Zhut's Cutthroats

Category	Heroes
Type	Adventuring Group
Alias	Zhut's Explorers
Members	see below
Established	4 War March 1833

The swashbuckling exploits of Zhut's Cutthroats are well-documented. Whenever additional plunder is required or new thrills are sought, these mercenary pirates align with other bands or serve as crews aboard pirate vessels.

Zhut

Zhut had previously commanded the Sea Sprite. He met his demise at Gull Dung. Gull Dung was sacked on the 3rd day of War March, Year 1833. Zhut perished in the subsequent battle with the sahuagin and Merrow raiders. The surviving crew of Sea Sprite fought their way out of the town and fled across the interior of the Isle of Crabs. That night, the remaining members contemplated their next steps, with the half-orc Pig Nuts voicing his thoughts.

Zhut has passed, but as we venture forth, let us ever recall that we served a distinguished commander and shall forever be known as Zhut Cutthroats.

Pig Nuts, a fleeting member of the Zhut's Cutthroats

The name endured, and the pirates of Zhut became known as the Zhut's Cutthroats. While the membership of this adventuring company fluctuated, those who managed to survive each escapade imparted their navigational expertise to the newcomers.

After the catastrophe at Gull Dung, the group journeyed to the coastal hamlet of Rippleback. During their passage across the isle, companions were tragically lost, yet new allies were forged along the way.

Roster	Information
Bit, male Tragaran	killed in action
Jack Boots, male Tragaran	turned out to be a member of the High Boots
Mullock, female Deep Bred elf	murdered by Jack Boots
Pig Nuts, male half-orc	killed by a fellow pirate
Snaketongue, male goblin	fled from battle
Visiluth, female Kriavfahliil	joined the group
Zerth-Kuoan, male half-Tragaran/koalinth	killed in action

Belcon Sea Caves

Over the subsequent two years, the Zhut's Cutthroats sailed with numerous crews, engaging in a multitude of battles both on land and at sea. The spoils from their victorious adventures culminated in the seizure of the Belcon Sea Caves, which now serve as the primary headquarters for the Zhuts Cutthroats.

Bound for Torvild

Jail-Glib, a family acquaintance of Visiluth's father, Isen, serves as the esteemed Captain of the Sea Strider. This renowned Elderaunt captain extended an alluring offer of lucrative prize money and exhilarating adventure to the Zhut's Cutthroats, who eagerly joined him on a voyage destined for the shores of Torvild.

On the journey to Torvild, the crew of Sea Strider encountered the henchmen of Dax Jagg. To preserve the life of Masskist, they undertook a task for this nefarious priest of Thasmudyan. Nearing the island of Torvild, they lowered a coffin into the depths, with only malevolence aware of its contents.

At the Manes Chimneys east of Screw, information and supplies were gathered from the port master. Utilizing a map provided by Dax as a gesture of gratitude for transporting the coffin to its new residence near Torvild, the Zhuts Cutthroats ventured into the Ruins of the Topi. Within, they engaged the wicked diminutive denizens of these ruins, the cunning creatures who deployed snipers, leapers, and a formidable black unicorn mount. Among the spoils was the Bone Rake.

Friend or Foe	Information
Jacinth, First Mate of Sea Strider	killed by an eye of the deep
Visiluth	died by the poison spines of an undead surtaki
Tidales, sea unicorn	rescued from a primitive group of topi witch-doctors
Spudzick	killed by a Crone of Chaos "part of the cargo for Torvild"

Into the Sink

The Zhut's Cutthroats depart Torvild, seeking a secure harbor along the Aerie of Dragons' coastline. Upon reaching Tyk-Culten, they enlist a priest to resurrect Visiluth. During their stay in this city, Arius and Masskist narrowly escape assassination by rakshasa masquerading as Sea Strider crew members. Venturing into the wilderness, they eliminate a pack of saber-tooth and flying cats. However, the Tulukhan police pursue the group, accusing them of murdering "protected and sacred species" - the felines. To avoid standing trial, they hastily flee the city.

The Sea Strider, sailing westward towards the vast domains of Oathundor, becomes ensnared in a Warp Whirl. The ship is teleported over a thousand miles away to Lake Fjorgeir. In the lands of Hleittil, they encounter chaotic abominations, plunder the wreckage of the Luckless Spirit, and discover an item that promises to aid their return journey. Additionally, they take on a Shou named Zhu-Chien.

Guided by the Artery Rip, the Sea Strider ventured into the Sink of Chaos. Beyond this rift, they navigated a river leading them into the realm of Limbo.

Friend or Foe	Information
Zhu-Chien	found on the shoes of Fjorgeir
Rasp	killed by a blue slaad
Babbling Olvie	green slaad, joins the group, later is killed by the group
Bleeder	reincarnated as 1/2 orc, later dies in combat
Keleride	carried off by a demoniac creature, assumed dead
Master Blaster	dies from chlorine gas
Tidales	dies from chlorine gas
Visiluth	killed by the grey slaad lord Ca-Na-Sa, of the Throbbing Troublesome

Zhuts Lair

Nine months after departing the Buccaneer Archipelago, the Zhut's Cutthroats returned to their principal hideout. There they discovered the location occupied by Snaketongue's Gang. Snaketongue, a former pirate under Zhut's command, was directing this band of brigands. In the subsequent bloody conflict, Snaketongue and his outlaws were readily vanquished, and Zhuts' Lair reclaimed.

Snaketongue becomes convinced to switch allegiances and join the party. In exchange for sparing his life, he informs the party that the leader of Snaketongue's Gang is not him, but rather an intellect devourer known as Brainus. Brainus is purported to be the head of an expansive criminal syndicate, with Gelbradis serving as one of his subordinates.

In 1834, while at Zhuts Lair, agents of the Tyrian League arrive and compensate them for the Hullback seeds pilfered from Rest. The senior Tyrian agent proffers rudimentary maps and transportation to the fabled isle of Arcana.

Zhut's Explorers, formerly known as Zhut's Cutthroats, now embark on a new journey. Tragically, during their time at Zhuts Lair, Ash Bloodmauler succumbs to the fatal effects of a red slaad's egg-implant, which he acquired while in the realm of Limbo.

Friend or Foe	Information
Snaketongue	joins the party
Ash Bloodmauler	dies after a red slaad burrows out of his body
Megshrak	shadow demon, minion of Dax Jagg, joins the group under Arius

Arcana Expedition

In 1834, after six months of recuperation at Zhuts Lair, the group renamed themselves the Zhut's Explorers. They then sailed for Rest and subsequently to the legendary isle Arcana.

At Arcana, they encounter drow from a group called the Terelerrin, which happens to be a cell of Ryldorvir. In the ruins of Felth, they uncover a Time Fracture, which they use to travel back in time to the Lith-Crillion Era. The most intriguing discovery during their journey into the past was the details surrounding the Dûlan-Nûl Firestorm. Upon their return from Arcana, they relayed this information to a Tyrian agent, who then forwarded it to a contact in Paradomea City. A month later, Zhut's Explorers was invited to the Paradomea Debates to share their findings.

They also explored the ancient war complex of Aggda. In this area, their stay was curtailed due to the active military guard - scores of golems.

Liope Expedition

On the 18th of Witchrite the party arrived on the northern shores of Karnegmoth. Within the Tinnanguth ruins of Liope, they pillaged long-forgotten tomes detailing the construction of the Siege Crab.

Near the conclusion of Witchrite, the ensemble ventured into Utarn where they engaged in combat with a horde of the undead commanded by a slithering cranium designated as Nemelfous.

Friend or Foe	Information
Pelhurn	joins the party

Awards

On the 20th day of the Lunar month in the year 1835, as a reward for their insights regarding the Time Fracture and their journey back in time to uncover the truth about the Dûlan-Nûl Firestorm, the group was presented with the prestigious Medallion of Historical Achievement. This esteemed accolade was bestowed upon them by the revered Grand Scholar of the Paradomea Institute.