Skull and Bones: Brokered Ground Quest Guide

The Brokered Ground quest is a pivotal mission in Skull and Bones that kicks in after completing some early assignments at Sainte-Anne and earning the trust of Scurlock, a key NPC. This quest deepens your involvement in the pirate underworld and introduces you to delicate political dealings between pirate factions and local powers.

Scurlock entrusts you with an important task: investigating a brewing conspiracy by his enemies that threatens his business interests. Specifically, you will be smuggling weapon caches to the Sea People in exchange for critical intelligence. As you navigate this mission, you'll simultaneously build your reputation and influence in Sainte-Anne-an essential hub for your pirate career.

Quest Overview

The Brokered Ground quest unfolds over several key locations where you interact with Sea People factions and gather vital documents. Your objective is to uncover the truth behind the secret deals between rival factions and keep Scurlock informed.

The quest rewards include a useful Scoping Station upgrade for your ship, 240 silver coins, and the Rogue Swabbie Set-the signature attire of Scurlock's fallen captains.

Step 1: Head to Vorona Falls - Sea People Merchant

After receiving the quest, open your map and plot a course west toward Vorona Falls, located on the next major landmass west of Sainte-Anne. If you lose direction, simply follow the mission marker shown at the top of your screen.

Vorona Falls is a Clan of Fara military camp and a trading outpost. Once you arrive and dock your ship, follow the marked path inland. Along the way, you will encounter members of the Sea People tribe-their icons glow with mission markers above their heads.

Your first key contact is the Sea People Merchant. To proceed, you'll need to bribe her using a Weapon Cache from your inventory. This is a required quest item and essential for gaining her trust.

After initiating dialogue and offering the bribe, select the Brokered Ground contract option on the left side of the dialogue interface. She will hand over a Fara Trade Manifest, a document that will prove helpful as you continue your investigation.

Step 2: Visit Tamby Foundry - The Metal Refinery

The next objective appears northeast of Rova Hill at Tamby Foundry, a small settlement focused on metal gathering and refining.

Unlike other locations, there's no need to dock your ship here. Simply approach the area closely enough to interact.

Once in range, engage with the foundry workers. Contracts and mission options will appear on the left side of your screen. Select the Brokered Ground mission.

Completing this step rewards you with a Compagnie Trade Route Report, another critical piece of information that Scurlock requested. This report sheds light on the trade routes and alliances that may be influencing the regional power balance.

Step 3: Proceed to Lanitra - Sea People Huntmaster

Your final stop is Lanitra, a Sea People trading post and military camp.

Dock your ship at Lanitra and head to the water's edge, where you will find the Sea People Huntmaster. Start a conversation with him and select the Brokered Ground mission option again.

The Huntmaster will provide you with a Shipping Manifest, detailing the flow of goods and potentially illicit dealings involving the French and Fara clans.

Step 4: Report Back to Scurlock at Sainte-Anne

With all three critical documents in hand-the Fara Trade Manifest, the Compagnie Trade Route Report, and the Shipping Manifest-return to Sainte-Anne and find Scurlock to report your findings.

You will have dialogue choices at this point:

Ask questions about Lanitra: Gain some additional insights and information.

Turn in the quest: Deliver the manifests and complete the Brokered Ground mission.

Scurlock will reveal that there is an alliance forming between the French and the Clan of Fara, a deal that confuses and threatens him. He fears this pact endangers his entire operation and demands it be ended.

You can respond in two ways:

Offer to kill all the French agents: Scurlock admits this would be satisfying, but ultimately only delays the inevitable.

Propose cutting a deal with the Clan of Fara: This deeper approach aligns with Scurlock's desire for a long-term solution.

Whichever option you choose, Scurlock will hint that more dangerous work awaits once this situation is settled.

Quest Rewards

Completing Brokered Ground grants you:

Scoping Station: A valuable ship upgrade. Since only one major furniture item can be installed on your ship, the Scoping Station is an excellent choice. It marks enemies and causes them to take 100% more damage to weak points, dramatically boosting your combat efficiency.

240 Silver: A modest but welcome payout to help fund your pirate adventures.

Rogue Swabbie Set: A stylish outfit once worn by Scurlock's fallen captains, allowing you to look the part of a seasoned pirate.

Tips for Completing Brokered Ground

Keep an eye on your inventory: The Weapon Cache is essential for bribing the Sea People Merchant. Make sure you don't accidentally sell or use it beforehand.

Follow mission markers: If you feel lost, the map and screen markers will guide you precisely.

Dock only where necessary: At some locations like Tamby Foundry, there's no need to dock-just approach and interact.

Manage your ship upgrades: The Scoping Station you earn is a great investment, but consider your overall build and playstyle before replacing existing furniture.

Conclusion

The Brokered Ground quest is a critical story mission that introduces you to faction politics and the murky alliances shaping the pirate world in Skull and Bones. It reinforces the game's focus on strategy, trade, and diplomacy as much as combat.

Completing this quest not only rewards you with useful Skull and Bones items and Skull and Bones silver but also advances your standing with Scurlock and the pirate community. The choices you make here will ripple through future missions and alliances.

By following this step-by-step guide, you'll navigate Brokered Ground smoothly and lay the groundwork for your rise as a powerful and influential pirate captain.