#Lore24 The Core Plateau #Creature24 Pirates of the Obsidian Sands

 Great windships made of ironwood steel and brass race across the Obsidian sands.  No formal military would dare sacrifice so many a man or ship to the smelting heat from UslaCairnes Core Plateau.  The blasting winds create tornadoes of flame and sand destroying most vessels.  Only the most foolhardy or desperate turn to a life on the sands as a pirate of the winds.

Pirate is more a profession than a species, however the Pirates of the Obsidian Sands do share a set of common characteristics:  Long cloaks or coats made from the hide of sand lizards to create protection from the heat, Visors and helms that protect sailors faces from the flames and burning light of the Core, and a pension for swift and vicious combat tactics that focus on obtaining as much saleable material as possible. (That includes living beings.)

Armor 5(14)

HD 3-8d8

Int 14

Move 12(30)

ToHit 17-12(+3-+8

Atx 1-2x d6

Random tactics

1. Sandstorm Ambush: Pirates use the cover of a raging sandstorm to conceal their approach. They coordinate their windships to encircle unsuspecting prey, then launch a surprise attack from multiple directions, catching their victims off guard.

2. Brass Cannon Barrage: Utilizing the powerful cannons mounted on their windships, the pirates bombard enemy vessels with a relentless barrage of ironwood and steel cannonballs. This tactic aims to cripple the enemy's defenses and create chaos onboard, making it easier for the pirates to board and plunder.

3. Flame Veil Maneuver: When engaged in combat, pirates deploy specialized sails coated in a heat-resistant material. These sails are then set ablaze, creating a wall of fire around the pirate vessels. This not only provides temporary cover but also inflicts damage on any nearby enemies, forcing them to retreat or risk being consumed by the flames.

4. Lizardhide Skirmishers: Pirates release specially trained sand lizards onto enemy ships during boarding actions. These agile creatures, clad in their own protective hides, wreak havoc among the enemy crew, distracting them and creating openings for the pirates to exploit.

5. Core Plateau Feint: Knowing the dangers of the Core Plateau, pirates lure unsuspecting prey into the region under the guise of a retreat. Once the enemy is within range, the pirates reverse course, leading their pursuers directly into the path of a devastating sandstorm or volcanic eruption, leaving them vulnerable to attack.

6. Lightning Strike Boarding: Using grappling hooks and ropes, pirates launch lightning-fast boarding actions against enemy vessels. They descend upon their targets with ferocious speed, overwhelming the defenders with a combination of melee combat and ranged attacks, aiming to seize control of the ship and its valuable cargo swiftly.

7. Salvage and Retreat: Recognizing when the odds are against them, pirates prioritize salvaging valuable materials from their targets before making a strategic retreat. They focus on securing precious metals, technology, and captives, ensuring that even if they cannot claim victory, they still profit from their encounter on the Obsidian Sands.

8. Sandstorm Evasion: When pursued by larger or more powerful adversaries, pirates utilize their intimate knowledge of the shifting sands to navigate treacherous terrain with ease. They lead their pursuers into narrow canyons or areas of dense fog, where larger ships are at a disadvantage, allowing the pirates to outmaneuver and escape their would-be captors.