Pirates of Pugmire - A Realms of Pugmire Tabletop RPG
Created by Onyx Path Publishing
Contribute to help us create a traditionally printed game book featuring pirates in the Realms of Pugmire - and get it into stores.
Latest Updates from Our Project:
Pirate Treasure
almost 5 years ago
– Thu, Jun 06, 2019 at 07:00:37 AM
Treasure
Treasures in Pirates of Pugmire are similar to the items cats and dogs call wonders (Pugmire pp. 176-177, Monarchies of Mau p. 189). For pirates, the legends attached to each treasure are far more important than what the treasure does. Most provide no obvious or substantive benefit, but they are rare curiosities some pirates would happily spend a lifetime attempting to acquire.
Owning a treasure grants a pirate Notoriety and may even be the source of certain pirates’ nicknames or titles. Notoriety gives a pirate advantage on certain social Charisma rolls when talking to non-hostile people who are interested in piratical exploits, but also increases the chance enemies will come looking for her, having heard of her bounty and wanting it for themselves. Notoriety goes up depending on the number of treasures a pirate possesses — and certain, rare treasure may give a pirate more than one point of Notoriety. Notoriety may not go over 3.
Flask of Bobby Golden
Notoriety: 2
Bobby Golden — a legendary pirate from ages ago — was notorious more for his time spent carousing in inns than he was for his piracy. His flask was his most prized treasure; it was as golden as his name and as friendly and giving as he was. Whenever any liquid is poured from the flask, it becomes the imbiber’s favorite drink, be it catnip tea, ale, or something far more exotic. The flask can be refilled with any water, including that of the Acid Sea, and what comes out (after letting it sit for a day) will be whatever the pirate holding their cup out most wants to drink.
In addition, once a day, the flask can do one of the following:
• Convert the contents into any kind of consumable liquid, such as a beneficial potion (Pugmire, p. 176 or Monarchies of Mau, p. 188)
• Multiply the non-magical contents so that the volume can be poured out to fill an entire barrel — useful for clean water on long voyages. This can offset 1d6 worth of Seaworthiness loss due to tainted supplies.
General Shyla’s Signet Ring
Notoriety: 2
General Shyla of Twenty Chains found a signet ring so old no one can figure out the material of which it is made. Since her disappearance some decades ago, none have seen her ring, though reports float in to Waterdog Port from time to time. The ring is heavy and silver, set with a dark stone that almost seems to absorb light. Unfortunately, the reason for her disappearance is that due to an encounter with a particularly malevolent sea creature, the once-inert ring gives its wearer the Watched Condition, which drove Shyla into hiding until her eventual death. If this treasure is discovered, it will be near the bones of a sparrow. Removing the ring ends the Condition immediately as the fog clears.
Nautilus Heart
Notoriety: 2
The nautilus heart is a small-yet-ornate puzzle box that looks large enough to hold a few coins or bit of jewelry. It appears occasionally in stories, though most of them end with the owner throwing it into the ocean for reasons unknown, and none of the stories can describe the box itself. Once a pirate discovers the method of unlocking the box, they find a series of chambers inside, each filled with a different color of enamel. Only the center chamber is empty and hollow. If a pirate stores an item in there the size of a single coin or ring for a day or longer, when they take the item out it carries a curse. Keeping the item close to them after that, whether in a pocket or as jewelry (not in their rucksack) bestows the Cursed condition on the item’s bearer.
It's James, your point person for this kickstarter voyage!
Ahoy me hearties!
We had a great day in the campaign voyage yesterday, and made tremendous progress toward our destination. We've crossed the 75% mark, and with two weeks left, our funding target is within reach. This last bit isn't an easy journey, though, we've still got to keep the ship moving in calm waters and remember to spread the word, but we're getting closer and closer to our goal. Keep up the good work!
#PiratesOfPugmire
#PirateTreasure
Audio Design Diary 3
almost 5 years ago
– Wed, Jun 05, 2019 at 05:32:29 AM
Ahoy, me hearties!
My desk is covered in maps and sextants and pendulum clocks and charts and my Bygrave Position-Line Slide Rule as I plan and plot our journey to funding success. And here's where we are:
We are currently on Day 15 of our 30-day journey, so 50% through our planned time.
We are a handful of backers away from 75% of our funding goal.
Which means we've got half of our journey to achieve that last 25% of our target, so I'm feeling pretty good about our chances! Still, we need to give it the ol' heave ho and really put our backs into it and remember to share this campaign on social media and in our social circles! It's all about recruitment and acting as a friendly press gang!
That's a navigation bell on the desk.
CAPTAIN'S LOG
And now, let's travel back to October to hear Eddy's design diary entry:
I like these! I imagine they're being recorded in the Captain's cabin during a long sea voyage!
SPICY VOYAGE
Did you check out the actual play for Pirates of Pugmire that I'd posted over the past few weeks? Well, Travis and team were kind enough to post the character sheets for their dogs and cats (and birds and snakes) used during play. With the release of the first adventure in the Going On The Account chronicle available to backers, it's a great way to jump into some print-and-play right away!
Waterdog Port charts its own course, owing allegiance to none. Those calling it home may pursue their dreams and fortunes with little hindrance, even from the monitors enforcing the city’s laws. Economic opportunities abound for those with entrepreneurial spirits, and new businesses and attractions frequently arise. The port accommodates numerous ships, many with plastic hulls, ready to launch new expeditions at a moment’s notice. A haven for pirates, Waterdog Port serves as a base of operations for local crews and a common destination for foreign ones. A murky and almost perpetual fog drifts over the western sections of the city, providing cover for many criminal acts, and only the brave or desperate dare to tread where the fog shrouds the city. Whether someone is seeking a fresh start or looking for trouble, Waterdog Port welcomes all with open arms.
History
Constructed as a center for shipping and exploration, Waterdog Port has been coveted since its inception. Pugmire and Mau each attempted to claim the city for their own, igniting the War of Dogs and Cats. When holding it overburdened each power, they withdrew, abandoning the residents to continue the fight alone. The brutal Alleyway Skirmishes, though largely unheard-of outside Waterdog Port, were some of the bloodiest battles in the War. After the assassination of the Mau-appointed Lionel von Korat, Samantha von Rex — better known as the pirate captain, Calico Sam — assumed mayorship. But even her practical wisdom proved unable to calm the unrest or stanch the flow of blood in the streets.
Following a particularly savage clash, the heads of each faction in the city met secretly one night seeking a truce. Recognizing the current course of events would lead to mutual destruction, Calico Sam and Axel Bull-Terrier, a disgruntled Pugmire patriot, contrived to disrupt the cycle of violence and forge a new system of government. The two met with their most avid supporters, declaring that for the good of the city, the other empire must rule. In the ensuing confusion, the two agreed to rule jointly, declaring independence from Pugmire and Mau.
Each chose their four most charismatic supporters to act as assistants, effectively preventing them from forming new factions. Together, they declared every citizen of the city would vote in favor of Axel or Calico Sam to rule the city, not as a mayor but as Governor. The others would act as a Council of Luminaries to rule alongside them, ensuring both species would be equally represented in the government. The first Council laid down the Great Laws, and while tempers still flared, the two sides learned to respectfully work together. In the following years, the Council would open their ranks to other species, seeking to promote harmony in the city.
Species of Waterdog Port
While every species is welcome in Waterdog Port, dogs maintain a small majority of the population. Most Luminaries and Governors have been dogs, ensuring dog interests frequently take precedence. While most dogs are content to be free of Pugmire’s rule, many maintain cordial relationships with family and friends in Pugmire and Houndton. Dogs own more plastic-hulled ships than any other species, benefiting more from the city’s lucrative economy.
Second only to dogs in population, the cats maintain a strong presence. While some retain their loyalties to Mau, most cats are moggies, and renouncing one’s house is mandatory for cats to hold positions of authority in the city (although many cat patriots still proudly hold their allegiances in their surnames). Cats own almost as many plastic-hulled ships as the dogs, gaining similar benefits from the shipping industry. They enjoy significant influence in government, although other species are frequently relied upon to settle differences when dog and cat opinions clash. The cats constantly watch for signs of Unseen activity, ready to pounce at any moment to preserve the security of their home.
The traditionally nomadic lizards have found a niche in the city, and their authority far exceeds what their population would indicate. When tempers flare between cats and dogs, geckos are quick to defuse the situation with engrossing tales. Serpents and turtles utilize these opportunities to share advice, steering cooler heads towards mutually beneficial conclusions. As a result, lizards have become mediators, ensuring the interests of all species are considered, even if they’re unable to ease individual prejudices. Many hibernal lizards become monitors, proactively seeking to maintain both order and freedom within the city.
Birds find themselves in an interesting position. While their population has grown large enough to exert influence in the city, they end up clashing most often with themselves. Other species don’t distinguish between sparrows, crows, and parrots, lumping all birds together. Traditionalists don’t approve, while those rebelling against bird norms are delighted at the greater freedom and authority they enjoy. Regardless of neste, birds find their knowledge in high demand, and many find a place for themselves in positions requiring keen memories.
With rumors of equality and opportunity for all spreading, rats and mice swarm to the city in the hopes of building a happy life for themselves. While some find success, most quickly find the reality doesn’t live up to their dreams. A lack of resources force many to live in the worst sections of the Haze, squatting in deteriorating buildings and competing for necessities. Rodents readily take to the sea, but the frequent prejudices experienced often lead them to band together into rodent crews. While seldom able to afford plastic-hulled ships, their patchwork wooden ships are frequent sights in Seaport.
Few badgers call Waterdog Port home. Most who do live solitary lifestyles, seldom meeting with others of their kind. The exception are members of the otter tribe, who frequently cluster in crews to intimidate rivals. Otters take well to the pirate life, often hiring out their services as muscle to other species taking to sea. With the brutal reputation held by the badger tribes, many are surprised to discover the fierce loyalty and camaraderie of their otter crewmates.
Laws of Waterdog Port
While hosting many individuals of questionable morality, Waterdog Port does maintain its own laws. The monitors, warriors and observers working to preserve a semblance of order and safety for the people, are charged with arresting those who flout them. At their discretion, the Council and the monitors enforce the laws, and it isn’t uncommon for favored citizens to get away with violations that would see others imprisoned or executed. Any Luminary may pardon a criminal, but the pardon can be overturned by a majority vote of the Council. While lesser laws and regulations change regularly according to Council decisions, the Great Laws are considered to be inviolable.
Loyalty is Freedom
Waterdog Port glorifies freedom, priding itself in owing no allegiance to Pugmire or Mau. Every citizen chooses their own destiny, reaping the rewards and facing the consequences of their own actions, and the Council makes it abundantly clear where this freedom comes from. Any allegiance greater than family or guild must be sworn to Waterdog Port and no other. Conspiracy with other nations or organizations to undermine the city’s independence is among the most harshly punished crimes. On a more personal level, gaining the favor of the monitors or a Luminary permits more leeway in behavior, allowing for greater gains and diminished punishments in exchange for loyal service.
Business is Business
Plastic shall eternally flow to the citizens, and through them, to the coffers of Waterdog Port. The Council recommends every citizen pursue a healthy livelihood, encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship. In exchange, every transaction should benefit the city. Interfering with the business of another is strongly discouraged, although competition is considered appropriate. Inadvertent harm to others is often overlooked when resulting from business endeavors. While smuggling contraband is officially illegal, rampant bribery ensures the monitors turn a blind eye to such business. In practice, even crime is condoned, provided one has the decency not to be caught. The exception to this is trade in people, as slavery in any form is never tolerated within Waterdog Port.
All Are Equal
Every person is equal in value, regardless of resources, social standing, or species. Every citizen votes for Governor. Every vote is weighed the same. Anyone may become a citizen simply by taking up residence in the city, and many in untenable situations flee to Waterdog Port in search of acceptance or new opportunities. While the Council includes members of other species besides cats and dogs, however, individual residents retain their prejudices. Citizens often side with each other against outside threats, but in the absence of such things, old grudges prevail. Only cats and dogs have acted as Governor, and barring large population shifts, this is unlikely to change.
Violence is Personal
Violence isn’t forbidden in Waterdog Port, but it’s expected to involve only the clashing individuals. Causing harm to other people or property is unacceptable. The monitors are slow to enforce this law, and brawls in the seedier sections of town are common. They step in only when making an example of someone, or when the violence threatens to fray the fabric of their society. Attempts to stir up large-scale trouble are harshly punished when discovered, but personal vendettas are tolerated.
#PiratesOfPugmire
#WaterdogPort
#SpiderGoat
Audio Design Diary 2
almost 5 years ago
– Sun, Jun 02, 2019 at 04:43:08 AM
Ahoy me hearties,
Dead men tell no tales - but luckily Eddy Webb is just over in Blighty, so more than able to share another audio design diary with us! We take an audio journey back to September, and hear Eddy's thoughts on the development of Pirates of Pugmire from the before times, the long long ago...
Yes, to keep it exciting, the file is labeled #5, but it's actually the second of seven segments that I'll share over the next two-and-a-half weeks. Pretend it's a disguise to throw sneaky pirates off our scent!
Again, another opportunity to share some art and use our favorite hashtags!
Don't forget to spread the word to your pirate friends, both at sea and online!
And then weigh anchor and set sail!
Not final art - concept and work-in-progress preview
