The Azure Archipelago - A LEGO hexcrawl.
This is an submission to DIY&dragons’ Summer LEGO RPG Setting Jam.
Now, this was a fun exercise. I didn’t imagine I’d ever write a Pirates of the Caribbean x Secret of Blue Water mashup, but here we are!
The azure archipelago has long been a haven for fortune seekers and other freeminded folk.
In recent years, the imperial navy has established a foothold in the area and outlawed piracy in the name of the emperor, come to mine arcane crystals and search for the legendary fountain of youth.
Unbeknownst to many, an advanced civilization lives below the sea, trying to preserve the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Lately, the archipelago seems cursed, as anyone who dies at sea is brought back as a ghost.
Map made with Hex Kit and Nate Tremes cartography set.
Campaign Seeds
Since much of the archipelago is only accessible by way of water, player characters are best advised to procure a seaworthy vessel themselves or join one of the factions to gain access to the seas.
Here are some hooks to reel in your players (pun intended) and get the campaign started. Any one of them has the potential to lead to a unique game:
- You found a treasure map that speaks of an impossibly large blue pearl on Skull Island. Find it, and you’re set for life. All you need is a ship and a crew to get there.
- Your ship sank after a pirate attack. They spared you, but took all your belongings. You find yourselves adrift at sea in a lifeboat, with no food or water. Was that a shark fin you just saw?
- A moment ago you were captives of the Imperial Navy. Now the ship you’re being transported on is under attack, and you managed to escape the brig in the chaos. Just hope you don’t run into anyone who remembers your faces.
- You grew up as free pirates. Your first assignment should have been the Sea Vulture, but you were too drunk and overslept her departure. Now the ship is reported missing. Maybe you’ve dodged a bullet.
- You’re members of the Imperial Navy. The latest assignment has you arriving at Fort Sabre. You’re to find the mystical Fountain of Youth for his majesty. Is it a fools‘ errand or your way to rise in the ranks?
- You don’t know how it happened, but you died. You awoke as ghosts on the Dark Shark, surrounded by bloodthirsty pirate ghosts, eager to conquer the peninsula. Do you join them?
Factions
The archipelago is home to a variety of factions. Their individual territories, goals and resources are listed below.
Territories
Teal: Imperial Navy
Red: Pirates
Purple: Atlanteans
Grey: Ghosts
Imperial Navy
Stationed in the archipelago to mine arcane crystals for the emperor and search for the legendary Fountain of Youth to ensure his reign for eternity. Little do they know this spells their doom.
Superstitious about steel whales destroying navy ships.
Goals:
- Mine arcane crystals. (3)
- Discover the secret of the steel whales. (4)
- Find the Fountain of Youth. (8)
Resources:
- 0101, 0105, 0303
- HMS Sea Lion
- Sea Hawk
Pirates
A group consisting of fortune seekers, swashbucklers and even ex-navy members.
They elect their leaders democratically, and every one of them is willing to die for this freedom.
Goals:
- Disrupt Navy activity. (3)
- Retake Port Royal. (6)
- Drive the imperial navy from the archipelago. (10)
Resources:
- 0103, 0204, 0304, 0502
- Black Skull
Atlanteans
Nautical humanoids who have perfected the building of submarine ships, called Garfish. The imperial navy calls them steel whales.
They know the mining of arcane crystals is weakening the ecosystem, but not to what extent.
Goals:
- Attack Navy ships. (3)
- Find a replacement for arcane crystals to power the Garfish. (8)
- Find a way to prevent the volcano from erupting. (10)
Resources:
- 0302, 0404, 0505, 0602
- Nautilus
Ghosts
Undead sailors all, indiscriminate of origin. You die at sea, you become part of their crew.
They know about the cause of the curse and seek to spread its blessing to all.
Goals:
- Bolster crew numbers. (4)
- Get rid of the guardian of the deep. (6)
- Provoke the skull island volcano to eruption. (10)
Resources:
- 0604, 0606
- Dark Shark
Random encounter tables
2d6 Random Encounters (Sea)
- An atlantean miner with engine troubles. (Set: 7984: Deep Sea Raider) (Atlanteans)
- The Nautilus from 0505, scouting the surface. (Set: 6190: Shark’s Crystal Cave) (Atlanteans)
- The Black Skull from 0502, looking for booty. Preferably, something to be ransomed. (Set: 6286: Skull’s Eye Schooner) (Pirates)
- 3d6 daring pirates on a raft. They will attempt to seize any ship greater than their raft. (Set: 6261: Raft Raiders) (Pirates)
- 3d6 castaways. They’ve been adrift for two weeks now. (Set: 6257: Castaway’s Raft) (Neutral)
- 2d6 pirates on a raft attacked by octopi. The octopi are winning. (Set: 6240: Kraken Attackin’) (Neutral)
- A lone imperial sailor, lost at sea. (Set: 6245: Harbour Sentry) (Imperials)
- The Sea Hawk from 0101 looking for survivors of a recent battle. (Set: 6274: Caribbean Clipper) (Imperials)
- The HMS Sea Lion from 0105, on the hunt for pirate ships. (Set: 6271: Imperial Flagship) (Imperials)
- The Dark Shark from 0606, surrounded by thick fog. (Set: 6285: Black Seas Barracuda) (Ghosts)
- Big Fin from 0306, basking on the surface. (Set: 8058: Guardian of the Deep) (Neutral)
1d6 Random Encounters (0204, 0302, 0303, 0304, 0305, 0403)
- A lone treasure chest emerges from the sand. It contains a skeleton holding a blank map with inscriptions in invisible ink. (Set: 1747: Treasure Surprise)
- 2d6 pirates run from 2d10 imperial soldiers. They just escaped from a brig. (Set: 6204: Buccaneers) (Pirates vs. Imperials)
- 2d6 imperials hunt 1d4 pirates for sport. With cannons. (Set: 6239: Cannon Battle) (Pirates vs. Imperials)
- A smugglers’ hideout. 2-in-6 chance no one is at home. (Set: 6258: Smugglers Shanty) (Pirates)
- A makeshift gaol holding 1d6 pirates captive. 2d6 imperials are guarding them, reinforcements arrive in 1d4 hours to escort them to Fort Sabre in 0105.(Set: 6259: Broadside’s Brig) (Imperials)
- A wounded atlantean scout, barely able to fight off a giant crab. (Set: 8056: Monster Crab Clash) (Atlanteans)
Hex contents:
0101 Port Royal
Imperial settlement
6277: Imperial Trading Post
Former pirate outpost, now officially imperial. Being a Trading Post, as neutral as it gets.
A seaworthy vessel can always be found for the right price.
Home port of Sea Hawk (2-in-6 chance of being in port).
Notable NPCs
- Lieutenant de Martinet (Married to rum. Easily bribed.)
- Bo’sun Will (Shady merchant, will sell you your own mother if given the chance. The quality of his wares speaks is worth it, though.)
- Captain Barbossa (Imprisoned pirate captain. Thinks the navy isn’t so bad after all.)
Quests
- Gather arcane crystals (0305 or 0403).
- Find out what causes ships to sink in hex 0503.
- Rescue the imperial spy ‚Fishwife’ William from 0502.
0102 Empty
Imperial territory
2-in-6 chance of encountering the Sea Hawk or HMS Sea Lion.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0103 Vultures Nest
Pirate Settlement
6296: Shipwreck Island
Newly established hideout on the Sea Vulture, a derelict ship that ran aground on a sandbank in shallow waters.
Despite the constant threat of being eaten by salt water crocodiles, ‚Pirate Queen‘ Chess stands by her bold decision to establish an outpost in imperial territory.
Notable NPCs
- ‚Pirate Queen‘ Chess (Ambitious, thinks Captain Redbeard should step down. Could be convinced of making a move to relieve him of his duty.)
- Captain Ironhook (Ex-Atlantean. Was rescued by Chess when adrift at sea.)
- ‚No Knees‘ Gibbs (Former navy sailor. Couldn’t abide by their expansionist methods anymore.)
Quests
- Track down the Pirate Queens’ daughter (0304) and reunite her with her mother.
- Establish a safe trade route between the hideout and Ile-a-Vache (0502).
- Verify the fate of Captain Ironhooks crew at 0201.
0104 Empty
Imperial territory
2-in-6 chance of encountering the Sea Hawk or HMS Sea Lion.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0105 Fort Sabre
Imperial settlement
6276: Eldorado Fortress
The imperial foothold in the azure archipelago stands proud, overlooking a cliff. Always a huge presence of soldiers. Always 2d8 pirates in custody, eager to escape.
Home port of HMS Sea Lion (2-in-6 chance of being in port).
Notable NPCs
- Governor Broadside (Loyal to the emperor. A man of his word.)
- Admiral Woodhouse (Secretly wants the Fountain of Youth for himself. )
- Lieutenant Lesaro (Lost his family to pirates, hates the lot.)
Quests
- Capture the legendary Pirate Queen (0103).
- Get rid of the giant squid, Shamos (0205).
- Track down the steel whale (0505).
0106 Stone Cobra Statue
Imperial territory
7325: Cursed Cobra Statue
A statue of a giant snake embraces an ancient stone obelisk at a cliff overlooking the sea.
Although cut from solid stone, it looks eerily lifelike and ready to move in a moment’s notice.
0201 Destroyed Hideout
Imperial territory
6254: Rocky Reef
A former pirate hideout, abandoned after the imperial troops took control of Port Royal. The skeletal remains of killed pirates are the only inhabitants left.
Rumor has it some treasure might be left, although it’s not easily given up by its former owners.
0202 Empty
Imperial territory
2-in-6 chance of encountering the Sea Hawk or HMS Sea Lion.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0203 Empty
Imperial territory
2-in-6 chance of encountering the Sea Hawk or HMS Sea Lion.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0204 Vane Bay
Pirate settlement
6281: Pirates Perilous Pitfall
A newly established outpost, chock-full with traps to keep intruders away. Its inhabitants are armed to the teeth.
Sister settlement to Port Graff (0304). Connected with a secret tunnel.
Notable NPCs
- Jack Raines (Naive youngling, glorifies pirate life.)
- ‚Tide Turner‘ Helena (Retired pirate captain. Wants to live out the rest of her days in peace.)
- Clara Lancaster (Escaped from her drunk of a husband in Fort Sabre.)
Quests
- Help get rid of the Navy presence on the island (0303).
- Clara is sick. Find the Guardian of the Deep and petition for an ointment (0306).
- Help reinforce the defenses of Vane Bay.
0205 Big Blue Hole
Imperial territory
8061: Gateway of the Squid
Shallow waters hide a deep blue hole. The remains of countless ships adorn its bottom, deliberately placed by a giant squid sailors call Shamos.
A docile pet to its squid-man master, it collects treasure from the vessels it has sunk.
3-in-6 chance a vessel traveling the hex is attacked by the Shamos.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0206 Empty
Pirate territory
2-in-6 chance of encountering the Black Skull.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0301 Empty
Pirate territory
2-in-6 chance of encountering the Black Skull.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0302 Stone Arch
Atlantean territory
8078: Portal of Atlantis
An inconspicuous cliff hides the entrance to a cave that holds a magic portal to Atlantis ind 0505. Skeletal remains of a battle between atlanteans and some squid-people scatter the floor.
1-in-6 chance of accidentally reactivating the portal. Anyone of atlantean descendant should know how to get it working again.
0303 Imperial Outpost
Imperial settlement
6263: Imperial Outpost
Recently established foothold on the island. Understaffed, but eager to prove themselves to their superiors.
Notable NPCs
- Officer Swift (Secretly in love with Officer Magda.)
- Officer Santos (Critical of the navy’s methods in the archipelago. Easily swayed.)
- Officer Magda (Wants to impress Lieutenant Lesaro in Fort Sabre.)
Quests
- Gather arcane crystals (0305 or 0403).
- Kidnap the Pirate known as ‚Sealegs’ (0304).
- Verify the location of the main pirate hideout (0502).
0304 Port Graff
Pirate Settlement
6273: Rock Island Refuge
A reinforced fortress built into the cliffside. Its location is known by the imperial navy, but every attempt to seize it has been thwarted by the resourceful residents, until now.
Sister settlement to Vane Bay (0204). Connected with a secret tunnel.
Notable NPCs
- Captain Brickbeard (The pirates’ second in command, hates the navy.)
- ‚Sealegs‘ Nadia, Pirate Princess (Enjoys her freedom, will not be bound again.)
- Philipp Swift (Ex-navy sailor.)
Quests
- Establish trade relations with the Atlanteans (0505)
- Find the origin of the mysterious fog that appears at sea (0606).
- Disable the flagship of the imperial navy (0105).
0305 Empty
Pirate territory
A deposit of arcane crystals can be found in the crags of these hills. Almost exhausted, but solid and easy to handle.
0306 Deep Sea Lair
Atlantean territory
8058: Guardian of the Deep
An underwater cave located in a deep sea trench, hidden by kelp and protected by groups of sharks. Home of a dragon-sized Oarfish called Big Fin. The atlanteans travel here to ask for its blessing on special occasions and know a ritual to placate the sharks.
3-in-6 Chance a vessel traveling the hex is attacked by Big Fin, the guardian of the deep.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0401 Cave Lair
Pirate territory
8076: Deep Sea Striker
A rocky reef hides a deep cave. Easily navigable if one knows the way.
Anyone coming to close is immediately attacked by Snappo, the giant sea scorpion.
3-in-6 Chance a vessel traveling the hex is attacked by Snappo.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0402 Empty
Pirate territory
2-in-6 chance of encountering the Black Skull.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0403 Empty
Pirate territory
A large, as yet undiscovered deposit of arcane crystals. The volatile sort, prone to exploding if handled wrong. Difficult to tell the difference, though.
0404 Garfish Wharf
Atlantean settlement
6199: Hydro Crystalation Station
The Garfish submarines are built here, in a large glass dome. Biggest source of arcane crystals in atlantean territory.
Garfish submarines from Atlantis (0505) and the geothermal research lab (0602) come and go regularly.
Notable NPCs
- Jean Rocque (Upstart engineer, wants to be recognized.)
- King (Captain of the watch, a man of few words.)
- ‚Two-Finger‘ Sanson, ex-Pirate (Almost drowned, rescued by Jean. Deeply loyal.)
Quests
- Salvage a crystal pearl guarded by Snappo, the giant sea scorpion (0401).
- Intercept a shipment of arcane crystals to 0101.
- Find a way to reactivate the ancient giant snake statue in 0106 to destroy Port Sabres defenses.
0405 Empty
Atlantean territory
2-in-6 chance of encountering the Nautilus.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0406 Fountain of Youth
Atlantean territory
4192: Fountain of Youth
Once every month, when the moon reaches its pinnacle, a small volcanic island rises from the depths of the sea.
The fountain it holds grants eternal youth, but at a terrible price: anyone who dies in the archipelago is raised as an undead. The Atlanteans know this. King Nemo used it last, three moons back.
The imperials search for it, ignorant of its side effects.
0501 Empty
Pirate territory
2-in-6 chance of encountering the Black Skull.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral of opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0502 Ile-a-Vache
Pirate Settlement
6270: Forbidden Island
A rag-tag shantytown and the biggest pirate haven in the archipelago. A daring crew can always be found here for the right price.
An imperial spy is currently held captive and eager to escape.
Home Port of the Black Skull (2-in-6 chance of being in port).
Notable NPCs
- Captain Redbeard (Elected leader of the pirates. Some say he’s getting too old, but never to his face.)
- ‚No Smile‘ Angelica (The pirate’s weapons’ master. Lost her edge when her brother disappeared at sea.)
- ‚Fishwife‘ William (Captured imperial spy, would promise anything to be free again. Empty promises, all.)
Quests
- Free Captain Barbossa from 0101.
- Find out what happened to the Sea Vulture (0103).
- Discover the fate of Angelicas brother, Bullette Bill (0606).
0503 Underwater Lair
Pirate territory
7978: Angler Attack
At night, a bright light shines seductively under the surface of the sea. During the day, nothing seems out of the ordinary.
At the bottom of the sea, Luminee has amassed treasures of unwary travelers lured into the depths.
At night, 3-in-6 Chance a vessel traveling the hex is attacked by Luminee, the giant angler fish.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0504 Empty
Atlantean territory
2-in-6 chance of encountering the Nautilus.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0505 Atlantis
Atlantean settlement
7985: City of Atlantis
A magical bubble houses an ancient underwater city made from solid white marble, its buildings adorned with golden statues of ancient kings. A giant silo serves as an underwater port for the Garfish submarines.
Home port of the Nautilus (2-in-6 chance of being in port).
Notable NPCs
- Nemo (King of Atlantis. The latest Atlantean blessed with eternally youth, but old and tired inside.)
- Grandis (King consort, runs the day-to-day business. Seeks to free her beloved from his mixed blessing.)
- Eiko (Master of logistics, has a crush on Electra in the geothermal research lab.)
Quests
- Help the Nautilus to destroy the navy flagship HMS Sea Lion (0105).
- Find out what happened to the man known as Ironhook (0103).
- Destroy the cause of undeath in the archipelago (0406).
0506 Empty
Ghost territory
2-in-6 chance of encountering the Dark Shark.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0601 Empty
Pirate territory
2-in-6 chance of encountering the Black Skull.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0602 Geothermal research lab
Atlantean settlement
6195: Neptune Discovery Lab
An atlantean base to observe geothermal activities sits at the edge of a deep trench. Research garfish arrive and leave on a regular basis.
From the bottom of the trench, a horde of undead begins their long climb up. They arrive in 1d6 days.
Notable NPCs
- Electra (Chief engineer, worried about the archipelago.)
- Hanson (Captain of the guard, not very good at his job.)
- Ayrton (Rookie engineer, has a crush on Hanson.)
Quests
- Fend off the undead attacks.
- Help find the origin of the increased geothermal activity (0604).
- Recover a shipment of arcane crystals from 0503.
0603 Empty
Atlantean territory
2-in-6 chance of encountering the Nautilus.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0604 Skull Island
Ghost territory
6279: Skull Island
An active volcano with a cove resembling a giant stone skull at its base. A giant blue pearl lies at its heart, guarded by countless ghostly pirate that once tried to claim it.
0605 Empty
Ghost territory
2-in-6 chance of encountering the Dark Shark.
If the hex encounter happens and the dice indicate a random encounter of a neutral or opposing faction, both encounters are happening simultaneously.
0606 The Dark Shark
Ghost settlement
6285: Black Seas Barracuda
Once the biggest pirate flagship to sail the archipelago, the Dark Shark now houses only lost souls.
A thick sea of fog surrounds the ghost ship, further hiding its silent approach. It can always be found here.
Notable NPCs
- Davy Jane (Legendary pirate, now a ghost. Dreams of her glory days.)
- Gargoyle (Known as the Butcher, his bloodlust persists even in undeath.)
- Bulette Bill (Unfortunate pirate, drowned at sea. Would rather be elsewhere.)
Quests
- Locate the home of the Nautilus (0505) and destroy it.
- Kill Big Fin, the guardian of the deep (0306).
- Defend Skull Island from the Atlanteans. When the volcano erupts, the crew will gain many new members (0604).