The Buccaneer Code
This is the Law of the Buccaneers - the rules set forth by their ancestors to govern, direct, and provide for them. To break The Code is to risk one's honor, heritage, property, and life ... and as such should not be undertaken lightly. The Code is maintained and enforced by a coalition of Buccaneer Captain's known as the Tribunal. By right of birth, by right of combat, or by right of consent, six Captains have been chosen to protect The Code and enforce it's precepts. Any and all addtions or alterations to The Code are reviewed and agreed upon by them in the name of all the Buccaneers.
Sorry for the lack of information here - this will be a page of ongoing progress as rules of the Code are added over time as Real Life permits. My apologies! Should you have any questions over a situation that has come up, please contact Sebastian for assistance. Many thanks!
Promotion
Promotion varies from ship to ship. Generally one is promoted by the Captain of the ship or
sometimes the First Officer, for less important positions. However, by the Buccaneer code, one
can "challenge" for a position. If a sailor challenges for the position of another sailor, the
Captain or the First Mate of the ship will design a competition, to see which man is the
better for the duties required of their position. This becomes something of a spectator sport
for the rest of the crew and generally much wagering goes on. Whichever sailor performs the
best during the competition either holds the position or wins it.
On certain pirate vessels, the more down and dirty, promotion can be gained through combat as well. This is frowned upon by most ships simply because it is costly of men and generally of skilled sailors. However those who adhere more closely to their bloodthirsty roots often still follow this practice.
Some pirates might think to gain a new position through subtrefuge, murder, or blackmail. While not allowed by the Code, a ship stands unto itself and often the laws upon the ship vary depending upon the crew and the captain. However if one is to use such methods to gain advancement, caution is advised. Not only are enemies gained, but any proof of such behavior could lead to a claim against said scoundrel, and by the Code such actions are punishable by death.
In the case of the Captain's death, if there is no other declared heir to the position, the duties and role of Captain are taken up by the First Officer. Generally in such a case each person is promoted up the rank by one, with the Second Officer becoming the First Officer, and so on. However the new Captain may choose to assign positions to other members of the crew. Any sailor that is displaced of their position may of course challenge this as mentioned above. The Captain, however, does have the power to deny a challenge, though this is often frowned upon by the crew and can lead to dissent amongst the ranks.
Contracts
Ship to Ship
Buccaneer ships show their affiliation by flying their symbol upon a field of black, or by
flying a plain black flag along with their own flag. Pirates are often bolder, flying a skull
flag upon a black field to show not only their affilation, but their position as true pirates.
Others choose to fly different flags in order to deceive ships they might wish to attack and
board.
By flying a black flag you protect yourself from being targeted by pirates as you are a member of the Buccaneers. In being a member the ship tithes to the Buccaneer Tribunal and receives in return "protection" from pirates, though generally that simply means amnesty from the Buccaneers themselves. However a member of the Buccaneers does, by the Code, gain protection in turn. If, for example, a rouge pirate ship choose to attack a Buccaneer merchant ship, any passing Buccaneer ship that is able is honor bound to offer assistance and repel the attacking ship.
Those who might think to fool the Buccaneers by simply flying a black flag will find themselves in dire danger. Not only are regular updates sent out to the ships affiliated with the Buccaneers, indicating which ships are indeed members, but newly joined captains are instructed upon secret responses to give should a Buccaneer ship turn to attack them. Sharing such information is forbidden and the penalty for doing so is the raiding of said captain's ship, the execution or enslavement of the crew, and the death of the captain.
Combat
Combat is often used to settle disputes between members of the crew and between ships. For
example, if a Captain of a ship believes that he has been wronged, he may claim the right of
combat against the Captain of the offending ship. This is a ritualized rite, where both crews
form a protective circle about the pair, though it if forbidden for them to aid either captain
in any way. The two Captain's then fight a sword duel. For some it is to the death, for others
it is whoever yields first. But for a Captain to yield in such a duel is a great shame and it
is unlikely he will be able to hold his position as captain for long upon his ship afterward.
The process of combat allows the dispute to be settled without unnecessarily loss of life for
either ship or crew. By the code the sailors of each crew must abide by the results of the
comabt. There is no "revenge" to be gained afterward. The combat is a way for the offense to
be cleared, allowing each crew to return to their ship, the reputation of said ship untainted.
Blood washes the sin away clean. Of course not all crews are so easily able to abide by such
losses and though it goes against the Code, there are many ships and crews that will harbor
resentments against the winning Captain and his ship.
Pirating
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