So, a scallywag like you wants to join the Bloodsail Buccaneers? Take care, laddie, this is no ordinary reputation grind. The Bloodsails have a blood feud against the Steamwheedle Cartel - patrons of the major neutral cities around the world. If you wish to sail with us, ye'll have to cut ties with them. Being willing to take that plunge separates the Bloodsails from the bilge rats.
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Rewards
Losses
Quests
Grinding Reputation
Restoring Goblin Reputation
Piratey Garb
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What's in it fer me?
O’ course - a pirate's always in it fer the treasure.
There are no rewards for revered or exalted reputation with the Bloodsail - in fact, reaching exalted is impossible, as nothing gives you reputation that far.
At neutral reputation you can receive the https://classic.wowhead.com/item=22746/buccaneers-uniform . Opening it nets ye the https://classic.wowhead.com/item=22742/bloodsail-shirt , https://classic.wowhead.com/item=22745/bloodsail-pants , https://classic.wowhead.com/item=22743/bloodsail-sash , and https://classic.wowhead.com/item=22744/bloodsail-boots .
At friendly reputation, ye can receive the final reward: the https://classic.wowhead.com/item=12185/bloodsail-admirals-hat . After a thirty-second cooldown after putting it on, ye can use it to summon the https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=11236/blood-parrot non-combat pet.
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Reputation Losses
There's always a catch. What do I lose?
Ye sacrifice a lot to become a Bloodsail, as the goblins of the Steamwheedle Cartel hold a lot of sway. Most of what Booty Bay, Ratchet, Gadgetzan, and Outlook have to offer will be lost to you.
A few of these mercantile restrictions can be sidestepped by having a friend use these on your behalf or using an alternate character.
Not all goblins are associated with the Steamwheedle Cartel. https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=14508/short-john-mithril of the Gurubashi Arena will still grant https://classic.wowhead.com/quest=7838/arena-grandmaster to Bloodsails. https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=15077/riggle-bassbait will reward Bloodsail winners of the Stranglethorn Fishing Extravaganza, though reaching him unharmed in Booty Bay will be difficult.
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How to gain Bloodsail Reputation
I know the risks. I'm in. Tell me how to join the crew.
Aye, matey. Welcome aboard. Open yer character sheet, switch to the reputation panel, select Booty Bay, then tick the “At War” checkbox.
Be careful out there. This will get dangerous.
By far the fastest way to increase reputation is by killing https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=4624/booty-bay-bruiser . They are level 57 and have two abilities to worry about.
While in melee range, a Bruiser will often throw a net at you, preventing you from moving.
The most dangerous ability in the Bruiser’s arsenal is their gun which has a massive pushback. You will be thrown backwards if hit. This is often a death sentence if you find yourself pinned against a wall or flying into other Bruisers. They tend to only pull out their gun at longer range or if they otherwise can’t reach you, so be very careful if you root a Bruiser or attempt to keep your distance. If possible, keep yourself between the Bruiser and the waters of the bay, so if you get shot, you’ll be propelled to the water where you can make a retreat.
The area pictured below is a relatively safe spot to grind the Bruisers. It’s immediately to your left after entering Booty Bay from the cove entrance.
Stay at the grassy path and kill the Bruisers that are standing close by. This is a safe spot. While waiting for the patrols to respawn, you can run into the nearby shop (the Plate-n-Chain) to spawn more bruisers. If you’re not at unfriendly reputation with Booty Bay yet, you’ll have to attack the vendors within to get them to call for help.
Here are some further tips:
And that’s about it. These Booty Bay Bruisers will be your targets throughout the entirety of your grind until the final quest at the end.
The above method is safer for a solo grind. If ye are in a group, ye might find that this can be slow going, as there is a timed spawn limit for guards. If ye want to spawn bruisers more often, move to the lower docks by the water. Wander around slowly in a tight group; ye don't want to get overwhelmed. When a goblin-affiliated NPC sees an enemy player, they will spawn a bruiser per player. After 30 seconds, they will call for another against that player if they're still in range. After 2 spawns, a roughly 8 minute cooldown will start before that NPC will call for bruisers against that player again.
What about Faldir’s Cove?
If you’re between levels 35 and 46, ye are free to travel to Faldir’s Cove hidden in the southwestern part of Arathi Highlands and kill the Blackwater Raiders there. They are associated with Booty Bay and will grant ye reputation with the Bloodsail Buccaneers even at yer lower level. However, it will be slow going as they give less reputation than Booty Bay Bruisers and take a while to respawn. In addition, you’ll have to deal with the Steamwheedle Cartel’s hatred as ye level. Rough waters ahead for those who try.
If you’re level 47 or above, the reputation gained from killing them drops so significantly to be nigh worthless.
A warning to those who do this: https://classic.wowhead.com/quest=9272/dressing-the-part requires level 47, and https://classic.wowhead.com/quest=1036/avast-ye-scallywag requires level 55. Ye can't enjoy the rewards of the grind until ye reach those levels.
Bloodsail Reputation................Reputation to Grind....................# of Bruisers to kill....................# of Bruisers to kill
.................................................................................................(Non-human players).....................(Human players)
Hated to Hostile...............................~36,000...................................~1440............................................~1310
Hostile to Unfriendly............................3,000.......................................120................................................110
Unfriendly to Neutral...........................3,000.......................................120................................................110
Neutral to Friendly..............................3,000.......................................120................................................110
When your character is first created, your starting reputation with the Bloodsail Buccaneers is at 35,500 in Hated. If you do any quests for Booty Bay or kill any Bloodsail Buccaneers during your levelling experience, your starting reputation will rapidly dwindle and yer grind will get much, much worse.
Ideally, yer Bloodsail grind begins as you level by simply not doing any quests related specifically to Booty Bay-related goblins - be careful when questing in Stranglethorn Vale. Questing for other Steamwheedle goblins is mostly safe, but be careful. When in doubt, check a questing database for any reputation losses on quest turn-in. Be wary in the Barrens, Dustwallow Marsh, Stranglethorn Vale, Thousand Needles, Tanaris, Un’goro Crater, Winterspring, and other areas where the Steamwheedle Cartel is around. This sounds like a pain, but this can cut your grind by nearly 75%!
The Bloodsail Buccaneers reputation maxes out at Friendly reputation by normal means. It is possible to push past that normal limit and reach Honored with Bloodsail Buccaneers by holding off on completing https://classic.wowhead.com/quest=4621/avast-ye-admiral until you're at maximum Friendly reputation then completing the quest, but there be no benefit fer doing so.
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Ye will be hated by all members of the Steamwheedle Cartel long before you finish the Bloodsail Buccaneer grind, as the reputation lost with the goblins far exceeds the reputation gained with the Bloodsail per kill.
Note: Be sure to untick the “At War” checkbox for the Bloodsail Buccaneers. Ye wouldn’t want t’ stab yer new allies in the back after all that work, would ye?
At neutral reputation, ye can get the quest https://classic.wowhead.com/quest=9272/dressing-the-part from https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=2546/fleet-master-firallon . It merely requires you to speak with him, which rewards you with the https://classic.wowhead.com/item=22746/buccaneers-uniform . Opening it nets ye the https://classic.wowhead.com/item=22742/bloodsail-shirt , https://classic.wowhead.com/item=22745/bloodsail-pants , https://classic.wowhead.com/item=22743/bloodsail-sash , and https://classic.wowhead.com/item=22744/bloodsail-boots . This will net ye a small amount o' 25 reputation with the Bloodsail. Keep at it matey - you're nearly there.
Ye must meet both requirements to continue:
https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=2545/pretty-boy-duncan calls out to you in https://classic.wowhead.com/quest=1036/avast-ye-scallywag and tells you to report to https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=2546/fleet-master-firallon . Upon doing so, Firallon charges you with killing https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=2487/fleet-master-seahorn and https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=2496/baron-revilgaz in https://classic.wowhead.com/quest=4621/avast-ye-admiral
These scurvy dogs are at the top o’ the Salty Sailor Tavern, one of the most well-defended areas of Booty Bay. Take care when makin’ yer approach; any Bruiser with a gun will ruin yer chances.
Members o’ the Horde will have an easier time here: they can fly in by the flightmaster, dispatch the nearby Bruisers, and be right next to their targets.
Members o’ the Alliance will have a harder time. Flying in via the flight path will get ye close, but not close enough. You’ll still have to get through the inn.
Bring friends if possible. This is the last leg o’ your journey and ye don’t want to mess it up. Thankfully these two aren’t elite, but they can spawn Bruisers to defend themselves. Take Seahorn and Revilgaz down and ye will be rewarded with honorary Admiralty.
Avast ye, Admiral! Hip hip, arrrrr!
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Restoring Steamwheedle Reputation
I want the Steamwheedle to like me again.
So, ye are crawlin’ back to th’ goblins, are ye? Well, I can’t blame ye. They’re a powerful bunch and their greedy arms reach far and wide in Azeroth. Most can’t get far without their services.Ye have two major paths to take. Make yer choice:
I choose the harder path. Both the Bloodsails and the Steamwheedles will admire me.
Ye do one hard grind and pick up another? Kudos. Below are the methods to raise Steamwheedle reputation without sacrificing the Bloodsails.
No one cares for the Southsea, Wastewander, and Venture Co (Recommended)
Can’t argue with the basics of wanton murder. Kill th' Steamwheedle Cartel’s enemies: Southsea pirates south of Ratchet, Wastewander Bandits East/Southeast of Gadgetzan, and Venture Co. goblins throughout Stranglethorn Vale all provide small amounts of reputation (~5 each). The Southsea pirates in th' Barrens are low level, out of the way, and respawn quickly, making them th' fastest. Even at maximum reputation with Ratchet, ye can continue killin' 'em to for spillover reputation with th' others. If killing Wastewander Bandits, you can hold onto the https://classic.wowhead.com/item=8483/wastewander-water-pouch to turn in for additional reputation gain once you’re neutral with Gadgetzan.
Saving Knot Thimblejack in Dire Maul North
Some classes can do this solo; other classes will probably need a group. Enter Dire Maul North and kill ogres until ye get a https://classic.wowhead.com/item=18250/gordok-shackle-key . Make yer way to https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=14338/knot-thimblejack . Use the key to https://classic.wowhead.com/quest=5525/free-knot for 350 reputation with the Steamwheedle Cartel. If you wish, ye can also bring along 4 https://classic.wowhead.com/item=14048/bolt-of-runecloth , 8 https://classic.wowhead.com/item=8170/rugged-leather , and 2 https://classic.wowhead.com/item=14341/rune-thread to turn in the https://classic.wowhead.com/quest=5518/the-gordok-ogre-suit for an additional 75 reputation, but you’ll also have to grab an https://classic.wowhead.com/item=18240/ogre-tannin along the way.
Helping Zorbin Fandazzle in Feralas
Speak to https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=14637/zorbin-fandazzle . He’s working on a goblin version of the Gnomish Shrink Ray, and you can help him out with https://classic.wowhead.com/quest=7003/zapped-giants and https://classic.wowhead.com/quest=7721/fuel-for-the-zapping . It’s slow going, but it’s a safe method nonetheless.
I’ll take the easy way. See you later Bloodsails, I’m out.
Mutiny, is it? So be it. The most efficient way to betray the Bloodsails isn’t through wanton bloodshed, but in trade goods. There are quests that ye can turn in to restore yer reputation, but the Bloodsails won't like it.
RATCHET - Go to https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=16418/mupsi-shacklefridd for https://classic.wowhead.com/quest=9267/mending-old-wounds . This requires 40 https://classic.wowhead.com/item=2589/linen-cloth and 4 https://classic.wowhead.com/item=3371/empty-vial
Reputation gain: Ratchet: +500; Booty Bay: +250; Gadgetzan: +250; Everlook: +250; Bloodsail: -500
BOOTY BAY - Go to https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=16399/bloodsail-traitor for https://classic.wowhead.com/quest=9259/traitor-to-the-bloodsail . This requires 40 https://classic.wowhead.com/item=4306/silk-cloth and 4 https://classic.wowhead.com/item=2604/red-dye
Reputation gain: Ratchet: +250; Booty Bay: +500; Gadgetzan: +250; Everlook: +250; Bloodsail: -500
GADGETZAN - Go to https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=16417/rumsen-fizzlebrack for https://classic.wowhead.com/quest=9268/war-at-sea . This requires 40 https://classic.wowhead.com/item=4338/mageweave-cloth and 4 https://classic.wowhead.com/item=3466/strong-flux
Reputation gain: Ratchet: +250; Booty Bay: +250; Gadgetzan: +500; Everlook: +250; Bloodsail: -500
EVERLOOK - Go to https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=16416/bronn-fitzwrench for https://www.wowhead.com/quest=9266/making-amends . This requires 40 https://classic.wowhead.com/item=14047/runecloth and 4 https://classic.wowhead.com/item=3857/coal
Reputation gain: Ratchet: +250; Booty Bay: +250; Gadgetzan: +250; Everlook: +500; Bloodsail: -500
Ye can only turn in these quests if ye are at unfriendly reputation or below with the associated town, so due to the reputation spillover, it’s possible to minimize the cost of materials (though server economies may vary). See below:
RATCHET - 168 stacks of https://classic.wowhead.com/item=2589/linen-cloth , 336 https://classic.wowhead.com/item=3371/empty-vial
BOOTY BAY - 84 stacks of https://classic.wowhead.com/item=4306/silk-cloth , 168 https://classic.wowhead.com/item=2604/red-dye
GADGETZAN - 42 stacks of https://classic.wowhead.com/item=4338/mageweave-cloth , 84 https://classic.wowhead.com/item=3466/strong-flux
EVERLOOK - 22 stacks of https://classic.wowhead.com/item=14047/runecloth , 44 https://classic.wowhead.com/item=3857/coal
With this, ye should be able to plan ahead and restore your reputation relatively quickly. By the end, ye will be honored with Ratchet, friendly with Booty Bay, and neutral with Gadgetzan and Everlook due to reputation spillover. The turn-ins must be done in order of Ratchet first, then Booty Bay, and so on. Keep in mind that this is just the order for the cheapest material cost: ye can do the turn-ins in a different order if you’d like a different reputation outcome. If ye do the turn-ins in a different order, ye will need a different amount of materials. For example, if ye want to end up honored with Gadgetzan, ye will need 168 stacks of Mageweave and 336 Strong Flux and turn those in first.
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Piratey Garb
Do what ye want, because a pirate is free
There’s two major reasons someone would join the Bloodsails. One is if you’re a completionist… the other is if you’re fashionable. Why stop at just the Bloodsail set? There’s plenty of choices to go for if ye want to complete that piratey look. Yer friends can tag along in yer buccaneering ways without doing the grind either.
Head:
Shirt/Chest:
Belt:
Legs:
Boots:
Weapons:
O’ course, yer selection will be limited t’ what yer class can wield.
https://classic.wowhead.com/item=6360/steelscale-crushfish https://classic.wowhead.com/item=19808/rockhide-strongfish https://classic.wowhead.com/item=6295/15-pound-mud-snapper https://classic.wowhead.com/item=6364/32-pound-catfish https://classic.wowhead.com/item=13906/32-pound-salmon https://classic.wowhead.com/item=13887/52-pound-redgill https://classic.wowhead.com/item=13917/103-pound-mightfish
Trinkets:
Parrots:
Other methods:
And these aren’t the end of it! There are plenty o’ styles a pirate can have! A cagey corsair in cloth? A leery looter in leather? A menacing mercenary in mail? A plundering privateer in plate? Ye can have it all!
And remember - September 19th is Talk Like a Pirate Day. Celebrate to ye heart’s delight. Yarr!
I like this guide so much I'm gonna go for it at some point.
Great guide!
Can I nitpick one tiny thing? You can actually reach exalted by killing https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=9179/jazzrik over and over and over and over again.
You just inspired me to level an alt on my server, Deviate Delight, for the SOLE purpose of becoming a Bloodsail Buccaneer and slaying any horde who come attempt to kill my pirate shipmates! YA HA HAARRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!
Best of Barrens Chat™ award nominee IMO
This is why I love these forums. Good job.
Such a tragedy that Blizzard never fleshed out the Buccaneers to make up for what you lose from being hostile with the Steamwheedle Cartel. Like, especially T.05 and the key to Scholo. That was a huge oversight.
But you could easily have set up a corresponding Bloodsail port/flightpoint in zones where the Cartel is, maybe with some variation. But certainly a small hub in the southern Barrens, and on the eastern coast of Tanaris. I dunno. I just feel like they missed out on something that could have been super interesting.
It should've been a split path from the start to where you take up the life of a pirate for the blood sails or mercenary for the cartel since you generally meet both for the first time in STV.
It should've been a split path from the start to where you take up the life of a pirate for the blood sails or mercenary for the cartel since you generally meet both for the first time in STV.
Nah, giving us the option to go full "Insane in the Membrane" is the better route :)
Great guide!
Can I nitpick one tiny thing? You can actually reach exalted by killing https://classic.wowhead.com/npc=9179/jazzrik over and over and over and over again.
Hm, I thought for sure that was a Burning Crusade and beyond thing. That's something I'll have to test. I do believe you, but I don't have any sources from the vanilla era to confirm it.
Just killed a bunch of these guys, so I guess the pirate life isn't in my future.