The Sirens
A group of spies and assassins who follow the commands of the Pirate Queen - or, some say, supersede her in power and are the real authority in the Whaletooth Archipelago. They were founded in the early 100s A.E.D by Mindanao (see Shipwrecker history), the second Pirate Queen, to kill off her rivals and secure her position.
The Sirens are responsible for protecting the Pirate Queen from danger and killing off those who threaten her. During periods of time when there is no Pirate Queen, they are charged with keeping the Whaletooth Archipelago united and keeping at least a modicum of peace. Any dragon trying to become the Pirate Queen needs the support of the Sirens, for they will not last long otherwise. Members of the Sirens are forbidden from trying to become a Pirate Queen; some have attempted it in the past but were quickly killed off by others of their order. |
1.0 Becoming a Siren 1.1 Recruitment 1.2 Training 1.3 The Final Test 2.0 Serving as a Siren 2.1 Types of Sirens 2.2 Ranks 2.3 Rules 2.4 Missions 2.5 Retirement 3.0 Famous Sirens 3.1 Muse Benguela 3.2 Muse Okhotsk 3.3 Grand Urchin Agulhas |
Becoming a Siren
This section goes over all information relevant to Sirens recruitment and training.
The main means by which most join the Sirens is simply expressing an interest to a local Siren (usually an Urchin on guard duty or a family member/friend in the order) and having them arrange for them to be interviewed and assessed for how suitable they are in the role. As long as they’re of decent physical condition and their loyalties are not suspect, they’ll usually be moved into a training role.
This is not, however, the only way to join. The Sirens also reach out to those who catch their eye or are in useful positions; a Merosian merchant captain with interesting connections, a Xocrian noble bored with their life, a talented assassin with no official affiliations, an ex-Talons agent, a fashion designer with contacts among the Realm’s rich and famous, a windwyrm with doubts and a fascination with the outside world… just a few examples of those who might find themselves drawing the attention of the Sirens.
Potential recruits will often be watched for long periods of time (months to even years) by Lionfish, approached with ‘tests’ without any apparent connection to the Sirens, and if they prove to be promising, they might be offered a job.
Non-shipwreckers and humans are not only accepted but actively sought out for the Sirens, especially as Lionfish; the less obvious that they’d work for the Sirens, the better, and for those who act as spies or diplomats in foreign nations, it’s always preferable that they blend into the local population.
This is not, however, the only way to join. The Sirens also reach out to those who catch their eye or are in useful positions; a Merosian merchant captain with interesting connections, a Xocrian noble bored with their life, a talented assassin with no official affiliations, an ex-Talons agent, a fashion designer with contacts among the Realm’s rich and famous, a windwyrm with doubts and a fascination with the outside world… just a few examples of those who might find themselves drawing the attention of the Sirens.
Potential recruits will often be watched for long periods of time (months to even years) by Lionfish, approached with ‘tests’ without any apparent connection to the Sirens, and if they prove to be promising, they might be offered a job.
Non-shipwreckers and humans are not only accepted but actively sought out for the Sirens, especially as Lionfish; the less obvious that they’d work for the Sirens, the better, and for those who act as spies or diplomats in foreign nations, it’s always preferable that they blend into the local population.
Training as a Siren often takes years (although those recruited through unconventional means might require less extensive ‘education’), but the exact contents and subjects taught vary greatly depending on what section of the Sirens (see Types of Sirens below) one is entering into.
For Urchin recruits, the training is simple; they are taught how to fight and deal with belligerents, especially those who outsize them, with a focus on non-lethal tactics. They are given training in how to be a successful bodyguard, how to read and interact with peoples from a wide variety of cultures, and how to pick up on potential dangers. When they are assigned to on-the-ground work they are given additional training in their patrol routes, key areas of concern, and the typical troublemakers for the region.
Lionfish receive far more extensive training, and usually start their careers as young as 5-7 years old, often recruited from orphanages or the children of other Sirens. They are trained to be extremely charismatic, excellent conversationalists and oh so friendly, and learn quickly how to lie, bribe, threaten and convince their way into getting information and access to their targets… as well as how to kill. Lionfish usually learn a wide variety of methods; the more subtle, untraceable ones, and the ones meant to leave a message (killings done with lionfish venom are the signature that they use to claim a kill as having been done by their order). Training can last anywhere from 10-20 years, with a lot of time focused on impressing a sense of loyalty into the Lionfish-Recruit. Those recruited through atypical means may spend less time in training, though.
Lastly, there are the Moray. They are only ever recruited from the ranks of established Sirens in the Lionfish or Urchins, as they hold an extremely dangerous role; all the information that their spies collect gets sent to them to be processed, examined and sorted away. They are trained for 7-10 years in how to analyze and memorize information, to assess the veracity of intel and pick out potential falsehoods, and how to make connections all so that when a mission is being planned by the Sirens, a Moray can advise quickly and easily.
For Urchin recruits, the training is simple; they are taught how to fight and deal with belligerents, especially those who outsize them, with a focus on non-lethal tactics. They are given training in how to be a successful bodyguard, how to read and interact with peoples from a wide variety of cultures, and how to pick up on potential dangers. When they are assigned to on-the-ground work they are given additional training in their patrol routes, key areas of concern, and the typical troublemakers for the region.
Lionfish receive far more extensive training, and usually start their careers as young as 5-7 years old, often recruited from orphanages or the children of other Sirens. They are trained to be extremely charismatic, excellent conversationalists and oh so friendly, and learn quickly how to lie, bribe, threaten and convince their way into getting information and access to their targets… as well as how to kill. Lionfish usually learn a wide variety of methods; the more subtle, untraceable ones, and the ones meant to leave a message (killings done with lionfish venom are the signature that they use to claim a kill as having been done by their order). Training can last anywhere from 10-20 years, with a lot of time focused on impressing a sense of loyalty into the Lionfish-Recruit. Those recruited through atypical means may spend less time in training, though.
Lastly, there are the Moray. They are only ever recruited from the ranks of established Sirens in the Lionfish or Urchins, as they hold an extremely dangerous role; all the information that their spies collect gets sent to them to be processed, examined and sorted away. They are trained for 7-10 years in how to analyze and memorize information, to assess the veracity of intel and pick out potential falsehoods, and how to make connections all so that when a mission is being planned by the Sirens, a Moray can advise quickly and easily.
After a Lionfish (or Moray, if they were an Urchin prior) has completed their training and performed a few missions for the Sirens, they and their "class" of fellow trainees have one, final test before they can be considered full, proper members; to brave the Blacksea Caverns and find their way to the location of the organization's true base.
Trainees are given around a week to prepare - the only rules being they cannot receive assistance from full-fledged Sirens - and may gather resources, such as runes and potions, to aid in their travels through the narrow, dark caves. They cannot stash them within the caves themselves, however, and may only bring what they can carry on their own, and entering the caverns to explore prior is strictly forbidden.
Once the day comes, the Caverns are entered at low tide, one at a time. The caves are located below the water, near a group of small, rocky islands. They're dark, narrow, and maze-like, with no sources of natural light, and most of the caves are filled with water at high tide. If one's unlucky they might stumble across a poisonous or venomous cave-dwelling animal (or another trainee that they pissed off) but for the most part, the main challenge is navigating the caves without running out of air or getting lost. Depending on the route a trainee takes, the journey may be anywhere from merely an hour to days long.
If they are successful, they'll emerge from the water into a dry, well-lit cave illuminated with candlestone and runic/alchemical lights, much wider than anywhere else in the Blacksea Caverns, with small gardens, pools of water, and halls leading to different parts of their base and archives. Other, senior members of the Moray and Lionfish, as well as any trainees that finished before them, will be awaiting their arrival to welcome them as full-members of the order. They will be fed, given medical attention if needed, take a full oath to the Sirens, and then receive a tour of the cave system that the Sirens call home.
Trainees are given around a week to prepare - the only rules being they cannot receive assistance from full-fledged Sirens - and may gather resources, such as runes and potions, to aid in their travels through the narrow, dark caves. They cannot stash them within the caves themselves, however, and may only bring what they can carry on their own, and entering the caverns to explore prior is strictly forbidden.
Once the day comes, the Caverns are entered at low tide, one at a time. The caves are located below the water, near a group of small, rocky islands. They're dark, narrow, and maze-like, with no sources of natural light, and most of the caves are filled with water at high tide. If one's unlucky they might stumble across a poisonous or venomous cave-dwelling animal (or another trainee that they pissed off) but for the most part, the main challenge is navigating the caves without running out of air or getting lost. Depending on the route a trainee takes, the journey may be anywhere from merely an hour to days long.
If they are successful, they'll emerge from the water into a dry, well-lit cave illuminated with candlestone and runic/alchemical lights, much wider than anywhere else in the Blacksea Caverns, with small gardens, pools of water, and halls leading to different parts of their base and archives. Other, senior members of the Moray and Lionfish, as well as any trainees that finished before them, will be awaiting their arrival to welcome them as full-members of the order. They will be fed, given medical attention if needed, take a full oath to the Sirens, and then receive a tour of the cave system that the Sirens call home.
Serving as a Siren
This section goes over all information relevant for active or former members of the Sirens.
There are three different sections of the Sirens, each with its name and purpose in the Archipelago. They are the Urchins, bodyguards and enforcers; the Lionfish, assassins and spies; and lastly the Moray, recordkeepers and analysts.
Urchins
Lionfish
Moray
Urchins
The Urchins are the most numerous of the Sirens (making up more than half of the total number of Sirens) and the most likely sort you are to encounter (at least knowingly) as they are the only branch of the order that wears anything that might identify them as a Siren.
Their job is quite simple; they’re guards, the ‘bouncers’ of the Whaletooth Archipelago, and investigate and enforce the few laws that the shipwreckers have and keep the peace in cities and towns. They may be occasionally asked to take up a Captaincy on behalf of the Sirens and pirate in their name to help fund the order. During times where there is a Pirate Queen, they’ll serve as her bodyguards.
They wear a black shoulder band embroidered with a sea urchin. It’s generally considered one of the few ‘honest’ professions available in the Whaletooth Archipelago.
Their job is quite simple; they’re guards, the ‘bouncers’ of the Whaletooth Archipelago, and investigate and enforce the few laws that the shipwreckers have and keep the peace in cities and towns. They may be occasionally asked to take up a Captaincy on behalf of the Sirens and pirate in their name to help fund the order. During times where there is a Pirate Queen, they’ll serve as her bodyguards.
They wear a black shoulder band embroidered with a sea urchin. It’s generally considered one of the few ‘honest’ professions available in the Whaletooth Archipelago.
Lionfish
The Lionfish are far more infamous than the Urchins or Moray, and what most think of when they hear the word ‘Siren’. They serve as spies, diplomats and assassins, often all at the same time, and are put through intensive training to become as they are. Their members do not wear anything to distinguish themselves from regular people (save for a small item to identify themself that is decided upon and changed every three months), and are trained from an extremely young age (5-7) to be skilled and deadly killers.
Their main targets are false Captains, Talons, and any other foreign agents attempting to manipulate the Archipelago’s politics, but they can be found literally anywhere in the Realm. Even Xocrium and the windwyrm kingdom are not out of their reach.
Occasionally non-Siren assassins/spies and even ex-Talons agents will be recruited into their number.
Their main targets are false Captains, Talons, and any other foreign agents attempting to manipulate the Archipelago’s politics, but they can be found literally anywhere in the Realm. Even Xocrium and the windwyrm kingdom are not out of their reach.
Occasionally non-Siren assassins/spies and even ex-Talons agents will be recruited into their number.
Moray
Lastly, and often overlooked, are the Morays, the recordkeepers and librarians of the Sirens. Their main duty is managing intel and keeping documentation (or destroying it, if needed to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands) for the rest of the organization. When missions are being planned by the upper ranks of their order, Morays are always consulted for information relevant to it.
They are only ever recruited from existing, trusted members of the Sirens; either experienced Lionfish or Urchins. When they become an official Moray, they’re given eel tattoos to mark their status.
They are only ever recruited from existing, trusted members of the Sirens; either experienced Lionfish or Urchins. When they become an official Moray, they’re given eel tattoos to mark their status.
Ranks aren’t all that important within the Sirens, aside from on-the-ground groupings and those in positions of great power. The Sirens, while under the command of the Pirate Queen, are otherwise independent from the Archipelago’s ‘government’. When there is no Pirate Queen, the Sirens keep the dragons from splintering; their support is necessary for a new Pirate Queen to rise.
Aside from the Pirate Queen, the leader of the Sirens is known as the Muse. The position is held for life, and when the current Muse dies, a new one is elected by the members of the Sirens. Anyone who is at least a full member of the organization has a vote.
Within each branch of the Sirens, there are a handful of ranks; although the titles are similar, sometimes they have different duties and expectations.
For the Urchins:
For the Lionfish:
For the Moray:
Aside from the Pirate Queen, the leader of the Sirens is known as the Muse. The position is held for life, and when the current Muse dies, a new one is elected by the members of the Sirens. Anyone who is at least a full member of the organization has a vote.
Within each branch of the Sirens, there are a handful of ranks; although the titles are similar, sometimes they have different duties and expectations.
For the Urchins:
- They are led overall by the Grand Urchin, an individual elected from the Urchin-Captains by all other Urchins. Their job is to manage their underlings, and they report only to the Muse and the Pirate Queen.
- Second-in-command are the Urchin-Commanders. They report to the Grand Urchin and assist them in their duties, as well as overseeing the Urchin-Captains. There are usually at least one or two Commanders in each town or city, as well as a handful who live with the Grand Urchin themself. They coordinate watches and help decide how many Urchins are assigned to any given location. When there is a Pirate Queen, Urchin-Commanders will usually be assigned as her bodyguards.
- Next, there are the Urchin-Captains. They are in charge of groups of other Urchins on the ground, and there are usually at least a half dozen of them in each town or city. They follow the orders of Urchin-Commanders and ensure that their underlings complete their duties.
- Then there are regular Urchins. They usually work in teams of 5-7 at minimum and 20 at most under the command of an Urchin-Captain. Their job is to keep the peace in the Whaletooth Archipelago, working as police, guards, and guardians for other Sirens.
- Lastly, there are the Urchin-Recruits. They are newly recruited members of the order and can be of any age, and are vetted by trusted Urchins and Lionfish before being allowed to begin training. Training usually lasts 1-4 years, depending on their existing skillset.
For the Lionfish:
- They are led overall by the Grand Lionfish, an individual elected from the Lionfish-Captains by all other Lionfish. Their job is to manage their underlings, and they report only to the Muse and the Pirate Queen.
- Lionfish-Commanders are the seconds-in-command to the Grand Lionfish. They assist them in their duties and oversee individual Lionfish, ensuring communications and new missions reach them, and that information they gather gets channeled to the Morays without undue delays. They are responsible for threat assessments of missions and making sure that the agents they send out have the right information and equipment for the job.
- Lionfish-Captains are few and far between, as Lionfish as a rule generally work alone and at a distance from each other. The role does exist on paper, but it’s often a temporary appointment for the rare missions that call for multiple Lionfish to coordinate.
- Regular Lionfish work alone and often operate quite far from the Archipelago itself. Their job is to act as spies and assassins, collecting information and dealing with threats to the Archipelago, the Pirate Queen, and their fellow Sirens.
- Those in-training to become a Lionfish are the Lionfish-Recruit; traditionally they start their education early, as young as 5-7, gaining an education on history (as well as the secrets that the Morays have cultivated), sciences, mathematics, various types of magic, assassinations, how to talk to and befriend most people, and various other things that are useful for their future career. Depending on how well they pick up what they need to learn, their training can take from anywhere between 5 and 20 years, depending on how old they were when recruited. Those recruited into the Lionfish through abnormal means usually require less training, but their ‘curriculum’ is decided on a case-by-case basis.
For the Moray:
- They are led overall by the Grand Moray, an individual elected from the Moray-Captains by all other Moray. Their job is to manage their underlings, and they report only to the Muse and the Pirate Queen.
- Moray-Commanders are in charge of an overall subject (such as all records related to Ironbrook). They coordinate with the Moray-Captains and Grand Moray to ensure that their records are well-kept and secure, and that the right people are consulted for intelligence.
- Moray-Captains are in charge of individual sections and topics of the Sirens’ libraries and oversee a team of Morays who work under them. They are responsible for ensuring the security of the documents in their section of a library, and in charge of specific subcategories of records regarding a single subject (such as all records related to Ironbrook’s Talons). They will be put in charge of specific research or analysis projects.
- Regular Morays; archivists, analysts, writers, accountants and recordkeepers. Their job is simple but important; process information that the Lionfish spies collect, test its veracity based on existing records and make connections based on already confirmed information. They have access to a wide network of informants and information, and it’s their job to ensure that their fellow Sirens can find out what they need to for their missions, as well as to keep Siren’s secrets secret.
- Moray-Recruits are somewhat different from the rest of the in-training ranks, as Morays, given the potentially dangerous information they have access to, are only ever recruited from existing members of the Sirens, and thus have pre-existing training and experience in the field. They are usually made up of badly injured or elderly Lionfish and Urchins, or simply those who no longer have an interest in fieldwork. Training generally lasts anywhere between 5-10 years, and largely focuses on making sure one is trustworthy and suited for the role.
The Sirens are allowed to operate relatively freely and independently, so long as they don’t violate certain rules. These depend on what branch of the Sirens they fall under.
Overall, Sirens are not allowed to work for foreign governments, unless they are a Lionfish with permission from their fellows, and even for their cover should never operate on behalf of that government within the Archipelago. They are not allowed to try for the position of Pirate Queen, either.
For the Urchins, their rules are rather simple; as their job is to keep the peace in towns and cities, even off-duty they should do everything in their power to avoid causing a public disturbance, while in the Archipelago, at least. There isn’t any severe punishment for breaking this rule, but an Urchin having their fellows have to drag them off to calm down is never a good look.
The Lionfish have a more strict code to follow. They are welcome to take assassination contracts and sell information to sources other than the Sirens, with a few caveats; they cannot kill anyone in the Whaletooth Archipelago for non-Sirens purposes, they cannot kill a Captain or a fellow Siren without the Muse’s approval, and they should never reveal information related to the Sirens or the Archipelago to outsiders. While working as spies they are also expected to ensure the safety of their informants and only do direct harm to (willing) sources of information if there is no other option. They are allowed to travel and live anywhere they choose, hold whatever occupations they like, so long as they are willing and ready to do as ordered when the rest of the Sirens reaches out for them. Depending on the severity of the infraction, a Lionfish may be killed for it.
Lastly, there are the Morays. Their code is simple; they should reveal nothing of what they have read or learned to anyone save for other Sirens, and even then they should be discerning in what information they provide depending on the individual’s needs. They are the keepers of the Siren’s secrets and hold a surprising amount of power as a result. A traitor Moray will find themself the number one target of the Siren’s assassins for the rest of their life
Overall, Sirens are not allowed to work for foreign governments, unless they are a Lionfish with permission from their fellows, and even for their cover should never operate on behalf of that government within the Archipelago. They are not allowed to try for the position of Pirate Queen, either.
For the Urchins, their rules are rather simple; as their job is to keep the peace in towns and cities, even off-duty they should do everything in their power to avoid causing a public disturbance, while in the Archipelago, at least. There isn’t any severe punishment for breaking this rule, but an Urchin having their fellows have to drag them off to calm down is never a good look.
The Lionfish have a more strict code to follow. They are welcome to take assassination contracts and sell information to sources other than the Sirens, with a few caveats; they cannot kill anyone in the Whaletooth Archipelago for non-Sirens purposes, they cannot kill a Captain or a fellow Siren without the Muse’s approval, and they should never reveal information related to the Sirens or the Archipelago to outsiders. While working as spies they are also expected to ensure the safety of their informants and only do direct harm to (willing) sources of information if there is no other option. They are allowed to travel and live anywhere they choose, hold whatever occupations they like, so long as they are willing and ready to do as ordered when the rest of the Sirens reaches out for them. Depending on the severity of the infraction, a Lionfish may be killed for it.
Lastly, there are the Morays. Their code is simple; they should reveal nothing of what they have read or learned to anyone save for other Sirens, and even then they should be discerning in what information they provide depending on the individual’s needs. They are the keepers of the Siren’s secrets and hold a surprising amount of power as a result. A traitor Moray will find themself the number one target of the Siren’s assassins for the rest of their life
For the Urchins, their missions are the day-to-day work of being a guard, or specific assignments to protect and guard individuals that the Sirens direct them to. This might be a Lionfish’s informant that was promised protection or a new life, another Siren (like a Moray transporting documents) or even a Pirate Queen herself if one is in power at the time. They may even sometimes be asked to take up a Captaincy and pirate on behalf of the Sirens in order to supply extra funds for the order.
For the Lionfish, the nature of their missions changes depending on where they are currently located. They are expected to make connections wherever they are and settle into a ‘normal life’ for the area to avoid drawing attention to themself and do what they can to start to make an information network to gather intel on the local government and the events affecting it, as well as be open to new assignments arriving. If someone settles down in Meros and receives an order from their superiors to assassinate an official there, they should be ready to do so if commanded. Lionfish sometimes go long periods - even years - without receiving a mission, but should be prepared for that to change at any time. They may be asked to travel to a specific location or spy on specific people, but usually, they’re free enough to travel where they will.
Lastly, the Moray’s exact duties vary on what area of the Siren’s hidden library they’ve been assigned to. They might be in charge of records regarding a specific period of time in the Merosian city-state of Pruina, or about the internal power struggles of historic Urchin-Commanders, or about the current Captains vying for the position of Pirate Queen. Their ‘missions’ are mainly to maintain and add to their collection from new reports, as well as to advise when called upon by other Sirens for information while planning new missions.
For the Lionfish, the nature of their missions changes depending on where they are currently located. They are expected to make connections wherever they are and settle into a ‘normal life’ for the area to avoid drawing attention to themself and do what they can to start to make an information network to gather intel on the local government and the events affecting it, as well as be open to new assignments arriving. If someone settles down in Meros and receives an order from their superiors to assassinate an official there, they should be ready to do so if commanded. Lionfish sometimes go long periods - even years - without receiving a mission, but should be prepared for that to change at any time. They may be asked to travel to a specific location or spy on specific people, but usually, they’re free enough to travel where they will.
Lastly, the Moray’s exact duties vary on what area of the Siren’s hidden library they’ve been assigned to. They might be in charge of records regarding a specific period of time in the Merosian city-state of Pruina, or about the internal power struggles of historic Urchin-Commanders, or about the current Captains vying for the position of Pirate Queen. Their ‘missions’ are mainly to maintain and add to their collection from new reports, as well as to advise when called upon by other Sirens for information while planning new missions.
The only section of the Sirens that can truly retire are the Urchins. They do not have access to so many secrets that they could be a danger, and they’re not trained assassins or spies, and they’re allowed to retire any time they choose once they’ve served for at least five or ten years.
As for the Lionfish and the Moray, retirement isn’t as accessible. They never really leave the Sirens; they may take a step back and receive less active duties and strenuous missions as they age, or take up a mentoring position to younger Sirens, but they will forever be tied to the organization. After all, an elderly Lionfish can still chat up strangers and gather information, even if they can’t accomplish assassinations aside from poisoning anymore, and Morays just deal with papers and books, hardly a very physical job.
Older Lionfish and Moray are, however, treated with extreme respect by their fellows, and so long as they do not attempt to betray the Sirens can expect their protection for themself and their family throughout their lifetime.
As for the Lionfish and the Moray, retirement isn’t as accessible. They never really leave the Sirens; they may take a step back and receive less active duties and strenuous missions as they age, or take up a mentoring position to younger Sirens, but they will forever be tied to the organization. After all, an elderly Lionfish can still chat up strangers and gather information, even if they can’t accomplish assassinations aside from poisoning anymore, and Morays just deal with papers and books, hardly a very physical job.
Older Lionfish and Moray are, however, treated with extreme respect by their fellows, and so long as they do not attempt to betray the Sirens can expect their protection for themself and their family throughout their lifetime.
Due to how the order operates, “famous” and “Siren” are two words that don’t go together well. Being particularly well known was a Siren works against an agent, aside from those who serve as Urchins, and therefor most of the well-known Sirens are historic ones.
Benguela, the first Muse
The first Muse of the Sirens and the brother of the second Pirate Queen, Mindanao. He worked closely with his sister for many years, but she began to grow more and more paranoid and started to push her brother away as she aged. Eventually, Mindanao orchestrated an uprising from the newer members of the Sirens, killing off the majority of the old leadership; Benguela himself barely avoided this fate, faking his death and going into hiding. The new Sirens were content for a decade or so but then began to realize that the ageing Mindanao might do the same to them. They wouldn’t be the ones to kill her, though, but they were involved in her death. After Mindanao died, he returned to his role as the Muse until his death.
Okhotsk, the second Muse
One of Pirate Queen Mindanao’s children. Due to her increasing paranoia in her old age, she kept all of her kids locked up in the Hotrock Hollow, fearful that they might betray her or attempt to usurp her, and any who showed too strong ambition was silenced permanently. Okhotsk and her siblings - including her brother, Agulhas, and sister, Azores - spent their entire lives essentially imprisoned there. With the help of Benguela and the younger generation of the Sirens - who decided to work together to free the Pirate Queen’s children. It succeeded, and a few years later, Okhotsk snuck into her ageing mother’s ship and killed her. Most Sirens expected (and were fine with) the idea of her taking the role after that, but she declined and supported her younger sister, Azores, instead. After a few years, they were successfully about to secure the title of the third Pirate Queen for Azores, and Okhotsk joined the Lionfish with the approval of her uncle, Benguela. When he died, she was chosen as his replacement and became the second Muse.
Agulhas, an early Grand Urchin
Pirate Queen Mindanao’s son. Like Okhotsk, Agulhas was locked up in the Hotrock Hollow for most of his life, but of least concern to their mother; he was a big, loveable dummy. He liked nothing more than a good wrestle and to keep his siblings safe. With the help of Benguela and the Sirens, he was able to escape the Hollow with his sisters, Azores and Okhotsk, and eventually usurped Pirate Queen Mindanao. After helping Azores secure the title of Pirate Queen, he joined the Urchins and eventually became one of its leaders.