Reuben's Corsairs

## Lore Overview

Reuben's Corsairs, infamous pirates, have struck fear into the hearts of sailors traversing the Atlantic Ocean for countless years. Originally a merchant crew of the Royal Commerce Organisation, they underwent a transformation following a brutal assault on their ship and a series of misunderstandings with the RCO's leadership. This sequence of events led to a mutiny by the crew. Eventually, their journey led them to Cuba, where they became entangled with the warlord Reuben. Under his sway, Reuben had established a cult-like following, positioning himself as its revered figurehead.

## History

### Early Corsairs

The Corsairs can trace their earliest origins back to the 2080s when they served as a crew aboard the RCO's vessel called the *Springfield*. Captain Hughes, who commanded the *Springfield*, was known for his remarkable courage, ferocity, and strategic acumen, but his social awkwardness and challenging demeanor made him difficult to work with. Following an incident in the Royal Navy where he defied an admiral's orders, Captain Hughes was transferred to the RCO and assigned command of the *Springfield*. This move was not a demotion but rather an attempt to utilize his exceptional skills while avoiding conflicts due to his unpredictable nature. To fill the crew of the *Springfield*, undesirable and underperforming sailors who were unwanted by other ship crews were assigned under Captain Hughes' command. It was his unique blend of seafaring brilliance and lack of social skills that made him the ideal candidate to lead the RCO's less desirable crew members.

In 2096, the Corsairs staged a mutiny against the RCO following a raid by South African insurgents in Cape Town. The *Springfield*, docked at the time with only a standard crew on board, was left vulnerable, resulting in the loss of twelve crewmen during the attack. Captain Hughes was infuriated and held the RCO responsible for the deaths, believing that the *Springfield* lacked the necessary equipment for the perilous route it navigated. Despite requesting military-grade anti-naval equipment, the RCO only provided outdated SMLG rifles and ample ammunition. Frustrated by this compromise that he had no say in, Captain Hughes gathered his crew and convinced them that continuing to work for the RCO was akin to voluntarily entering a meat grinder, leading to the planning of a mutiny.

Prior to the mutiny, Captain Hughes reached out to a formidable tribe of mercenaries known as the Ravagers. He offered them a share of the *Springfield*'s cargo, the spoils from their pillaging endeavors, and a chance for revenge against their region's oppressors. Initially cautious, the Ravagers eventually agreed to the terms after internal deliberation. With the combined force of the Corsairs and the Ravagers, the *Springfield* set sail from Cape Town for the last time. The Corsairs swiftly launched raids on RCO outposts along the southwestern coast of Africa, gaining infamy for their ruthless and swift attacks, with the Corsairs dominating the sea and the Ravagers wreaking havoc on land.

As the *Springfield* headed north through the South Atlantic en route to Brazil to sell its goods, it encountered a Royal Navy frigate. Engaging in a brief battle with the UEBC frigate, the *Springfield* managed to escape further north into the Caribbean. Departing from their initial plans, Captain Hughes made the decision to dock in Guantanamo after passing Brazil.

### Reuben’s Corsairs

As soon as the *Springfield* docked in Guantanamo it would be boarded by a unit of Cuban militants. The unit’s commander would inform them of their nation’s law regarding new arrivals, a crucial term that all arrivals into Cuba whether temporary or permanent must know the history of their supreme leader, Reuben. Reuben was born a slave though he led a slave revolt that overthrew the city state of Guantanamo. After this he declared war upon the island’s many warlords with the goal of emancipation and the end of slavery across Cuba. Captain Hughes would be taken to Reuben himself who had just returned from his conquest of the Sierra Maestra. Though the conquest was successful it left a significant mark on his nation’s economy. Hughes and Reuben would discuss emancipation, a goal which Hughes found to be noble. Much to the shock of the Ravagers, who did not want to stay in Cuba any longer than they had to, Hughes clearly fell under the influence of the legendary warlord.

Reuben noticed the Ravagers' staunch opposition to staying in Cuba and he was not happy about it. Due to this, he would call off the deal entirely until the Ravagers were reined in. Hughes wanted to impress Reuben, so he would attempt to culturally assimilate the Ravagers. This would be done by banning their language, cultural practices and symbolism. This led to the Ravager’s mutiny in 2105. While this was going on, Twelve of Reuben’s many nephews would join up with the Corsairs, swiftly climbing their ranks due to a mix of personal genius or nepotism depending on the nephew in specific. One of these nephews, Joseph, would claim Hughes was hoarding wealth and food. Using his connections to Reuben he would bring aboard large amounts of wealth, as well as using his personal connections to supply the *Springfield* with the food it so desperately needed.

As Hughes finally realized what was going on within his Corsairs, he would become paranoid and reckless. While due to a large amount of casualties lost to the Ravagers during their mutiny, Reuben began to openly criticize Captain Hughes to his own crew. This would cause Hughes to snap, taking complete control of the vessel once more. Joseph Blisk would be taken hostage and the Corsairs were ordered to pack up their things and leave. An order which the Corsairs refused. As Hughes attempted to bargain with the Corsairs as the *Springfield* departed from Guantanamo, a group of his crewmen would break into the bridge. This group of Corsairs killed Hughes in cold blood. After this they would release Joseph and allow him to navigate the vessel back to Guantanamo.

Under Joseph's command, the Corsairs embarked on their next crucial mission. Their objective was to return to South Africa and unleash a campaign of genocide against the Ravagers on the mainland. This mission served multiple purposes: punishing the mutinous Ravagers, honing the combat skills of the Corsairs, and attracting new pirates to join their ranks.

### Current Day

Freshly returned from their decade-long voyage to South Africa, the Corsairs, led by Joseph Blisk, found themselves in a new era. Under Joseph's guidance, the Corsairs had grown in strength, incorporating other pirate groups and vessels into their ranks. Among them, the *Springfield* had been renamed the *Sea Knave*, becoming the flagship of the Corsairs. It was the year 2115, and Reuben had entrusted the *Sea Knave* with a crucial mission—to assess and evaluate the Halfmoon region for potential gun smuggling profit and pirate activity. This marked the first time the Corsairs had shown interest in the American mainland.

## Relations

#### United States of America

The United States remains steadfast in combating piracy and protecting its vessels. Naturally, the US views the Corsairs as a threat to its shipping and interests across the Atlantic Ocean and within its own borders. Law enforcement agencies across the country in coastal areas, such as the Chatham County Sheriff's Office, often respond to Corsair activity.

#### Royal Commerce Organisation

Being one of the primary targets, the RCO views the Corsairs as one of their biggest threats, including the fact they were created from a band of mutineers from the organization.

#### People's Republic of Tidewater

Despite being at odds with the US and oftentimes the RCO, the PRT holds the Corsairs in a negative light and will combat any of their activities within their waters and borders. The PRT's Nautical Patrol is one of the primary military forces to respond to Corsair activity.

#### Maior Exército Brasileiro

The MEB had previously been hiring and making deals with the Corsairs to attack RCO shipping and assets within the Atlantic and within the Halfmoon Region. However, the group's recent activity acting against the wishes of the MEB gradually lowered their relations.