This is my idea for a new Tall Tale. Tall Tales were and in a way still are one of the best things about this game and are the best way to add more lore and storytelling to the world. Now, quick disclaimer, I am no writer. So, this idea may not be great, but I just wanted to get my idea across. I encourage other users to add stuff or suggest better ideas if something doesn’t quite fit. I have spent quite a bit of time putting this together, so any feedback would be appreciated. Also, I am not 100% of the lore so if there's something in here that doesn't fit in with the lore, then please tell me. With all that said, grab a snack or a coffee, because this is going to be a long one! This Tall Tale, The Forsaken Ferryman, follows the Dark Brethren’s latest scheme. A plan to use an Ancient relic to reshape reality itself.
Starting the Tall Tale
The adventure begins in The Wilds, where players are sent to speak with either Tess or Teri at a tavern. They recount rumors of increased Dark Brethren activity, mentioning that Belle has been investigating a Sea Fort, either Traitor’s Fate or Mercy’s End, keeping with the eerie Wilds atmosphere. This fort has been taken over by the Dark Brethren and after talking to Belle on an island (the island isn't important) players will make their way to the fort.
After reaching the Sea Fort, players battle waves of Phantoms and uncover an Ancient chest containing a mysterious key. This unlocks the next part of the journey: a search for a hidden vault tied to the Ancients and the Sunken Kingdom.
The Dark Brethren’s Plan
Following clues from the Tall Tale book, players travel to either Kraken’s Fall or Shipwreck Bay to uncover what the Dark Brethren are truly after. Depending on the island, players either:
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Solve a vault puzzle hidden in Kraken’s Fall, revealing an Ancient map.
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Unlock a new section of the Blackwyche shipwreck on Shipwreck Bay, where they find a torn journal revealing the Dark Brethren’s connection to the Sirens.
The Dark Brethren have been working with the sirens but have used the Sirens as pawns, gaining access to the Shrine of Hungering or Shrine of Flooded Embrace to steal something hidden for centuries: the Tear of the Ancients.
The Tear of the Ancients and Its Power:
This Ancient relic was locked away by the Ancients because it could peer through time and space, revealing forbidden knowledge. The Dark Brethren never truly cared about the Sirens, they only wanted the Tear to uncover hidden Ancient vaults, lost secrets, or even the means to rewrite history.
After reaching the shrine, players solve another puzzle, but it’s too late. The Dark Brethren have taken the Tear. Belle appears, explaining the danger this relic poses, and then opens a portal to the Sea of the Damned, where the Dark Brethren have been hiding.
The Final Battle: The Forsaken Ferryman
Players will arrive at a fort in the Sea of the Damned. Similar to what we saw in the Captains of the Damned Tall Tale. Arriving at a Dark Brethren fortress, players must fight waves of phantoms before facing the final boss: The Forsaken Ferryman.
Who is the Forsaken Ferryman?
Unlike the Ferryman of the Damned we know, this cursed soul was a previous holder of the title, long forgotten and lost to time. The Dark Brethren, using the Tear of the Ancients, have freed him from his prison and given him new power. Now, he seeks revenge on the living and the Sea of Thieves itself.
Boss Fight Mechanics
Chains of the Damned – The Forsaken Ferryman traps players in ghostly chains, temporarily locking them in place.
Summon the Lost – Calls upon waves of ghostly pirates to aid him, forcing players to fight on multiple fronts.
Ferry’s Wrath – He channels power through his cursed lantern, creating a whirlpool that pulls players toward him.
After an intense battle, the Forsaken Ferryman is defeated, but before he fades, he warns that the Dark Brethren are far from finished. The rest of their forces have fled deeper into the Sea of the Damned, and with the Tear of the Ancients still in their possession, the war for the Sea of Thieves has only just begun.
Once again, I’d love to hear feedback! Does this fit well within Sea of Thieves world? Would you change anything about the Forsaken Ferryman or the Tear of the Ancients?
Let me know what you think! 🚢💀
