Piracy and Slavery!

[Qizilbashwoman]

So this article gives a quick rundown on ancient (bronze-age) piracy, how they operated, and what might motivate slavers. Slavery is unabashedly the worst - but the ca$h values discussed in this article are nothing to shake a stick at.

https://www.ancient.eu/Piracy/

[Bill the barbarian]

2 hours ago, Qizilbashwoman said:

So this article gives a quick rundown on ancient (bronze-age) piracy, how they operated, and what might motivate slavers. Slavery is unabashedly the worst - but the ca$h values discussed in this article are nothing to shake a stick at.

 

That's a cool article, have you any Gloranthan takes on the subject?

[M Helsdon]

In central Genertela, the Wolf Pirates and slave takers for the Lunar market will be the main source of slaves. Others, such as the Praxians and Pentans take captives, and their activities probably indirectly feed the Lunar and Kralorelan markets.

In Dragon Pass, the economy of Slavewall is heavily driven by the slave trade, especially Balazar, and prior to the rebellion, Sartar and slaves from Prax.

[Bill the barbarian]

3 minutes ago, M Helsdon said:

In central Genertela, the Wolf Pirates and slave takers for the Lunar market will be the main source of slaves. Others, such as the Praxians and Pentans take captives, and their activities probably indirectly feed the Lunar and Kralorelan markets.

 

Unsure of that,

CoP tells of a lone swimmer from a Wolf Pirate ship (1615) swimming to Corflu and being so unimpressed by the market she swims back empty handed and the ship raises anchor and leaves. If they are taking pentian and praxian slaves they must be coming though another port as they probably aren't comimg through here.

Cheers

[Bill the barbarian]

Oops read and then respond Sorry a second reading tells me I am wrong. Mea Culpa

[JonL]

Vormain is a major den of piracy, folowing their Barracuda god.

[Brootse]

3 hours ago, Qizilbashwoman said:

So this article gives a quick rundown on ancient (bronze-age) piracy, how they operated, and what might motivate slavers. Slavery is unabashedly the worst - but the ca$h values discussed in this article are nothing to shake a stick at.

https://www.ancient.eu/Piracy/

I once checked what the historical slave prices were in Greece and Rome. In Roman era slaves cost about 5 tons of wheat, which was about 4 times more than they were in Athen's heyday, because the Greek slave supply was great, but since Greece lacked arable land, there wasn't as much demand for slaves. In RQ3 an untrained male slave cost 12 cows, while in Greece and RQG they cost 5 cows.

Another tidbit about the price of life: in RQG the wergild is about 6 times the yearly income, while for the Vikings it was 3 times the yearly income, or for women and children it was the killer's yearly income.

[Sir_Godspeed]

How do they translate Roman currency values to USD?

[Qizilbashwoman]

6 minutes ago, Sir_Godspeed said:

How do they translate Roman currency values to USD?

Sir I went to Harvard, not MIT

[Brootse]

3 minutes ago, Sir_Godspeed said:

How do they translate Roman currency values to USD?

There are no good ways to do it. You can eg. compare the price of silver or wheat, or the average wages for workers.

[scott-martin]

35 minutes ago, Qizilbashwoman said:

Sir I went to Harvard, not MIT

Well you must know someone who went to Dartmouth, call them and they'll make the foreign money happen.

[Qizilbashwoman]

12 minutes ago, scott-martin said:

Well you must know someone who went to Dartmouth, call them and they'll make the foreign money happen.

eugh, no

[Ian Cooper]

Well a cumal, the value of a female slave in Ireland, was worth about three milk cows: https://everything2.com/title/cumal

HQ evaluated a cow to be 20 silver pieces, so this would give about 60 sp for a female slave. Presumably a male field slave might be more, based on the perceived economic value. You might also want to consider wergild prices, which assess economic value to be a good yardstick.

So the RQG figure of 5 cows is consistent with the established yardstick

 

 

 

Edited August 21, 2019 by Ian Cooper

[Ali the Helering]

I am afraid that prices are dependent on economic worth, supply, demand and culture. If an equation is easy, then it is too easy! 🤓

[kirinyaga]

19 hours ago, Sir_Godspeed said:

How do they translate Roman currency values to USD?

Easy : they used the big mac index.

[Sir_Godspeed]

Biggus Di-err, I mean, Macus.

[Bill the barbarian]

5 hours ago, kirinyaga said:

Easy : they used the big mac index.

The number of Big Macs it takes to make one sick?

[Qizilbashwoman]

10 minutes ago, Bill the barbarian said:

The number of Big Macs it takes to make one sick?

fun note: i'm allergic to red meat like a rapidly increasing number of Americans thanks to alpha-gal syndrome:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alpha-gal-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20428608

[Jeff]

On 8/20/2019 at 7:19 PM, Qizilbashwoman said:

So this article gives a quick rundown on ancient (bronze-age) piracy, how they operated, and what might motivate slavers. Slavery is unabashedly the worst - but the ca$h values discussed in this article are nothing to shake a stick at.

https://www.ancient.eu/Piracy/

At this point in time, the main piratical slavers in the core areas are going to be the Wolf Pirates - who spend much of 1624-1628 raiding, pillaging, and slave-taking throughout Kethaela.

[Joerg]

Do the Fonritians that make it to the Genertelan shores buy all their slaves, or do they raid for some of them, too?

What about Alatan? Their pirate king was overcome in a joint naval action by the Quinpolic and Kethaelan navies, but certainly this didn't deter the good people of Alatan from outfitting new ships.

What about the inverse piracy, wrecking and attacking ships on anchor? The latter is probably a merfolk or sea troll activity.

[Qizilbashwoman]

3 minutes ago, Joerg said:

Do the Fonritians that make it to the Genertelan shores buy all their slaves, or do they raid for some of them, too?

Do Fonritians bother to go to Genertela? They can get slaves easier.

[Jeff]

Some current notes on the premier pirates of the Third Age. 

Overview

In 1621 there are some 60+ Wolf Pirate ships, before Harrek's circumnavigation. Let's say that losses get replaced and by 1625, we have 60+ ships operating in the Choralinthor Bay, which comes out to about 3100+ Wolf Pirates. 

The average Wolf Pirate ship has on average 50 warrior-rowers, 1 captain, and 5 officers. Each ship has a small Dormal shrine and a protective spirit housed in the figurehead on the prow.

Although they started in the Yggs Islands, by 1625 the Wolf Pirates are multi-ethnic, as soldiers, refugees, outlaws, and adventurers have joined Harrek's fleet. Yggs Islanders now form a relatively small minority of the Wolf Pirates. 

The lingua franca among the Wolf Pirates is a Theyalan creole made out of a simplified Ygg Islander with strong influences from Rathori and Jonating, Many Wolf Pirates also use Tradetalk. 

 

Wolf Pirates national origin 

No.  Origin             %

620 Yggs Islands 20%

620 other Fronelans 20%

155 Malkioni heretics 5%

310 Maniria 10%

310 Sartar 10%

310 Holy Country 10%

155 Teshnites 5%

310 Fonrit 10%

310 Other 10%

 

Society

The basic unit of social organization for the Wolf Pirates is the ship crew. Joining a ship's crew is an initiation into that community - the crew worships the spirit of their ship. Every crew elects its own captain and officers. Every Wolf Pirate is entitled to an equal vote when choosing their captain and officers; but once chosen, the captain and officers must be obeyed unless replaced or personally challenged. Every crew member gets an equal share of any plunder, except that the officers get two shares, and the captain three.

The Wolf Pirates welcome anyone into their society who is willing to live by their rules. Captives are offered this opportunity if they have the skills, and many folk seek them out when they are in a neutral port, or even raiding the mainland. Others take ship or boat and sail to Three-Step to join. 

There are about 60 captains, which means that is the approximate number of important people. Harrek is a captain as well as Sea-King, as is Gold Gotti. Gunda is a captain as well as Harrek's chief lieutenant. 

 

Harrek the Berserk is the unquestioned Sea-King. Although all have the right to challenge his decision, none dare contradict the savage demi-god. Harrek bound the Wolf Pirates to him is a combination of ways:

1. He was "chosen" by Ygg. That probably means that the priests of Ygg all recognised him as the incarnation of Vadrus and backed him strongly. They continue to do so as long as he continues to bring destruction and war to the world.

2.He is incredibly charismatic! Harrek might not be pretty, but he clearly has divine favour. 

3. He is incredibly dangerous in personal combat and is apparently immune to magical attacks, poison, and spirits. Harrek always accepts personal challenges and then wears the challengers heart around his neck.

4. He brings in a ceaseless flow of plunder, tribute, and slaves. Since 1621, Harrek has plundered the world. He has plundered the City of Wonders (richer than even Glamour), not to mention Noloswal and countless other cities. The Wolf Pirates operate on a "no prey, no pay" system - and with Harrek there is always prey. Any one of Harrek's campaigns have been more lucrative than all the non-Harrek campaigns put together. The rank and file Wolf Pirates LOVE Harrek. He is their meal ticket.

Warfare

The Wolf Pirates do most of their fighting on land. In sea battles, they try to board enemy ships and use their superior numbers of warriors to overwhelm their victims. On land, the Wolf Pirates use a variety of arms and armor. Wealthy pirates often wear corselets of bronze and linen, or just out of boiled leather. They are famed for their horned or feathered helmets. They use javelins as distance weapons, and engage with sword and shield.

 

Religion

The most important cults of the Wolf Pirates is Orlanth (about a third of all Wolf Pirates are initiates of Orlanth) and Ygg (about 20% of all Wolf Pirates are initiates of Ygg). The next most important cults are Dorma (more than 10% of all Wolf Pirates are initiates of the Sailing God) and Humakt (nearly 10% worship the God of War). Gods of lesser importance include Valind, various Sea Gods, Hrestol, Arkat, the Two Brothers, Abdamedric, and Tolat.

 

History

The Wolf Pirates originate on Yggs Islands, a small chain of forested islands off the northern coast of Fronela. They were visited by Dormal  in 1583, and the Islanders returned to the seas. The Yggs Islanders fought a long war with the Kingdom of Loksalm. 

About two dozen Wolf Pirate ships left Yggs Islands in 1598, and defeated the Loskalmi fleet. For a dozen years, these pirates plagued the West. Many settled on the island of Ginorth, in Old Seshnela.

In 1607, Gunda the Guilty, a Jonating warrior-woman became a Wolf Pirate ship captain, and within a few years, made herself one of the leading Wolf Pirate leaders.

In 1610, the Wolf Pirates settle on Three Step Isles, barren islands south of Kethaela that had been abandoned since the Dawn. This has became the main base of the Wolf Pirates.

In 1615, Harrek was chosen by the god Ygg to lead the Wolf Pirates and be their Sea-King. He led the Wolf Pirates  to raid the Genertela coast from Fronela to Prax, sailing as far abroad as Jrustela.

In 1621 Harrek led his Wolf Pirates on a three-year voyage around the Homeward Ocean, raiding Teshnos, Teleos, Font, Umathela, Jrustela, and Seshnela, before returning to Kethaela in early 1624. Surprisingly, he allied with several Kethaelan leaders to fight the Lunar Empire at Pennel Ford. Later that year, he received his reward and plundered the magical City of Wonders.

For the next several years, the Wolf Pirates raid Kethaela with impunity. In 1628, the Kethaelans agree to follow Argrath of Sartar if the new Prince can get rid of Harrek and the Wolf Pirates. The Prince achieves this by allying with Harrek, and that year, half the Wolf Pirates follow Argrath over the Dragonspine into Tarsh. Although Harrek later quarrels with Argrath and leaves Dragon Pass altogether in 1631, many of the Wolf Pirates that followed Argrath into Dragon Pass remain.

 

Notes

Three-Step Islands

The main island is about 50 miles long and 10 miles wide, so about 500 square miles. or about the size of Rhodes or Lesbos, or about the size of Oahu.

A substantial island-bound population has settled on Three Step Islands now. These are wives, concubines, and families of the pirates, as well as refugees, merchants, shop-keepers, and fishermen who make the pirates lives bearable upon the isle. There are even a few farmers and a large number of sheep-herders.

The only sizeable settlement is Skullport, which serves as the main port of operations for Harrek's fleet. Given that the Wolf Pirates themselves are transient, Skullport is normally populated largely by slaves capture by the Wolf Pirates, and by those foreign merchants (including Vadeli), shopkeepers, wine sellers, entertainers, and prostitutes who live of the pirate's plunder. It is estimated that there is at least one drinking house for every ten residents.

[Manu]

Thanks a lot Jeff for this. Very interesting.

Are all Wolf pirates now in the North (Genertela)? No more Wolf pirate in Pamaltela?

I can easily imagine that during his tour around Homeward Ocean, some ships have stayed and plunder the Southern coasts. Is there a relationship between Harrek and the Violet mer-king of the Dashomo Sea?

[Jeff]

8 minutes ago, Manu said:

Thanks a lot Jeff for this. Very interesting.

Are all Wolf pirates now in the North (Genertela)? No more Wolf pirate in Pamaltela?

I can easily imagine that during his tour around Homeward Ocean, some ships have stayed and plunder the Southern coasts. Is there a relationship between Harrek and the Violet mer-king of the Dashomo Sea?

There are smaller fleets Wolf Pirates in Seshnela and Jrustela. There are also some in Laskal and elsewhere. But by far the largest fleet of the Wolf Pirates is based out of the Three Step Islands and follow Harrek. These other fleets are much smaller, and probably all of them together are smaller than Harrek's fleet.

[MOB]

59 minutes ago, Jeff said:

In 1621 Harrek led his Wolf Pirates on a three-year voyage around the Homeward Ocean, raiding Teshnos, Teleos, Font, Umathela, Jrustela, and Seshnela, before returning to Kethaela in early 1624. Surprisingly, he allied with several Kethaelan leaders to fight the Lunar Empire at Pennel Ford. Later that year, he received his reward and plundered the magical City of Wonders.

Stopping off to celebrate in Casino Town!

Some mentions of Harrek and the Wolf Pirates, from "Follow the Money", my (as yet-unpublished) Casino Town gazetteer:

Casino Town’s run of good fortune ended with the disappearance of Belintar in 1616. The destruction of the God-King’s Navy had a severe impact on commerce across the Choralinthor Bay. Harrek and his Wolf Pirates disembarked at Casino Town after their victory, and although they didn’t purposefully sack the city, the destruction that was wrought as they celebrated was much the same. Although no damage was done to the Faro Wheel itself, in his elation and frustration Harrek did destroy one of the viewing platforms while winning and then losing a mighty fortune.

11. The Vadotto

Following the destruction wrought by Harrek, the Vadeli claimed some of the devastated area to build a new structure. After the Great House, the Vadotto (literally “Private Pavilion of the Vadeli” in their language), is the biggest and most imposing edifice in Casino Town. Downstairs the Vadotto hosts the finest accommodations in the city. The Vadeli stipulate anyone going upstairs has to wear a mask. The upper floors offer a variety of gaming rooms and other diversions for high-end customers. In a recent coup, the Vadeli lured away the featured act Horo’s Hounds (see Pavis – Gateway to Adventure, p.206) from Dayzatar’s; the popular and endearing “Moon Poodles” now perform at the Vadotto nightly.

The Vadotto is one of the few venues in the city offering gambling with cards, common in the West but relatively unknown here. At first glance, some punters assume the Vadeli must have somehow outsmarted the Talar, and are offering better odds*. However the Vadeli remit their full vigourish to the Great House every week, just like everyone else.

*Vadeli Odds: The odds offered by the Vadotto are subtly different to those offered elsewhere in Casino Town. The Vadeli claim it is their practice to pay on odds “for”, rather than “to”. For example, on a successful bet at 5 silvers for 1 on a roulette table at the Vadotto, the winner receives 5 silvers but the Vadotto keeps the initial silver piece. At establishments offering “to” odds, the winner would also receive back the original 1 silver wagered. nb the Vadeli do not make this distinction clear to new patrons.

14. Red’s Globster

A cheap and popular “all you can eat” buffet (provided you’re happy eating endless portions of vaguely fish-like material cut into various shapes then deep-fried or boiled). The proprietor “Red” hearkens from the Lunar Empire, and keeps a live walktapus out the back. Pieces are continuously hacked off for the pot. His first walktapus apparently escaped in the confusion during Harrek’s visit, and he’s only recently been able to import a replacement. Red is reticent to divulge just what he was serving up in the intervening time.

15.Thunderbreath Gobblegut

An unofficial branch of the popular troll eatery, opens at dusk. Offers the crude but entertaining betting game from the Shadow Plateau, “Pull my Finger” (a real favorite of Harrek).

17. The Lupenar

Casino Town’s largest and most notorious bawdyhouse, said to be able to cater to any carnal desire. As vividly remembered in a series of erotic wall friezes, Harrek singlehandedly engaged the Lupenar’s entire company during his 1618 visit; such was his amatory enthusiasm, the building had to be completely rebuilt afterwards (fortunately he left a tremendous tip). Numerous smaller establishments, from wine shops with back rooms to simple curtained cells, cluster around it.