They may be a group of mystics and magicians, but one thing the Order of Souls could never conjure up is a decent headquarters for their Trading Company. Instead, you’ll find their representatives working out of makeshift accommodations tucked underneath the Pirate Emporium. Just look for the pretty coloured lanterns.

The Order of Souls really have a grudge against skeletons – so much so that those of the Order will reward pirates for hunting down specific targets and bringing back their skulls. These bounties, as they’re known, will see you sent out to find and fight the skellies in question, bringing any requested heads back to the nearest Order representative if you want to be paid. Skulls you’ve found in places like Skeleton Forts (or stolen from other crews) can also be handed over for a reward.

Back in the old days, the Order couldn’t help you locate skeleton crew bounties beyond pointing you to the right island, but all the skulls they’ve acquired have greatly increased their power. Now their bounties will not only tell you which island to chart a course for, but also give you some hints as to where on the island the crew is likely to be hiding out. High-ranking enemies like Skeleton Captains may not show themselves to begin with, meaning you’ll need to cleave through their crew before your prey finally puts in a personal appearance.

Just like chests, skulls need to be physically carried and you won’t be able to defend yourself while holding one, so make sure the coast is clear before heading back to your ship with your prize. Their eerie glow and whispering sound makes them easy for stowaways to locate, so leaving them alone for too long is just asking for trouble. Oh, and no-one’s going to be impressed by you grabbing your crew’s hard-earned skull and launching into the whole “Alas, poor Yorick” routine, so don’t. Really, just don’t.

The Order of Souls’ crusade against the undead isn’t solely limited to those of the bony variety. Once they think you’re ready for the challenge, they’ll also offer you the chance to sail out and deal with a fleet of Ghost Ships. The spectral skulls recovered from these battles can also be handed into the Order along with gems and Collector’s Chests, although what they do with them next is anyone’s guess…

Further reading: Company Spotlight – The Order of Souls