Pirate Codex

Code is the law.

— Edward Bartholomew

Purpose

The Pirate Codex, commonly referred to as the Pirate's Code, Pirate Code or simply the Code, is a large book containing the entire Code of the Pirate Brethren.

Document Structure

Clauses

It is comprised of one thousand textured parchment pages.

Historical Details

Background

The code aims to regulate important matters such es behavior aboard, sharing of booty and dealings among pirates.

History

The code was written by Edward Bartholomew, René Richilieu and Alyda Vaelstrad, the three most notorious pirate captains, that ever sailed the seven seas.

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Pirate Codex

I. Rights Aboard

1. Every man has a vote in affairs of moment. This is especially true for the election of the Captain as well as officers like the quartermaster (first mate), helmsman and bosun (boatswain).
2. Every man gets the same amount of fresh rations and alcoholic beverages. Every man can eat and drink whenever he wants to and as much as he needs to, as long as there is no lack of provisions that requires rationing.
3. The musicians are to have rest on Dardone, but the other six days and nights, none without special favour.
4. Whoever first spotted a treasure-laden ship can choose the best pistol for themselves.

II. Duties and Rules Aboard

1. Candles and other lights are to be extinguished at 8 pm. A man that wants to drink past that time, shall do so on deck.
2. No man shall play for money, neither with cards nor dice. Who still does so is to be punished in a way that the Captain and the Company shall think fit.
3. When a crew member steals from another one, the one who had been stolen from has the right to get compensated for this, by cutting the ears and nose of the thief. The thief is also to be marooned. Not on an inhabited place, but somewhere where he will live in want.
4. No striking one another on board. Every man's quarrels are to be ended on shore, at sword and pistol. The quarter-master of the ship, when the parties will not come to any reconciliation, accompanies them on shore with what assistance he thinks proper, and turns the disputant back to back, at so many paces distance; at the word of command, they turn and fire immediately (or else the piece is knocked out of their hands). If both miss, they come to their cutlasses, and then he is declared the victor who draws the first blood. If land can not be reached within 24 hours, the attacker will be punished by Calia's law (one whiplash less than 40).
5. Any man that is charged of having cheated another one by a silver or more, is to be punished in a way that the Captain and the Company shall think fit.
6. Any man that has neglected his duties aboard is to be punished in a way that the Captain and the Company shall think fit.

III. Booty

1. The Captain and the quartermaster (first mate) are to be given two shares; helmsman, bosun, master gunner and ship's surgeon are to be given one and a half share. All regular crew member are to be given one share and cabin boys shall receive half a share.
2. Every man is to be called fairly in turn, by list, to gather his share and a shift of clothes of his choice.
3. No pirate is allowed to talk of breaking up their way of living, before he has earned at least a thousand pieces of gold.
4. Any man that has found gems, jewelry or silver worth at least one gold on a prize has to hand it over to the quartermaster (first mate) within 24 hours, or is to be punished in a way that the Captain and the Company shall think fit.
5. Any person who refuses to serve aboard a pirate's ship must die.

IV. Behavior in Combat

1. Any man charged of cowardice in combat, is to be punished in a way that the Captain and the Company shall think fit..
2. Any man to desert the ship or their quarters in battle, is to be marooned on an abandoned island.
3. Any man who falls behind is left behind.
4. Any man who begs for mercy shall have his life spared. Killing a surrendered enemy is not allowed.
5. Any man has to tend to his weapons, pistols and cutlasses and fit for service. Who does not comply, shall not receive his and is to be punished in a way that the Captain and the Company shall think fit.
6. Any man charged with grogginess in combat, is to be punished in a way that the Captain and the Company shall think fit.

V. Parley

1. An enemy wishing to parley is to suffer no harm, until the negotiations have been completed.
2. The wish to parley is to make clear by shouting "Parley!".

VII. Compensations

1. Any man who loses a joint in battle, shall receive four shares of the booty at the end of the cruise.
2. Any man who loses an arm or a leg, shall receive eight shares instead.
3. Lesser wounds are to be compensated appropriately.

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Type

Manuscript, Legal

Medium

Paper