The Great Fleet of Klans

**The Great Fleet of Klans** is a powerful and notorious faction of slaver pirates predominantly composed of Orcs, but also includes members of various other races. This faction originated from a massive slave rebellion led by an Orc named Rosul Creech in 772 AV, known as the Uprising. Following the rebellion, Orcish naval leaders formed the Great Fleet of Klans, which has been waging war against the Kingdom of Althea and other factions ever since. The Klans operate primarily along the eastern coast of Venthalia and the countless islands off those coasts, enslaving and selling those they deem "too weak to be free." Initially established as a response to the enslavement of Orcs across Venthalia, the Klans have since evolved into a brutal and dominating force in the region. The current Pirate Lord of the Great Fleet of Klans is Cathryn Jadeye, a ruthless and cunning Human who was once a slave concubine herself. Cathryn rose through the ranks and claimed the title of Pirate Lord after brutally murdering her Half-Orc husband, Cpt Totec Jadeye, the previous leader of the fleet.

## Ogg Dungan

Ogg Dungan, formerly known as Highmark, serves as the unofficial headquarters of the Great Fleet of Klans. The city is home to nearly 100,000 people, with a diverse population consisting of Orcs, Humans, Dwarves, Elves, Baagians, Gnomes, and others. The city is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Orcish population, who transformed a symbol of their oppression into a beacon of their newfound freedom.

## The History of the 1st Slave Trade

The history of the Great Fleet of Klans is deeply intertwined with the history of the Orcish population in Venthalia. The enslavement of Orcs in Venthalia began during the time of Ventus the Conqueror, a Human from Roy who led the first Human expedition to the continent around 1,127 years ago. Ventus successfully subdued the native inhabitants of Venthalia, including the indigenous Orc population, and established his rule over the entire continent in a mere 12 years. To mark the site of his landing, Ventus ordered the construction of a grand hilltop castle called Althea Prone. To build this massive structure, Ventus decreed the enslavement of Orcs from the Venthalian mountains, setting a precedent for the use of Orcish slave labor for centuries to come. Ventus's three sons, Ronlucis, Bekram, and Alcabantus, later founded the three Great Houses Sentus, Surnenis, and Aurem, which would later form the cornerstone of the Kingdom of Althea. Ronlucis and Alcabantus commissioned two other castles, Highmark and Ousurferia, also built using Orcish slave labor, as their house seats. Centuries later, in 412 AV, Queen Livia of House Sentus ordered the construction of two state-of-the-art fortress lighthouses, the Okcident Tower and the Oriente Tower, which were also built using Orcish slaves. Highmark and the islands of the Far East Stretch became the heart of the 1st Slave Trade, where slaves were bred, sold to Kingdom citizens, or exported internationally. This brutal enslavement of Orcs continued throughout the history of the Kingdom of Althea, with the labor of Orcish slaves used for various large-scale construction projects and other tasks. The Orcs were subjected to inhumane treatment and their suffering was largely ignored by the ruling classes.

## The Uprising, and the 2nd Slave Trade

The Uprising, as it came to be known, began in 772 AV when Rosul Creech, an enslaved Orc, managed to break free from his chains. At the age of 15, Creech led a daring rebellion against his masters, liberating an entire plantation in the process. This act of defiance was unprecedented and it sparked a widespread rebellion among the enslaved Orc population. News of Creech's breakout spread like wildfire among the slave communities, inspiring others to rise against their masters. Creech's original breakout marked the beginning of a rebellion that would change the course of history in Venthalia. In 773 AV, a year after the start of the Uprising, Orcish freedom fighters staged a mass riot in Highmark. The freed slaves brutally killed and enslaved their previous masters, effectively demolishing the leadership in Highmark. The centuries-old city, originally built by Orcish slaves, was renamed to "Ogg Dungan". The fall of Highmark was a crucial turning point for the Kingdom, and is generally considered by historians as the end of the 1st Slave Trade, and the start of the 2nd Slave Trade. The Uprising had a profound impact on the Kingdom of Althea and the wider continent of Venthalia. In response to the rebellion, King Ardem III, who ascended the throne at the age of 14 in 799 AV, made a monumental decision. In 800 AV, he outlawed slavery in all forms within the Kingdom. This was a significant achievement, marking a new era of freedom and equality for the Orcish population. The King offered former slaves full citizenship and status as royal subjects within the Kingdom. This was a significant shift in policy, reflecting the changing attitudes towards slavery and the recognition of the Orcs' rights and freedoms. However, the king's offer was met with skepticism and resistance from the Orcs. Few accepted this proposal, viewing it as too little, too late. The ongoing conflict and dissatisfaction among the Orcs led to the formation of the Great Fleet of Klans in 800 AV. This new faction, predominantly composed of Orcs, emerged as a powerful force in the aftermath of the Uprising. The Great Fleet of Klans officially commenced a war that persists to this day, capturing and enslaving Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes, Baagians, and other races. They controlled significant portions of the eastern coast of Venthalia and numerous islands off the coast, marking a new chapter in the history of Venthalia.

## History of fighting the Royal Navy and CFS

Throughout the "Years of Fracture", the Klans continued to fight for control over the coastlines and established dominance over the eastern coast and the Far East Stretch. As the years went by, the Klans persistently attacked the Royal Navy and coastal settlements, seizing territories and subjugating numerous individuals from different races. The Klans' conflict with the Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS) is also deeply rooted in their opposing ideologies. The CFS, established during the Golden Age of Piracy in 896 AV, aims to liberate slaves and resist the oppressive practices of factions like the Klans. The two factions have been locked in a vicious cycle of violence, with each seeing the other as a rival that must be defeated. One of the most significant events in the Klans' history was the capture of the Oriente Tower in 914 AV. This strategic victory allowed the Klans to establish a stronghold on the eastern coast of Venthalia, further cementing their power and control in the region.

## Structure and Leadership under Cathryn Jadeye

The Great Fleet of Klans is a loosely organized faction, with each Klan operating semi-independently under the overall leadership of the Pirate Lord. The Pirate Lord is the highest authority within the Great Fleet of Klans, responsible for making strategic decisions and maintaining unity among the Klans. The current Pirate Lord is Cathryn Jadeye, a former slave concubine who rose to power through her cunning and ruthlessness. Each Klan within the Great Fleet is led by a Klan Lord, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of their respective Klan. The Klan Lords are chosen based on their strength, leadership skills, and loyalty to the cause of the Great Fleet. They are responsible for maintaining order within their Klan, leading raids, and ensuring the welfare of their members. The Great Fleet of Klans operates primarily as a slaver faction, capturing and enslaving individuals from various races. The slaves are used for various purposes, including labor, combat, and other forms of exploitation. Despite their brutal practices, the Great Fleet of Klans views itself as a force of liberation, fighting against the oppressive regimes that once enslaved them.

Today, the Klans are economically supported by the selling and export of slaves, both to secret buyers in Venthalia and across Daunt, and spoils from piracy. In recent history, the Great Fleet of Klans has experienced significant changes, particularly under the leadership of Cathryn Jadeye. Since her brutal ascension to power, Cathryn has shown herself to be a more ruthless and terrifying leader than her late husband, Cpt Totec Jadeye. She has implemented reforms, such as improving the treatment of slave concubines, which can be attributed to her own personal experiences as a concubine. Cathryn Jadeye's reign has brought a shift in the Klans' focus. Instead of primarily targeting Royal Navy and Althean civilian vessels for slaves, the Klans now concentrate on attacking T&K Co, Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS), and international ships. This strategic move has allowed the Klans to amass a larger number of captives from diverse backgrounds. Under Cathryn's leadership, the Great Fleet of Klans has also become more proactive in recruiting talented captains, sailors, and soldiers, significantly increasing its manpower and diversity. This marks a departure from the previous approach of waiting for individuals to join naturally or rise through the ranks. Despite these changes, the Great Fleet of Klans remains in conflict with the T&K Co, as well as the CFS, and continues to engage in slave trade and warfare throughout Venthalia and across Daunt. Cathryn Jadeye's reign has ushered in a new era for the Klans, with her cunning and ruthlessness shaping the faction's trajectory in ways yet to be fully realized.

## Goblins and Bugbears

Venthalia has always been host to a population of beings some would label as monsters. The Great Fleet of Klans is a complex entity with a diverse composition. Among these are Goblins and Bugbears, who hold a unique position within the fleet. Goblins, despite their general exclusion from most crews, have managed to carve out a niche for themselves within the Klans. They typically form their own crews, operating ships that the Klans largely leave to their own devices. This autonomy allows Goblins to engage in their own activities, albeit under the broader umbrella of the Klans' operations. However, this freedom is not without its drawbacks, as some Goblins find themselves enslaved within the fleet, highlighting the harsh realities of life within the Klans. Bugbears, on the other hand, are more readily accepted into the ranks of the Klans' crews. Their physical strength and intimidating presence make them valuable assets on the high seas, where brute force often determines the outcome of confrontations. Despite this, their acceptance is not universal, with some crews opting not to hire Bugbears. This selective inclusion reflects the complex dynamics within the Klans, where race and species can influence one's opportunities and status. Despite the Klans' brutal reputation and practices, these races have found a way to survive and even thrive within its ranks. Their presence also underscores the Klans' pragmatic approach to crew composition, valuing strength and utility over racial or species purity. However, the harsh realities of life within the Klans, including the potential for enslavement, serve as a stark reminder of the brutal world these beings navigate within the Great Fleet of Klans.