William Kidd, ‘Captain Kidd’

“The Infamous Pirate Captain: Unveiling the Dark Secrets and Hidden Treasures of Captain Kidd!”

• Alias: Captain Kidd
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Pirate captain
• Religion: Unknown
• Allies: Some members of his pirate crew, influential individuals who support his ambitions
• Enemies: Rival pirate captains, naval authorities, bounty hunters
• Abode/Base of operations: Various pirate strongholds and hideouts, including the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean
• Nationality: Scottish
• Languages: English, French, Scottish Gaelic
• Alignment: Lawful Neutral
• Affiliation(s): Independent pirate, former privateer
• Significant others: Unknown

William Kidd is a notorious pirate captain who has carved his name in the annals of maritime history. A complex character with a mysterious past, Kidd finds himself drawn into a life of piracy, driven by a mixture of ambition, desperation, and a desire for wealth and recognition. Raised in the bustling streets of New York, Kidd started his career as a privateer, sanctioned by the government to attack enemy ships during times of war.

However, as the allure of riches grew stronger, Kidd’s path took a dark turn. With a crew of hardened buccaneers, he set sail on the high seas, hunting down treasure-laden vessels and plundering their riches. Kidd’s reputation as a fearsome pirate quickly spread, his name whispered in hushed tones by those who feared his swift justice and merciless raids.

But beneath the ruthless exterior, Kidd hides a deeper motivation. He seeks to elevate his social status and regain the respect he believes he deserves. With dreams of securing a royal pardon and transforming himself into a wealthy and respected figure, Kidd aspires to prove his loyalty and usefulness to the crown by capturing notorious pirates and returning stolen treasures to the authorities.

As he sails the treacherous waters, Kidd navigates a dangerous balancing act, playing the role of a cunning pirate while secretly working towards his own redemption. But his path is fraught with challenges and betrayals, as he faces rival pirate captains, vengeful enemies, and the ever-looming threat of mutiny among his own crew.

Driven by ambition and haunted by his past, Kidd’s journey is a tumultuous one. He strives to outsmart his adversaries, uncover hidden treasures, and ultimately carve out a new legacy that will ensure his name lives on in history. But the path to redemption is a treacherous one, filled with moral dilemmas and sacrifices that will test Kidd’s resolve to the core.

In the end, William Kidd’s story is a tragic tale of a man torn between his desires for wealth and recognition, and his yearning for redemption and a chance to rewrite his legacy. It is a captivating narrative of adventure, greed, and the pursuit of a second chance that will forever be etched in the annals of pirate lore.

Captain Kidd

Medium humanoid (human), lawful neutral

Armor Class 15 (leather armor) Hit Points 110 (13d8 + 52) Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
14 (+2)	16 (+3)	15 (+2)	14 (+2)	12 (+1)	18 (+4)

Saving Throws Dex +6, Cha +7 Skills Deception +7, History +5, Perception +4, Persuasion +7 Senses passive Perception 14 Languages English, French, Scottish Gaelic Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)

Actions Multiattack. Captain Kidd makes two cutlass attacks or two flintlock pistol attacks.

Cutlass. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage.

Flintlock Pistol. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 30/90 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage.

Reactions Parry. Captain Kidd adds 3 to his AC against one melee attack that would hit him. To do so, Captain Kidd must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

Legendary Actions Captain Kidd can take 2 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time, and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Captain Kidd regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

• Riposte. Captain Kidd makes one cutlass attack against a creature that missed him with a melee attack.
• Command the Crew. Captain Kidd gives a command to his crewmates, granting advantage on their next attack roll or saving throw.
• Inspiring Presence. Captain Kidd boosts the morale of his allies within 30 feet, allowing them to reroll one failed attack roll or saving throw.

Equipment Captain Kidd wears leather armor and wields a cutlass and a flintlock pistol. He also carries a compass, a spyglass, a sailor’s logbook, and a small bag of coins.

Magic Items Captain Kidd possesses a mystical amulet, known as the “Sea’s Eye,” which grants him the ability to navigate treacherous waters and locate hidden treasures. The amulet allows him to cast the locate object and water breathing spells once per day.

Plot Hooks

• The Lost Pirate’s Legacy: Secrets of the Serpent Isle: Legends speak of the Serpent Isle, an enigmatic island believed to hold Captain Kidd’s hidden treasure. The players embark on a perilous journey, following cryptic clues and deciphering ancient maps, as they navigate treacherous waters and overcome deadly obstacles to reach the elusive island. But they are not alone—their every move is watched by rival treasure hunters and a malevolent sea serpent guarding the island. Can they outwit their competition and claim the legendary treasure before it slips through their fingers?
• Mutiny on the Adventure Galley: Tides of Betrayal: The players find themselves among the crew of the Adventure Galley, a once-proud ship now teetering on the brink of mutiny. As tensions rise and trust erodes, they must navigate a web of deceit, forging alliances with key figures while keeping their true loyalties hidden. Along the way, they uncover shocking secrets about Captain Kidd’s past and the true nature of the voyage. Will they support Kidd’s cause, seize control of the ship for themselves, or use the chaos to embark on their own daring escapades?
• The Haunting of the Quedagh Merchant: Ghosts of the Forgotten Voyage: The players are hired by a wealthy collector obsessed with the lost treasures of Captain Kidd. Their mission: to explore the eerie remains of the Quedagh Merchant, Kidd’s captured ship believed to be haunted by the restless spirits of the crew he betrayed. As they delve into the ship’s dark history, they encounter vengeful apparitions, solve perplexing puzzles, and face their own inner demons. Only by unraveling the ship’s tragic past can they bring peace to the tormented souls and uncover the hidden secrets that lie within its timeworn planks.
• The Trial of Captain Kidd: Shadows of Deception: The players find themselves caught in a web of conspiracy and corruption as they dig deep into the aftermath of Captain Kidd’s trial. A clandestine group seeks their help to clear Kidd’s name and expose the true culprits behind his wrongful conviction. To accomplish this, the players must navigate a treacherous landscape of political intrigue, decipher coded messages, and gather evidence from unlikely sources. But powerful enemies are determined to keep the truth buried, and the players’ every move is shadowed by spies and assassins. Can they outwit their foes, uncover the hidden truth, and restore Captain Kidd’s tarnished legacy?

Currently in the World

Physical Description: Captain Kidd is a tall and imposing figure, standing at around 6 feet tall. He possesses a strong and muscular build, a testament to his years of seafaring and physical labor. His weathered face bears the marks of a life at sea, with a well-trimmed salt-and-pepper beard and deep-set eyes that hold a piercing gaze. His hands are calloused, a testament to his expertise in handling ropes and weapons. He often dresses in rich, pirate-styled attire, adorned with gold jewelry and a tricorn hat that sits atop his head.

Current Surroundings Captain Kidd stands on the deck of his ship, the Adventure Galley, overlooking the vast expanse of the open sea. The wind whips through his hair as the ship sails through choppy waters. The crew members scurry about, attending to their duties, while the sound of crashing waves and creaking sails fills the air. Despite the turbulent seas, Captain Kidd maintains a focused and determined demeanor, his eyes scanning the horizon in search of his next conquest.