Corsair - Revision history

Twiggy at 01:11, 22 January 2026

2026-01-22T01:11:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:11, 22 January 2026
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	As a corsair, you should be aware of your luck and may want to adopt a few harmless superstitions about it. You may laugh off any suggestion that you take ideas of luck and fortune seriously, but as a sailor you are aware that random chance plays a large role in your survival and prosperity. You may engage in specific actions that you only half-believe will attract good luck or keep bad luck away.		As a corsair, you should be aware of your luck and may want to adopt a few harmless superstitions about it. You may laugh off any suggestion that you take ideas of luck and fortune seriously, but as a sailor you are aware that random chance plays a large role in your survival and prosperity. You may engage in specific actions that you only half-believe will attract good luck or keep bad luck away.

	If you own a fleet, you should consider making regular raids against the Grendel. You will earn a good living from such raids but it will also gain you valuable influence in the election for the [[~~Imperial_Bourse~~#The_Broken_Shore_Bounty\|Broken Shore Bounty]], which is a seat on the [[Bourse]] that provides the rare material [[Materials#Ilium\|ilium]]. Many corsairs consider control of this resource to be especially prestigious, because of the triumphs needed to achieve it.		If you own a fleet, you should consider making regular raids against the Grendel. You will earn a good living from such raids but it will also gain you valuable influence in the election for the [[Bourse#The_Broken_Shore_Bounty\|Broken Shore Bounty]], which is a seat on the [[Bourse]] that provides the rare material [[Materials#Ilium\|ilium]]. Many corsairs consider control of this resource to be especially prestigious, because of the triumphs needed to achieve it.

	It may be worth noting that the corsair is not a criminal archetype. By default, they raid the ships of the enemies of the Empire. They do not prey on the ships of their fellow Imperial nations, nor do they regularly attack the ships of neutral foreigners.		It may be worth noting that the corsair is not a criminal archetype. By default, they raid the ships of the enemies of the Empire. They do not prey on the ships of their fellow Imperial nations, nor do they regularly attack the ships of neutral foreigners.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Bourse" to "[[Bourse"

2026-01-15T12:39:58Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Bourse" to "[[Bourse"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:39, 15 January 2026
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	As a corsair, you should be aware of your luck and may want to adopt a few harmless superstitions about it. You may laugh off any suggestion that you take ideas of luck and fortune seriously, but as a sailor you are aware that random chance plays a large role in your survival and prosperity. You may engage in specific actions that you only half-believe will attract good luck or keep bad luck away.		As a corsair, you should be aware of your luck and may want to adopt a few harmless superstitions about it. You may laugh off any suggestion that you take ideas of luck and fortune seriously, but as a sailor you are aware that random chance plays a large role in your survival and prosperity. You may engage in specific actions that you only half-believe will attract good luck or keep bad luck away.

	If you own a fleet, you should consider making regular raids against the Grendel. You will earn a good living from such raids but it will also gain you valuable influence in the election for the [[Imperial_Bourse#The_Broken_Shore_Bounty\|Broken Shore Bounty]], which is a seat on the [[~~Imperial~~ Bourse]] that provides the rare material [[Materials#Ilium\|ilium]]. Many corsairs consider control of this resource to be especially prestigious, because of the triumphs needed to achieve it.		If you own a fleet, you should consider making regular raids against the Grendel. You will earn a good living from such raids but it will also gain you valuable influence in the election for the [[Imperial_Bourse#The_Broken_Shore_Bounty\|Broken Shore Bounty]], which is a seat on the [[Bourse]] that provides the rare material [[Materials#Ilium\|ilium]]. Many corsairs consider control of this resource to be especially prestigious, because of the triumphs needed to achieve it.

	It may be worth noting that the corsair is not a criminal archetype. By default, they raid the ships of the enemies of the Empire. They do not prey on the ships of their fellow Imperial nations, nor do they regularly attack the ships of neutral foreigners.		It may be worth noting that the corsair is not a criminal archetype. By default, they raid the ships of the enemies of the Empire. They do not prey on the ships of their fellow Imperial nations, nor do they regularly attack the ships of neutral foreigners.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T12:38:46Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:38, 15 January 2026
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	{{CaptionedImage\|file=CorsairZanterr.jpg\|title= Zanterr i Ezmara i Erego, who started as a cabin boy and now captains a fleet.\|caption=The Freeborn detest piracy, but embrace privateering.\|align=left\|width=300}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=CorsairZanterr.jpg\|title= Zanterr i Ezmara i Erego, who started as a cabin boy and now captains a fleet.\|caption=The Freeborn detest piracy, but embrace privateering.\|align=left\|width=300}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Corsairs epitomise Freeborn daring and adventure. Since the earliest days of the Brass Coast, their ships have ranged across the known world seeking opportunities for trade and excitement and defending both Freeborn and Imperial interests at sea. The corsairs embrace these traditions, but they excel as sea-borne raiders who prey on barbarian shipping passing through the Bay of Catazar. The Freeborn detest piracy, but they regard [[Fleet#Take_Independent_Action\|privateering]] as a perfectly legitimate form of warfare - and a highly profitable one at that. By focusing their attacks against the ships (and occasionally coastal settlements) of nations the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] has declared barbarians, they not only avoid censure but gain the approval of the Empire.		Corsairs epitomise Freeborn daring and adventure. Since the earliest days of the Brass Coast, their ships have ranged across the known world seeking opportunities for trade and excitement and defending both Freeborn and Imperial interests at sea. The corsairs embrace these traditions, but they excel as sea-borne raiders who prey on barbarian shipping passing through the Bay of Catazar. The Freeborn detest piracy, but they regard [[Fleet#Take_Independent_Action\|privateering]] as a perfectly legitimate form of warfare - and a highly profitable one at that. By focusing their attacks against the ships (and occasionally coastal settlements) of nations the [[Senate]] has declared barbarians, they not only avoid censure but gain the approval of the Empire.

	Few corsairs are just privateers - most engage in foreign trade when it suits them, especially when the Bay is undergoing a period of relative stability. Their most common enemy is the [[Grendel]]. Before the death of [[Empress Britta\|the Young Empress]] it had been decades since a serious Grendel attack had threatened the Empire from the sea, and most of that force was sunk long before they reached shore. There have always been sporadic engagements between the orc ships and the ships of corsairs, of course, but increasingly corsair families were looking further afield - to trade with foreign nations. With the Grendel becoming more active in the Bay of Catazar, many of those corsair families are returning to their roots as wardens of Imperial waters.		Few corsairs are just privateers - most engage in foreign trade when it suits them, especially when the Bay is undergoing a period of relative stability. Their most common enemy is the [[Grendel]]. Before the death of [[Empress Britta\|the Young Empress]] it had been decades since a serious Grendel attack had threatened the Empire from the sea, and most of that force was sunk long before they reached shore. There have always been sporadic engagements between the orc ships and the ships of corsairs, of course, but increasingly corsair families were looking further afield - to trade with foreign nations. With the Grendel becoming more active in the Bay of Catazar, many of those corsair families are returning to their roots as wardens of Imperial waters.

Beeswax at 15:59, 21 July 2025

2025-07-21T15:59:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:59, 21 July 2025
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	There is some grey area where ships belonging to slavers are concerned - more than one corsair has justified attacks against vessels from the [[Asavean Archipelago]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] as missions to free slaves.		There is some grey area where ships belonging to slavers are concerned - more than one corsair has justified attacks against vessels from the [[Asavean Archipelago]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] as missions to free slaves.

	As professional sailors, corsairs often have their own odd traditions which are unique to their ship or family. While they make light of it, corsairs often appear superstitious to outsiders. They often express the idea that luck, fortune, or chance are things that can be attracted or driven away and engage in odd behaviours intended to encourage good luck or discourage bad luck. Partly, this stems from the sailor's awareness of how much their life and livelihood depends on the vagaries of forces beyond their control - especially the weather. Many corsair songs and stories personify luck as a whimsical ~~man or woman~~, a force of nature akin to a storm. When luck is with a corsair, this figure is friendly. When luck turns sour, this mythical figure turns cruel and hateful. Fortune is often depicted as the paramour of [[The Doctor#Death\|Death]], alternately seeking and fleeing the grim reaper's embrace.		As professional sailors, corsairs often have their own odd traditions which are unique to their ship or family. While they make light of it, corsairs often appear superstitious to outsiders. They often express the idea that luck, fortune, or chance are things that can be attracted or driven away and engage in odd behaviours intended to encourage good luck or discourage bad luck. Partly, this stems from the sailor's awareness of how much their life and livelihood depends on the vagaries of forces beyond their control - especially the weather. Many corsair songs and stories personify luck as a whimsical figure, a force of nature akin to a storm. When luck is with a corsair, this figure is friendly. When luck turns sour, this mythical figure turns cruel and hateful. Fortune is often depicted as the paramour of [[The Doctor#Death\|Death]], alternately seeking and fleeing the grim reaper's embrace.

	Corsairs who are followers of [[the Way]] tend to hold the [[Paragons_and_Exemplars\|exemplar]] [[Zemress]] in special regard. Occasionally, a corsair priest will attempt to have [[Emperor Barabbas]] recognised as an exemplar of [[Prosperity]] - many corsair families got their start thanks to the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] Emperor's shipbuilding programs - but the idea has never gained much traction due to the prevailing opinion that Barabbas was a profligate fool.		Corsairs who are followers of [[the Way]] tend to hold the [[Paragons_and_Exemplars\|exemplar]] [[Zemress]] in special regard. Occasionally, a corsair priest will attempt to have [[Emperor Barabbas]] recognised as an exemplar of [[Prosperity]] - many corsair families got their start thanks to the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] Emperor's shipbuilding programs - but the idea has never gained much traction due to the prevailing opinion that Barabbas was a profligate fool.

Beeswax at 18:13, 30 April 2024

2024-04-30T18:13:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:13, 30 April 2024
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	Corsairs epitomise Freeborn daring and adventure. Since the earliest days of the Brass Coast, their ships have ranged across the known world seeking opportunities for trade and excitement and defending both Freeborn and Imperial interests at sea. The corsairs embrace these traditions, but they excel as sea-borne raiders who prey on barbarian shipping passing through the Bay of Catazar. The Freeborn detest piracy, but they regard [[Fleet#Take_Independent_Action\|privateering]] as a perfectly legitimate form of warfare - and a highly profitable one at that. By focusing their attacks against the ships (and occasionally coastal settlements) of nations the [[Imperial Senate]] has declared barbarians, they not only avoid censure but gain the approval of the Empire.		Corsairs epitomise Freeborn daring and adventure. Since the earliest days of the Brass Coast, their ships have ranged across the known world seeking opportunities for trade and excitement and defending both Freeborn and Imperial interests at sea. The corsairs embrace these traditions, but they excel as sea-borne raiders who prey on barbarian shipping passing through the Bay of Catazar. The Freeborn detest piracy, but they regard [[Fleet#Take_Independent_Action\|privateering]] as a perfectly legitimate form of warfare - and a highly profitable one at that. By focusing their attacks against the ships (and occasionally coastal settlements) of nations the [[Imperial Senate]] has declared barbarians, they not only avoid censure but gain the approval of the Empire.

	Few corsairs are just privateers - most engage in foreign trade when it suits them, especially when the Bay is undergoing a period of relative stability. Their most common enemy is the [[Grendel]]. Before the death of [[Empress Britta\|the Young Empress]] it had been decades since a serious Grendel attack had threatened the Empire, and most of that force was sunk long before they reached shore. There have always been sporadic engagements between the orc ships and the ships of corsairs, of course, but increasingly corsair families were looking further afield - to trade with foreign nations. With the Grendel becoming more active in the Bay of Catazar, many of those corsair families are returning to their roots as wardens of Imperial waters.		Few corsairs are just privateers - most engage in foreign trade when it suits them, especially when the Bay is undergoing a period of relative stability. Their most common enemy is the [[Grendel]]. Before the death of [[Empress Britta\|the Young Empress]] it had been decades since a serious Grendel attack had threatened the Empire from the sea, and most of that force was sunk long before they reached shore. There have always been sporadic engagements between the orc ships and the ships of corsairs, of course, but increasingly corsair families were looking further afield - to trade with foreign nations. With the Grendel becoming more active in the Bay of Catazar, many of those corsair families are returning to their roots as wardens of Imperial waters.

	There is a significant difference between a pirate and a privateer. If the Freeborn applaud the triumphs of their corsairs, and enjoy the wealth and plunder they bring back, the Empire tolerate it because the actions of the corsairs damage the barbarians who dwell across the bay from attempting a naval invasion. Problems arise if a corsair chooses to engage in piracy against the shipping of a foreign nation that is not at war with the Empire. Though more profitable, this can lead to a breakdown in diplomatic relations or even a shift towards open hostility. This can, in turn, prompt sweeping action by the Senate - as seen in the Summer 378YE motion to [[Employ_Civil_Service_to_observe_Fleets\|place civil service observers]] on all ships leaving Imperial ports.		There is a significant difference between a pirate and a privateer. If the Freeborn applaud the triumphs of their corsairs, and enjoy the wealth and plunder they bring back, the Empire tolerate it because the actions of the corsairs damage the barbarians who dwell across the bay from attempting a naval invasion. Problems arise if a corsair chooses to engage in piracy against the shipping of a foreign nation that is not at war with the Empire. Though more profitable, this can lead to a breakdown in diplomatic relations or even a shift towards open hostility. This can, in turn, prompt sweeping action by the Senate - as seen in the Summer 378YE motion to [[Employ_Civil_Service_to_observe_Fleets\|place civil service observers]] on all ships leaving Imperial ports.

Beeswax at 18:12, 30 April 2024

2024-04-30T18:12:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:12, 30 April 2024
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	Corsairs epitomise Freeborn daring and adventure. Since the earliest days of the Brass Coast, their ships have ranged across the known world seeking opportunities for trade and excitement and defending both Freeborn and Imperial interests at sea. The corsairs embrace these traditions, but they excel as sea-borne raiders who prey on barbarian shipping passing through the Bay of Catazar. The Freeborn detest piracy, but they regard [[Fleet#Take_Independent_Action\|privateering]] as a perfectly legitimate form of warfare - and a highly profitable one at that. By focusing their attacks against the ships (and occasionally coastal settlements) of nations the [[Imperial Senate]] has declared barbarians, they not only avoid censure but gain the approval of the Empire.		Corsairs epitomise Freeborn daring and adventure. Since the earliest days of the Brass Coast, their ships have ranged across the known world seeking opportunities for trade and excitement and defending both Freeborn and Imperial interests at sea. The corsairs embrace these traditions, but they excel as sea-borne raiders who prey on barbarian shipping passing through the Bay of Catazar. The Freeborn detest piracy, but they regard [[Fleet#Take_Independent_Action\|privateering]] as a perfectly legitimate form of warfare - and a highly profitable one at that. By focusing their attacks against the ships (and occasionally coastal settlements) of nations the [[Imperial Senate]] has declared barbarians, they not only avoid censure but gain the approval of the Empire.

	Few corsairs are just privateers - most engage in foreign trade when it suits them, especially when the Bay is undergoing a period of relative stability. Their most common enemy is the [[Grendel]] ~~but~~ it ~~has~~ been decades since a serious Grendel attack ~~has~~ threatened the Empire, and most of that force ~~were~~ sunk long before they reached shore. There ~~are still~~ sporadic engagements between the orc ships and the ships of corsairs, of course, but increasingly corsair families ~~are~~ looking further afield - to trade with foreign nations.		Few corsairs are just privateers - most engage in foreign trade when it suits them, especially when the Bay is undergoing a period of relative stability. Their most common enemy is the [[Grendel]]. Before the death of [[Empress Britta\|the Young Empress]] it had been decades since a serious Grendel attack had threatened the Empire, and most of that force was sunk long before they reached shore. There have always been sporadic engagements between the orc ships and the ships of corsairs, of course, but increasingly corsair families were looking further afield - to trade with foreign nations. With the Grendel becoming more active in the Bay of Catazar, many of those corsair families are returning to their roots as wardens of Imperial waters.

	There is a significant difference between a pirate and a privateer. If the Freeborn applaud the triumphs of their corsairs, and enjoy the wealth and plunder they bring back, the Empire tolerate it because the actions of the corsairs damage the barbarians who dwell across the bay from attempting a naval invasion. Problems arise if a corsair chooses to engage in piracy against the shipping of a foreign nation that is not at war with the Empire. Though more profitable, this can lead to a breakdown in diplomatic relations or even a shift towards open hostility. This can, in turn, prompt sweeping action by the Senate - as seen in the Summer 378YE motion to [[Employ_Civil_Service_to_observe_Fleets\|place civil service observers]] on all ships leaving Imperial ports.		There is a significant difference between a pirate and a privateer. If the Freeborn applaud the triumphs of their corsairs, and enjoy the wealth and plunder they bring back, the Empire tolerate it because the actions of the corsairs damage the barbarians who dwell across the bay from attempting a naval invasion. Problems arise if a corsair chooses to engage in piracy against the shipping of a foreign nation that is not at war with the Empire. Though more profitable, this can lead to a breakdown in diplomatic relations or even a shift towards open hostility. This can, in turn, prompt sweeping action by the Senate - as seen in the Summer 378YE motion to [[Employ_Civil_Service_to_observe_Fleets\|place civil service observers]] on all ships leaving Imperial ports.

Rafferty at 11:39, 10 May 2023

2023-05-10T11:39:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:39, 10 May 2023
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	A lone corsair is a perfectly acceptable character concept - you might represent a larger "off screen" corsair family, or be an independent captain who embraces the free-wheeling philosophy of the corsair.		A lone corsair is a perfectly acceptable character concept - you might represent a larger "off screen" corsair family, or be an independent captain who embraces the free-wheeling philosophy of the corsair.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=TheCorsairsCome.jpg~~\|title= Board them!~~\|caption=While their true strength can be found at sea, corsairs can be just as capable at fighting on land as any other warrior.\|align=~~centre~~\|width=600}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=TheCorsairsCome.jpg\|caption=While their true strength can be found at sea, corsairs can be just as capable at fighting on land as any other warrior.\|align=left\|width=600}}

	==Playing a Corsair==		==Playing a Corsair==
	Corsairs tend to dress more simply than other Freeborn, preferring practical trousers and a light tunic when they are working. Their flair for wealth tends to show through with jewellery worn at wrist and neck. Metal chains are especially popular with corsairs, as are pieces that appear exotic to Imperial eyes - especially those that have an exciting story attached to them.		Corsairs tend to dress more simply than other Freeborn, preferring practical trousers and a light tunic when they are working. Their flair for wealth tends to show through with jewellery worn at wrist and neck. Metal chains are especially popular with corsairs, as are pieces that appear exotic to Imperial eyes - especially those that have an exciting story attached to them.

Hailmur: /* Creating a Corsair */

2022-03-17T16:43:28Z

Creating a Corsair

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:43, 17 March 2022
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	The corsairs are designed to encourage a more general mix of fighting and trading than a traditional family. Moreso than other Freeborn, corsairs are adventurous and crave excitement. They're much more likely to take personal risks in the pursuit of profit or a new experience. They embody a swashbuckling approach to life, and to a degree are inspired by the antics of Sinbad in stories and film.		The corsairs are designed to encourage a more general mix of fighting and trading than a traditional family. Moreso than other Freeborn, corsairs are adventurous and crave excitement. They're much more likely to take personal risks in the pursuit of profit or a new experience. They embody a swashbuckling approach to life, and to a degree are inspired by the antics of Sinbad in stories and film.

	A corsair group is created like a Freeborn family but emphasises ships and fighting. The [[fleet]] [[resource]] is an obvious choice, but a band of corsairs is also likely to include one or more [[military unit\|military units]] that may represent marines. That's not to say that everyone in a corsair family will be a sailor - there is plenty of room for other Freeborn archetypes. One member of a corsair family might be a priest or [[~~The_Brass_Coast_religious_beliefs#Sutannir\|~~sutannir]] who oversees an island [[congregation]], while another might be concerned with trading the goods the family brings back from barbarian ships and foreign parts to other Imperials (represented by a small [[business]]).		A corsair group is created like a Freeborn family but emphasises ships and fighting. The [[fleet]] [[resource]] is an obvious choice, but a band of corsairs is also likely to include one or more [[military unit\|military units]] that may represent marines. That's not to say that everyone in a corsair family will be a sailor - there is plenty of room for other Freeborn archetypes. One member of a corsair family might be a priest or [[sutannir]] who oversees an island [[congregation]], while another might be concerned with trading the goods the family brings back from barbarian ships and foreign parts to other Imperials (represented by a small [[business]]).

	Most corsair families have a "base" which is almost invariably somewhere on the shores of the Brass Coast, and will represent both the harbour from which the family fleets operate and probably the location of any other personal resources. You might hail from a large settlement on the mainland such as [[Madruga#Siroc\|Siroc]] or [[Feroz#Cazar\|Cazar]]. Alternatively, your family may lay claim to one of the innumerable islands off the coast of [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]]. Some small islands may be home to a single corsair family, which the larger ones are more likely to be shared by two or three groups. It is a rare corsair who is not based in Madruga or Feroz since neither Kahraman nor Segura have a coastline.		Most corsair families have a "base" which is almost invariably somewhere on the shores of the Brass Coast, and will represent both the harbour from which the family fleets operate and probably the location of any other personal resources. You might hail from a large settlement on the mainland such as [[Madruga#Siroc\|Siroc]] or [[Feroz#Cazar\|Cazar]]. Alternatively, your family may lay claim to one of the innumerable islands off the coast of [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]]. Some small islands may be home to a single corsair family, which the larger ones are more likely to be shared by two or three groups. It is a rare corsair who is not based in Madruga or Feroz since neither Kahraman nor Segura have a coastline.
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	A lone corsair is a perfectly acceptable character concept - you might represent a larger "off screen" corsair family, or be an independent captain who embraces the free-wheeling philosophy of the corsair.		A lone corsair is a perfectly acceptable character concept - you might represent a larger "off screen" corsair family, or be an independent captain who embraces the free-wheeling philosophy of the corsair.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=TheCorsairsCome.jpg\|title= Board them!\|caption=While their true strength can be found at sea, corsairs can be just as capable at fighting on land as any other warrior.\|align=centre\|width=600}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=TheCorsairsCome.jpg\|title= Board them!\|caption=While their true strength can be found at sea, corsairs can be just as capable at fighting on land as any other warrior.\|align=centre\|width=600}}

	==Playing a Corsair==		==Playing a Corsair==
	Corsairs tend to dress more simply than other Freeborn, preferring practical trousers and a light tunic when they are working. Their flair for wealth tends to show through with jewellery worn at wrist and neck. Metal chains are especially popular with corsairs, as are pieces that appear exotic to Imperial eyes - especially those that have an exciting story attached to them.		Corsairs tend to dress more simply than other Freeborn, preferring practical trousers and a light tunic when they are working. Their flair for wealth tends to show through with jewellery worn at wrist and neck. Metal chains are especially popular with corsairs, as are pieces that appear exotic to Imperial eyes - especially those that have an exciting story attached to them.

Cathtice at 17:13, 12 August 2021

2021-08-12T17:13:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:13, 12 August 2021
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	[[Category:The Brass Coast]]		[[Category:The Brass Coast]]
			[[Category:Archetype]]

Hastur: /* Overview */

2019-06-10T10:35:12Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:35, 10 June 2019
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	{{CaptionedImage\|file=CorsairZanterr.jpg\|title= Zanterr i Ezmara i Erego, who started as a cabin boy and now captains a fleet.\|caption=The Freeborn detest piracy, but embrace privateering.\|align=left\|width=300}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=CorsairZanterr.jpg\|title= Zanterr i Ezmara i Erego, who started as a cabin boy and now captains a fleet.\|caption=The Freeborn detest piracy, but embrace privateering.\|align=left\|width=300}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Corsairs epitomise Freeborn daring and adventure. Since the earliest days of the Brass Coast, their ships have ranged across the known world seeking opportunities for trade and excitement and defending both Freeborn and Imperial interests at sea. The corsairs embrace these traditions, but they excel as sea-borne raiders who prey on barbarian shipping passing through the Bay of Catazar. The Freeborn detest piracy, but they regard [[Fleet#~~Privateering~~\|privateering]] as a perfectly legitimate form of warfare - and a highly profitable one at that. By focusing their attacks against the ships (and occasionally coastal settlements) of nations the [[Imperial Senate]] has declared barbarians, they not only avoid censure but gain the approval of the Empire.		Corsairs epitomise Freeborn daring and adventure. Since the earliest days of the Brass Coast, their ships have ranged across the known world seeking opportunities for trade and excitement and defending both Freeborn and Imperial interests at sea. The corsairs embrace these traditions, but they excel as sea-borne raiders who prey on barbarian shipping passing through the Bay of Catazar. The Freeborn detest piracy, but they regard [[Fleet#Take_Independent_Action\|privateering]] as a perfectly legitimate form of warfare - and a highly profitable one at that. By focusing their attacks against the ships (and occasionally coastal settlements) of nations the [[Imperial Senate]] has declared barbarians, they not only avoid censure but gain the approval of the Empire.

	Few corsairs are just privateers - most engage in foreign trade when it suits them, especially when the Bay is undergoing a period of relative stability. Their most common enemy is the [[Grendel]] but it has been decades since a serious Grendel attack has threatened the Empire, and most of that force were sunk long before they reached shore. There are still sporadic engagements between the orc ships and the ships of corsairs, of course, but increasingly corsair families are looking further afield - to trade with foreign nations.		Few corsairs are just privateers - most engage in foreign trade when it suits them, especially when the Bay is undergoing a period of relative stability. Their most common enemy is the [[Grendel]] but it has been decades since a serious Grendel attack has threatened the Empire, and most of that force were sunk long before they reached shore. There are still sporadic engagements between the orc ships and the ships of corsairs, of course, but increasingly corsair families are looking further afield - to trade with foreign nations.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:13, 30 April 2024
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	Corsairs epitomise Freeborn daring and adventure. Since the earliest days of the Brass Coast, their ships have ranged across the known world seeking opportunities for trade and excitement and defending both Freeborn and Imperial interests at sea. The corsairs embrace these traditions, but they excel as sea-borne raiders who prey on barbarian shipping passing through the Bay of Catazar. The Freeborn detest piracy, but they regard [[Fleet#Take_Independent_Action\|privateering]] as a perfectly legitimate form of warfare - and a highly profitable one at that. By focusing their attacks against the ships (and occasionally coastal settlements) of nations the [[Imperial Senate]] has declared barbarians, they not only avoid censure but gain the approval of the Empire.		Corsairs epitomise Freeborn daring and adventure. Since the earliest days of the Brass Coast, their ships have ranged across the known world seeking opportunities for trade and excitement and defending both Freeborn and Imperial interests at sea. The corsairs embrace these traditions, but they excel as sea-borne raiders who prey on barbarian shipping passing through the Bay of Catazar. The Freeborn detest piracy, but they regard [[Fleet#Take_Independent_Action\|privateering]] as a perfectly legitimate form of warfare - and a highly profitable one at that. By focusing their attacks against the ships (and occasionally coastal settlements) of nations the [[Imperial Senate]] has declared barbarians, they not only avoid censure but gain the approval of the Empire.

	Few corsairs are just privateers - most engage in foreign trade when it suits them, especially when the Bay is undergoing a period of relative stability. Their most common enemy is the [[Grendel]]. Before the death of [[Empress Britta\|the Young Empress]] it had been decades since a serious Grendel attack had threatened the Empire, and most of that force was sunk long before they reached shore. There have always been sporadic engagements between the orc ships and the ships of corsairs, of course, but increasingly corsair families were looking further afield - to trade with foreign nations. With the Grendel becoming more active in the Bay of Catazar, many of those corsair families are returning to their roots as wardens of Imperial waters.		Few corsairs are just privateers - most engage in foreign trade when it suits them, especially when the Bay is undergoing a period of relative stability. Their most common enemy is the [[Grendel]]. Before the death of [[Empress Britta\|the Young Empress]] it had been decades since a serious Grendel attack had threatened the Empire from the sea, and most of that force was sunk long before they reached shore. There have always been sporadic engagements between the orc ships and the ships of corsairs, of course, but increasingly corsair families were looking further afield - to trade with foreign nations. With the Grendel becoming more active in the Bay of Catazar, many of those corsair families are returning to their roots as wardens of Imperial waters.

	There is a significant difference between a pirate and a privateer. If the Freeborn applaud the triumphs of their corsairs, and enjoy the wealth and plunder they bring back, the Empire tolerate it because the actions of the corsairs damage the barbarians who dwell across the bay from attempting a naval invasion. Problems arise if a corsair chooses to engage in piracy against the shipping of a foreign nation that is not at war with the Empire. Though more profitable, this can lead to a breakdown in diplomatic relations or even a shift towards open hostility. This can, in turn, prompt sweeping action by the Senate - as seen in the Summer 378YE motion to [[Employ_Civil_Service_to_observe_Fleets\|place civil service observers]] on all ships leaving Imperial ports.		There is a significant difference between a pirate and a privateer. If the Freeborn applaud the triumphs of their corsairs, and enjoy the wealth and plunder they bring back, the Empire tolerate it because the actions of the corsairs damage the barbarians who dwell across the bay from attempting a naval invasion. Problems arise if a corsair chooses to engage in piracy against the shipping of a foreign nation that is not at war with the Empire. Though more profitable, this can lead to a breakdown in diplomatic relations or even a shift towards open hostility. This can, in turn, prompt sweeping action by the Senate - as seen in the Summer 378YE motion to [[Employ_Civil_Service_to_observe_Fleets\|place civil service observers]] on all ships leaving Imperial ports.