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Post by gamefan9 on Feb 18, 2024 21:22:59 GMT
I thought it would be fun to stat up nine historical pirates for Freebooters that were active in the Caribbean. I had a look at the Treasure Island adventure and figured I could build from the writeups in there as a guide.
Long John Silver has a HD of 5, so I am considering that for the low end of pirate captains such as Kidd and Rackham, then placing Bonny and Reade below them (likely HD 3). Every and L’Olonnais are probably HD 6, and I could have Morgan, Roberts, and Teach come in at HD 7.
At first, HD 7 seemed a bit low of a cap for such legendary pirates (especially considering a HD of 10 is the highest attainable HD in Freebooters). If Morgan, Roberts, or Teach are not considered among the best, who is, right? Yet, I’m wondering if HD 7 would actually be a good “max” and fit? I don't necessarily want bloated stats if unwarranted or unsensible.
What are everyone’s thoughts on the matter? Should the top-tier pirates of lore in Freebooters actually have a HD of 10, scaling down from there instead?
Here are the two ways I’m leaning at the moment:
Cap of 7…
HD 7: Morgan, Roberts, Teach
HD 6: Every, L’Olonnais
HD 5: Kidd, Rackham
HD 3: Bonny, Reade
Cap of 10…
HD 10: Morgan, Roberts
HD 9: Teach
HD 8: Every
HD 7: L’Olonnais
HD 6: Rackham
HD 5: Kidd
HD 4: Reade
HD 3: Bonny
I plan on sharing the write-ups when finished, I just need a definitive starting point regarding HD pecking order.
Thanks to the brain trust here for your time and any help you may provide!
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Post by Night Owl on Mar 26, 2024 6:08:28 GMT
Comparing a fictional character like Long John Silver to real world people poses an interesting design challenge. I think it would be very subjective. Your ranking looks valid to me. Using the cap of 10 gives you the full range.
For example, I'd probably write up Captain Kidd like this:
Captain Kidd (Pirate, Level 10, Chaotic Neutral, HP 74, AC 15, MV 12", STR 16 (+3), INT 14 (+2), WIS 12 (+1), DEX 15 (+2), CON 14 (+2), CHR 13 (+1), Special Abilities: Naval Expertise, Intimidate, Treasure Hunting)
Appearance: Captain Kidd is a fearsome sight, standing tall and robust with weathered skin tanned from years at sea. His dark, piercing eyes are as deep and mysterious as the ocean. His hair, once black, now streaks with grey, and his beard is rugged and unkempt. Kidd dresses in a practical yet striking manner, often seen in a long, worn coat adorned with remnants of his plunder, such as colorful sashes or exotic jewelry. His presence is commanding, with a blend of menace and charisma that is hard to ignore.
Personality: Kidd is known for his cunning and ruthlessness, a man who is as treacherous as the seas he navigates. He's quick-witted, often outsmarting his enemies with a blend of intelligence and brute force. Despite his notorious reputation, he has a code of honor among his crew and respects strength and loyalty. Kidd is unpredictable, switching from charming and persuasive to fierce and aggressive in a heartbeat, making him a respected and feared figure among pirates and sailors alike.
Motive: Captain Kidd's primary motive is the pursuit of legendary treasures. Driven by an insatiable lust for wealth and power, he roams the seas, seeking out rumors of hidden troves and lost artifacts. His ambition often leads him to clash with other pirates, merchant ships, and even naval forces. Kidd believes that with enough wealth, he can carve out his own kingdom on the high seas, free from the laws and constraints of the land.
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Post by Night Owl on Mar 26, 2024 16:13:28 GMT
Captain Kidd ( Pirate, Level 10, Chaotic Neutral, HP 74, AC 15, MV 12", STR 16 (+3), INT 14 (+2), WIS 12 (+1), DEX 15 (+2), CON 14 (+2), CHR 13 (+1), Special Abilities: Naval Expertise, Intimidate, Treasure Hunting) On second thought Captain Kidd could be level 8 to keep him in line with the others you suggested above. So his HP would be about 60.
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Post by gamefan9 on Mar 27, 2024 2:37:15 GMT
Thank you for the suggestions, the sample Pirate Captain (one less for me to do from scratch, bonus!), and steering me toward a Level max, Night Owl.
For anyone else interested and following along (hopefully some among you are), it looks like the final Level order will be...
Level 10: Teach, Roberts, Morgan Level 9: Every, L’Olonnais Level 8: Kidd and Rackham Level 7: Reade and Bonny
This is the humble beginnings of a mini-supplement for Freebooters. When it nears completion I'll be turning it in to Mr. Denmark for his final seal of approval.
Take care all!
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