Pollywog

The Pollywog is a term used for the tutorial ship on which new characters complete the "Learn to X" Mission, where X is Sail, Carpent, Bilge, Swordfight, or Use Items. The Pollywog is always preceded by an adjective, and it will occasionally have an alternate name using Tadpole as its fish name.

The introductory NPP may have any name, such as "Aged O'Connor." Generally, the adjective refers to being experienced. She also has the most dialogue topics and she is the only NPP with which you can carry a conversation. (The NPP in this instance is always female.)

Depending on the exact mission, the tutorial text will vary.

Learn to Use Items
Here the player learns some basic trade etiquette and how to put on clothing.

Tutorial Text
Following is the text of the tutorial (Note: you may have some different text depending on how quickly you followed directions, and your NPP may have a different name):

Sensei Roz says, "Ahoy there! Ye may be wondering how pirates negotiate a barter."

Sensei Roz says, "First, it's polite to talk to someone before asking them to barter. Don't just go around offering trades to everyone, it'll be quicker anyway to first agree to the terms of the deal."

Sensei Roz says, "I will initiate a barter with you..."

You have received a trade request from Sensei Roz.

Sensei Roz says, "Accept the barter and we'll enter the negotiation."

Sensei Roz says, "Great! Don't be intimidated by this interface."

Sensei Roz says, "It's important to not click "ready" until the trade is fair."

Sensei Roz says, "Don't be fooled by thiefs who say that they'll pay you "afterwards". This is the only negotiation interface."

Sensei Roz says, "Whatever you see under your name is what you're giving, whatever you see under the other pirate is what you're getting."

Sensei Roz says, "Today I'm just going to give you this bandana, and I don't need anything in return, so you can just click 'Ready'."

Sensei Roz says, "Please click 'I'm ready!'."

The trade was successful.

Sensei Roz says, "Great! Now I'll show you how to wear it."

Sensei Roz says, "The Booty Panel on the side shows yer inventory."

Sensei Roz says, "Click 'Booty' to select it now."

Sensei Roz says, "Yar."

Sensei Roz says, "Click and expand the 'Hats' section of your clothing."

Sensei Roz says, "Good."

Sensei Roz says, "Now, to wear the bandana, click down on the it and drag it up to the lighter-colored box above it."

Sensei Roz says, "Shiver me timbers, now ye look like a true pirate!"

The player receives a bandana of one of four random colors: red, blue, white, and tan. These are the four basic colors for all starter clothing.

Learn to Swordfight
Here the player learns the raw mechanics of Swordfighting.

Tutorial Text
Following is the text of the tutorial (Note: you may have some different text depending on how quickly you followed directions, and your NPP may have a different name):

Captain Anne says, "Ahh, there's the young blade."

Captain Anne says, "I see you have a sword so we should be ready to go. I've challenged ye to a duel, click inspect to see the stakes."

You have received a puzzle challenge from Captain Anne.

Captain Anne says, "Arr."

Captain Anne says, "We aren't wagering anything, because it's a friendly match. It's usually a good idea to do un-wagered matches for a while anyway."

Captain Anne says, "Check "ready" to let me know that you agree to the stakes."

Puzzle started (Captain Anne vs. ).

Captain Anne says, "Ok."

Captain Anne says, "Take yer time to read the instructions and click "PLAY" when yer ready."

Captain Anne says, "All ready?"

Captain Anne is eliminated!

Game over. Winner: .

Captain Anne says, "Excellent work! I haven't seen skills like yers in a new pirate in quite a while."

Captain Anne says, "You know the basics, go play against a master."

Captain Anne says, "And remember, there's no need to wager if you don't want to. Just ask yer fellow pirates for a friendly match!"

Or

 is eliminated!

Game Over. Winner: Captain Anne.

Captain Anne says, "Arr, better luck next time. Ye did well for a beginner, with some training ye can be one of the best!"

Captain Anne says, "You know the basics, go play against a master."

Captain Anne says, "And remember, there's no need to wager if you don't want to. Just ask yer fellow pirates for a friendly match!"

=Historical Notes= Until release 2005-10-20, the Pollywog ship was the default starting location for all new players. A different tutorial taught the player how to bilge, how to wear clothing, and how to swordfight.

= See also = Starting out