Emergence of Pirate Havens

With the ever proceeding decline of central authority, the Imperial Colonies mothballed their meager fleet in favor of their land forces. Many of the sailors who were about to be jobless and destitute decided to put to sea instead, founding the first pirate fleets on Ferra. While many remained relatively peaceful, seeking only to force Governor Alanus Damian to reenlist them, many others began plundering and extorting the coasts.
Some towns had such depleted garrisons that they were either captured or surrendered to the pirates, turning them into Pirate Havens.