Years ago, the island city-state of Madinat Al’Asrar was constantly besieged by pirates as they attacked the multitude of merchant ships heading to the rich city.
Because of that, the High Council of the city started a two-pronged strategy to alleviate the problem. First, they made deals with some of the more powerful pirates to operate as privateers in service to the city. Second, they started building a robust navy and created a number of bases throughout the archipelago to deter any pirates not willing to take the privateer deal.
The map below is of the base Ma’ Alhadid. Captain Beshir of the Madinat Al’Asrar navy uses this as a base for his ship – Perseverance – and its crew of 70 hardened sailors. When the ship is not docked, the base has a handful of marines, along with a few workers to maintain and protect it.
The base is dependent on supply ships for its food and alcohol, but a cistern in the base of the tower provides drinking water for the inhabitants.
Besides being a place where Captain Beshir’s ship can be repaired and outfitted, it also houses prisoners in the basement of the main house in the compound before they can be shipped off to the city for judgement.
Plot Hooks:
1) The party – if just starting out – are part of the small garrison at the base. A determined pirate and his crew are attacking the base. Can the party defend the small tower they have been stationed at from waves of cutthroats?
2) The pirate captain Bob Treacham has been imprisoned at the base. The Perseverance is away on patrol. Can the party sneak in and free him? Gold and prestige await!
3) Beneath the large tower are the foundations of a much older construction. The party has a map to the location of a forgotten treasure buried within. Can the party sneak, lie or fight their way into it?
4) The party has their own ship, crew and will to attempt storming the base itself. The navy’s payroll and other potential treasures await – not the least of which being a possible base for their future endeavors.
This map was made by me, using Inkarnate.