Red Mantis Assassin under-plot

[The Dread Pirate Hurley]

Disclaimer: I'm aware that the AP hasn't actually even come out yet, so I'm not expecting any extremely in-depth replies.

I'm interested in integrating a Red Mantis-related aspect to the game. I'll be a player, but working closely with the GM to flesh out the under-plot. I call it an under-plot because it's a plot that spans the entire AP, but exists under the surface, kind of like a reinterpretation.

I need to go back and re-read their article in Escape From Old Korvosa, but to my understanding, the Red Mantis Assassins are a religious order whose religion focuses on assassination. As such, they don't seem to be an extremely political entity. However, as I understand it, they played a very important role in the intrigue of CotCT.

Assuming they engage in their fair share of political maneuvering and intrigue, what sorts of interests might the RMA have in the Shackles region? Obviously, their island headquarters is located in the Shackles, and Ilizmagorti is a fairly important port for the pirates. At this point, I'm thinking of using them in relation to the climactic battle at the end of the AP, but I have no idea how, at least not yet for obvious reasons.

Traditionally, the RMA don't assassinate legitimate monarchs (but yet they work around that loophole by providing others with the means to dispose of said monarchs, a la CotCT). How do you think that code functions in the Shackles, being a largely republic meritocracy? Is the Hurricane King a "legitimate monarch", immune to formal contracts? Do you think the RMA have any interest in controlling the region politically? Or do you think the RMA don't really have a place in this AP?

[Timothy Hanson]

I would say that the Hurricane King is probably not considered a legitimate Monarch but I could be wrong. I sort of feel this way since his title is one earned through strength and force. He is King because he has the power to call himself King and not as part of some Birthright. Anyone who is strong enough is more then allowed to come take the title from him.

That being said. I am not sure who would take out a contract on him in the first place. Any legitimate rule would not bother, since he would just be replaced with another Pirate and business would go about as usual. I do not see another powerful Captain doing it, since you need power to hold the title, and if you had enough to hold it, then you probably have enough to take it without the need for the RMA.

And now with that being said, I still think there is plenty of room for the RMA in the AP. Obviously just like you I have not read the AP, and I am not really sure what you mean by under-plot, but I think if you mean added storyline for your character who is a RMA then you should have a few options that you could play with. Once the PCs get a ship, they could probably use someone to bump off troublesome Captains. I would also imagine a RMA could be used by the Hurricane King or some other powerful Free Captain, and could be a good way to gain Reputation, that there will be some system for in the first book. Finally as a group, I am sure the RMAs would be more then happy to have some say in the Free Captains. Like you said, they are neighbors of the Shackles, and gaining political ground with your allies is always a nice thing.