Privateer
Privateers are seafarers commissioned by governments to work for them.
Career
Qualifications
Two legs (Live or peg), at least one functioning hand (natural or prosthetic), some level of defense, knowledge of maritime maps and policies, immunity to seasickness
Career Progression
One first works as a steward, but as time goes on and renown is gained, one's diversity of roles increases.
Payment & Reimbursement
Payment is secured in enemy loot and a steady paycheck.
Other Benefits
Travel, government protection and backing
Perception
Purpose
To serve their kingdoms' will on the open oceans
Social Status
While respected in their home country as guardians and soldiers, privateers are treated no differently than pirates and enemies of war in enemy lands.
Demographics
Privateers are a diverse bunch across all identities. Some are mercenaries, street rats, and actual pirates. Men, women; Half-Mages, Non-Mages.
History
In the past, the primary purpose of privateers was exploration, hoping to chart and colonize new lands just like the ones on, well, land. Also like on land, where there are valuables, there are thieves. So privateer groups quickly reworked their operations to become pirate hunters and protectors of maritime policy.
Operations
Tools
Weapons
Maps
Compasses
- Swords
- Spears
- Bows
- Cannons
Maps
Compasses
Materials
Sail fabric, wooden planks, meal rations, cannonballs
Workplace
The smell of the sea is a staple. When not on the job, privateers will hang around anywhere from taverns to government institutions looking for hire, gathering for intel, or spending their spoils.
Provided Services
Deliveries, raids, escorts, exploration
Dangers & Hazards
As with any maritime occupation, the risk of being lost at sea is very real, not to mention retaliation from pirates or rival privateers. Until relatively recently, scurvy was the leading cause of premature deaths among privateers.
Alternative Names
Marine Merc, Pirate
Type
Military
Demand
Varies by location
Famous in the Field
Used By
Related Vehicles
Related Technologies
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I like the Qualifications for the Job and can imagine the Job-interview:
"Arr, so yee can stand on yee two feet? Arr, yee have a hand? What two? Well that is good, not over qualifying, but good to have one spare hand at... hand!"