On the Sword Coast, the once-feared pirates had become the underdogs, pinned between a fearsome and merciless fleet that had little place but the oars for humans, and the very coasts they had raided for decades. The Pirates’ Pardon was the gesture of good faith needed to point many pirates towards a common cause, making them Privateers in Tethyr’s name. Their targets were the fringes of the monstrous fleet, the isles that supported it, and any wedges that could be driven between unstable elements of Balura Ironprow’s armada. Profit was as good as it had ever been, though the risks now were greater still.
While many pirates remained uncertain of their options, Captain Eamon Blaskul of the Black Skull Pirates accepted the Queen’s offer of pardon, along with his fleet. He had convinced other notable captains to do the same. Captain Blaskul was known as an even-tempered and extremely capable man, shunning wanton cruelty in favor of a more pragmatic and measured approach. He was known for ensuring he had representatives of both Valkur and Umberlee among his followers, accepting advice and blessings from both. Since his acceptance of Zaranda's Pardon and allegiance with Tethyr's Navy as a Privateer, his manner and command brought many sailors under his flag, most of whom only wanted the best for Tethyr and felt that they would be too constrained within the country's Navy. Some others simply longed for adventure and the high seas, and the freedom being a part of such a crew entailed.
Currently, the Black Skull Privateers have seven ships in the fleet with a captain each, though all defer to Eamon Blaskul, who wisely tempers the ruthlessness of the Scimitar of Fire’s "Captain Ornshield" and the cold lethality and diligence of the Sea Wraith’s "Bahija the Fair". Fleet-Captain Eamon himself captains the largest ship of the lot, the Queen’s Pardon, and the one most in need of crew. Captain Eamon Blaskul seeks to fill out that crew, one that will help him sail against monsters and humans alike, and win more support to his banner; a crew that will help him navigate the pitfalls of pirate diplomacy.
Outlook:
The Black Sail clan is a mix of personalities and intentions. Fleet-Captain Eamon Blaskul does well to keep the fleet on task, aiding Tethyr’s Crown and Navy in protection of ports, merchant vessels and nipping at Nelanther’s allied pirate fleet. However, that doesn’t mean all their activities are honest. The Pardon allows for freedom of movement near the coast and access to Tethyr’s ports along with the shady characters there. Very commonly are there clandestine activities going on while they serve the Crown.
This is especially true for Bahija the Fair and her ships. Bahija uses the Pardon to have access to Tulmene’s shady dealings and she secretly deals with other unlawful organizations the rest of the faction doesn't have connections to. Eamon has tempered Bahija’s hatred of Queen Zaranda by keeping her busy and reminding her of the benefits of having access to the coast. Captain Ornshield is kept content by attacking slaving ships, Nelanther Pirates, and the occasional Calimshan naval ship, and he does so with ruthlessness.
OOC Notes:
// The default Seafaring faction, which will be able to support general sailing RP, adventuring on the high seas, and clandestine events supporting both good-aligned Sailors and black-hearted pirates. There will be elements of naval battles and Privateer politics involved with this faction, allowing for a diverse cast to succeed within it. While the faction has an inherent association with piracy and evil characters, it will be able to support Good-aligned characters equally well due to its different ships and their crews all varying in alignment.