Flooded with information on heretofore uncharted coves and atolls filled with danger, the Piratical Geographic Society is seeking adventurous pirates who are interested in some mutually beneficial exchanges. In order to facilitate this process, they have recently completed their initial blueprints for the construction of Explorers' Halls! These plush headquarters stock a variety of Expedition Charts that pirates can use to flush out unseen hazards across the ocean and make a pretty penny while doing so!

Rise of the Empire

The mainland, where most pirates originally made their home before the freedom of the archipelagos called them away, seemed like a world away amidst the daily plundering of Brigand Kings and the sunken Atlanteans. However, that was not to remain forever.

Recent scouting reports from the Explorers' Hall indicate that Imperials from the continental mainland have begun constructing forts and landing weapons and Marine troops on atolls throughout the ocean. They cannot possibly be intending to simply drop by for tea, so it is up to the pirates of the ocean to drive these tyrants off before they force freebooters everywhere to submit to the iron fist of Imperial authority!

Pirates looking to do their part need look no further than the Explorers' Hall on their favorite island. The Society would be more than happy to sell you some very valuable information on nearby Imperial Outposts!

Mainland Imports

Those looking for a silver lining to the appearance of the Empire in these waters should rejoice! Brigands attacking Imperial shipping have managed to obtain the plans and supplies necessary for a couple items of interest which are now available for purchase from your local Tailor and Furnisher.

First off, a new set of bronze ship upgrades, specially altered from Imperial design to be a bit more palatable to your average pirate.

There's a shiny new helm...

...and cannons in three different sizes!

Next, this fantastic figurehead of Poseidon, the design of which was taken from the favored ship of an Imperial Navy Admiral.

Those upgrades are permanent additions to the recipe lists of the oceans' shoppes, so enjoy them! Above and beyond the ship upgrades, however, is a small supply of Cockades that were taken from an Imperial shipment bound for these waters. Lucky for all of us, they're the key to fashioning this particularly stylish hat!

What should have been atop the head of an Imperial Colonel can now be yours from your local Tailor for a limited time only! The supply of Cockades will run out at the end of November, so make sure you snap one of these up before they're gone!

This week, I've been asked to look into one of the game's greatest mysteries. Kraken. What are they? Where are they? Are they related to the sea monsters of Atlantis? Why does their blood come in buckets? And just how do the brigands get so much of it?

Well, gentle reader, let me tell you a tale. Because while this started out as a lighthearted experiment, it ended as one of the most shocking discoveries I have ever uncovered! So, if you have the nerve, the stomach and the spleen for it - read on!

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My initial investigation led me to conclude that the best method of comparing Kraken DNA with Gorgonyx DNA would be to compare samples of the two. Having some Kraken's Blood handy, I needed to acquire a gorgonyx. Fortunately, these come in a handy pocket sized trinket size. I set out to acquire one, following the best practice in scientific procurement.

Having secured a gorgonyx, I took it back to my alchemical laboratory to perform an analysis.

I concluded that a more fruitful line inquiry might be to seek the source of Kraken's blood. It's well known that this commodity can only be found on board the toughest of brigand vessels. Hence, I resolved to find such a vessel, board it, and track it back to its origin.

Here we are! Attack!

Fools! They suspect nothing! The Brigands close in for the kill.

I feign unconsciousness, sneak away from the fray, and board their vessel!

I check their chart, and find they've come from the Redoubt of Depravity and Chaos. I jump ship, leaving my crew of swabbies to keep the brigands occupied, and make for their base on magical winds.

Making my way through the undergrowth of the isle, I come upon the ancient ruins of a building, rubble on the surface, but with stairs down, from which an evil smell eminates. I make my way down...

I find myself in a large alchemical laboratory. By the vats, presses, grinders and wringers, all stained a deep black, I can tell that this is where the stuff is produced. I hide behind a stone pillar, and observe a shadowy figure hard at work - it is Cephalopod! So, it is he who manufactures the stuff, and releases it to the brigands, to distribute to the oceans!

But what of the raw materials? What is is made from? Something sends a chill down my spine, so I do not approach Cephalopod to ask. I spot a store cupboard at the rear of the laboratory. Can this be where the secret is kept? I creep over to it, and with shaking hand, slowly open the door...

NO! It can't be!

I grabbed as many of the poor creatures as I could, and fled. But two terrible mysteries were solved that night - where 'Kraken's Blood' comes from, and why the developers won't let you have a black octopus...

The vampirates are upon us!

The ocean's brigands have unearthed something terrible: an ancient vampire curse! They've taken to it rather warmly, so mortal pirates be warned!

Until the end of Halloween, losing a puzzle challenge to a brigand or pirate who has been affected by the vampirate curse will force you to become a member of their horde! Telltale signs of having contracted vampirism include sharp fangs, abnormal eye colors and insatiable thirst for blood. Mwa ha ha!

But fear not, fair pirates, as there is hope! Any vampirates who are bested in battle by a pure-blooded mortal will find themselves cured of their affliction, with no permanent damage! Civic-minded individuals would do well to challenge any vampires they see on sight to keep the spreading curse at bay.

Rest assured, however, that there is an even easier way out (or back in) for pirates who prefer one form over the other: the Palace Shoppe has a couple amulets for sale that will switch you to either mortal or vampire form at will! Keep some garlic handy!

The curse only remains until you log off, so enjoy it while it lasts!

Captains of the Night

In true Puzzle Pirate tradition, with the vampirates comes a delicious Halloween competition! Each pirate has been assigned to a competition team for the duration of the vampirates' incursion. The goal is to defeat as many pirates from opposing teams as you can in 1 v. 1 and team puzzle challenges. Everyone who participates will be eligible for a fantastic, one-of-a-kind trophy at the end of the event, so be sure to sink your teeth in before it's too late!

Dress to Impress

The vampirates have also brought with them some very spooky new clothing! Lucky for you, they're willing to share it for the right price. Check out the Palace Shoppe to get yourself properly attired for the vampire gala!

In which Gaea waxes poetical (and hungrily) about apples, and reminisces about spooky affairs of the past.

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