“The Tide Rises and Falls, as do we. Let the Lows Teach you and the Highs Temper you.”

Current Leader: 6th Yvain
Notable Members: Captain Selica, Captain Kaeryx, Captain Tellurys

The Tidebringers are a coastal faction in Maud Madir, originating from the Einher Clan led by Pirate Lord Yvane. They worship Eindridil, the Drowned Goddess, and their customs include high-tide rituals and superstitions like blue ribbons for protection. Known for their dark blue attire and strong sailing skills, they have a strained relationship with the Dragon’s Crest, viewing them with animosity and avoiding them whenever possible.

Devout Sailors:

The Tidebringers are an old faction operating within the coastal regions of Maud Madir, worshiping Eindridil, the Drowned Goddess, whose influence has shaped much of their customs and beliefs. Originating from the ancient Einher Clan of Captain Yvane, one of the legendary Pirate Lords, the Tidebringers have evolved from a close-knit group of seafaring warriors into a once prominent faction with widespread influence. Their faith in Eindridil is unwavering, and they hold their rituals at the waterfront during high tide, believing that the goddess’s favor can be earned through offerings and devout worship. Sailors and fishermen alike often pay tithes to the Tidebringers, hoping that their sacrifice will secure safe passage and bountiful catches.

This defiance is a cornerstone of their identity, as they have always seen the sea as a powerful, living entity deserving of reverence. Over time, as their numbers grew and they began to incorporate Eindridil into their beliefs, the Tidebringers became known for their superstitions, many of which are still practiced by the townsfolk of Dark Harbor. These include tying blue ribbons for protection, hanging metal anchors to ward off sea spirits, and adhering to strict rituals regarding the pouring of alcohol.

The Tidebringers’ appearance and behavior reflect their deep connection to the sea. They typically wear dark blue clothing, adorned with wave-themed jewelry or paint, and have always incorporated the symbol of Eindridil into their attire. Known for their exceptional sailing abilities, they often spend their free time on the water, further solidifying their bond with the ocean. However, their relationship with other factions, particularly the Dragon’s Crest, is strained. The Tidebringers view Physignathus as a sea monster, and one of Eindridil’s children, which has led to significant tension between the two groups. This animosity is so strong that the Tidebringers will often immediately vacate any area where members of the Dragon’s Crest are present if the situation allows it, maintaining a clear divide between the factions.

Einish Origins:

The Tidebringers trace their origins back to the Einher Clan Sjávarföll, a group led by the formidable Captain Yvane, one of the first three Pirate Lords. This tribe was initially a small group of seafaring warriors, united by their devotion to the sea and its mysteries. As Captain Yvane’s influence and renown grew, so did the clan, expanding beyond its original members to include people of various races and backgrounds, eventually transforming from a clan into the larger faction known as the Tidebringers.

Despite their current devotion to Eindridil, the Tidebringers’ beliefs predate their worship of the goddess. Long before they knew of her existence, they worshiped the sea itself, refusing to acknowledge Physignathus, the First Born, as their deity.This early devotion to the sea laid the foundation for the many superstitions and rituals that would later become integral to their culture, most of which continue to influence the coastal communities they inhabit.

Over time, as the Tidebringers grew in number and influence, they began to incorporate the worship of Eindridil, the Drowned Goddess, into their practices. This shift did not diminish their original beliefs but rather enhanced them, blending the ancient reverence for the sea with the newer devotion to Eindridil. The faction’s history is marked by this seamless integration of old and new, allowing them to maintain their identity while adapting to the changing spiritual landscape around them, at least until recently.

Marine Superiority:

The Tidebringers’ battle tactics are heavily influenced by their seafaring Einish heritage and deep connection to the ocean. They excel in guerrilla warfare, using their knowledge of the coastal terrain to their advantage. Engaging enemies near or on the water, they employ hit-and-run tactics, striking swiftly from hidden or otherwise advantageous positions before retreating back to the safety of the sea. This strategy allows them to make use of their superior mobility and knowledge of the environment to outmaneuver larger or less agile opponents.

In direct confrontations, the Tidebringers rely on their expertise in naval combat. They are highly skilled at boarding and close-quarters fighting, utilizing their agility and familiarity with shipboard combat to overwhelm foes. Their tactics often involve quick, decisive strikes designed to incapacitate or disorient their enemies before they can assume a coordinated defense. This approach shows their origins as pirates and their continued emphasis on swift, effective combat.

Additionally, the Tidebringers incorporate their religion into their battle strategy. They may use symbols and charms to bolster their morale and ward off ill fortune, believing that these rites can influence the outcome of a fight. In the event that a favored or chosen of Eindridil is aboard their ship, they make great use of the boons dark magic can grant. Their understanding of sea-based phenomena also enables them to use natural elements like tides and storms to their advantage, creating challenging conditions for their adversaries and further enhancing their combat effectiveness.

Recent Events:

Like the tide, the faction’s relationship has had its ups and downs, shifting from a powerful ally to an outcast exiled from the harbor. Despite the wide range of interactions between them and the town, no named our particular figureheads have shown their face or made themselves known. This apparent lack of leadership has led many to believe that the faction is in its current state, too far spread or disorganized and to a point this is true. Though due to zealous behavior and demands the faction was outcast from the harbor, banished by the single acting pirate lord at that time. Now their state as a faction hangs in the balance and their connection to town grows ever more thin.