#primer
In Carrouban, piracy is not merely a crime; it is a direct consequence of a continent in upheaval. As the Conquistadan Civil War stretches imperial resources thin, the line between a decorated privateer and a desperate outlaw has blurred into nonexistence. For many, the choice is simple: endure a meager soldier's salary under a cruel commander or claim the freedom of the seas and a share of the continent's vast, untapped riches. This desperation has birthed a culture that is a unique amalgamation of the many peoples who call the sea their home, blending Azcelani, Conquistadors (16P), and even former Inquistadors (16P) traditions into a tapestry of shared songs, codes, and superstitions.

While piracy exists everywhere water touches, the promise of wealth is most potent in East Carrouban (16P), where gold is so abundant that rumours persist of entire cities built from the precious metal. This region has become a hotspot for those looking to strike it rich, fueled by the frequent passage of luxury goods (and even Blackpowder from the Blackpowder Territories (16P) as ships make their way past East Carrouban (16P) on their way to Conquistan).

Life of a Pirate

While the life of a pirate is often defined by the mantra of "live fast, die young, get rich while you're at it" the potential for a massive treasure score draws sailors from every walk of life into a complex web of maritime councils and shifting alliances.

The pirate's life revolves around the acquisition and fencing of exotic goods, often following rumors of massive treasure scores in regions like East Carrouban. While ships can be bought (and often, stolen!) from many ports, the city of Balfour remains the premier destination for those seeking masterful vessels. Despite the allure of wealth, it is a dangerous profession where crews must constantly evade the navies and bounty hunters who relentlessly hunt them across trade routes that lack any proper wide-scale policing.

Pirate Lords

At the heart of this lawless society are the Pirate Lords, figures whose reputations are often half-fact and half-fiction. These leaders command entire fleets and rarely deny the supernatural tales that surround their names, using myth as a weapon to strike wonder into the hearts of rebels and fear into merchants.

These lords often operate out of pirate havens, though even the most established sanctuaries can quickly turn into death traps when political winds shift and local governors orchestrate merciless purges to appease the tightening grip of their imperial overlords.

Piracy and the Law

Though officially banned and punishable by death, the legal status of piracy is complex. Some officials endorse it through letters of marque against enemy vessels, yet those caught without such protection face brutal ends, such as the Iron Cage (a device designed to drown captives at high tide), or hanging. For the most skilled, fortunate, or wealthy, the Duel of Duels offers a chance at survival through trial by combat, a Conquistadan tradition where a magistrate may rule a defendant innocent if they prevail fairly.