Corsair Kingdom

The Corsair Kingdom was an informal alliance of corsairs, or pirates, that operated in the first couple centuries of the Fourth Era in the Golden Sea. Borne out of the chaos created by persistent squabbling of Daphnea nobility, the "kingdom" reached its height around the early 6900s. Though the organization declined as the Daphnea gradually fell in line behind international trading companies, the Corsair Kingdom provided a basis for much of the structure of said companies.

Origin

Following the exodus of Kantaran Imperials after the Imperial War, Beurum experienced rapid socio-political change, particularly in the Sunlit Isles. As various noble houses competed for authority over the region, several small groups of seafaring bandits sprang up, borne from entire families which had been thrust into poverty and had little other choice. They used leftover ships and weaponry from the Imperial War, and took advantage of the opportunities created by conflicting elite families. For example, some corsairs would smuggle food into besieged cities.

History

These groups, realizing that they had common interests, banded together under an array of charismatic leaders. Most of these individuals were Daphnea, but also involved in the organization were a fair number of Arqu wood elves whose homeland had been conquered by noble families looking to expand their territory. The most famous of these leaders was Elsin Vitrician, better known as Lady Elsin. Elsin had had a noble upbringing, but her family was destroyed in a conflict. She used her education in oratory and combat to unify the corsairs into a "league of elves who truly care for their countrymen". This league was only given the name "Corsair Kingdom" as a derogative by noble houses, who refused to recognize the league's danger until Elsin largely took control in 6910, using the chaos of the Charis-Anaxos dispute as a means to do this. After the death of Sirsion of Anaxos and the assassination of Asterion of Charis in 6911, Elsin, along with the Old Thirty, a group of elite corsair crews, moved to control the Strait of Ivurnia.

Structure

At the head of the league was the Sea Council, over which one member generally held more authority than others. The council had authority over all captains (individuals who were in charge of at least one ship as well as a crew) who swore loyalty. Every captain controlled at least one ship. Beneath a captain was the navigator, who ensured the ship's route; the quartermaster, who oversaw the ship's supplies; and the armsmaster, who oversaw the ship's weaponry. Some captains had first and second mates, who would oversee the ship in the absence of a captain. Some more advanced ships also had carpenters, who would repair complicated technical problems. Sailors were the lowest but most populous member of the Corsair Kingdom. Sailors were responsible for manning the ship's weaponry, taking care of other crew members, and boarding other vessels. It was against the Council's decree for sailors to have servants or slaves. Archcaptains were captain who controlled multiple ships, usually operating with a flagship that was the most powerful of their fleet.

Culture

The Corsair Kingdom was, ultimately, an informal alliance. Thus, there was significant variation between ship crews. Ultimately, however, most corsairs were concerned with the well-being of those who had fallen on hard times as a result of the nobility, as well as their own well-being. Ship crews often formed a community around their vessel, which ensured the health and safety of all members. While some groups of corsairs tried to use as little violence as possible, other corsairs embraced violence and tried to inflict as much havoc as possible on their targets. Most corsairs, however, were not interested in accumulating the wealth acquired from this violence.

Assets

At the height of its power, the Corsair Kingdom controlled over two thousand vessels, as well as a number of towns along the western coast of the peninsula that held the Old Elvish Mountains. They amassed a number of horses, weapons, armor, and even some fortresses in the mountains.