Pirate101 News Release!

Just released today at MMORPG!

Adventures await you in the highly anticipated Books 13 and 14 of Pirate101!  With the introduction of both the war-torn skyway of Marleybone and the legendary beauty and danger found throughout Aquila, high-level Pirates can now continue their journey against the evil Armada! These worlds and much more are coming to the Members Only Test Realm, and will available to the Live Game soon. It’s the largest expansion yet!

Book 13 – The Dogs of War
In Wizard101 Wizards of the Spiral took to the streets and roof tops of the Capital City, but in the Pirate spiral a whole new realm is open in the midnight skyway. Get ready for Westminster Skyway and the search for Catbeard! Marleybone is at war with the evil Clockwork Armada, thanks to your pirate. And the civilized Dogs are losing to the Clockworks. Continue your search for the next piece of the Map to El Dorado. Visit the Isle of Dogs, a bustling hub of industry and shipbuilding with a criminal underworld lurking in the sewers beneath; the isle of Fetch, a vacation resort now abandoned and waiting for the imminent Armada invasion, and Beachhead, an armored battle station with enough firepower to destroy every city in Marleybone. Along the way they’ll meet a rich cast of characters including Admiral Nelson, Ebenezer Scrooge, a spy named Smiley, and a special guest star from Wizard101.

Book 13 Marleybone

You’ll find new Companion Promotions for Bonnie Anne and Ratbeard, as well as your Pirate who will gain new epic talents and powers.

Book 14: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Cyclops (Aquila)
After your Pirate works through the night-time skies of Marleybone, you’ll travel to the sunny skies of the Achean Way, in the ancient realm of Aquila.

MMORPG describes this world as:
Aquila is a realm of legendary heroes, terrible monsters, and truly epic quests. To find Argos the Cyclops, keeper of the next piece of the Map to El Dorado, the Pirate must first help the Imperial Eagles win the Trojan War against the evil Snakes if Illios, rescue the hero Theseus, and follow Ulysses home on his odyssey. This is the longest single Book yet created for Pirate101, and it is truly epic.

Pirates will fight beside legendary heroes like Eagilles, Hawkules, and Zeena, queen of the Amazons.  Guided by mysterious prophecies from the Oracle of Delphos and the Immortals of Olympus, Pirates will journey to many exotic locations, including the streets of Troy, the Isle of the Sirens, ruined Knossos, and the shining city of Nova Aquila, center of the glorious Eagle Empire. New monsters stand in their way, including Manticores, Ettins, Centaurs, Cyclopses, and some of the toughest bosses Pirate101 has ever seen: Talos the Colossus, Medusa the Gorgon, the invincible Minotaur, the Hydra, and Scylla and Charybdis!

Book 14 Aquila

Aquila will raise the level of your pirate to 65. You can tame a Pegasus mount, win a Golden Egg and more in this mythic world!

© 2013 A Pirates Portal; Springwolf, D.D., Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.

Meet Up With Your Crew

From time to time you’ll be asked to meet up with your crew in the nearest Tavern.

Inside each tavern you’ll find a barkeep, a training tome salesman, several patrons who will have quests for you to complete through out the game, and a cellar.

The cellar is where you’ll find time to meet with your crew and have a chat.

It’s helpful to know which worlds have taverns and what they’re names are.

© 2013 A Pirates Portal; Springwolf, D.D., Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.

The Buccaneer Rat Companion

As your Pirate works through the Gunn’s Gold quest in the Skull Island Skyway, you’ll be trying to catch Ratbeard who will become a member of your crew at the end of the quest.

You can visit our Companion Guide to find a list of all the companions available to each Pirate class within the game.

When you first meet Ratbeard he is a Rat Officer. You can learn much more about his abilities and skills from Pirate101 Central.

As you level up your companions they will occasionally reach epic promotion opportunities. Ratbeards’s first epic promotion occurs when he is promoted to Level 10. This one of the easier promotions to accomplish.

After you applied training points and he reaches this level, he’ll tell you he needs to speak with you. Let’s go to a nearby Tavern so you can talk.

In the Tavern he’ll tell you

This quest will require you to have access to Flotsam and Scrimshaw.

The Tradewinds Skyway
Ratbeard’s promotion will begin when he tells you “”I sold me best Blade and Captain’s Finery to Bill Bobstay, a Pawn Broker in Scrimshaw.” When you have access to the Tradewinds Skyway, head on over to Scrimshaw and you’ll find Bill inside the Tavern.

Bill will explain he sold the cloths to an ‘old’ friend of Ratbeard’s named “Twitch” Jake Creedy. You’ll soon find that Jack is in no mood to simply give the Captain’s finery back to him without a fight. If you’ve leveled up your other companions and acquired your own skills from your Pirate Class Trainer, this should be a pretty easy battle to win.

But you’ll discover that the fine blade was sold to your old friend One-Eyed Jack in Flotsam. Once Ratbeard has his cloths back, head over to the Black Spot Tavern and find Jack. When you catch up with him he’ll tell you “”If I’m right, Ratbeard has come looking for his Blade. Don’t get cross, I bought it to hold it safe for you! Least I could do for an old friend.” Uh oh…that doesn’t sound good.

He tells you where the sword is, but he puts a condition on its recovery. I told you it didn’t sound good!

You and your crew run down to find the Vacant Cabin and retrieve the sword. But of course it’s not going to be that easy. As you turn to leave, the Captain’s Ghostly Crew will appear and they won’t be too happy with you. You promised them you’d capture Ratbeard and he’d pay for the crime of poisoning them. So now you’ll have to fight your way out!

That’s not the easiest of battles to get through. Some of these ghostly crewman have a powerful punch. The Evil Spirits can double up on their attacks and truly become Relentless! Plan your attacks well and you’ll get through the battle. When you’ve completed the battle Ratbeard will ask you to return to the nearest tavern so he can think. Of course that will be back to One-Eyed Jack’s Black Spot Tavern.

“I’d never have harmed a hair on those boys’ heads. Oh, I’d trick ‘em out o’ their share o’ the treasure, but that’s just piratin’. He’ll give you his brand of thanks and let you know “I guess I’ll try your brand o’ piratin’. I’m glad to be on your crew Cap’n. You’ve shown me the error o’ me old ways.”

Upon completion of his thanks, he’ll level up and you and the crew can raise a glass to his promotion from Rat Officer to Rat Commander.

Epic Promotion Number Two:

Ratbeard’s next promotion will come when he reaches level 28. At this level he will take the opportunity to become a Rat Captain.

My Ratbeards have a bit farther to go before he reaches this level. But as soon as he does, I’ll update his Quest page.

© 2012 A Pirate’s Portal;  Springwolf, D.D., Ph.D.  All Rights Reserved.

Mormo The Water Mole Witchdoctor

The Witchdoctor’s Water Mole Companion

If you choose a Witchdoctor as your pirate class, you’ll find Mormo the Water Mole Witchdoctor as your  reward from the Bad Company quest.

You can visit our Companion Guide to find a list of all the companions available to each Pirate class within the game.

When you first meet Mormo he is a simple Witch doctor. You can learn much more about his abilities and skills from Pirate101 Central.

As you level up your companions they will occasionally reach epic promotion opportunities. Mormo’s first epic promotion occurs when he is promoted to Level 15.

After you applied training points and he reaches this level, he’ll tell you he needs to speak with you. Let’s go to a nearby Tavern so you can talk. In his case, Mormo will say, “It is time. Mormo must be tested, must prove power. Mormo needs your help. We talk under Tavern.”

Go to your near by Tavern and let Mormo tell you his tale.

This quest will require you to have access to The Tradewinds Skyway.

The Skull Island Skyway
It’s off to the “home” stomping grounds of the Skull Island Skyway. If you remember, Rapa Nui is the Water Mole island near Jonah Town. Head on over there and find Chief Omutu.

The Chief will explain that for Mormo to become a “Spirit Caller” he will need two things: “a Spirit Staff, and a Mojo Mask. Mormo – you must win your staff in battle!” Omutu will help you out with that too. “In the deepest cave under Waponi Wu you will find Nan Madol, Shaman of evil Waponi tribe. Take his Spirit Staff to pass your first test. Go!”

Off you go to the Flotsam Skyway and the Volcano soaked land of Waponi Wu. If you stay to the edge of the village, you can get through to the mountain path without having a fight.

You’ll be heading off to find Nan Madol in the Mojo Cave. But to get there, you’ll need to pass through the Tobi Taa Cavern. Try to hug the cavern walls on your right and you might get through without a fight. When you enter the Mojo Cave Nan Madol will have a thing or two to say to you. Well one thing really,  “Mormo! You dare face me? I will crush you like a bug!” Focus on one enemy at a time and you’ll have no problem defeating Madol and his Evil Spirit henchmen.

When you have won the battle Mormo will say “It is done! The Staff is mine! Now Chief Omutu will give Mormo the second test!” and you’ll be off again to the Skull Island Skyway to Rapa Nui.

Chief Omutu will welcome you back and tell Mormo, “There is only one more thing you need – your Mojo Mask, anchor of your Power. You must make your Mask and bind a Dread Spirit into it!” Well that doesn’t sound like a smart thing to do. Who wants a Dread Spirit on their face? The Water Moles apparently. “Go to the Isle of Doom – there, in the deepest jungles, the Trees walk and speak. Talk to Old Banyon. He will tell you what to do.”

Now if you remember Old Banyon is in the jungle at the old Gold Mine in the Tradewinds Skyway. So off you go. It’s a long journey, so you better get started.

When you find Banyon he’ll tell that “you seek to make a Mojo Mask? No easy thing.”. He’s not kidding. “You must take Magic Beads from one of the Old Ones – a mighty warrior king of the past, entombed near the encampment of the Talking Monkeys.”  So you know you have at least one battle to win. He then tells you you’ll need to go to the Ancient Chamber with an Altar to make your mask there. But “Beware! The Spirit that comes will be powerful, and angry. It will take all your strength to bind it.” And that’s the second battle you’ll have to get through. It’s the one you may have trouble with.

So off you go to the first fight. You’ll first be directed to the Cave Tomb to face the Aztecosaur Blood Lord. You’ll find the Tomb back in the Gold Mine.

With the Aztecosaur Blood Lord taken care off, you’ll have to run to the Ancient Ruins and the Excavated Temple. Before you go, make sure your potion bottle is completely filled. You may need it to complete the two, yes two battles in the Altar Room.

Now, Remember the Plundered Tunnels in the Ancient Ruins? All the way at the end of the tunnels is the Altar Room and that’s where you’re going. This time when you reach the Chamber before the altar room you’ll find a boat load of Monkey Guards who make a big deal about “You Shall Not Pass.” Ok, stay to the walls and run around them, you’ll access the Altar Room doors with no fight at all.

Within the Altar Room, you’ll need to prepare for two battles. Your first battle will be against the guards of the Altar, the Aztecosaur Mummies. They’re not easy to defeat if you split your forces. But if you concentrate your attacks on one Mummy at a time, you’ll get through this first battle. With the Guards defeated, you’ll run up to the Altar to Summon the Spirit of Dread that Mormo will bind to the Mojo Mask.

Of course the Spirit of Dread arrives with his warning of doom, “Mortal Fool! Do not call up what ye cannot put down!” Now Mormo yells back in a brave tone, “Mormo has called you! You will obey Mormo!”. Well maybe, but not without a fight. Again don’t divide your forces. Focus on one enemy at a time and you’ll put the Dread Spirit down with his henchmen easy enough.

With the battle won, Mormo will bind the Dread Spirit to the Mojo Mask and announce “It is done! Mormo is tested! Now we go to Tavern to celebrate.” The closest Tavern from the Gold Mine will be over at Scrimshaw. You could also click on the teleport to go back to Skull Island and run into the Kracken Tavern too.

Like your other Companions, Mormo has some manners and is grateful for your help.

With that little speech he’ll level up and you and the crew can raise a glass to his promotion from a Witchdoctor to a Spirit Caller!

Epic Promotion Number Two:

Mormo’s next promotion will come when he reaches level 39. At this level he will take the opportunity to become a Water Mole Obeah. (Obeah is a form of spiritual belief involving sorcery, practiced in parts of the West Indies, South America, the southern U.S., and Africa. You can learn more about Obeah on Wikipedia.)

My Mormo has a bit farther to go before he reaches this level. But as soon as he does, I’ll update his Quest page.

© 2012 A Pirate’s Portal;  Springwolf, D.D., Ph.D.  All Rights Reserved.

Marleybone and Aquila are Here!

Please join us in testing Marleybone, Aquila, the Bazaar, Second Chance Chests, Transportalors, a new tutorial, and tons more!

The Test Realm is an area where players can help test and preview new changes coming to Pirate101. It is only open to Members with an active Membership and Crowns players who have made a purchase of $6 or more in the last 30 days. We thank you for your help in testing Pirate101!

New Companions abound–additional companions await your discovery, Pirates, and many of your old companions will discover new powers and tiers of promotion available to them.

See the Update Notes page for more information about the arrival of Book 13 and 14 to the Test Realm and all the upcoming improvements to Pirate101.

Also be sure to check out the articles at MMORPG and Massively for more specific information about Marleybone and Aquila.

If you’ve never been to the test realm before, here’s what you can expect. Download the installation from the Sneak Peek Test Realm page on Pirate101.com. Once the realm is installed, login with your Member id and password you use for the Live game! Remember you must be a member with an active Membership and Crowns players who have made a purchase of $6 or more in the last 30 days.

Once you’re logged in you’ll find your current Live game characters are ready and waiting for you in the Test Realm. But keep in mind that what you do IN the Test Realm WILL NOT affect your Live game play. If you advance your Pirate in Test, it will not advance your Pirate in the Live Realm. And vice versa.

What you get out of the test realm is a sneak peek before anyone else! But that also means you will run into bugs, glitches and issues that don’t exist in the Live game. Be patient. Report problems so the folks at KI know what to look for and fix before they roll out the new worlds in the Live game. Have fun!

© 2013 A Pirates Portal; Springwolf, D.D., Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.

Wing Chun Crane Student

The Musketeer’s Crane Companion

If you choose a Musketeer as your pirate class, the first person you meet on your way out of the stockade will be Wing Chun. Like you he was captured by the Armada and locked in the brig below decks.

You can visit our Companion Guide to find a list of all the companions available to each Pirate class within the game.

When you first meet Wing Chun he is a Crane Student. You can learn much more about his abilities and skills from Pirate101 Central.

As you level up your companions they will occasionally reach epic promotion opportunities. Wing Chun’s first epic promotion occurs when he is promoted to Level 13.

After you applied training points and he reaches this level, he’ll tell you he needs to speak with you in the nearest Tavern.

In the Tavern he’ll explain more: “It is time! I must demonstrate my skills to a Master, in combat. If I can, I will become a Disciple!”

He’ll explain that even though we are far from MooShu, there is a legend of an Iron Monkey, a Monquistan who became a Monk and Master of Mooshu. Then Wing Chun suggests asking the Prior at Saint Bonobo’s Abby about this Iron Monkey.

This quest will require you to have access to Monquista.

The Tierra Primata Skyway
Travel to Monquista and head to St. Bonobo’s Abby. Prior Andreo will tell you the story of the Iron Monkey.  You learn of Brother Matteo, a legend who was blessed by the Holy Tree of Monquista. He journeyed all the way to MooShu spreading the Monquuistan faith. But he returned a changed Monkey. He renounced his vows and became a Monk for some Sacred Cow in a far off land. We can only assume this is the Moodah. At this time he took a new name: Iron Monkey.

When the Monquisition came for him, he defeated three dozen of their soldiers with his bare hands. He fled into the Vortex of Torment and never came out! And evidently they never went in after him.

The Vortex of Torment isn’t far from the Stormgate to Skull Island. There’s nothing to fight here, you can easily enter the vortex and dock at the Iron Sanctum.

The Sanctum is a small island with a Mooshu styled Pagoda resting on the far side. Under the Pagoda you will find the Iron Monkey. At first he will think you are messenger from Subata. Wing Chun tells him he is a humble student who has come to be tested by the Master. The Iron Monkey responds and sends you on a quest back to the Tradewinds Skyway.

Return to the Gold Mine and gather bananas in the Ancient Ruins. You’ll be able to find all you need right around Hopper.

You might also see a quest that needs to be fulfilled at the Gold Mine docks. The quest involves slaying Storm Sharks and Flying Fish.

You might as well complete the quest because it’s worth a companion training point. You’re already here after all. So take on the fishes pick up the training point and head back to Monquista.

When you return to the Vortex of Torment and hand over the bananas, the Iron Monkey will thank you and explain he’ll eat them later.

For now, it’s time for Wing Chun to prove himself and be tested in battle! As his Captain you and your companion will fight the Master together. He’s fast and packs a powerful punch. When I faced him with my Wing Chun, my pet joined in the battle, which was helpful.

If you plan carefully during the battle, you’ll be able to defeat the Master without loosing too much of your health. Simply make sure you start this battle with your life filled to the brim and you’ll be fine.

Once defeated the Master will promote Wing Chun to a Crane Disciple.

Wing Chun is not as humble as Kan Po is modest in the acceptance of his Disciple title. Wing Chun responds “Indeed! Come, Captain, let us go to a Tavern, and celebrate!” With the testing done he suggests a trip to the nearest Tavern to celebrate.

The nearest Tavern will be back at the St. Bonobo’s Abby. So head on over there where Wing Chun will tell you “It is done! My journey continues. If you keep listening to me, Captain, perhaps even you can find enlightenment!” Hmm..not even a thank you for the assistance? How wude! You can still raise a mug of Yum to the new Crane Disciple. As you complete the quest, he’ll level up.

Epic Promotion Number Two:

Wing Chun’s next promotion will come when he reaches level 47. At this level he will take the opportunity to become a Crane Master through the South Wind Rising quest.

My Wing Chun has just leveled up to the Disciple, so he has a bit farther to go before he reaches this next quest level. But as soon as he does, I’ll update his Quest page.

© 2012 A Pirate’s Portal;  Springwolf, D.D., Ph.D.  All Rights Reserved.

Downtime Notice: Live Realm Updates!

We have exciting news for Pirate101 fans!

Marleybone and Aquila enter the spiral Thursday Morning! Yeah!!!!!

One-Eyed Jack sent out a notice this evening to let us know that the game will have some downtime while the updates are applied to the live realm.

The Pirate101 game and website will be offline early Thursday morning (05/23/2013) for approximately two hours from 3:00 – 5:00 am US Central as we bring Marleybone, Aquila, and several game enhancements to The Spiral!

For more information, please see the Game Update Notes page.

The Test Realm will also be making its departure at the same time until the next major update is applied to the game. 

For sure want to check those final update notes tomorrow morning for a short list of new Crown Shop items being released with this update. (There are a couple really cool mounts that I think everyone is going to love!)

Sincerely,
One-Eyed Jack

And make sure you come by next week for another visit to the Portal as we hold another give-a-way to celebrate the expansion of the Pirate Spiral!!!

© 2013 A Pirates Portal; Springwolf, D.D., Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.

Old Scratch

Old Scratch – Witchdoctor Companion

During your travels through Skull Island and your initial quests in the Flotsam Skyway you’ll find a dangerous cave near the Ruined Lighthouse. Within the cave you’d do battle with Old Scratch and his minions. But he’s not so bad after all and asks if he can join your crew.

You can visit our Companion Guide to find a list of all the companions available to each Pirate class within the game.

When you first meet Old Scratch he is an Undead Witchdoctor. You can learn much more about his abilities and skills from Pirate101 Central.

As you level up your companions they will occasionally reach epic promotion opportunities. Old Scratch will reach his first epic promotion when he is promoted to Level 23.

After you applied training points and he reaches this level, he’ll tell you he needs to speak with you. Let’s go to a nearby Tavern so you can talk.

In the Tavern he’ll tell you “Captain my Captain, my spirit be very troubled. A chill touched my heart, the shadow of dark mojo.” And thus begins your quest “The Serpent and The Raven”.  He’ll explain that his teacher Papa Legbones is in danger and Old Scratch must go to him. Your initial journey to seek him out will take you back to the land of the Scurvy Dogs.

This quest will require you to have access to Cool Ranch.

The Tradewinds Skyway
Back near Scrimshaw you’ll find the Scurvy Dogs Hideout. You’ve been here before so it shouldn’t be too hard to find. Find the small cave across the water to your right of the docks. Scratch will be worried when he enters, letting you know something isn’t right here. Right about then, you’ll discover Papa Legbones home has been overtaken by evil spirits.

When you’ve completed defeating these guys, Scratch will suggest a visit to Vadima “I an’ I must learn the fate of my Master. Madame Vadima – she will know what we must do“. Off to Skull Island you go. If you haven’t visited your Pirate Class Trainer lately, this would be a good opportunity to stop in and see what you can learn from them as well.

When you visit Vadima, she’ll tell you she’s had bad feelings for days and after hearing of your visit to Papa Legbones cave she can see what’s happening. “..it is Skreech! Raven Sorcerer killed your master, and is building powerful magic“. She’ll use her magic to call on Papa Legbones to learn more about what has happened and what you need to do next.

Papa Legbones spirit will show up; that Vadima is a pretty good witch ya know. He will explain how Skreech took his magical eye and tell you that you must head off to the Bison Village to gather more information for how to get it back. So board your ship and head back to Cool Ranch and the Big Sky Skyway.

In the Bison Village, Raven Eyes will tell you that the spirits are restless and he can no longer speak to them. But there maybe a way for you to call upon them. “Go to Santo Pollo and hunt the Sky Snakes that fill the skies there, until you find a Perfect Sky Snake Rattle“. Head back to your ship and go take out a few sky snakes to acquire a rattle. Once you have it, you’ll come back here to the Bison Village to bury the rattle under a bush on the ledge behind the village. Once you do, Sister Snake will appear near the large gate to the docks.

She explains to Scratch that if he wants to avenge his teacher, he must go to Boot Hill and seek Skreech in a Dark Cave. On the opposite side of the Big Sky Skyway you’ll find Boot Hill and up the pathway from the docks you’ll see the entrance to the Dark Cave.

If you focus your attacks on one enemy at a time, you’ll have no problem defeating these guys.

When you succeed you’ll be sent back to speak with Sister Snake. She will tell you “Your master is avenged, Dead Walker, and you have recovered my Eye. You may keep the Eye for yourself, if you wish. But there’s a price.” Uh oh. It doesn’t sound too bad when she tells you she wants your hand and service. But then she tells you to “Beware – you had another Patron before me, and he will not be pleased..”

Well now what does that mean? I think this is going to come back to haunt you and your companion in the future. With the message given Old Scratch says it is done and “You look thirsty my Captain. Let’s go to a tavern..”

Scratch enters the tavern as an Undead Witchdoctor. He’ll tell you “I have passed through the ordeal, my Captain, and I have been transformed.” He then pledges his new power with the Eye of the Serpent to you and your destiny.

He never really says thanks for all the fighting and traveling all over the Spiral for him. How rude! But what do you expect for a dead witchdoctor.

With that he gains his promotion and becomes an Undead Bokor. Congratulations to you and your promoted Crewman!

Epic Promotion Number Two:

Old Scratch’s next promotion will come when he reaches level 34. At this level he will take the opportunity to become an Undead Houngan.

My Old Scratch has a bit farther to go before he reaches this level. But as soon as he does, I’ll update his Quest page.

© 2012 A Pirate’s Portal;  Springwolf, D.D., Ph.D.  All Rights Reserved.

Gaspard de Vole
Guinea Pig Guard

The Guinea Pig Guard Companion

If you choose a Witchdoctor as your pirate class, you will discover an old family friend along your travels through the Skull Island Skyway.

You can visit our Companion Guide to find a list of all the companions available to each Pirate class within the game.

When you first meet Gaspard he is imprisoned in the Monquistan Spice fortress known as The Presidio. He becomes a member of your crew, with the blessing of the Frog Father, as a Guinea Pig Guard.  You can learn much more about his abilities and skills from Pirate101 Central.

As you level up your companions they will occasionally reach epic promotion opportunities. Gaspard’s first epic promotion occurs when he is promoted to Level 21.

After you applied training points and he reaches this level, he’ll tell you he needs to speak with you. “I have just gotten word – Alonzo, my first Captain, he needs my help! Let’s talk in a Tavern!“

Find the nearest tavern and hear his tale. He will explain that he served on Alonzo’s crew for many years, searching for a legendary treasure known as the Golden Frond. Which is a Holy relic from Monquista. If you help Gaspard to help his old friend, you will be cut in for a share of treasure. To begin your journey, you’ll head off to Scrimshaw and visit the barkeep at the Hole in the Wall Tavern. So get sailing.

This quest will require you to have access to Monquista.

The Tradewinds Skyway
In Scrimshaw find Barkeep Bardolf. He will tell you that Alonzo headed off to Puerto Mico and left word for you meet with Hector Garcega. Bardolf will give you directions and you’ll be off again.

Now things get a little dicey here in Puerto Mico. It’s obvious Hector isn’t as friendly as the Barkeep made him out to be. He tells you Alonzo is off purchasing supplies, but asks you if you know what they’re looking for. When you tell him the “Golden Frond” it becomes clear that you know too much.

About then a not so nice Monk will step in accuse you of something and mention the Monquisition and a battle ensues. When you dispatch with these fine fellows you’ll learn that Alonzo is being held in the Santa Juana Fortress. Head off to the main square where the shop vendors are. On the opposite side of the docks you’ll find the entrance to the Fortress.

You will do battle with a few of the Fortress Guards which shouldn’t be too difficult for you. Free Alonzo and he will tell you that the Golden Frond was in the position of the great Monquistador Aldo Naranjgo. The Holy Church knows what happened to Aldo, but no one else does. Can you find out what happened?

Gaspard reminds you of the friendly Monks you meet in Monquista and they should be able to tell you what happened to Aldo. So your off on long sail once again to St. Bono’s Abbey.

At the Abbey Prior Andreo tells you Aldo Naranjgo is a mighty name,  with a mighty history. When he started asking tough questions, the Monquisition sent him on an impossible mission to avoid the scandal. He left for Skull Island and the ancient tunnels near the Monquistan Stormgate. He was never heard from again. With the story told, Ratbeard jumps in and tells you “Sounds like the lair o’ the Scurvy Dogs! Seems there’s a treasure waitin’ there for us!” And off you go back to the Tradewinds Skyway to explore the Dungeon Entrance.

You can avoid battles in the dungeon of course. Stick to the edge of the tunnels and head to the Chamber of the Frond where you’ll defeat the Aztecosaur Blood Lord. Inside the Chamber focus all your attacks on the Blood Lord first. With him out of the way, the remaining mummy’saurs will be easily defeated.

With the Aztecosaur defeated you can turn your attention to the skeletal remains of Aldo Naranjgo. In addition to possessing the Golden Frond, he also has some impressive armor. Gaspard suggests taking the treasure and the late Monquistan who deserves a proper burial. Collect his body and the Frond, then head over to Scrimshaw where you’ll find Alonzo back in his home.  Evidently somewhere between the Scurvy Dog Hideout and Scrimshaw you find a place to bury the bones. You don’t actually do that, but I don’t think he carry his skeleton around for the rest of your travels either.

Over at Alonzo’s house you give him the Golden Frond. He thanks you and tells you not to let Gaspard go, he’s wonderful and loyal crewman to have. Your task done, it’s time to celebrate in the nearest tavern. In this case, head down to the docks and pay a visit to Hole in the Wall Tavern. I’m sure Barkeep Bardolf will set you up nicely with some tankards of Yum.

During your celebration Gaspard thanks you for helping him serve his old captain once more. He outfits himself with Aldo’s old armor that really does fit him rather nicely. Thanks given, Gaspard takes his promotion from a Guinea Pig Guard to a Guinea Pig Buccaneer!

Epic Promotion Number Two:

Gaspard’s next promotion will come when he reaches level 47. At this level he will take the opportunity to become a Guinea Pig Mercenary.

My Gaspard has a bit farther to go before he reaches this level. But as soon as he does, I’ll update his Quest page.

© 2012 A Pirate’s Portal;  Springwolf, D.D., Ph.D.  All Rights Reserved.

Questing News From The Spiral

It’s a grand day for me. The day I have accumulated wealth, power and standing in the Pirate Spiral. I longed for this day since my childhood in Marleybone. Never did I think it would arrive, but here it is.

What makes this day so special, you ask? It’s the first time I can sit behind a Captain’s desk and enter the details of my first real ship!

Now while we have been on this light skiff for some time, it wasn’t really mine until today. But I’m getting ahead of myself. I’m not much for long drawn out tails, so I’ll make our journey to this day brief and to the point. Exactly how a true Privateer likes it. Give me the facts and figures and allow me to get on with my business.

My parents and I sailed the blue skies for many an age and a day. Mutineers turned against my father who was Captain of his own vessel. They cast my parents off on some forsaken island and left them there to die. As for me, well thankfully they didn’t wish me any harm, but taking me from my parents was more harm than they realized. They dropped me on the docks in Marleybone and sailed off with my Father’s ship.

Thankfully a kindhearted man recognized me that day on the docks and took me to my Uncle Merlin. Merlin Stuart was a proper Gentleman in service to the Royals. He was a mage, skilled in the arts of navigation and science, as well as astrology and alchemy. With no children of his own, Merlin shared his knowledge with me and bestowed the talents of business into my veins as well as my mind.

The Armada however is not friendly to business and Uncle Merlin was determined to help end their stranglehold upon the Skyway! We were doing business both here and far when our ship was captured and we were imprisoned for smuggling weapons to the Resistance. I never saw Uncle Merlin again. Thankfully I and one of our crewmen Egg Chen, were rescued by our old family friends Captain Boochbeard and Mr. Gandry. We found ourselves on Skull Island and starting with nothing but our wits and swords.

I managed to convince Captain Avery to send me on a small mission at the cost of a new ship. To find a lost amulet that he prized. We discovered Troggies, Cutthroats and a few other unseemly creatures. While the quest was easy enough it seems Avery is not a local Governor to be trusted. The ship he supplied as payment was nothing more than a raft named The Pale Mackerel. It was my first harsh lesson; don’t trust the word of a Pirate. I shall not make that mistake again. But Egg and I have a boat and to the skyways we sailed with me as Captain and he as my First Mate. Along with our first crew mate, a Musketeer named Bonnie Annie we are feeling the breeze upon our faces and the freedom in our souls!

Though Avery is not to be trusted, his gold is real enough and doing “favors” for him is profitable. Egg and I set off to find Captain Gunn’s Treasure. Along the way we have seen Blood Shoals, Jonahtown, The Presidio where we found an old friend imprisoned. We were able to free Dead Mike whose kind of creep as an Undead Pirate, but friend he be and he helped us recover the Spice we were picking up for the Frog Father in Jonahtown. Our reward for that little quest was the pleasure of having Mike become part of our crew and the discovery of my parent’s ship.

The Silent Fortune

It seems after the Mutineers took over, they made the mistake of landing here where the Frog Father discovered their deed. He dispatched of them properly, meaning I have no more need of revenge and took the ship for safe keeping.   To say I was over joyed with the concept of owning my Father’s light skiff, The Silent Fortune is an understatement. My crew is growing and if nothing else we needed the expanded room.

With my new ship under our feet we headed off to new grounds in search of Gunn’s Treasure. Flotsam Skyway is a nice little place. Not as vast as the Skull Island Skyway, but it’s still pretty nice. Course anything would seem great when you’re steering your very own ship that no one can take from you!

Flotsam reminds me a bit of Skull Island, at least for the residence anyway. We almost caught up with Ratbeard when he managed to escape once more. But we found a piece of clue that I don’t think he had. Off to Corsair’s Cove where Gunn kept a little house. From there it was off to the Ruined Lighthouse and searched for Gunn’s First Mate. We found his grave and that lead us to Bounty Island and Gunn’s Treasure! Which ….was stolen. But at least we knew where to find it. The Volcano Island of Waponi Wu.

There’s nothing worse than a bunch of religious zealots and that’s certainly what these Waponi are. They’re nuts! They think the volcano is a God and they wanted to give the gold to ‘him’. We finally caught up with Ratbeard. It wasn’t too hard as he was hanging upside down about to be fed to the Volcano. And the Waponi were tossing the cold into the mouth of the volcano. What in the world?!

We managed to defeat their crazy leader and once he jumped into the lava, the rest of the Waponi ran in fear. The question was, should we rescue Ratbeard? Or leave him to his own fate? Call me a softy, we rescued him and he asked to become a member of our crew. Not all of my crew were pleased with my approval, but I’m keeping an eye on him.

After completing a number of profitable quests for citizens in Gullet, Jonahtown, Skull Island, as well as, Rapa Nui and Floatsam, my crew has expanded to seven. Including myself and my trusted little battle pet, Sparky! He’s a Scrimshaw Drake and a great little soldier to have with you in a fight.

So in addition to Egg, and Bonnie Annie, we found Ensign Emmett in the Tavern on Skull Island trying to capture Ratbeard along with us. He became one of original crewman to board that raft Avery called a boat. After doing a favor for the Water Moles on Rapa Nui, we picked up Nanu Nanu. Something about owing us a life debt or something odd like that. I already mentioned where we found Dead Mike and thanks to the Frog Father, he’s with us as well.

Over at the Ruined Lighthouse we had to wade our way through Shady Hollow. Talk about a really spooky place! It would be fine with me if we never have to go back there. Been there twice and that’s two times enough for me! Well, back in the darkest part of the Hollow we found Hoodoo House and Old Scratch. He acted all tough, but he really is a pussy cat. An old dead skeleton cat, but still he was pretty harmless. He joined our crew and offered to use his Witchdoctor magic to help us find Gunn’s treasure. Good thing we brought him along, he really helped us out when we found Gunn, but no treasure!

And then, last but not least, there’s ole Capn’ Ratbeard himself. I wasn’t sure how he was going to stand up to another Captain giving him orders, much less a female Captain. But the man really does seem to be trying hard to change. I’ve been impressed. And say what you will about him, he has a head for business and negotiation.

The crew and I are off to a new skyway now. We’ll be heading to the Tradewinds Skyway to negotiate a treaty for Captain Avery in Puerto Mico. I’ve heard some tales in the local Taverns about these monkey Monquistans. Vile smelling creatures and not an honest one in the bunch. Hahaha..bunch..get it..monkey’s bananas in a bunch. I cracked myself up.

As to the first part of this journal entry, why this day is a great day. Because today I was able to not only paint our ship in my colors of black and red; but I had it registered with a new name as well. A name that suits me and my rag-tag crew. Meet The Lucky Pearl!

The Lucky Pearl
A Light Skiff

Now I can sit behind this Captain’s desk, MY Captain’s desk and tell the tales of my very own adventures! The journey and triumphs of MY Crew as we sail the Skyways and find new treasure and riches for all to share! And that makes this day, the best day of my life. So far …

 © 2013 A Pirates Portal; Springwolf, D.D., Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.

Questing News From The Spiral

News from Cool Ranch.

The crew and I have been traveling the Cool Ranch skyways for several weeks and there’s two things we have learned that are worth sharing.

First, there’s a specific order one should travel through the many towns and destinations. My sister in arms, Victoria Bristol, sent word that she tried to tackle one skyway before completing the one she was initially in and it was a disaster for her crew. It’s important to level up your skills and that of your crew and to complete as many of the quests in one skyway before heading off to another.

I hear A Pirate’s Portal has put a hold on updates to the Cool Ranch Quest Journal and have been preparing some rewrites. In the meantime, the crew and I have been battling through some tough battles through Big Sky and the other Skyways in Cool Ranch.

Cool Ranch is a really big place, full of interesting folk. We took on a great many chores for Sheriff Cogburn. Seems he lost a number of prisoners and his deputies appear to be fairly worthless. Cogburn was so impressed with us that after we captured his lost prisoners and tracked down some Wanted criminals he becomes part of our crew.

One of the most lovely sights was that of the Silver Stallion. What a beautiful ship she is. It also held one of our toughest battles. But with a little extra effort we dispatched English Bill’s minions over board and saved the Stallion from destruction. English Bill however, got away. I’m afraid we’ll run into him again soon enough.

Captain Scarlet Hawkins
Level 23 Hoodoo Pirate

Big Sky Skyway was by far my favorite place to visit. The Bison Village is a kind and peaceful place. It was a great place to take a load off, do some repairs to the ship.

It also gave me time to find some new gear, accessories and cloths. I really like my new boots. They’re so girly and all.

It also held some tough battles as well. We had some pretty interesting ship to ship combat episodes near Scorpion Rock. But we managed to tough it out and get through that.

But I’m getting a head of myself. We arrived at Cool Ranch and meet some interesting folks in town. We helped out few wayward individuals and found our old friend Prospector Zeke who once again needed help with another  Zeke Quest, seems he’s tracking down Dixie Chicks this time.

We headed off to Arroyo Grande Skyway and took on some little tasks in Junction. We meet a good ole boy family, the Jolly’s. They’ve got themselves a tough life for sure. I’d rather be sailing up here in the skyways where the air is fresh and the breeze is always welcome!

One of the most interesting folks we came across was bull named El Toro! (Tada)..Once you meet him, you’ll understand the tada part. He’s a masked warrior, but the good kind. I think. We took on some tasks for the town folk in Santo Pollo, where El Toro’s (Tada) legend is infamous and seems to have originated. There we covered Bandito Trail, Froggo Villa Cave and Bandito Gulch. We battled some scorpions, Banditos and defeated El Guapo!

Our toughest battle was in Castillo Sapo, a fortress where we came up against the Frogerales and their commander Santa Rana. It was tough going there for a few moments when we realized Santa Rana was the key to the battle. Once he was out of the way, his henchmen fell like fried frogs.

Over in Big Sky we meet some pretty nice Bison who seem to be some of the most spiritual folk we’ve met on all our travels. Very connected to nature and spirit they are. Amazing peaceful energy they have around them and in their villages. We even took a tour of one of their Burial Grounds and helped put some uneasy spirits to rest. We were sent to rescue Nurse Quinn and came up against some tough Bison Warriors. But their counterparts, the Bison Shamans were no easy match. And then we faced the Pets of the Sacred Spirits, Jackalope Ghosts! That was an experience!

From the missions in Big Sky we were able to meet Sister Snake and Brother Wolf. There are two frightening spirits I wouldn’t want to make angry. We were sent to appease them and rebuild relations with the Bison. We did a lot of running back and forth between skyways. That can get a little tedious but it’s the nature of Cool Ranch.

Along the way the crew has grown both in experience and companionship! Old Scratch has risen to the rank of Undead Bokor. They are similar to the “root workers” of voodoun and it’s said Bokors have a great deal of magical power.  And Gaspard de Vole too increased his rank during our travel. He has been promoted to Guinea Pig Buccaneer.

The crew has also grown in number as well. 16 in all companions now fill the duties on the Furiosa Constanza.

Our biggest task was to rescue Tonka and take on the Duck of Death..also known as English Bill. I knew we’d meet up with him again. This time however, we have the right weapons to defeat him. Though he tried once again to get away, this time, he didn’t succeed!

Now we’re trying to get information from Don Rodrigo’s father. Which isn’t too easy because he’s dead. Old Scratch is going to use his magic to summon his spirit, but we must first pick up a few items that belonged to the old Don in his mausoleum.

For now we end this entry. Until next time.

 © 2013 A Pirates Portal; Springwolf, D.D., Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.