Side Characters

While Edward Kenway's journey is central to Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, the vibrant cast of side characters truly brings the Golden Age of Piracy to life. Interacting with them often unlocks new missions, provides crucial information, or even offers unique rewards that can significantly aid your pirating endeavors. This section details key side characters, how to engage with them, and the benefits they offer.

Adéwalé

Edward's loyal quartermaster and a formidable Assassin in his own right, Adéwalé is more than just a companion; he's a vital asset. His missions often involve liberating slaves and disrupting Templar operations, providing both moral satisfaction and practical rewards.

Unlocking Missions: Adéwalé's side missions become available periodically as you progress through the main story sequences. Look for the distinctive "A" icon on your world map, usually in major cities like Havana, Kingston, or Nassau.
Mission Types: These missions typically involve stealth, combat, or a combination of both. You might be tasked with:
- Slave Liberation: Infiltrate plantations or slave ships (e.g., in Sequence 04, you'll encounter early opportunities). Use sleep darts and berserk darts to neutralize guards non-lethally or cause chaos, then free the slaves. Successfully freeing slaves often rewards you with crew members for the Jackdaw.
- Templar Disruption: Assassinate specific Templar targets or destroy their supply caches. These often require careful planning and utilizing environmental advantages.
Rewards: Completing Adéwalé's missions contributes to your overall synchronization, provides R (Reales), and can unlock unique ship upgrades or even new outfits for Edward. Pay attention to his requests for specific resources, as fulfilling them can sometimes lead to bonus rewards.

James Kidd (Mary Read)

The enigmatic James Kidd is a pivotal figure in Edward's introduction to the Assassin Order. Their interactions are crucial for understanding the larger conflict and often lead to significant story developments.

Key Interactions: Kidd's involvement is primarily tied to the main story, particularly in the early and middle sequences. However, pay close attention to their conversations, as they often hint at hidden locations or future objectives.
Naval Exploration: Kidd frequently encourages exploration, providing clues about Mayan Stelae locations or hidden treasure. For example, after your initial encounters in Havana, Kidd might mention ancient ruins in the Yucatán Peninsula, prompting you to seek out the Mayan Outfit.
Mayan Stelae: Kidd's guidance is essential for understanding the purpose of the Mayan Stelae. Each stela puzzle, found at various locations like Tulum (70, 405) or Pinos Isle (334, 476), requires you to align symbols by rotating the camera. Solving all 16 stelae unlocks the powerful Mayan Outfit, which deflects bullets.

Stede Bonnet

The "Gentleman Pirate" Stede Bonnet is an early acquaintance of Edward's, and their initial encounters are critical for Edward's rise as a pirate captain.

Early Game Importance: Bonnet is central to the tutorial-like sequences at the beginning of the game. He helps Edward acquire the Jackdaw and establish his pirating career.
Story Progression: While Bonnet's direct involvement in side missions is limited, his presence in the main narrative often opens up new areas of the map and introduces you to core gameplay mechanics like naval combat and ship boarding.
Initial Resources: Following Bonnet's early quests will provide you with your first significant haul of sugar and rum, essential for early ship upgrades and trade.

Other Notable Characters

Keep an eye out for other historical figures and unique individuals who may offer minor quests or provide valuable insights:

Bartolomew Roberts: His storyline is deeply intertwined with the later stages of the main plot, but his presence can sometimes trigger unique naval encounters or treasure map leads.
Blackbeard (Edward Thatch): While a major character, Blackbeard often provides opportunities for large-scale naval battles or raiding missions that, while part of the main story, feel like grand side ventures.
Tavern Keepers: These individuals, found in every major port and many smaller islands, are invaluable sources of information. For a small fee (typically 500 R), they can reveal the locations of:
- Treasure Chests: Marked on your map, these provide R and crafting materials.
- Animus Fragments: Collectibles that unlock concept art and cheats.
- Sea Shanties: New songs for your crew to sing, improving morale and providing a pleasant ambiance.
- Contract Killers: Side missions involving assassinating specific targets for rewards.
Always visit the tavern in a new location to gather these crucial intel points!