Driftwood Maw - Floating Pirate Base - Pirates Week 2 - Collab with James' RPG Art

Ahoy, adventurers!

First, a quick question, have you ever thought about the 1995 classic Waterworld with Kevin Costner and thought; "I want to do that"?

Well you're in luck....

This week, I bring you Driftwood Maw, a floating pirate haven cobbled together from scrap wood and shipwrecks, lashed into a chaotic yet somehow functional stronghold of the seas!

The Maw, as it is known to its denizens, is a melting pot of seafaring rogues, mercenaries, traders, and outlaws who find their way here. Plenty of fun people to meet for sure :)

Rewards

Free Download / Initiate Mapmaker ($1) / Journeyman Surveyors ($3) / Master Cartographers ($5)

Make sure to join our Discord Community for more maps and TTRPG content!

This map continues our January theme of Pirates and Archipelagos, pairing perfectly with last week’s release of the Orc Pirate Fleet. Whether you want to run a high-stakes meeting on neutral waters, a daring raid against the Maw’s fortified walls, or an intrigue-filled dive into the politics of pirate factions, this duo sets the stage for nautical adventures like no other.

But that’s not all! I’m thrilled to share that Driftwood Maw is also part of a collaboration with James RPG Art—our first of 2025! James and I have teamed up many times before, and as always, scenery art brings every map to life in a way that elevates your game to the next level!

Make sure you check his patreon out, you won't regret it!

Adventure Ideas for Driftwood Maw

• The Double Cross: Your party has been hired by one pirate faction to deliver a message to another. The catch? Both factions are plotting against each other, and your adventurers are stuck in the middle when things go south.

• The Lost Captain: A once-feared pirate captain has vanished into the Maw. Their crew offers a hefty reward for their return, but the captain doesn’t want to be found. Can the party uncover their secrets?

• A Dockside Duel: The Maw’s reputation for lawlessness is put to the test when a relic of unimaginable power appears on the black market. Rival crews and bounty hunters clash to claim it, and the party must choose sides.

Thank you, as always, for your support and for joining me on this creative journey! Your encouragement allows me to continue crafting worlds, and I can’t wait to see how you use Driftwood Maw in your stories. Don’t forget to share your adventures and feedback in the comments or on social media!

Happy sailing, and may your maps always guide you to adventure.

—The Reclusive Cartographer

Collaboration Details

Cartographer: The Reclusive Cartographer

The Reclusive Cartographer creates content that you can drop straight into your campaigns, give your players a little more inspiration, and to help bring your adventures to life!

Here you will find maps for Encounters, Dungeons, Settlements and whole Regions; everything you will ever need.

Scene Artist/Animator: James RPG Art

James' RPG Art makes animated scenes to help players visualise environments and add immersion and tone to your games.

He has created over 300 scenes from official WotC adventures and many unique locations that are often found in a D&D adventure.

He releases 4 new locations each month for his patrons.

Variations