The Confederation of Free Sailors

**The Confederation of Free Sailors** (CFS) is a loose republic of pirates and freedom fighters operating along the Venthalian west coast founded in 896 AV. The CFS is known for its strong belief in freedom, individual liberty, and opposition to monarchy and slavery. Governed by an informal pirate code and the Captain's Table, a council of 24 elected ship captains, the CFS remains a significant force in the region, disrupting trade and naval operations across Venthalia. The capital of the CFS is the city of Santigo.

## History

Captain Kipfer Santigo, a pirate captain and the founding leader of the CFS, led a motley makeshift armada of pirate captains in a daring assault on the Hysemacon fleet, sparking the Golden Age of Piracy and the establishment of the CFS. Santigo was born in Devon in 855 AV, during the reign of Queen Leonora I, to a family of modest means. In 884 AV, disillusioned with the Kingdom's policies and practices, particularly regarding slavery, Santigo and his crew defected from the Royal Navy, stealing the Bridgeman in the process.

Santigo's career before the CFS primarily occurred during the reign of King Ardem IV, who took a harsh stance against piracy, vigorously prosecuting anyone suspected of involvement. After his defection, Captain Santigo gained infamy as a pirate. Following the coronation of King Harmen II, he targeted and plundered the Kingdom's ships, accumulating both wealth and a reputation as a formidable adversary. Cpt Santigo's most famous raid, in 894 AV, was on a 14-ship convoy of Ousurferian vessels making the journey to Althea Prone, including the treasure-laden "Hysemacon" and its escort fleet of warships. The treasure was intended to support the Kingdom in its battle against the Klans. Joining forces with 23 other pirate vessels, Cpt Santigo found himself in command of a small pirate squadron, and they were able to capture up the incalculable haul of gold and silver. This caused considerable damage to the Kingdoms's fragile relations with the Lords of Ousurferia, and a combined bounty of 25,000 Gold—an immense sum at the time—was offered by the Royal Government and the Lords of Ousurferia for his capture, leading to the first continent-wide manhunt in recorded history.

The successful attack on the Hysemacon marked the beginning of the Golden Age of Piracy. Santigo and the other 23 pirate captains involved in the assault gained immense prominence and popularity along the western coast of Venthalia. The wealth they had acquired enabled them to establish strongholds and communities, openly defying the Kingdom's rule. Dubbed "The King of Pirates" by contemporaries, Cpt Santigo was infamous at the time for being one of very few major pirate captains to escape with his loot without being arrested or killed in battle, and for being the organizing perpetrator of what has been called the most profitable act of piracy in history. Although some members of his armada were eventually arrested and executed, Cpt Santigo himself eluded capture, vanishing from all records in 908 AV; his whereabouts and activities after this period are unknown. Unconfirmed accounts state he may have changed his name and retired, quietly living out the rest of his life in either Burth Port or on an unidentified tropical island, while alternative accounts consider Santigo may have squandered his riches. He is believed by historians to have died sometime between 910 and 920; his cut of treasure has never been recovered.

During the Golden Age of Piracy, the western coast of Venthalia was a hotbed of rebellion, defiance, and adventure. It was in this tumultuous time that Captain Kipfer Santigo and 23 other pirate captains joined forces to create the Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS) in 896 AV, a loose republic of pirates united in their pursuit of freedom, individual liberty, and opposition to monarchy and slavery. Today, the CFS operates along the Venthalian west coast, united by their shared beliefs in freedom, individual liberty, and opposition to the monarchy and slavery. The leadership of the CFS, known as the "Captain's Table," consisted of 24 elected pirate captains, including Santigo. The Captain's Table governed the Confederation according to an informal pirate code, with each captain having a voice and a vote. The other 23 pirate captains who joined Santigo in founding the CFS were a diverse and formidable group of individuals, each bringing their unique skills, resources, and motivations to the table. Hailing from various backgrounds and harboring a shared disdain for the oppressive rule of the monarchy, these captains banded together to form a powerful alliance that would shake the very foundations of the Kingdom. Among the notable captains were:

* Captain "Ironballs" Uldren, a seasoned veteran with a reputation for ruthless efficiency, who commanded the heavily-armed galleon, the Sea Reaper.
* Captain Morgana Rosemond, a cunning strategist and skilled navigator, known for her ability to lead her crew, the Shadow's Grasp, through the most treacherous waters.
* Captain Rorik Skarsgaard, a charismatic and fearless leader whose lightning-fast raids earned him and his ship, the Stormbringer, a legendary status.

Together, these captains and their allies forged the CFS, a powerful force that would grow in influence and strength along the Venthalian coast. They established the Captain's Table, a council of 24 elected captains, with each captain having a voice and a vote in the matters of the Confederation. This democratic approach ensured that the CFS would be guided by the collective wisdom and experience of its members, rather than the whims of a single ruler. The founding of the CFS marked the beginning of a new era of defiance against the Kingdom and its oppressive policies, particularly regarding slavery. The Golden Age of Piracy saw the rapid expansion of the Confederation's influence. During the Golden Age, the CFS expanded its territory along the Venthalian coast, most notably with the capture of the Okcident Tower in 902 AV. Following a 44-day siege, the tower was renamed the Falcon Tower and became the Confederation's most powerful military stronghold. The city of Santigo, named in honor of Captain Kipfer Santigo, was founded in 910 AV and became a bustling hub for pirates and their activities, and the new capital of the CFS. As the legend of the Confederation and its founding captains grew, so did their impact on the region, inspiring generations of pirates and freedom fighters in their pursuit of liberty and autonomy.

Throughout its history, the CFS has faced numerous challenges and has been engaged in a constant struggle against various factions, including the Althean Royal Navy, the T&K Company Navy, and the Klans. Despite these conflicts, the CFS has maintained its commitment to freedom and individual liberty. In the years following its founding, the CFS has experienced both victories and losses. It has successfully defended its territories and expanded its influence, but it has also seen the loss of several key leaders and faced internal strife. Throughout its history, the Confederation of Free Sailors has attracted numerous notable individuals to its cause. Individuals like Esmerelda Punrar, who immigrated from Kassrend in 1017 AV, and Hank, who joined the CFS in 1019 AV, have brought their unique skills and experiences to the organization. The CFS has also seen numerous high-profile defections, such as Captain Christian Silvershadow of the T&K Co in 1090 AV and Day Arnn, a Plumas Islands emissary, in 1098 AV. The CFS has been particularly effective in its anti-slavery operations, as evidenced by the freeing of Ada Rymer from slavery in 1099 AV, by Cpt Lasko Loggins and the crew of the "Brewboy Jack". This commitment to fighting against slavery has remained a cornerstone of the Confederation's values and actions throughout its existence. In recent years, the CFS has continued to adapt and grow. In 1102 AV, Rhea Hawkins, the 15 year old daughter of Lord Reginald Hawkins, and heir presumptive to House Hawkins, defected from the Free Trade Cities to join the CFS, after the suicide of her father. Potentially the most shocking addition to the ranks of the CFS, is the defection of Royal Fleet Commander Henrietta Markum, former Lord of House Markum, in 1111 AV. Labeled a traitor by the crown, the title of Lordship was transferred to her brother, now Lord Brisbane Markum, as he pledged continued allegiance to the Crown. The youngest member to join the Captain's Table, Captain Taves Bartnick, secured his seat in 1123 AV at the age of 16. This appointment highlights the organization's willingness to embrace new perspectives and its commitment to meritocracy.

## Government

The highest governing body in the CFS is the Captain's Table, consisting of 24 seats, each occupied by a ship captain within the Confederation. When a seat becomes vacant, the remaining 23 captains vote in another captain from within their ranks. Meetings at the Captain's Table are not held on a fixed schedule but are convened when necessary. Calling a meeting typically takes between 4 to 7 days, allowing time for all captains to assemble. The Captain's Table is responsible for making decisions that impact the entire CFS, ranging from military strategy and alliances to trade agreements and internal policies. While the Table operates on a consensus-based model, it is not uncommon for heated debates and disagreements to arise among the captains, requiring voting. Despite these disputes, the Table remains a symbol of unity and shared purpose for the people of the CFS.

## Current Day

The primary source of income for the CFS is piracy. By targeting the Althean Royal Navy, the T&K Company Navy, and various Venthalian and international private vessels, the CFS disrupts trade and shipping in the Sentus Sea and along Venthalia's coast. The spoils of these raids are distributed among the crews and used to fund the Confederation's various needs, including maintaining its fleet, infrastructure, and defenses. Santigo, the capital city, is home to numerous businesses, including a blacksmith, gunsmith, leatherworker, general store, tailor, jeweler, potion shop, and multiple inns and taverns. Additionally, countless alleyway vendors sell various goods, many of which are obtained from raids. Cpt Howitt Riggans, table member, serves as the dedicated shipwright for the CFS, selling ship armor and special munitions. Life in Santigo is a reflection of Confederation core values: freedom and individual liberty. The city has a bustling and vibrant atmosphere, with residents from various backgrounds engaging in commerce and camaraderie. While the city may appear chaotic, there is an underlying sense of order upheld by the pirate code that governs the CFS. In addition to the businesses and vendors that cater to the needs of the population, Santigo hosts numerous recreational activities for its inhabitants. The Drunk Monk, a popular tavern and inn, serves as a gathering place for pirates to celebrate their victories, share stories, and plan future endeavors.

The CFS's military and naval forces are primarily focused on defending the Confederation's territory and conducting raids on enemy vessels. The Falcon Tower, led by fort commander Buddy Adeo, serves as a critical defensive stronghold for the CFS. The tower is manned by a constant garrison of at least 30 individuals, with various crews serving occasional watch shifts. Additionally, the CFS engages in slave rescue operations, targeting Klans ships and freeing their captives. In fact, almost all successful slave rescue operations in modern times have been conducted by the CFS when attacking Klans ships. This humanitarian effort is a manifestation of the CFS's hatred of slavery, disdain for the Royal Navy's treatment of slave casualties, and its commitment to freedom and individual liberty.