Panache Entente (pan-ash on-taunt)
Known colloquially as either The Panache or The Entente, this group of pirates calls the Faedrion Archipelago home. The island chain is difficult to navigate, and no one knows for sure where the various settlements and ports may reside within this archipelago. The capital is known as Corsair Cove and is set on a rocky island somewhere in the archipelago.
The Panache have been known to raid as far away as Gorville or Alard's Rest but typically stay much closer to home. Their more common raiding grounds are in the Gulf of Viskii and the Te'kiil Ocean, capitalizing on the vast amount of global shipping that passes through these waters. Wealthier merchants or companies hire fleets of ships to sail together, hoping to deter Panache attacks. This works sometimes but the Entente has been known to bring fleets of their own to certain engagements. For sailors and merchants, the Panache are a constant threat, though cooperation (a.k.a. just give them what you're carrying) typically leads to very little violence. For common folk, even those in port cities, they are romanticized pirates who have a surprising reputation for chivalry and decency.
Not much is known about the formation of the Panache, but legends and rumors say a pirate ship that had raided powerful merchants was on the run and sailed toward the archipelago. Hit by a sudden blast of divine intervention or dumb luck, the captain and navigator were able to make their way through the reefs and hid out in the island chain successfully. This captain supposedly then had his ship sail carefully around the island chain mapping every last island and reef. Then the ship sailed back into various ports around the world and shared copies of the map with other pirates. Within just two years, over a hundred ships claimed allegiance to the Panache and had set up a number of settlements and ports within the archipelago. As time went on, the pirates recognized the need for a central hub to meet for trade and to discuss collective actions. They founded Corsair Cove around 980 2A on a rocky, defensible island, and that has been their home base and main port ever since.
Structure
The entire Panache is defined by a strict hierarchy of captains and ships, at least according to reports from a variety of sources (captured pirates, escaped slaves, and defectors). At the top of this hierarchy sits the Cay Mogul, elected by their fellow captains. When the Cay Mogul goes out to sea on their own raids, the strict hierarchy determines who takes over leadership duties in Corsair Cove temporarily. All major decisions about the Panache business must be decided by a democratic vote of all captains able to be present for an announced congress. Not much else is known about the structure, including how much power the Cay Mogul has over the rest of the Entente or Corsair Cove specifically.
Founding Date
Unknown, suspected ca. 900 2A
Type
Illicit, Pirate Crew
Capital
Alternative Names
The Panache, The Entente
Demonym
Panachees (pan-ash-ays)
Leader Title
Government System
Monarchy, Elective
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
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