Brahms Cauldron

[Blitzfrieg]

[Brahms Cauldron


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Location: Grand Line

Climate: The island is terribly humid and exceptionally rainy. Monsoons are a regular occurrence though the mountains often protect from the worst winds. Heavy rainfall often exceeds ten inches per month.

Affiliation: Brahms Cauldron is ruled by a trinity of powerful Pirate Captains called The Chosen. The Chosen are fairly honorable individuals who value freedom above all else. Though each have their own unique values and traditions that tend to filter down through the ranks of the pirates that have called this island their home, each values peace and trade above all else.

Landmarks

• Blue Brahm: Blue Brahm is the name of the islands only city. The sole entrance through the mountain barrier leads to a Lagoon
  that takes up nearly a quarter of the islands total surface area, giving the island a general crescent shape within the mountain barrier. The city is built encircling the lagoon, but extends several hundred meters onto the water forming a partially floating city. This creates a narrow, several mile long, bustling port city that is in many places, constructed from the remains of ships that found themselves in the lagoon beyond repair.
  
  The Cauldrons Teeth:. The Cauldrons Teeth refer to the ring of jagged, impassable mountains that encircle the island completely. It is said that hundreds of years ago, a powerful pirate captain of the Blue Brick Pirates scaled these mountains barehanded in a desperate attempt to seek help for her dying crew. She found no civilization, but instead a safe harbor. Legend says she delivered a mighty blow to the Teeth from the inside, carving out a safe passage for her ship. Beyond this passage, known as the Cauldrons Throat, no known safe path exists over or through these mountains.
  
  The Sons of Pyros: In the center of the island, in the deepest part of the crescent shaped land mass exist three massive volcanoes. The islands folklore says these volcanoes were once three brothers that killed each other over the love of a fiery maiden. Cursed for their crimes against each other, they were transformed into volcanoes which continue to spew fire at each other, their rage burning on to this day. The maiden, heartbroken for she loved all the brothers equally, is said to have become a great tree that grows between them, her tears spilling out in the form of a river that spills out into the lagoon of Blue Brahm.
  
  The Emerald:. The Emerald is the name given to a collosal tree that can be seen from almost anywhere in the island. The tree grows between the Sons of Pyros, and is apparently so strong as to withstand the blistering heat and constant eruptions. It’s true size is unknown, but must stand at least seven hundred yards into the air to be seen from so far. Great vines hang down to the ground, some of which as big around as a wagon. It’s roots are said to spread to every corner of Brahms Cauldron.
  
  The Emeralds Daughters:. The Emeralds Daughters refer to the three rivers that flow from the base of the great tree in the center of the island. One river, Saphirona, flows west, but curves around to empty into Blue Brahm. The central river, Rubella, flows straight between two of the sons, exiting right into the center of Blue Brahm. The eastern river, Amethysta flows easterly, forming an almost identical curve as Saphirona, and emptying into Blue Brahm. These rivers carry rich mineral silt and volcanic soil throughout the island, fertilizing the land and allowing for the growth of a very nutritious form of kelp in the lagoon’s waters. This kelp draws huge quantities of fish from the sea, which further fertilize the lagoon, and provide a steady food supply for its inhabitants.
  
  
  Flora
  
  • Brahm’s Bite:. Brahms Bite is a form of extremely nutritious and fertile Kelp that grows plentifully in the islands Lagoon. It is named for its extremely bitter taste when eaten raw or improperly cooked. BB is very nutritious, and is said to be a potent Aphrodisiac when eaten raw.
    
    
    • Stranglethorn: One of the islands most notable hazards. Stranglethorn is a form of carnivorous plant that conceals itself below ground or beneath the water, but extends thick, slippery vines with retractable thorns out from its buried bulb where they lay in wait. The slippery vines are coated in an oozing substance that smells sickeningly sweet, and if touched, induce an effect similar to heavy intoxication, as well as a short lasting, almost irresistible addiction to the smell. This usually incapacitates prey long enough to be ensnared and dragged back to the bulb, where the victim is slowly digested over a period of several weeks. During this period, the prey is kept alive by being fed the same intoxicating fluid, and as such is almost incapable of freeing themselves. Survivors of Stranglethorn have described the experience as psychedelic in nature, and often complain of permanently smelling that sickeningly sweet smell for the rest of their lives.
      
      Maidens Creep: The Maidens Creep is often assumed to be the plant that Stranglethorn imitates to catch its prey. The Creep grows along the boughs of the tall trees and hangs down, often all the way to the ground. Creep is covered in a thick, nutritious sap, and thousands of pin-head sized flowers of many colors. The flowers themselves are edible, but may be used for numerous medicinal purposes. The vines have a fibrous interior quite high in protein, but must be cooked properly due to high probability of varying insects using the vines to lay their eggs.
      
      Pyrosian Bluecaps: Bluecaps refer to a highly common form of giant mushroom that grows primarily in the most humid, swampy areas of the island. These mushrooms grow from the water, and can grow to nearly twenty feet in height. Their caps can grow up to twenty feet in diameter, as well as several feet thick. A spongy webbing hangs from the edges of the cap, which produces a pungent smell that wards off many predators and most insects. While the spongy webbing is not edible at all, the Bluecaps itself is both delicious and high in fiber. Because of these traits, Bluecaps are treated with respect. While many will carve out massive mushroom steaks from their flesh, almost never are entire mushrooms harvested. For a considerate adventurer, the mushroom provides a small, safe place to catch an undisturbed nap, or enjoy a chewy meal.
      
      Fauna
      
      • Gargotoads: Gargotoads are a breed of massive toad that can grow large enough to swallow a water buffalo whole. While these creatures are omnivorous predators, they primarily subsist on insects and Maidens Creep. Some daring hunters will hunt Gargotoads, but do so at grave risk. A single misstep will seal ones fate as they are swallowed in a single bite, and their tongues can extend twenty to thirty feet!
        
        Sarkhorns: Sarkhorns are a primarily herbivorous deer-like creature with six legs and a massive set of razor sharp antlers averaging at eighteen points. Covered in thick, shaggy fur which often is overgrown with moss, these creatures do not make hearty meals. Their flesh is tough and sinuous, and difficult to properly season. Combined with the fact that their primary source of food is Stranglethorn bulbs, most pirates will steer clear of their small herds, and let the beasts alone to their devices.
        
        Powtoons: Powtoons are a rare breed of Owl like avian whose down is extremely valuable. A single of these birds can be sold for a small fortune to the right bidder. However strangely, these creatures almost seem to have the protection of the forest. They have been seen interacting with Stranglethorn and the plants will make no attempt to eat them. They are often found roosting on the backs of Gargotoads, or sleeping in the antlers of Sarkhorns. Any attempts at disturbing the avians when the islands other fauna are around results in extreme aggression. It is a mystery of the island that has yet to be solved.
        
        Heighan Eels: Heighan Eels are perhaps the most feared predator, and most treacherous danger to be found upon Brahm’s Cauldron. Heighan Eels are in truth, something more similar to an Arthropod of such size that each individual tentacle extends hundreds of yards from the beasts center mass. Each tentacle is tipped with a fanged maw, and can grow several meters thick. These mouths each possess a mass of tentacular tongues that are used to ensnare its prey, dragging them to what must assuredly be a horrible death. Legend has it that on the island exists a Heighan Eel so large that its limbs can reach to every corner. Strangely, Heighan Eel’s seem unable to use the rivers, or extend into the Lagoon itself. Additionally, Bluecaps are deathly poisonous to the Eels, which is why savvy adventurers will often carry a Bluecaps steak on them at all times, just in case they get swallowed whole, the Eel will quickly vomit them back out.
        
        
        Organizations & Groups
        
        • The Chosen: The Chosen are a trinity of powerful Pirate Captains who rule over Blue Brahm together based on a relationship of mutual respect, strength, and trade. The inhabitants of this island are of every kind and color. Humans, Fishmen, Sky People, in truth anyone who comes here can call it home. So long as one follows the laws of the Chosen, then all are welcome.
          
          -Emerald Day: The Emerald Day refers to the people who follow the Chosen named Eileen Musar. Eileen is said to be a direct descendent of Brahm herself, and is known for being exceptionally compassionate. She and her followers tend to act as the law of Blue Brahm, often hunting down the kinds of viscous pirates that cause problems, or might bring the Marines down upon their haven.
          
          -Amethyst Night: The Amethyst Night refer to an order of individuals who follow Argus Walkn, the oldest of the Chosen. Argus is a warrior at heart who loves a good battle, and values friendly competition above all else. He loves to hold fighting tournaments on floating platforms in the Lagoon, offering rewards to those who impress him with either their skill or valor. Argus is often quick to assist Eileen in many things, but he tends to be less compassionate. He believes if one constantly fights on behalf of others, others will not be able to fight for themselves. Better to teach one how to wield a sword, than wield one on their behalf.
          
          -Ruby Twilight: The Ruby Twilight refers to those who follow the third and youngest Chosen, Selfer Burt. Selfer Burt is an Octopus Fishman, and a once slave. Though he strongly believes in peace and fair trade, he has a more militaristic vision for Brahms Cauldron. Burt often tries to push the Chosen towards organizing the pirates on the island into a force that might one day resist the marines, acting as a foothold for the Revolutionaries. He has great support, but is resisted by both Argus and Eileen. It is feared that when Argus dies, he might be replaced by someone that more heavily sides with Selfer Burt….which could spell a new age for Brahms Cauldron.