods and gold while enabling the operations of the Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Supply Chain: Goods stolen by the pirates are funneled into Nulb’s market, enriching figures like Lady Nysera Krivaltis and strengthening the town’s underworld.
• Local Influence: The Iron Dagger’s crew is a significant presence in Nulb, spending their ill-gotten gains in local establishments like The 4: Boatman’s Tavern and Nulb Market, ensuring the town remains under the pirates’ sway.

DM Only Section

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The Iron Dagger’s Hidden Cargo

The Iron Dagger is more than just a pirate ship; it is a mobile supply vessel for the Temple of Elemental Evil. Each delivery strengthens the cult’s forces and furthers their dark agenda.

Cargo Details: The hold often contains

• Weapons and armor (20 swords, 15 shields, 30 spears).
• Luxury goods (barrels of fine wine, crates of exotic spices, bolts of silk).
• Ritual components for cult activities (rare herbs, animal bones, alchemical reagents).

Cult Ties

• Greater Temple: Supplies funneled to the Temple guard via hidden trails from Nulb.
• Water Temple: The Iron Dagger delivers directly to the river caves controlled by Belsornig.
• Earth Temple: Goods are smuggled to the 55. Hunting Cabin - off map, where they are transported through the Temple’s tunnels.
• Fire and Air Temples: Negotiations for supply contracts are ongoing, with Tolub aiming to monopolize their trade.
• Secrets of The Iron Dagger: The ship has a hidden compartment beneath the captain’s quarters, used to smuggle the most valuable items or hide fugitives. Only Tolub and Grud know of this compartment.

Adventure Hooks

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Synopsis

The Iron Dagger offers numerous opportunities for player characters to interact with the pirates and their operations.

• Intercepting a Shipment: PCs may receive a mission to disrupt one of The Iron Dagger’s deliveries to the Temple, either by boarding the ship or ambushing its cargo.
• Infiltrating the Crew: A stealthy character might join The Iron Dagger’s crew to learn more about the Temple’s supply chain.
• Facing Tolub or Grud: The PCs could clash directly with the pirates, either to stop their raids or secure their own transport.

The Iron Dagger by 3orcs

"Ain’t no safe shore when the Dagger comes prowlin’. Best haul anchor or prepare to meet the waves!"

Captain Tolub

Leader of The River Pirates
Medium humanoid (human), Fighter (Level 8)

Ruthless Leader. Tolub can issue commands to his crew as a bonus action. When he does, allies within 30 feet gain advantage on their next attack roll.

Cunning Escape. If Tolub's hit points drop below 15, he can take the Disengage action as a bonus action and flee to a defensible position or leap into the river if near water.

Background Notes: Tolub is the ruthless captain of the Iron Dagger and leads a crew of river pirates operating out of Nulb. He’s a high-ranking member of the Cult of the Crushing Wave and well-informed on local affairs. He may recognize adventurers by reputation and adjust his behavior accordingly.

Captain Garik Quarters by 3orcs

Pirate Crew

Lieutenant Grud Squinteye
While fiercely loyal to Captain Tolub, Grud views leadership with ambition, biding his time to one day captain The Iron Dagger.

• 1st mate Chain + shield Longsword
• 2nd mate Chain + shield Morningstar
• Bosun Chain Battleaxe
• B'mate Chain + shield Longswrd axe
• B'mate Chain Basterd Sword
• 14 Sailors leather, dagger

Roration Duties

• 1. Full out raiding for 3 days
• 2. half in port for 1 night
• 3. half in port for 2 days
• 4. half in port for 1 day
• 5. full crews in for 1 night*
• 6. Check again, rolling Id4

Type

Illicit, Pirate Crew

Leader

Tolub

Ruling Organization

The River Pirates

Location

Nulb

Related Species

• Humans of Greyhawk

Related Ethnicities

• Flannae Flan
• Oeridian Oerid
• Suloise Suel

The Crew of the Iron Dagger

Tolub leads a crew of 30 river pirates, though only a quarter are with him at any given time. His first mate, Grud, often commands the rest. Tolub’s crew includes a mix of fighters, sailors, and other river-dwelling ruffians. The crew operates under a pirate charter, which dictates their duties and shares of the loot.

• Crew Composition: 30 river pirates, mix of roles
• Command Structure: Tolub as captain, Grud as lieutenant
• Operating Guidelines: Pirate charter, determining shares and responsibilities

Crew Mantra: "Steel in hand, coin in the hold, and blood in the water. That’s the way of the Dagger!"

Captain Grud by 3orcs