La Gaviota
The mysterious floating island of La Gaviota is considered sacred ground by the superstitious airship pirates of Crudilex. Protected by both enemies and allies, all conflicts between brigadiers are left far beyond its borders. The living embodiment of this truce is venerated by the coven matron, Mama Kass, who resides in a great tree at the center of the floating isle. The island drifts slowly along the Nostradan-Colloran Empire border, preying upon trade ships and caravans that cross between. Despite the grim and often serious nature of their business, the pirates of La Gaviota live lives of levity and splendor. The streets are filled with music, and the taverns overflow with drink. Gambling, partying, and revelry are daily pastimes for its citizens. Thanks to the extremely strict ban on black powder, thosand, and firearms, the streets remain largely free of the violence common among swashbucklers. The true splendor of La Gaviota lies in its central position to airship travel across Crudilex. It is the absolute best place to gather information and learn the legends of the sky.
Battlemaps set in this location
Mama Kass and the Stoneyard
Safety and legacy are the two most important things to the pirates of La Gaviota. Both of these are the sole responsibility of La Gaviota's living treaty, the coven hag Mama Kass. Kass never leaves the great tree at the center of the Stoneyard, located at the heart of the floating island—except for one purpose: burying true swashbucklers.
There is no greater honor than being interred in Mama Kass's Stoneyard. The hag touches the ground only for the duration of the death rite, and a headstone is placed above their resting place. This is considered an immense honor because very few are deemed worthy by Mama Kass to be remembered.
Pirates of La Gaviota may approach Mama Kass, leaving an offering to ask about one of the graves. If she approves of the gift, Kass will recount the swashbuckler's tale in perfect clarity. Most crews bring a portion of their haul as an offering to Kass every time they dock.
Chainrock
Chainrock is the foremost side of the mote—the leading edge, first into the storm, and the most brutalized part of the floating island. Because of this, it also serves as the location of the mote's brig. Chainrock is a separate fragment that seems to float in tandem with the larger island, held in place only by a set of massive chains.
Pirates are usually held here for just a few days unless their offense is extremely serious. The exposure to the elements and the thin, frigid air would be lethal to anyone but the most seasoned airship crew.
Underside
Underside is the belly of La Gaviota. It's dark 24 hours a day, cold, and wet. Its atmosphere is the complete opposite of Upperside; the joyousness of the off-duty airship pirates is absent from the hooded, shadowed faces of the Undersiders.
Smuggling, monster trading, drug dens, and gloom reign supreme here. Anyone traveling to Underside should consider a picked pocket the least of their worries. The rotting, hanging bridges and makeshift shacks constantly threaten to send the unfamiliar plummeting down to the "Hungry Ground"—just as the Undersiders prefer.
The most notable figure in Underside is the vampire Sekal Boonwind and his thralls, who zealously rule over the shadowed streets. Pirates never seem to go missing, yet somehow, Sekal remains well-fed—a mystery the locals choose to overlook.
Around the City
Timberslag
A crumbling town spilling over the edge of the floating island, constructed from recycled wood salvaged from airship repairs.
Hush-House
A haunted church where a mysterious voice offers children coppers in exchange for rumors.
Trash Heap
A pile of anything the people of La Gaviota deem keepable but unwanted. Most of the locals scavenge ship parts and other mechanical bits from here. The name is a bit of a misnomer, as it’s generally full of mildly useful things.
Bruno's Brothel
One of three brothels owned by the tiefling pimp, Bruno. He spends very little time here, but the brothel is a well-known destination in La Gaviota.
Silkstone Alley
A wet cobblestone alley in the center of the floating island, notorious for ambushes as it serves as a central shortcut through the city. The alley also contains one of the only passageways down to Underside, the darker and less jovial side of La Gaviota.
CULTURE
Rulership
Events
Hark's Day
Firstmates who have come of age on their crew prove themselves worthy of Mama Kass's protection. They present themselves to her for judgment, and if they pass, they are sent to Arcwall and Bloodport to convene with the other members of Mama Kass's coven.
Stoneyard Interment
When a pirate of some renown dies and their body is brought to Mama Kass, she decides before all the crews of La Gaviota whether or not they will be interred in the Stoneyard. More often than not, they are declined. When this happens, the entire island celebrates that pirate "one last time" since they will not be remembered in the Stoneyard. This is seen as their final send-off. Since it happens so frequently, few pirates are somber—instead, they do their absolute best to make the celebration as grand and over-the-top as possible for the fallen.
Turmoil
Name the Drama
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