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Rhansmarc the Cruel

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Captain Black was a good man, and that is why he is dead.
—Rhansmarc the Cruel

Rhansmarc the Cruel was the child of a prostitute on the island of Calypso who became the adopted heir of Captain Black, back when he was a legendary pirate who unified the Black Banner fleets against the Good Ladies of Mariana Bay. Under Captain Black’s tutelage, Rhansmarc learned the art of naval warfare and the ruthless calculus of survival on the high seas. But Rhansmarc was not content to serve; he betrayed his mentor, seized control of the Black Banner, and earned his infamous epithet by ultimately orchestrating a brutal campaign to dominate the Merrivale Islands.

In later days, his mentor Captain Black repented of his evil deeds, entering the service of the Good Ladies of Mariana Bay against his former mentee.

Under Rhansmarc's leadership, the Black Banner grew to dominate the Outer Rim and challenge the authority of the Prim Rose fleet. He envisioned himself as a liberator, a ruler who would free the Merrivale Islands from the influence of the Good Ladies, reshape the political order of Mordaine, and ultimately defeat the Empire.

Rhansmarc is a man willing to sacrifice anything—and anyone—for his vision of freedom. His fleet, crewed by thousands of loyal pirates who desire to be strong-armed into glory, are an extension of his merciless vision.

Adventure Hook

Rhansmarc is a reckless antagonist who doesn’t play by the rules. He pays lip service to honor and tradition, and any PC who thinks his word is bond is in for a rude awakening.

Coastal towns in the Merrivale Islands report sightings of ghostly ships bearing Rhansmarc’s banner. While many dismiss the tales as superstition, the party learns that Rhansmarc is testing a new magical weapon—an artifact capable of creating illusions to sow fear and confusion. To stop him, they must infiltrate the Black Banner’s secret base and dismantle his plans before the illusion becomes reality.

What power drives Rhansmarc’s “ghost fleet,” and how can it be neutralized?
Who within his ranks opposes the use of such tactics, and can they be swayed to help?
How does the party’s success—or failure—affect the Black Banner’s standing in the region?

Tags: NPCs Villains

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