Embark on a celestial journey in Sea of Thieves with the “Stars of a Thief” Tall Tale. This guide will navigate you through each step, ensuring you uncover the secrets hidden within the constellations and claim the Shroudbreaker Stone. If you’ve already conquered the “Shroudbreaker” and “Cursed Rogue” Tall Tales, you’re well-prepared to delve into this star-charted adventure.
Your quest begins with Sudds, a stargazer residing at the North Star Seapost. He was a mentor to Briggsy, sharing his profound knowledge of celestial navigation. Sudds, through memories gleaned from Briggsy’s skull by Madame Olivia, was identified as a potential source of information regarding the missing Shroudbreaker stones.
While Sudds’ wisdom is vast, even he needs help from the stars to guide your path. This comprehensive guide, along with the interactive Sea of Thieves companion map, will be your essential tools. The map is dynamically attuned to the celestial movements, including all nine possible outcomes for a key step in your quest.
Navigate the Stars of a Thief Tall Tale with the Rare Thief Interactive Sea of Thieves Companion Map.
Access the web version of the interactive Sea of Thieves companion map here.
Utilize the web version of the interactive map for desktop navigation during your Stars of a Thief adventure.
For pirates on the move, the SoT companion app provides the interactive map on your mobile device.
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Step 1: Commencing the Stars of a Thief Tall Tale
Your journey begins at The North Star Seapost, the abode of Sudds. Locate him and within his observatory, amidst astronomical charts and instruments, you will find the “Stars of a Thief” Tall Tale book. Vote for this tale to add the book to your Map Radial, officially starting your quest.
Initiate the Stars of a Thief Tall Tale by voting for the Tall Tale book at Sudds’ Seapost.
Sudds will recount his mentorship of Briggsy in celestial navigation, highlighting the importance of the Enchanted Spyglass. He mentions gifting Briggsy an Enchanted Spyglass, now hidden for safekeeping. Though reluctant to part with his own, Sudds yearns for the recovery of the buried spyglass, hoping it can once again gaze upon the stars.
To aid you in this retrieval, Sudds provides his cryptic notes, hinting at the spyglass’s location. These notes are more than just directions to the spyglass; they are your guide to finding a Shroudbreaker stone. Your quest begins with locating two Star Jewels, and the notes will reveal where these jewels must be placed.
Access Sudds’ Tall Tale book from your map radial to decipher the first clues. This book holds the key to uncovering the Enchanted Spyglass and setting you on the path to the Shroudbreaker stone.
Consult Sudds’ Tall Tale book in your Map Radial for clues to guide your journey.
Step 2: Locating the Enchanted Spyglass
The initial pages of Sudds’ Tall Tale book contain celestial riddles pointing to the Enchanted Spyglass’s hiding place. Instead of directly naming an island, Sudds’ notes guide you using star-based directions.
These riddles will lead you to either Rum Runner Isle or Twin Groves. Upon reaching the correct island, you must unearth an Ancient Chest to retrieve Sudds’ Enchanted Spyglass.
Retrieving the Enchanted Spyglass from Rum Runner Isle
If your book contains the phrase: “Face north star, see island, buried by a solitary hanging lantern. Dig by lantern on island to find notes and telescope,” Rum Runner Isle is your destination.
Rum Runner Isle is small, making the solitary hanging lantern relatively easy to spot.
Visual clues for locating the Enchanted Spyglass on Rum Runner Isle – look for the solitary hanging lantern.
Find the precise dig location on the interactive map: Enchanted Spyglass on Rum Runner Isle
Retrieving the Enchanted Spyglass from Twin Groves
If your book reads: “My back to the north star, saw an island where we parted not far from here. One small island made of two,” then Twin Groves is where you need to set sail.
On Twin Groves, focus on the north side where two prominent rocks stand. Dig between these rocks to unearth the Ancient Chest containing the Enchanted Spyglass.
Upon recovering Sudds’ Enchanted Spyglass, you’ll earn the Heavenly View commendation, marking the successful completion of this step.
Visual aids for locating the Enchanted Spyglass on Twin Groves – search between the two large rocks on the north side.
For the exact location, refer to the interactive map: Enchanted Spyglass on Twin Groves
Step 3: Unearthing the Star Jewels
Mastering the Enchanted Spyglass
The constellations within the Sea of Thieves are unique, distinct from terrestrial star patterns. Legend has it, the constellations transform upon crossing the Shroud into this mystical realm.
The Enchanted Spyglass is key to viewing these Sea of Thieves constellations.
Equip the Enchanted Spyglass from your Map Radial and gaze skyward. Scan the heavens slowly. When you encounter a brighter cluster of stars, maintain focus. A celestial sound will resonate as the spyglass reveals the constellation’s name and lore.
Notably, constellations are visible both during the day and night when using Sudds’ Enchanted Spyglass.
The Enchanted Spyglass reveals Sea of Thieves constellations both day and night, crucial for solving riddles.
Deciphering the Stars of a Thief Stories and Riddles
Don’t be intimidated by Sudds’ cryptic narratives. While the solutions are readily available, understanding how to solve the riddles enhances the experience.
Sudds’ notes often take the form of stories, reflecting his unique way of communicating, even with himself. These stories, found in your Tall Tale book, are followed by a page titled “An Elusive Story.”
Each story revolves around navigating using the stars, Sudds’ primary method of wayfinding. His notes assume familiarity with these celestial “friends,” which may initially seem like riddles to those less acquainted.
Fortunately, Sudds’ notes also contain a constellation key. Several pages depict Sea of Thieves constellations with accompanying lore. This constellation guide is crucial for deciphering Sudds’ stories.
The Constellation Key in Sudds’ notes is essential for deciphering the star-based riddles.
For pirates seeking to solve the riddles independently: First, use the constellation key to identify the constellations referenced in each story. Then, using the Enchanted Spyglass, locate these constellations in the sky to determine the corresponding compass direction.
A key insight for solving these stories and finding the Star Jewels is understanding that each constellation represents a compass direction.
When a story directs you towards a constellation, navigate towards the compass direction it signifies, rather than straining to align yourself directly with the constellation in the sky.
For example, if a story mentions “The Arrow,” head Southwest. To assist you, we’ve created an infographic detailing each constellation’s corresponding compass direction.
Use this infographic to quickly reference the compass direction associated with each Sea of Thieves constellation.
Here is a list of constellations and their directions, sorted alphabetically for easy reference:
- Arrow = South West
- Bear = South by South West
- Boar = North East
- Boat = West
- Crab = East by South East
- Eagle = North West
- Feather = South by South East
- Fish = East by North East
- Flame = West by South West
- Kraken = North
- Queen = North by North East
- Scarab = South East
- Shark = South
- Snake = West by North West
- Turtle = North by North West
- Warrior = East
Below are the possible stories you might encounter, along with their solutions using constellation compass directions to guide you to the Star Jewels.
Possible Stories and Star Jewel Locations for Step 3
Great Eagle Landing
Starting from Lonely Isle, use your Enchanted Spyglass to locate the Eagle constellation. Follow the Eagle (North West) to the nearest island, Lone Cove.
On Lone Cove, position yourself so the Eagle constellation appears perched atop the central, large rock formation.
To achieve perfect alignment, stand southeast of the main rock and look northwest. Adjust your position until the constellation lines up perfectly.
When aligned, you should be near a fenced, unmarked grave. Dig at this spot to unearth a Star Jewel!
Visual guide to “Great Eagle Landing” Star Jewel location on Lone Cove, including constellation alignment and dig site.
The Man Who Lost His Gem
This story leads you to Mermaid’s Hideaway. Head to the central pond and dive into the underwater cave. Take the first right turn within the cave system. The Star Jewel rests atop a pillar in the main underwater chamber.
Visual guide to “The Man Who Lost His Gem” Star Jewel location in Mermaid’s Hideaway underwater cave.
A Hunt
Starting at Kraken Watchtower, travel South by South East (Feather) to Shipwreck Bay. From Shipwreck Bay, navigate South West (Arrow) to The Reaper’s Hideout (formerly an uncharted island) at J12.
On the south side of The Reaper’s Hideout, dive deep. You’ll find a deep ravine. Follow this ravine eastwards to discover a kraken skeleton. The Star Jewel is located near its jaws.
Visual guide for “A Hunt” Star Jewel, leading from Kraken Watchtower to the kraken skeleton at Reaper’s Hideout.
Lost an Eye
“Lost an Eye” directs you to Shark Bait Cove. The Star Jewel is underwater in the island’s center. Head to the north side of the main shark statue to find a small tunnel just beneath it. The jewel is located within this tunnel.
Visual guide for “Lost an Eye” Star Jewel, located in an underwater tunnel beneath the shark statue at Shark Bait Cove.
The Patient One
The riddle reads: “The oldest creature in the sea, hid a stone where only he can see, in belly of large southern isle, he watches it through hole in sky.”
This points to Thieves’ Haven. The Star Jewel is near the shipwreck on the bottom level of the island, close to the water. Specifically, it’s beneath the large hole in the island, between the campfire and the shipwreck. Dig in this area to find the jewel.
Visual guide for “The Patient One” Star Jewel at Thieves’ Haven, near the shipwreck under the island’s hole.
Battle in the Heavens
Begin at Crook’s Hollow, then head South (Shark) to Cutlass Cay. From Cutlass Cay, travel South East (Scarab) to Mutineer Rock. The Star Jewel is located on the west side of Mutineer Rock, between the four large rocks.
Visual guide for “Battle in the Heavens” Star Jewel, located between large rocks on the west side of Mutineer Rock.
Sea Queen’s Promise
“Sea Queen’s Promise” guides you to Isle of Last Words in The Wilds region. The Star Jewel is found underwater, off the west side of the island.
Visual guide for “Sea Queen’s Promise” Star Jewel, found underwater off the west side of Isle of Last Words.
They Were Voyagers
Discovery Ridge is your destination. Head to the westernmost tip of the island and search along the coastline on the north-west side. The Star Jewel is submerged just offshore in this area.
Visual guide for “They Were Voyagers” Star Jewel, submerged just off the northwest coastline of Discovery Ridge’s west tip.
Snake’s Deception
Start at Crescent Isle, and travel to the tiny Rapier Cay. Due to Rapier Cay’s small size, the Star Jewel should be easily found on the southeast end of the island. Dig in the sand at the southeasternmost land point to unearth it.
First riddle page for “Snake’s Deception” leading to Rapier Cay.
Second riddle page for “Snake’s Deception” confirming Rapier Cay as the destination.
Visual guide for “Snake’s Deception” Star Jewel location on the southeast tip of Rapier Cay.
Step 4: Activating the Ancient Statue
The final page in your quest book reveals the location for placing the Star Jewels: Uncharted Island at N13. Experienced Sea of Thieves players will recognize this location. Navigate to grid N13 on your map.
You need to access the underwater cave to place the Star Jewels into the Ancient Statue. Dive underwater just west of the red plant in the center of the uncharted island. You will see the tunnel leading to the cave entrance.
Inside the cave, locate the large statue. Interact with it to place the Star Jewels.
The “An Elusive Story” page hints at the location of the Ancient Statue at Uncharted Island N13.
Interact with the Ancient Statue at Uncharted Island N13 to place the Star Jewels.
Visual confirmation of the Star Jewels correctly placed within the Ancient Statue.
Step 5: Discovering the Ancient Vault
Placing the Star Jewels triggers the statue to reveal a totem. This totem indicates the location of the next stage: an Ancient Vault.
The totem type determines the island:
- Boar Totem – Devil’s Ridge
- Crab Totem – Uncharted Island at N13
- Moon Totem – Crescent Isle
- Scarab Totem – Crook’s Hollow
- Snake Totem – Mermaid’s Hideaway
- Shark Totem – Kraken’s Fall
Crucially, collect the extra notes from the Ancient Statue. These notes contain the solution to the puzzle within the Ancient Vault.
Depending on the totem you receive, chart a course to the corresponding island on your map table.
Each of these six islands now houses a hidden Ancient Vault, accessible only by placing the island’s specific totem into a lock near the vault door. Below are the vault door locations and totem lock positions for each island:
Ancient Vault on Devil’s Ridge
The Ancient Vault on Devil’s Ridge is relatively easy to locate. Head to the southeast beach of the island. Look around for boar head rock paintings. The Totem lock is situated just to the left of these paintings.
Boar rock paintings mark the location of the Ancient Vault on Devil’s Ridge.
Find the precise vault location on the interactive map: Ancient Vault on Devil’s Ridge
Ancient Vault on the Uncharted Island at N13
If you received the Crab Totem, the Ancient Vault is conveniently located right behind you at Uncharted Island N13! Turn around and climb over the workbench. The Totem lock is to the left of the crab rock paintings.
Crab rock paintings indicate the Ancient Vault location at Uncharted Island N13.
Locate the vault on the interactive map: Ancient Vault on N13
Ancient Vault on Crescent Isle
The Ancient Vault on Crescent Isle is in the northern cave. Enter the tunnel in the island’s center and proceed north into the cave. Look to your right, and you’ll find the Totem lock underneath the crescent-shaped rock paintings.
Crescent-shaped rock paintings mark the Ancient Vault entrance on Crescent Isle.
Find the vault’s location on the interactive map: Ancient Vault on Crescent Isle
Ancient Vault on Crook’s Hollow
Find the cave with a waterfall cascading over its east entrance on Crook’s Hollow. Scarab rock paintings are prominent in this cave. The Totem lock is on the south wall.
Scarab rock paintings signal the Ancient Vault’s location within the waterfall cave on Crook’s Hollow.
Locate the vault on the interactive map: Ancient Vault on Crook’s Hollow
Ancient Vault on Mermaid’s Hideaway
On Mermaid’s Hideaway, look for Snake rock paintings on the west side of the northern arch. The Totem lock is on the west side of the arch’s base.
Snake rock paintings indicate the Ancient Vault location on Mermaid’s Hideaway, near the northern arch.
Find the vault on the interactive map: Ancient Vault on Mermaid’s Hideaway
Ancient Vault on Kraken’s Fall
The Totem lock on Kraken’s Fall is located beneath the north side of the main arch.
The Ancient Vault on Kraken’s Fall is found under the north side of the main arch.
Locate the vault on the interactive map: Ancient Vault on Kraken’s Fall
Successfully placing the Star Jewels in the statue earns you the Eyes Filled with Stars commendation.
Step 6: Solving the Ancient Vault Puzzle
Upon entering the Ancient Vault, you’ll find it seemingly empty of treasure. Briggsy, ever cautious, has added another layer of protection – a puzzle relying on celestial knowledge.
Briggsy believed only she and Sudds understood the secrets of the stars, making this celestial code her ultimate vault protection. However, Sudds’ notes have inadvertently provided you with the key to decipher Briggsy’s riddles.
Activating the Vault Puzzle
Inside the vault, you’ll see a central altar and four blank stone pillars behind it. Lighting the four braziers on the altar’s corners initiates the puzzle.
Do not light the braziers immediately!
Once activated, the vault begins to flood. If the water level rises too high before you solve the puzzle, you risk drowning and being forced to restart from your last checkpoint.
Ensure you have the solution ready before lighting the braziers.
Light the four braziers on the altar to begin the Ancient Vault puzzle, but be prepared for rising water!
Deciphering the Vault Riddle
The “Unsolved Story” on the last page of your book contains two paragraphs. These paragraphs hold the key to the vault puzzle.
You’ll use the constellation descriptions from the initial pages of Sudds’ notes to understand the riddle. The paragraphs refer to constellations by these descriptions.
For instance, “Old Mother’s spy” in the riddle corresponds to the “One-Eye Shark” constellation described earlier in Sudds’ notes.
The “Unsolved Story” page provides the riddles for the Ancient Vault puzzle, requiring constellation knowledge to solve.
Entering the Vault Riddle Solution
To input the combination, rotate the central block on each pillar to display the symbol matching the constellation described in the corresponding sentence of the riddle.
Starting with the leftmost pillar, rotate its blocks to match the symbol for the first sentence’s constellation. Move to the next pillar and repeat for the second sentence, and so on for all four pillars.
A button is located on the front of the main altar (the one with the braziers). After setting all four pillars, press this button to confirm the sequence and proceed to the next paragraph of the riddle.
Rotate the blocks on each pillar to match the constellation symbols described in the riddle sentences.
Vault Riddle Solutions for Unsolved Stories
Below are examples of possible “Unsolved Story” riddles and their corresponding vault solutions. We’ve labeled them as sequences A, B, C, etc., with numbers indicating the paragraph (1 or 2).
Possible Vault Unsolved Story—A
Sequence A1:
Infographic displaying the solution for Vault Riddle Sequence A1.
Warmonger was Angry = Great Warrior
The Tear of the Sun had touched his Home = Unending Flame
He sought a Proud One’s help = Proud Eagle
Proud one gave up Part of Himself = Golden Feather
Sequence A2:
Infographic displaying the solution for Vault Riddle Sequence A2.
This Part of Proud One made a Weapon = Arrow
Destined for Old Mother’s Spy = One-Eye Shark
Teacher Warned of Needless Violence = Iron Scarab
But the Warmonger did not Listen = Great Warrior
Possible Vault Unsolved Story—B
Sequence B1:
Infographic displaying the solution for Vault Riddle Sequence B1.
A Tear of the Sun fell down to Land = Unending Flame
And Lit the Way for Man to Sail = Tar-Pitch Boat
Even the Warmonger was brought to Peace = Great Warrior
He was Taught more than Wore by Iron Shell = Iron Scarab
Sequence B2:
Infographic displaying the solution for Vault Riddle Sequence B2.
The Courter danced with the New Light = Courting Crab
As Glimmer showed Man the Way = Glimmer Fish
The Oldest Creature watched them at Play = Patient Turtle
As the Queen Bided her Time = Sea Queen
Possible Vault Unsolved Story—C
Sequence C1:
Infographic displaying the solution for Vault Riddle Sequence C1.
Old Mother was Angry = Great Kraken
Her Friend made an Everlasting Promise = Sea Queen
She Protected those who Rowed by Hand = Tar-Pitch Boat
Who were Sailing Out on Warmer Seas = Unending Flame
Sequence C2:
Infographic displaying the solution for Vault Riddle Sequence C2.
Without Landing He Watched from High = Proud Eagle
As the Singer Whispered Deceitfully = Singing Snake
The Vessel Continued on its Way = Tar-Pitch Boat
Protected by Eternal Warrior = Great Warrior
Possible Vault Unsolved Story—D
Sequence D1:
Infographic displaying the solution for Vault Riddle Sequence D1.
An Old One Raised a spit of Land = Patient Turtle
And Gave it to Eternal Man = Great Warrior
He was Taught to Build with Tar and Tree = Tar-Pitch Boat
The Last of its Kind Showed Him the Seas = Glimmer Fish
Sequence D2:
Infographic displaying the solution for Vault Riddle Sequence D2.
The Vessel lead Man on a Journey = Tar-Pitch Boat
To the One Respected by All = Bear
The Grump now Happy with the Season = Boar
And all Taught the Warmonger to Reason = Great Warrior
Possible Vault Unsolved Story—E
Sequence E1:
Infographic displaying the solution for Vault Riddle Sequence E1.
Old Judge spoke to Those who Listened = Bear
The Last of its Kind would Guide Them = Glimmer Fish
The Iron One would Teach Them = Iron Scarab
And Patient One Raised them Land to Sleep On = Patient Turtle
Sequence E2:
Infographic displaying the solution for Vault Riddle Sequence E2.
Tar Covered Vessel Carried them to Land = Tar-Pitch Boat
Old grump would Welcome them in Spring = Boar
The Queens Lover would Guard her Beaches = Crab
But Singer would always Put them in Peril = Snake
Possible Vault Unsolved Story—F
Sequence F1:
Infographic displaying the solution for Vault Riddle Sequence F1.
The Queen Plotted = Sea Queen
Along with the One-Eyed Spy = One-Eye Shark
They would Kill the Teacher = Iron Scarab
And his Two-Legged Pupil = Great Warrior
Sequence F2:
Infographic displaying the solution for Vault Riddle Sequence F2.
One Eye attacked under Cover of Night = One-Eye Shark
But Warmonger was Ready and Won the Fight = Great Warrior
He mad a Weapon of the Victim’s Tooth = Obsidian Arrow
And went to Hunt a Bigger Foe = Great Kraken
After correctly entering both sequences, the Ancient Vault puzzle is solved! The Shroudbreaker stone will then reveal itself.
Collect the Shroudbreaker stone and return to your ship.
The Shroudbreaker Stone is revealed after solving the Ancient Vault puzzle – grab it!
Step 7: Returning the Shroudbreaker Stone to Sudds
With the Shroudbreaker stone in your possession, sail back to the North Star Seapost. Sudds awaits your return, anticipating both his notes and the Enchanted Spyglass.
Return these items to Sudds by handing over the Shroudbreaker stone. Grateful for your efforts, Sudds will ensure the stone reaches the Mysterious Stranger.
Turning in the stone unlocks the Stone of the Heavens commendation.
Completing the entire Tall Tale awards the Stars of a Thief commendation.
The Shroudbreaker artifact is now further empowered!
Continue your Tall Tale journey with the next adventure…
Journal Locations
For journal hunters, we have a guide to locate all five journals across all nine Tall Tales.
