Portal Pirate
Driven by survival, the founders of Xolldo turned to the Portals. These gateways, overseen by Guardians, were lifelines for settlements, connecting them to Earth and ensuring a flow of supplies and resources essential for sustenance. Observing the patterns of these Guardians became a skill as critical as any form of combat or stealth the thieves possessed.
They became shadows at the edge of light, spectres waiting for the moment a Portal would activate, heralding the arrival of a Guardian laden with goods. These ambushes were calculated and swift, leaving little chance for retaliation. The settlements, accustomed to the convenience of stockpiling resources near their Portals, unwittingly contributed to their own vulnerability. The Portal Pirates, as they came to be known, exploited this convenience, striking with precision and vanishing into the ether from whence they came.
The Founding of Xolldo
Founded in the year 1017, Xolldo's origins trace back to a small band of thieves, each with a story marked by chance encounters and choices that propelled them onto a path few would dare tread. Xolldo served as a safe haven for thieves, a central hub for their operations, and eventually, the capital of the Portal Pirates. The city's strategic location, hidden from the prying eyes of rival factions, allowed it to flourish as a centre of inter-dimensional piracy.Society and Governance
The Portal Pirates are not a monolithic entity but a complex society with its own rules, hierarchy, and culture. The leadership of Xolldo and, by extension, the Portal Pirates, is held by The Council of Shadows, a governing body composed of seven members, each controlling a different territory within Xolldo and its surrounding areas. These territories are interconnected through a vast network of criminal operations specialising in smuggling, assassination, extortion, information gathering, and other illicit activities.Technology and Tactics
The Portal Pirates owe much of their success and notoriety to their innovative use of portal technology. Building on Majorana's theories, they developed devices, known as Portal Pirate Technology, capable of creating stable portals without the need for physical constructs on either side. This technology allowed them to launch raids with precision, escape without leaving a trace, and transport goods across dimensions undetected. Their mastery of stealth portal technology, combined with their ruthless tactics, has made them a formidable force across dimensions.Culture and Traditions
Despite their reputation as fearsome raiders, the Portal Pirates possess a rich cultural tapestry, with traditions that celebrate their history, achievements, and the bonds that unite them. The Gathering of Shadows, an annual festival held in Xolldo, epitomises this aspect of their society, combining competitions, storytelling, and ceremonial tributes to their founders and fallen comrades. This event serves as a reminder of their origins, their resilience, and their enduring spirit of adventure.Ethical Considerations and Future
The existence of the Portal Pirates raises significant ethical questions within both the Earth and Clivilius worlds. Their actions, while often driven by a desire for freedom and exploration, have caused undeniable harm and disruption across dimensions. The Council of Shadows, aware of the changing dynamics of inter-dimensional relations, now faces the challenge of navigating a future where old practices may no longer be sustainable. As they stand at this crossroads, the Portal Pirates must reconcile their storied past with the realities of a universe that is increasingly interconnected and vigilant against the threats they pose.
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