Crimson Skulls

Base of Operations: Unknown Commonly known info: The Crimson Skulls are the name given to the pirate fleet of the infamous Balthazar Grey. Under his banner sail a number of ships, each crewed with murderous scoundrels and desperate, wanted men. To be captured by the Crimson Skulls is certain death. The lucky are immediately executed, the unlucky are often sold into slavery or prostitution. They take what they want, and make no apologies or excuses for what they do. They are a force to be reckoned with, even Avindor privateers are wary of crossing paths with a Crimson Skull ship. Goals and Ideals: There are no lofty goals among the Crimson Skulls. Gold is the goal. Wealth is the only reward. Everything else is an obstacle.   Leadership: Balthazar Grey commands the Crimson Skulls from his flagship the “Dread Squall”. Each of his captains commands one of the vessels, and returns a share of their plunder to an island fortress somewhere near the Black Shore Islands where the fleet makes birth. Marko Windseeker Captains the “Outrunner”, Emilia Rade captains the “Sea Vulture”, Rand Deepsea captains the “Hammershark”, Katarg Steelhorn captains the “Red Sky” Olaff Grell captains the “Widow’s Tear”.   Behind the Curtain Information: Though feared, Balthazar Grey is now an old man. He rarely goes out to see anymore and remains on his private island, jealously guarding the vast treasures he’s amassed. The other captain’s plot and scheme over who will succeed him, and more importantly who will gain his vast treasures. The Crimson Skulls are waiting with baited breath for the death of their founder, at which point an all-out war between the pirate lords will be inevitable. There is the hope that they could end up killing each other in the process as the idea of one of them gaining control of the treasure hoard would be disastrous for the rest of the world. A pirate fleet with that level of financial backing, headed by any of the ruthless pirate lords would be easily able to gain control of the seas of Aerith. Dealing with the threat would require diverting ships badly needed for national security and leave certain nations open for invasion or coup. The death of Balthazar could well prove disastrous.