United Confederacy of Pirates
History
The United Confederation of Pirates was an organisation that gained power several years after the Split. They were originally a group of looters and raiders, fighting a war both against higher authority and themselves. After much fighting, diplomacy, and careful management, they rose to be the most powerful criminals in all the world. They ruled the oceans for over a two decades, plundering and stealing anything they could lay their hands on.
The earliest example of organisation in the pirate underworld was in around 10PR; several groups across the outer islands set up small ship posts from which to conduct operations. For two years, they used small brigs and sloops to terrorize merchants sailing in the area. Several islands became completely cut off from the Capital Island of Doriath. It became clear that, in the favour of exploration and trade, something should be done about these looters and pirates. In late 12PR, a Capital fleet of Privateers, sailed over and blasted two of the posts to splinters. Officials apprehended 40 suspected pirates and they were brought to the capital. In a ruthless show of power the capital performed a public execution, involving a hanging, drawing, and quartering; all done without a trial. This display of merciless slaughter left a feeling of security for the people of the capital, but it would not last forever.
In 15PR, on an unknown island, a very powerful being, referred to as “Her Majesty”, began recruiting in the underworld of criminals. Vampires, dwarfs, halflings, elves, humans; any and every race who were interested in a life of piracy. The outer Eastern islands soon fell under her influence, those who did not surrender were brutally slaughtered. The capital caught wind, and soon their fleet was sent to begin a campaign against this new rising faction. However it was cut short for the fleet was forced back by an unrelenting storm. A storm conjured by a sourcerer.
The new Confederacy felt that it was strong enough to take on the capital. They met the Doriath fleet in open water.
The Pirates had a total of 25 ships, around six of those were war galleons. The capital, by comparison, had seven-man o’ war type vessels and 36 ships in total. The Confedrates were utterly smashed, and the battle was known as the “The Battle of Jourtlund.” In command of the Confederate fleet was Gilford Stormheart. He, following the battle, was reprimanded, and demoted to captain. The commander of the capital fleet is still unknown.
Now that the Confederacy is without any ships, they go underground for a while. Soon, however, they met with corrupt officials from Kennerhiem. With enough money collected over the years, the Confederacy purchases many ships with brand new models of cannons and muskets. They are also able to bribe the Kennerhiem Naval Authority to join their side.
However, at around 21PR, the Confederates return. Their Navy consists of ships built and sold to them by Kennerhiem. The Confederate fleet arrives in force in the Dralgover Sea accompanied by ships from the 3rd Flotilla of the Kennerhiem Naval Authority. Opposing them were ships from the Grand Maritime Coalition, made up of ships from Dire, Merredel and Doriath.
With 56 ships against 62, the Confederacy and Kennerhiem Flotilla are outnumbered. A vampire captain, Inecea Sufocan, led the frigate “Bloody Tooth” on a boarding mission. He boarded and captured the Doriathian Galleon “Queen of The Sea.” This sent the wavering Capital ships into a full-scale route. The Dire fleet was scattered by the Kennerhiem Naval Authority and broke away from the engagement. Merredel then also retreated.
Dire was blockaded following an unsuccessful landing. However, Dire’s Merredel allies came back. This time, they came in full strength. A total of 26 ships sailed straight into the Confederacy’s blockade. The Confederacy had over 60 ships in the vicinity. The Merredel fleet was forced off by superior numbers. Captain Sufocan pursued but turned back fearing a trap. He and 30 confederate ships had indeed sailed into a trap. They turned back too late, and, under the cover of night, old Merredel merchants were set alight and sent into the Confederate fleet. The embarasement of such an event and the danger of a now even engagement with the superior commanders of the Merredel and Dire Naval forces, the Confederacy broke the blockade.
Nonetheless, The United Confederacy of Pirates had struck fear into the hearts of many. Despite the failed blockade, they continued operations. Their success depended on “Her Majesty” and her supporters to rally the pirates behind one flag. Once completed, the corrupt officials of Kennerhiem supplied them with ships and armament. The Confederacy became a huge threat to all sovereign islands.
Maps
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The City of Storms
Founding Date
15
Type
Illicit, Pirate Crew
Alternative Names
The Confederacy
Training Level
Semi-trained
Demonym
Pirates
Head of State
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Barter system
Location
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Comments