The Golden Age of Piracy

## The Golden Age of Piracy (894 AV - 929 AV)

**The Golden Age of Piracy**, spanning from 894 AV to 929 AV, was a period of heightened pirate activity in Venthalia, particularly along the western coast. This era was marked by several significant events, including the heist of the Hysemacon Fleet, the founding of the Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS), along with the formation of the Captain’s Table, the establishment of the City of Santigo, the siege of the Okcident Tower, and many years of successful large-scale piracy against an unprepared and overwhelmed Althean Royal Navy.

## The Heist of the Hysemacon Fleet

The Heist of the Hysemacon Fleet in 894 AV was a pivotal event that marked the beginning of the Golden Age of Piracy. The audacious raid was orchestrated by Captain Kipfer Santigo, a former officer of the Royal Navy who had defected and turned to piracy. Santigo, known for his tactical brilliance and daring, had gained infamy as a pirate, targeting and plundering the Kingdom's ships, accumulating both wealth and a reputation as a formidable adversary. The target of the heist was a 14-ship convoy of Ousurferian vessels, including the treasure-laden Hysemacon and its escort fleet of warships. The convoy was making the journey to Althea Prone, carrying a vast treasure intended to support the Kingdom of Althea in its ongoing conflict with the Great Fleet of Klans. The treasure was of incalculable value, and its loss would deal a significant blow to the Kingdom's war efforts.

To execute the heist, Santigo assembled a makeshift armada of 24 pirate vessels. These pirate captains, each commanding their own ship and crew, joined forces under Santigo's leadership to form a small but formidable pirate squadron. The assault on the Hysemacon fleet was daring and meticulously planned. Despite the formidable defenses of the escorting warships, Santigo and his allies managed to capture the treasure-laden Hysemacon, dealing a significant blow to the Kingdom and its allies. The successful raid resulted in a significant loss for the Kingdom and sparked a continent-wide manhunt for Santigo and his allies. The Kingdom and the Lords of Ousurferia offered a combined bounty of 25,000 Gold—an immense sum at the time—for Santigo's capture or death. Despite the efforts of the Kingdom, Santigo and many of his allies managed to elude capture, their whereabouts remaining a mystery. The Heist of the Hysemacon Fleet not only marked the beginning of the Golden Age of Piracy but also served as a testament to the audacity and cunning of Santigo and his fellow pirates.

## Founding of the Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS)

In the aftermath of the Heist of the Hysemacon Fleet, Captain Kipfer Santigo and the 23 other pirate captains involved in the raid found themselves in possession of immense wealth and influence. This newfound power, coupled with their shared disdain for the oppressive rule of the Kingdom and its policies regarding slavery, led to the establishment of the CFS in 896 AV. The CFS is a loose republic of pirates, united in their pursuit of freedom, individual liberty, and opposition to monarchy and slavery. The formation of the CFS marked a significant shift in the power dynamics along the western coast of Venthalia. Prior to the establishment of the Confederation, pirates in the region operated largely independently, with no overarching organization or shared goals. The creation of the CFS brought these disparate groups together under a common banner, providing them with a unified front against the Kingdom and other adversaries. This unity not only increased their collective strength but also allowed them to coordinate their efforts, making them a formidable force in the region.

The leadership of the CFS, known as the "Captain's Table," consisted of 24 elected pirate captains, each with a voice and a vote in the matters of the Confederation. This democratic approach to governance was a stark contrast to the monarchy of the Kingdom of Althea, and it ensured that the CFS would be guided by the collective wisdom and experience of its members, rather than the whims of a single ruler. Among the notable captains who joined Santigo in founding the CFS were Captain "Ironballs" Uldren, Captain Morgana Rosemond, and Captain Rorik Skarsgaard, each bringing their unique skills, resources, and motivations to the table. The founding of the CFS marked the beginning of a new era of defiance against the Kingdom and its oppressive policies. The Confederation quickly expanded its territory along the Venthalian coast, establishing strongholds and communities that openly defied the Kingdom's rule. The Golden Age of Piracy saw the rapid expansion of the Confederation's influence, with the CFS and its founding captains inspiring generations of pirates and freedom fighters in their pursuit of liberty and autonomy.

## Founding of the City of Santigo

In 910 AV, during the height of the Golden Age of Piracy, the city of Santigo was founded. Named in honor of Captain Kipfer Santigo, the founding leader of the CFS, the city was established along the western coast of Venthalia, in the cove where Santigo and his men kept their hideout. The city's founding was a testament to the growing influence and power of the CFS, which had been steadily expanding its territory and influence since its establishment. The city of Santigo quickly became a bustling hub for pirates and their activities. Its strategic location along the coast made it an ideal base for pirate operations, providing easy access to the sea and a safe haven from the Kingdom. The city was designed to be a place of freedom and autonomy, where individuals could live outside the rule of the Crown and pursue their own interests. The city's architecture and layout reflected its pirate heritage, with buildings and streets designed to facilitate quick escapes and defenses against potential attacks.

Over time, Santigo grew and flourished, attracting a diverse population of pirates, freedom fighters, and other individuals seeking a life of freedom, liberty, and adventure. The city became the new capital of the CFS, serving as the political and economic center of the Confederation. Despite the constant threat of attacks from the Kingdom of Althea and other adversaries, the city of Santigo stands as a symbol of defiance and liberty, embodying the spirit of the Golden Age of Piracy.

## Siege of the Okcident Tower

In 902 AV, the Confederation set its sights on the Okcident Tower, a colossal sea fortress and lighthouse built atop a small island. The tower, standing at a staggering 420 feet tall, was a centuries-old structure that served as a beacon for ships navigating the waters of Venthalia. Its strategic location and formidable defenses made it a valuable asset for the Kingdom of Althea. The tower was designed to house and feed up to 500 soldiers, making it a formidable stronghold that was near impossible to siege from the sea. However, the CFS, under the leadership of the Captain's Table, was determined to capture the tower and turn it into a stronghold for the Confederation.

The siege of the Okcident Tower was a meticulously planned operation that lasted 44 days. The CFS knew that a direct assault on the tower from the sea would be suicidal due to the tower's formidable defenses. Instead, they opted for a strategy of attrition, blockading the tower and cutting off its supply lines. The pirates used their intimate knowledge of the local sea routes and their superior maneuverability to evade the tower's defenses and prevent any supplies from reaching the tower. Over time, the soldiers inside the tower, deprived of fresh supplies, began to weaken. After 44 days of relentless blockade, the CFS launched its final assault on the tower. The weakened defenders, starved and demoralized, were unable to hold off the pirates. The tower fell to the CFS, marking a significant victory for the Confederation. The Okcident Tower was renamed the Falcon Tower and became the Confederation's most powerful military stronghold. This strategic victory further cemented the CFS's power and control in the region, demonstrating their ability to challenge the Kingdom's rule and seize even the most formidable strongholds.

## Years of Piracy

Throughout the Golden Age of Piracy, the Althean Royal Navy and the Free Trade Cities found themselves under constant threat from pirates. The Confederation of Free Sailors, in particular, was a constant thorn in their side, with its members frequently engaging in large-scale piracy and defying the established powers.

The Althean Royal Navy, tasked with maintaining control over the western coast of Venthalia, was frequently targeted by pirates. The Navy, already stretched thin due to its ongoing conflict with the Great Fleet of Klans, struggled to respond effectively to the pirate threat. The CFS, with its superior knowledge of the local sea routes and its ability to coordinate attacks, was able to exploit the Navy's vulnerabilities and carry out successful raids against it. These raids not only resulted in significant losses for the Navy but also served to undermine its authority and control in the region.

The Free Trade Cities, a collection of independent city-states known for their bustling trade and commerce, were also targeted by pirates during this period. The cities, with their rich trade routes and valuable cargo, were attractive targets for pirates seeking to amass wealth. Despite their efforts to protect their trade routes and defend their cities, the Free Trade Cities were often unable to prevent pirate attacks. The pirates, using their fast and maneuverable ships, were able to evade the cities' defenses and carry out their raids before disappearing back into the sea.

The Great Fleet of Klans, a powerful faction of slaver pirates, was not immune to attacks either. Despite their formidable strength and reputation, the Klans found themselves targeted by the CFS. These attacks were often motivated by a desire to liberate the slaves held by the Klans and to challenge their dominance in the region. The Klans, despite their strength, were unable to completely suppress the pirate threat, leading to a prolonged conflict that further destabilized the region.

The years of piracy against the Althean Royal Navy, the Free Trade Cities, and the Great Fleet of Klans marked a period of upheaval and change in Venthalia. The established powers, despite their strength and resources, were unable to effectively counter the pirate threat. The pirates, led by the CFS, were able to exploit the weaknesses of these powers and carry out successful raids, amassing wealth and influence in the process. This era of piracy served to challenge the established order and pave the way for a new era of defiance and freedom in Venthalia.