The Stormborne
Brief Overview
The Stormborne are more than just a pirate crew—they are a brotherhood bound by the sea and the will of Fulmentas, the Lord of Storms. Formed under the leadership of Lothar "The Quiet Storm" Stone, they do not engage in piracy for personal greed but rather as a means to cut down slavers, corrupt merchants, and tyrants who prey upon the weak. While they are feared in many ports, there are just as many who view them as guardians of balance, striking against those who seek to exploit the chaos of the seas.
Unlike the vast pirate fleets of Orlann Veskar or Cassian Stormfall, the Stormborne operate in small but highly disciplined squadrons, focusing on strategic raids and calculated strikes. Their reputation comes not just from their strength in battle, but from their mysticism, discipline, and unshakable belief that the sea must remain in balance.
The Stormborne are a paradox—pirates who believe in balance, raiders who seek justice, and warriors who fear no storm. To the corrupt, they are a scourge. To the weak, they are salvation. And to the sea, they are its chosen.
Structure
High Captain: Lothar Stone, the undisputed leader and spiritual guide.
Stormbound Commanders: Senior officers, often priests of Fulmentas or veterans of the crew.
Galeborn: Elite warriors and ship captains who command smaller vessels in the fleet.
Stormhands: The rank-and-file sailors, warriors, and navigators who make up the bulk of the crew.
Initiates: New recruits undergoing rigorous trials to earn their place within the Stormborne.
Despite their ranks, every member is expected to adhere to the Stormborne Code, which emphasizes loyalty, discipline, and protecting those who cannot protect themselves.
Culture
Faith and Ritual: Every voyage begins and ends with a prayer to Fulmentas. Storms are seen as divine trials, and those who fear them are not welcome among the crew.
Respect for the Sea: They do not waste food, water, or resources from the ocean. Taking more than needed is seen as an affront to their patron.
Martial Brotherhood: Strength and skill are respected, but cruelty is not tolerated. Those who bring dishonor to the Stormborne are cast out—sometimes overboard.
Runic Tattoos: Many members bear sacred storm runes etched into their skin, marking their devotion to Fulmentas.
Assets
Silent Gale: Lothar’s flagship, a near-silent carrack imbued with druidic blessings.
Stormcaller’s Wake: A heavily modified longship, designed for speed and maneuverability.
The Tempest Fang: A fast, mid-sized raider vessel used for scouting and quick assaults.
Hidden Coves: Secluded harbors and storm-wracked islands used as safe havens for the Stormborne.
Religious Influence: Though pirates, they hold sway in certain coastal villages and seafaring communities that revere Fulmentas.
History
Lothar Stone never intended to form a pirate fleet. Originally, he gathered a small band of warriors to hunt slavers operating in Falengaht’s icy waters. However, as word of their success spread, more disillusioned sailors, outcasts, and warriors came to follow him.
In 460 AEL, the Stormborne were officially formed after the Battle of Black Ice Sound, where Lothar and his crew destroyed a notorious slave fleet, freeing hundreds and gaining the loyalty of many survivors. From that day, they became a force to be reckoned with, striking against those who would seek to enslave or exploit others.
Despite their noble origins, the Stormborne have been forced into conflict with naval powers and merchant cartels, who see them as dangerous marauders rather than liberators. The Dominion of Kafka and the Sultanate’s Basara Trading Company, in particular, have placed bounties on Lothar’s head, seeing his raids as a direct threat to their economies.
Over time, the Stormborne became an integral part of Reaper’s Port, gaining a seat on the Black Council, though Lothar wields influence more through respect and action than political scheming. His belief that Orlann Veskar’s rule is necessary to maintain stability has led him to back Veskar in most disputes, despite his distaste for piracy as a whole.
"The storm does not destroy—it cleanses. The sea does not bow, nor shall we."
Founding Date
461
Alternative Names
The Fulmentari
Leader
Leader Title
Founders
Notable Members
