Behind the Beard: A Pirate's Life by Zilly Truthseeker The legendary Grimalkin pirate Prismbeard, whose true name remains one of the world's greatest mysteries, was born and raised in the forest just outside of the Zendruu Outpost, or so the legends say. Aboard Eobard's Revenge, he and his crew sailed the world's seas, discovering treasure, exploring uncharted land, and stealing from the rich and powerful. His main base of operations were at and around Bahari Province and its neighboring territories, but evidence of his presence can be traced across the Palian Republic and the Kingdom of Umbraa. But what of the man behind the name? In truth, though I traveled to the outpost myself and recorded the stories of the locals, little remains of this larger than life figure. There were, however, many stories about a boy the locals fondly called "Zayid Coinstack".

Pictured above: The shack where Zayid and his brother grew up.

THE EARLY YEARS: I had the privelege of speaking to a few Umbraans at Zendruu Outpost, who had stories of a precocious Grimalkin kitten that often got in trouble when he came to town. "Wherever that boy went, trouble was sure to follow. And that poor brother of his, always caught in his mess. I don't know how his mother raised those two boys all on her own," said one witness. Her husband chimed in, a fond smile on his wisened face: "Ah, but he had a sweet side. He always loved the sea. He'd follow the fishermen around after they got back from trips, asking about the boats."

Pictured above: The pond where Zayid reportedly sailed toy boats with his brother.

THE DEPARTURE: Another resident told me, "Zayid just up and disappeared one day. He was always workin' on them boats of his, over by De Mer Docks. When he finished, he sailed away and never looked back... You really think he's Prismbeard?" It's true that this story matches the earliest legends of Prismbeard among seafaring folk. It's said he first sailed from his home on Eobard's Revenge I, which was later sunken after a skirmish with his adversaries. Prismbeard built later renditions of Eobard's Revenge over the years, stronger and more impressive than the last- "seemingly returning from the dead and back for revenge just like its Captain", as many claimed. Still, the sentiment among those I interviewed was that they could not reconcile the charming, troublemaking Zayid with the stories they've heard of the dread pirate Prismbeard.

Pictured above: The young Zayid left by boat one day from De Mer Docks, and a few months later Prismbeard's name first appeared in papers.

Prismbeard Captured, Awaits Transfer! By Faraa Segawa The infamous pirate Prismbeard has evaded another arrest attempt by Republic authorities. This makes the third known escape just this year. After confidential informants reported sightings of the notorious criminal making port at De Mer Dock, the Republic-Umbraan Joint Task Force, headed by Investigator Zaak Coinstack, was dispatched. The operation resulted in a several hour-long chase culminating in his capture at the Zendruu Central Stables. He is currently being held within the Elderwood until jurisdiction can be established. Both the Republic of Palia and the Kingdom of Umbraa lay claim to the right of prosecution. While the Joint Task Force was a rare collaboration between two nations that have been seeing rising tensions, this latest clash could lead to things boiling over.

Pictured above: The location where the Republic-Umbraan Joint Task Force apprehended Prismbeard.

Prismbeard Escapes, Bounty for Capture Doubles! By Faraa Segawa After weeks of little progress, Umbraan and Republic representatives finally agreed on terms to prosecute the notorious pirate Prismbeard, but the news has come too late. According to Lead Investigator Coinstack, while the politicians were trying to hash things out in the courtroom, the pirate used the chaos to slip away unseen. This marks the third time Prismbeard has been under detainment, and the third time he has escaped. When asked for comment, Investigator Coinstack said, "I promise the people of the Republic and Umbraa both that I am wholly dedicated to bringing Prismbeard to justice." Whether Umbraa and the Republic can cooperate long enough for this to happen remains to be seen.

Pictured above: The outpost where Prismbeard made his escape.