A Dark Deception
A Dark Deception is the twelfth Adventure in Sea of Thieves. Larinna has received word that a certain important figure seeks the help of pirates to recover a missing artefact before it's too late... but that's all she knows. Embark on a mission of utmost secrecy and help a prominent pirate reclaim a stolen object of great power. On your journey, you'll have to face some uncomfortable choices and put friendships to the test, all in pursuit of answers. Be warned, you might not like what you find...
Official summary
A new top-secret mission bequeathed by Larinna. It seems as though an individual who wishes to keep their identity and movements a secret for now (but no prizes for guessing) is seeking assistance at an island chain so remote it doesn’t even have a name. All Larinna knows for sure is that something of significance is no longer where it should be…
And so, a quest to recover a powerful and dangerous treasure is about to unfold as you seek out the lair of the villains who’ve absconded with a prize belonging to the Pirate Lord. To do that you’ll need to acquire an enchanted compass, and such a thing will have to be crafted, somewhat reluctantly, by the Order of Souls.
Now, if all that sounds like a walk in the pirate park compared to the likes of Megalodon summoning and Ancient prophecies, be warned – there’s a reason this upcoming Adventure isn’t called ‘A Straightforward Sail’. Needless to say, all is not as meets the eye…
Deeds
Complete all Deeds and earn the The Deceiver and Deceived title.
- Meet your Mysterious Contact
- Speak to Madame Olivia
- She can be found in the Order of Souls pavilion at Plunder Outpost.
- Obtain the Pocket Watch.
- Your mission requires a Pocket Watch kept safe by Madame Olivia. Find a way to acquire it.
- Obtain a Figurehead Fragment
- A fragment of the Burning Blade’s figurehead is needed. Retrieve one from Shipwreck Bay.
- Search the Blackwyche
- A secret lies within the wreck of Pendragon’s old galleon at Shipwreck Bay.
- Obtain an Enchanted Compass
- Madame Olive at Sanctuary Outpost knows the ritual to create such an arcane artefact.
- Search near Madame Olive
- Something strange has been sighted near the Order of Souls pavilion on Sanctuary Outpost.
- Locate the Stolen Treasure
- Follow the Enchanted Compass to learn where the object you seek is hidden.
- Search Port Merrick
- Thirsty pirates have reported spying an unusual visitor. See what you can uncover...
- Uncover the Truth
- Complete your mission and uncover a Dark Deception.
- Complete the Adventure
- Complete ‘A Dark Deception’ to unlock a memento of your journey.
Mementos
| Image | Memento | Description | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
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Pendragon's Pocket Watch | "A replica of a cherished timepiece bequeathed to Madame Olivia by Sir Arthur Pendragon. Used as part of a Dark Deception..." | Complete A Dark Deception Adventure to earn this Memento. |
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The Deceiver and Deceived | "A Title awarded to those who fell victim to a Dark Deception." | Complete all Deeds in A Dark Deception Adventure to earn this Title. |
Chapters
Chapter One: The Adventure Begins... & An Unexpected Meeting
- As you approach any Outpost tavern, Larinna can be heard beckoning you over. Speak with her and select the "[BEGIN ADVENTURE] A top-secret mission, you say?" dialogue option.
- Sail to the Uncharted Island at N-13.
- Speak with the Pirate Lord on the South side of N-13 and select the "[CONTINUE CHAPTER] I got your note. I'm here to help." dialogue option.
- Sail to Plunder Outpost.
- Move around behind the Drowned Rat tavern and Knock upon the door with a drape hanging over it three times.
- After "Loudly Knocking on the Door" follow the rat back to Madame Olivia and take the pocket watch from the table.
- Sail to Shipwreck Bay, approaching from the Southwest side.
- Find your way to the top of the prominent shipwreck draped in red and "Break Off Fragment" from the figurehead.
- [OPTIONAL DEED] Head to the wreck of the Blackwyche on the south side of Shipwreck Bay and Search the North-East corner of the captain's cabin for a rat you can "Examine More Closely...".
Chapter Two: Creating the Compass
- With Pendragon's Pocket Watch and the Figurehead Fragment in acquired, sail to Sanctuary Outpost.
- Speak to Madame Olive and select the "[CONTINUE ADVENTURE] The Pirate Lord said you'd enchant a compass. Here's his note." dialogue option.
- [OPTIONAL DEED] Outside the Order of souls tent, underneath the stairwell to the Pirate Emporium, interact with a hidden rat.
- Follow the Enchanted Compass to Port Merrick.
- [OPTIONAL DEED] Inside The Captain's Head tavern, by the North-West exit, interact with a hidden rat.
- Follow the Enchanted Compass to the waterways underneath the Captain's Head tavern.
- A rat will run into a nearby cubbyhole, prompting you to interact with it and "Reach Inside..."
- Enter through the hidden passageway and speak with the Pirate Lord, selecting the "[COMPLETE ADVENTURE] What is this place? A secret lair?" dialogue option.
- The adventure completes after a short confrontation, rewarding 5,000
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Dialogue
Chapter One Dialogue
Starting the Adventure
Larinna
If you're not busy hunting Chests of Fortune, I have a top-secret mission. You could be the pirate for the job...
What's a Chest of Fortune?
I'd say it's the most tantalising treasure on the seas right now, but they tend to be locked up tight in the Vault beneath a Fort of Fortune.
Getting your hands on one will be quite the challenge - ever since Flameheart's return, he seems to have more devoted skelly followers than ever.
It's worth the risk, though. See, the shopkeepers decided to encourage stealing from Flameheart. They've crafted rewards for pirates who snatch enough Chests of Fortune from under his nose.
The Servant of the Flame was... less than happy to hear this. So he got his followers to create weapons for anyone who brings him Reaper's Chests and Reaper's Bounties!
Whichever chest you go chasing, it'll be worth your time - but if I were you, I'd keep a close eye for unfriendly sails on the horizon...-
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Is something the matter?
I've been tasked with finding suitable pirates to deal with something discreetly. Even I don't know anything about it - just that I'm supposed to pass a long a note.
Cloak-and-dagger stuff isn't really my style, but I promised I'd do what I could. Everyone seems to have their secrets nowadays. First Tasha, now this...
It makes me wonder if it has something to do with the Reapers out near Shipwreck Bay. I heard they've been scavenging parts near the wreck of the Blackwyche.
Given what happened to Pendragon, there are plenty of pirates who won't take kindly if they start ransacking his ship. Talk about salt int he wound...
Good luck, pirate! I'm guessing you're going to need it.-
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[BEGIN ADVENTURE] A top-secret mission, you say?
(Voiceover starts and the Adventure begins)
(Crew member out of range) Great, but you'll need your crew's help. Come and see me when you're all in one place.
Larinna (After Starting the Adventure)
Follow the note that I gave you to find whoever needs your help. Remember not to tell anybody else what you're up to!
"Pirate Lord"
I'm far too busy to repeat myself all day long. Bring your crew before me so that I can address you all at once!
[CONTINUE ADVENTURE] I got your note. I'm here to help.
("Meeting on N-13" Voiceover starts)
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The tome I gave you contains my orders, and my signature will convince others to assist you. Now, begone!
I am Madame Olivia of the Order of Souls. I bid you what little welcome I can muster...
You seem a little distracted...
It is true... For as much mastery I have gained over the arcane arts, the ability to conceal my feelings from those around me continues to elude me.
It has been many months since the Festival of the Damned. Long, sleepless nights since the Champion of Souls was wrenched from our hearts.
In the wake of Flameheart's resurrection, I found myself willingly distracted by Tasha's catastrophic transformation, and was able to busy myself in my grimoires.
Alas, the sands of time trickle ever onward, and no word from Briggsy, my restive thoughts are once again drawn to he who was taken from us.
Sir Arthur... How lonely you must be.-
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That Pocket Watch... Can I borrow it?
Most certainly not! That was given to me as a gift by Captain Pendragon, the Champion of Souls himself!
With Flameheart's lamentable victory and Pendragon's subsequent exile, it is all I have left to remember him by.
If you truly seek a timepiece for whatever reason, I am certain Travis has several for sale. I would not surrender mine, no matter how dire the circumstances.
Now... is there some other way I might assist you?-
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*(There are no subtitles for these, transcription may be imperfect.)
Chapter Two Dialogue
Hello, traveller, I am Madame Olive. I bid you welcome to the Order of Souls!
[CONTINUE ADVENTURE] The Pirate Lord said you'd enchant a compass. Here's his note.
("Creating the Enchanted Compass" Voiceover Starts)
(Crew member out of range) Um, I hate to be an imposition, but I sense some among your number are... missing. Please go and gather your crew before we speak further.
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Madame Olive (After creating the Enchanted Compass)
I don't know what the Pirate Lord wants you to find, but that compass should lead you to it. I still think there's something very strange about all this...
[CONTINUE ADVENTURE] The Pirate Lord said you'd enchant a compass. Here's his note.
(Crew member out of range) Um, I hate to be an imposition, but I sense some among your number are... missing. Please go and gather your crew before we speak further.
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Close
"Pirate Lord"
So, hidden beneath Port Merrick all along. How impressively devious...
[COMPLETE ADVENTURE] What is this place? A secret lair?
("Finale" Voiceover Starts)
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Chapter Replay Dialogue
Larinna (While the adventure is inactive)
If you're not busy hunting Chests of Fortune, I have a top-secret mission. You could be the pirate for the job...
What's a Chest of Fortune?
I'd say it's the most tantalising treasure on the seas right now, but they tend to be locked up tight in the Vault beneath a Fort of Fortune.
Getting your hands on one will be quite the challenge - ever since Flameheart's return, he seems to have more devoted skelly followers than ever.
It's worth the risk, though. See, the shopkeepers decided to encourage stealing from Flameheart. They've crafted rewards for pirates who snatch enough Chests of Fortune from under his nose.
The Servant of the Flame was... less than happy to hear this. So he got his followers to create weapons for anyone who brings him Reaper's Chests and Reaper's Bounties!
Whichever chest you go chasing, it'll be worth your time - but if I were you, I'd keep a close eye for unfriendly sails on the horizon...-
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-
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Is something the matter?
I've been tasked with finding suitable pirates to deal with something discreetly. Even I don't know anything about it - just that I'm supposed to pass a long a note.
Cloak-and-dagger stuff isn't really my style, but I promised I'd do what I could. Everyone seems to have their secrets nowadays. First Tasha, now this...
It makes me wonder if it has something to do with the Reapers out near Shipwreck Bay. I heard they've been scavenging parts near the wreck of the Blackwyche.
Given what happened to Pendragon, there are plenty of pirates who won't take kindly if they start ransacking his ship. Talk about salt int he wound...
Good luck, pirate! I'm guessing you're going to need it.-
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[REPLAY ADVENTURE CHAPTERS]
(Crew member out of range) Great, but you'll need your crew's help. Come and see me when you're all in one place.
- [REPLAY FINAL CHAPTER] I'm on that top-secret mission you mentioned...
("Chapter 2 Replay" voiceover begins) - [REPLAY FROM START] A top-secret mission, you say?
("Chapter 1 Replay" Voiceover begins) -
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Pendragon's Letter and Hammer & Anvil's Journal
Pendragon's Letter
Dearest Olivia... By the time you read this note, I will have made sail for Shipwreck Bay.
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As your Champion of Souls, it was there that I stood eye-to-eye with Lord Graymarrow. My hubris, and his cruelty, conspired to bring about my downfall.
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Now, as the Time of Resurrection approaches, another skeletal shadow falls across the Sea of Thieves. Your Champion must take up the Sword of Souls once more.
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If I do not, how could I ever bear to look upon my own ghostly reflection? Knowing that there was more I could have done - but I did not, for fear of losing you.
In case the worst should happen, I wish you to take my Pocket Watch. Let it be a reminder that each moment is precious. With luck, I hope one day to reclaim it as your hand takes mine.
'Reclaimed and Repaired', by Hammer (and Anvil!)
I generally despise venturing into the outside world. It is noisy, damp and invariably insufferable. (Rot! A little rain never hurt nobody. -Anvil)
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Nevertheless, as Chronicler, I find myself duty-bound to record the gradual reconstruction of our King's flagship the Burning Blade. (Yeah, an' Voicy would flip her lid if we didn't! -Anvil)
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Reclaiming the figurehead from the Warsmith's old lair was a trifle. That place has long been abandoned. But we found it to be in a shocking state of disrepair. (She'd properly walloped it. -Anvil)
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Where, then, to acquire replacement parts without drawing unwanted attention? Then a most nefarious notion sprang to my mind... (Oi! I'm sure it was my idea. -Anvil)
We shall salvage what we need from the Blackwyche; prized vessel of our most pugnacious foe! The irony puts a grin on my face. (Not like we've got much of a choice there... -Anvil)
Progress Log
VIEW PROGRESS LOG
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| Beginning the Adventure A tight-lipped Larinna has sent you to meet an unknown contact in the middle of nowhere. Follow her note and find out what could possibly require such secrecy...
Starting Chapter One Starting Chapter Two Completing the Adventure |
Trivia
- This is the first adventure to feature checkpoints, accessible by talking to Larinna, allowing players to continue from specific points in the story, rather than from the very beginning.
- The treasures inside the vault hidden on Port Merrick reference some of the previous Adventures and Mysteries in Sea of Thieves.
- When interacting with the Tavern Door in Chapter One, the prompt cycles from "Quietly Knock on the Door" to "Firmly Knock on the Door" and finally ends with "Loudly Knock on the Door".
- At the construction site of the Burning Blade on Shipwreck Bay, there is a journal written by Hammer & Anvil with details about the reconstruction of Flameheart's ship.
- On a note by Madame Olivia, it says that Pendragon has entrusted his pocket watch to her.
- The true identity of the imposter Pirate Lord was later revealed to be the dastardly LeChuck, arch-nemesis of Guybrush Threepwood, who had secretly followed Threepwood and his wife Elaine into the Sea of Thieves.
Gallery
Promotional image of a Shipwreck equipped with a figurehead from the Burning Blade.
The Adventure's unique quest banner.
The Journal placed upon the Captain's Table while partaking in the adventure.
The "Pirate Lord" as seen upon isle N-13.
Pendragon's Letter & Pocket Watch on Madame Olivia's table.
The Door behind the Drowned Rat tavern which you're required to knock upon.
After knocking upon the door, a rat scurries off to distract Madame Olivia.
Madame Olivia being distracted by a rat, allowing one to snatch up Pendragon's Pocket Watch.
The 'Reclaimed and Repaired' journal location on Shipwreck Bay.
The wreck under construction, containing the Figurehead Fragment.
Cannon bases from the Burning Blade can be seen being brought to the wreck that's under construction.
The figurehead of the Burning Blade as seen on Shipwreck Bay.
While attempting to pry a figurehead fragment loose, a vision of Flameheart will appear.
Madame Olive in the process of making the Enchanted Compass.
The entrance to the vault under Port Merrick.
The stairwell leading into the vault under Port Merrick.
The interior of the vault under Port Merrick.
The confrontation between the Pirate Lord and the unknown imposter.
Pork Merrick Vault Treasures
A pile of books and journals, gathered from across the Sea of Thieves for safekeeping.
- Various Adventures
If used correctly, these Summoning Flares can call forth Megalodons from the deep.
- The Shrouded Deep
Dark Relics placed upon this Ritual Table were once used to summon the Shrouded Ghost.
- The Shrouded Deep
It's a crate of Dark Relics, used in rituals by the Order of Souls and others with suitable knowledge.
- Lost Sands
Sketched uncovered by Belle, detailing the ritual to resurrect Captain Flameheart...
- The Herald of the Flame
A box of Lesedi's belongings, taken from the Glorious Sea Dog Tavern.
- Arena
Silver coins taken from the Sea Dogs' Arena became something of a calling card for Lesedi.
- Arena, Murder Mystery
These music boxes appeared in great numbers around the time of DeMarco's disappearance...
- Murder Mystery
A Reaper's Chest. Whatever used to be inside was removed long ago...
- Various Events
It looks like Pendragon's Sword of Souls, but something about it seems unsettling...
- Return of the Damned
Deed Locations
The "secret which lies" within the wreck of the Blackwyche's captain's quarters.
The "Something Strange" sighted near Madame Olive, underneath the stairwell to the Pirate Emporium.
The "Unusual Visitor" spotted in Port Merrick, inside the Captain's Head tavern.
Quest Notes and Journals
Notes
The note given by Larinna upon starting the adventure.
The note given by the "Pirate Lord" to serve as persuasion for the order of souls to create a Enchanted Compass.
The Chat wheel for "The Great Pirate Lord's Note".
Journals
The Pirate Lord's Orders Page 1.
The Pirate Lord's Orders Page 1 crosses off steps as you complete them.
The Pirate Lord's Orders Page 2 & 3.
The Pirate Lord's Orders Page 4 & 5.
The Pirate Lord's Orders Page 6 & 7.
The Pirate Lord's Orders Page 8 & 9.
The Pirate Chat wheel for the Pirate Lord's Orders.
Videos
Patch history
- 2.8.3 (June 15, 2023)
- (July 6th) Adventure Ends.
- (June 22nd) Adventure begins.
Externals links
- Adventures Ahead: 'A Dark Deception', Sea of Thieves News