Just a thought for skull and shackles: while a Paladin can't be a pirate one might be able to be a Privateer. There's nothing unlawful about harassing an enemy nations shipping under a letter of Marque. Actually, since the Paladin is filing a military role a privateer would be a more lawful undertaking than an adventuring Paladin.
I see no reason why not, he could give ships the chance to surrender or maybe just go after warships or the like or known pirates or enemy privateers.
But even merchant ships are ok targets long as they are treated fairly and decent after capture.
I see no reason why not, he could give ships the chance to surrender or maybe just go after warships or the like or known pirates or enemy privateers.
But even merchant ships are ok targets long as they are treated fairly and decent after capture.
Most historical pirates followed the "let us take your cargo and go file under your maritime insurance policy" rout (maritime insurance was the first form of insurance offered in Europe, at least in Europe after the fall of the Roman empire). Less bloodshed then you would think unless hitting a military target (say a Spanish Galleon laden with gold). On the other hand piracy did not equal a profitable career in most cases.
I liked the idea of a press ganged Paladin who is forced into piracy against his will. It would make for amazing role playing that may result in the loss of paladinhood but may also lead to a new way to play a righteous crusader of the high seas.
Um just to point out, that didn't happen much. Pirates would make a big deal about forcing people onto their crew but, most of the time, it was all a show to give the volunteers a defense in court (normally didn't work) if the navy caught up to them. The only folks I've ever heard of actually forced into piracy were navigators and the occasional surgeon.
I see no reason why not, he could give ships the chance to surrender or maybe just go after warships or the like or known pirates or enemy privateers.
But even merchant ships are ok targets long as they are treated fairly and decent after capture.
Most historical pirates followed the "let us take your cargo and go file under your maritime insurance policy" rout (maritime insurance was the first form of insurance offered in Europe, at least in Europe after the fall of the Roman empire). Less bloodshed then you would think unless hitting a military target (say a Spanish Galleon laden with gold). On the other hand piracy did not equal a profitable career in most cases.
iirc modern day somali pirates have a expected yearly income of 85000 dollars. Naturally no taxes ;) (was it FT that did the math??)
i for one am in the wrong business..