Corsair

The only difference between a privateer and a merchant is that the privateers get their goods cheaper.

Freeborn Proverb

The Freeborn detest piracy, but embrace privateering.

Overview

Corsairs epitomize Freeborn daring and adventure.

The Freeborn are not the strongest military in the Empire, but there is one area where their strength is uncontested – on the open seas. Every Freeborn tribe includes dozens of families who make their living as corsairs, sea-borne raiders who prey on barbarian shipping passing through the Bay of Catazar. The Freeborn detest piracy, but they regard privateering as a perfectly legitimate form of warfare, albeit a highly profitable one.

Corsair groups are usually Freeborn families who own one or more seaworthy vessels. Corsairs are not just privateers, they commonly engage in foreign trade. A common saying suggests that the only difference between a privateer and a merchant is that the privateers get their goods cheaper.

Regardless of how they choose to interact with foreigners, corsairs are often a source of goods unobtainable within the Empire. If the Freeborn applaud the triumphs of their corsairs, and enjoy the wealth and plunder they bring back, the Empire tolerate it because the corsairs are effective in dissuading the barbarians who dwell across the bay from attempting a naval invasion. Only the fear of the power of the corsairs keeps the southern coasts of the Empire free of invaders.

Military Heritage

Coming soon.