Murder at Deadman's Dock

The rain in Port Saltfang hits like thrown gravel, washing the stench of rot and cheap rum straight into the harbour. Docked at the far end of Pier 9, your ship rocks gently against the dark water. But tonight, you aren't on the high seas—you're crouched under the flickering lantern of a damp alleyway right on the docks, staring down at a fresh body.

It's Lieutenant Graves, a high-ranking naval officer known for taking bribes from pirate captains. His throat has been clean-cut, but his pockets are completely untouched; gold coins shine untouched in his leather belt. In his stiff, cold hand, he clutches a scorched piece of parchment showing part of a naval seal.

Suddenly, the heavy thud of iron-shod boots echoes down the cobblestones.

"Step away from the corpse, Vance!" barks a sharp, confident voice.

Out of the fog steps Commander Vane—an ambitious naval investigator who used to be your rival before you were framed. He has four heavily armed naval guards behind him, muskets loaded and aiming straight at your dark navy longcoat.

"I knew you were back in town, 'Captain,'" Vane sneers, resting a hand on his cutlass. "Looks like I caught you red-handed. Surrender your weapons, or my men will paint this alley with your blood."

Vane isn't just a generic guard; he's smart, ruthless, and desperately wants the promotion that catching you would bring. Behind him in the shadows of the rooftops, you also catch a faint glint of steel—someone else is watching this standoff from above, waiting to see what you do.