The Forlon Court

"Pirate Lord Cotillias... his courage was like the tides, always steady, always surging forward. To lose him was a cruel twist of fate; the sea took back one of its own far too soon." –

— Author Sorren, the Sailmaker of Carvell Island

The Forlon Court, a shadowy and formidable organization, represents the most powerful and notorious pirate captains in the world of Cevantia. As a loose confederation of pirates, the Forlon Court is led by a group of influential Pirate Lords, who have amassed both power and infamy through their ruthless exploits on the high seas. Their influence extends far and wide, and their presence is most prominent in the treacherous archipelago of Clesoryn, off the southeastern coast of Talaman. Here, they have established their bases of operations, and the Court has transformed this region into a haven for the lawless and daring.

Structure

The Forlon Court operates under a structure that prioritizes freedom above all else. With no central headquarters, the organization's pirates operate out of hidden coves and settlements scattered throughout Clesoryn. This decentralized approach ensures that they can adapt swiftly to changing circumstances and evade capture by rival powers. The Court welcomes individuals from all walks of life, including former members of captured crews, and there is no shortage of recruits willing to join their ranks for a chance at a life of adventure and wealth.
Within the Forlon Court, individual crews serve under the command of a Captain, each with their own unique style, motivations, and ambitions. Most Captains find it advantageous to form alliances and align themselves with a Pirate Lord, who often has a more substantial power base and resources at their disposal. To reach the prestigious rank of Pirate King, a Pirate Lord must earn the trust and backing of their peers through daring feats and sheer notoriety, although this title has remained unclaimed for centuries. The closest contender in recent memory was the ambitious Pirate Lord Cotillias.

Pirate Lords of the Forlon Court

Marina of the Lyrana's Fortune Crew

The daughter of the legendary Pirate Lord Cotillias, Marina is a fierce and determined leader. She harbors a burning desire for revenge, seeking to avenge her father's untimely death by waging war against the Kingdom of Kreyburg.
Kian Mei of the Shining Sun Crew

Kian Mei is a symbol of virtue and justice among the Pirate Lords. Her alliance with Marina's Crew attests to her noble character and unwavering principles. She is the older sister of Sun Chen
Sun Chen of the Shadow Raiders Crew

Though driven by avarice and slowly tainted by darkness, Sun Chen retains an underlying goodness. He faces an internal struggle as he grapples with the corrupting influences of his lifestyle. He is the younger brother of Kian Mei.
Saltentrix of the Silent Depths Crew

One of the older pirates, Saltentrix is an strange figure, functioning as a cult leader devoted to the legendary Kraken that lurks in the seas. Over time, he has begun a transformation beyond his human form, resembling something akin to a sea spawn.
Tasalin of the Creeping Blight

Tasalin is a dark siren whose appearance belies her cunning nature. She wields the ability to manipulate sea creatures to her advantage, as well as changing her appearance, making her a formidable foe on the seas.

Mel-Zap of the Many Eyes Crew

Mel-Zap, an evil beholder, exudes an aura of perversion and eeriness. With an eyepatch concealing his central eye, he is infamous for his unsettling presence and arcane prowess.


Jarlus, Bluebeard of the Blue Hell Crew

Jarlus or "Bluebeard", a colossal frost giant who holds a lot of sway in the court, is known for his brutal tactics and immense power. He commands the largest ship in the world, The Blue Hell, ensuring his rule over the seas.

Scarpius, Wightbeard of the Sea's Vengeance Crew

Scarpius or "Wightbeard" is the most feared and cursed pirate in the Court, often rumored to be undead or possessing the dark art of necromancy. His name strikes terror into the hearts of his foes and it has led to their being a "flee on sight policy" being held among all ships when you see or even hear rumors of his flag.

Rup Stoddard of the Sea Drake Crew

Rup Stoddard is a ruthless, heavily scarred and unpopular Lord, infamous for conducting frequent raids and attacking new captains along the isles of Clesoryn. He is known for killing and replacing his crew with alarming regularity.
Captain Scummer of The Scummer's Scum Crew

Captain Scummer, a large slaad, thrives on chaos and unpredictability, embracing the pirate's life with zeal. His erratic nature makes him one of the most unpredictable Pirate Lords.
Antares Stille

Antares Stille is a highly respected tiefling who sails solo, a mysterious figure with enigmatic goals. Rumors abound about his quest, but no one truly knows what he seeks, making him a source of intrigue and curiosity.
Alkura the Storm Maiden of the Thunderbirds Storm Crew

Alkura is a formidable and beloved fighter with a devoted crew. She utilizes longboats and commands the fastest ship in the seas, known as The First Tempest. Often protects the coasts for a cut of their trade profits.
Vanessa Boqorra of the Blood Rose Crew

Vanessa is a beautiful "Vampirate" who specializes in night raids, during which she conducts experiments on captives, making her one of the most feared, lusted and talked about Pirate Lords.

Assets

Ships- The most obvious and essential assets of the Forlon Court are their ships. They command a diverse fleet of vessels, from sleek sloops to massive galleons, each customized for piracy, with reinforced hulls, powerful cannons, and swift maneuverability.
Crews- The pirate crews, though varying in size and experience, form a significant asset. These individuals are skilled in seamanship, combat, navigation, and piracy, making them essential for the success of their operations. Hidden Bases- Throughout the archipelago of Clesoryn, the Forlon Court has established hidden bases and settlements, which serve as safe havens for pirates to resupply, repair their ships, and lay low when necessary.
Plunder/Booty- Over the years, the pirates have amassed significant wealth through piracy. Their ill-gotten treasures, including gold, gemstones, and precious artifacts, are stored in secret stashes and hidden vaults, serving as a source of wealth and power.
Knowledge- Local knowledge of the seas, tides, and currents is a valuable asset. It enables the Forlon Court to navigate treacherous waters and outmaneuver pursuing warships or bounty hunters.
Alliances- Some members of the Forlon Court have formed alliances with other pirate crews or even shadowy organizations, which can provide additional resources, support, and information.
Black Market Connections- The pirates maintain connections to the black market, enabling them to trade their stolen goods for a wide range of supplies, from weapons and provisions to magical items and exotic contraband.
Intelligence Network- A network of informants, spies, and scouts provides valuable intelligence on potential targets, rival pirate crews, and law enforcement activities, allowing the Forlon Court to stay one step ahead.
Shore Leave Ports- Certain ports and coastal settlements beyond Clesoryn secretly offer safe harbor and services to Forlon Court pirates when they need to resupply, seek medical treatment, or spend their ill-gotten gains without drawing unwanted attention.
Pirate Havens- Remote islands and hideouts serve as pirate havens, where the Court's captains can gather, share information, and conduct discussions on matters affecting their interests.
Influence Over Ports- Several Pirate Lords exercise control over specific ports or islands, effectively making them key players in the regional economy and politics. They may extract tributes, provide protection, or act as intermediaries in trade agreements.
Magical Artifacts- Some Pirate Lords possess magical artifacts and items of power acquired during their plundering. These items can provide a significant advantage in battles and negotiations.
Alliances and Enmities- The complex web of alliances and rivalries among the Pirate Lords can be considered an asset, as it can be leveraged for strategic purposes or as a source of support in times of conflict.

History

The origins of the Forlon Court trace back to the Age of Exploration, a time when piracy flourished due to the uncharted waters and thriving maritime trade. Individual pirate captains, each with their own ship and crew, roamed the seas, seeking wealth and adventure. While piracy was a solitary pursuit for most, a few visionary captains recognized the strength in unity. In the early days, the Court was no more than a loose coalition of independent pirate lords, each operating within their territory. Their main objective was to exploit the rich shipping channels and sea trade routes that crisscrossed the world of Cevantia. The archipelago of Clesoryn, with its labyrinthine waterways and hidden coves, became their favored hunting ground.

Rise of the Pirate Lords

As the piracy escalated and competition among pirates grew fierce, a few remarkable individuals emerged as leaders among their peers. These early Pirate Lords possessed exceptional cunning, seamanship, and strategic prowess. Over time, they forged alliances and established their dominance, each controlling one of the archipelago's key ports or islands. The unification of the most powerful Pirate Lords gave rise to the Pirate Council, the ruling body of the Forlon Court. This council allowed the Pirate Lords to coordinate their activities, share intelligence, and collectively protect their interests. While their alliance was tenuous and often self-serving, it granted them a degree of unity and strength they lacked as individual captains.

Golden Age of Piracy

During what became known as the "Golden Age of Piracy," the Forlon Court thrived. Their knowledge of local waters, superior seamanship, and audacity allowed them to prey on even the most heavily armed merchant vessels. They accumulated vast fortunes, powerful ships, and loyal crews. However, the Golden Age was not without its challenges. Rival pirate crews, law enforcement, and navies from various kingdoms sought to curtail the Court's activities. Additionally, internal power struggles often erupted among the Pirate Lords as they vied for control and influence.

The First and Last King

Captain "Blackbeard" Barlow. Blackbeard Barlow was a cunning and ruthless pirate lord who managed to unite several other Pirate Lords under his rule for a brief but tumultuous period. During his time as Pirate King, Blackbeard Barlow sought to consolidate power within the Forlon Court and expand its influence further into the seas. His reign was marked by audacious raids, brutal displays of power, and attempts to establish a more centralized leadership structure. However, his ambition and heavy-handed approach led to internal strife and opposition from rival Pirate Lords.
In the end, Blackbeard Barlow's rule proved to be short-lived. He faced challenges both from within the Forlon Court and from external forces, including the increased efforts of navies and law enforcement agencies to combat piracy. His attempt to centralize power ultimately failed, and he was overthrown in a dramatic and violent coup, marking the end of his reign as Pirate King.

Pirate Kings and their Fates

The title of Pirate King, an honor that had eluded the Court for centuries, was nearly claimed by the ambitious and beloved Pirate Lord Cotillias. He came the closest to achieving this distinction in recent memory. However, even his audacity and cunning were not enough to cement his reign as Pirate King. In the end, Cotillias met an untimely demise, leading to a power vacuum that persists to this day.

Present Day

The Forlon Court remains a potent force in the world of Cevantia. Its Pirate Lords, each with their unique personalities and motives, continue to navigate treacherous waters, engage in daring raids, and influence the course of piracy throughout the realm. As the Court's legacy endures, its influence remains a subject of both fear and fascination for those who sail the Seven Seas. The Court's future remains uncertain, as new ambitions and rivalries continue to shape its destiny.

Territories

• Archipelago of Clesoryn

Type

Alliance, Generic

Capital

Port Kalkas

Alternative Names

The Swashbuckler's Society, The Pirate Council

Training Level

Trained

Veterancy Level

Trained

Leader Title

Pirate King

Power Structure

Confederation

Economic System

Barter system

Location

Clesoryn

Related Traditions

• Forlon Regatta

Controlled Territories

• Port Kalkas