a quick guide to writing pirates
The Golden Era of Piracy (approx. 1650 to 1726)
Roles/responsibilities on the ship
Discipline, rules for the crew (code of conduct = pirate articles)
Punishment (keelhauling, marooning)
The Captain, his power and election
Democracy on board the ship
What did pirates eat? Drink?
Sailing terminology, ship anatomy
Myths and misconceptions (walking the plank, pirate lingo, burying treasure)
Pirates VS Privateers (the Letter of Marque)
Matelotage (same-sex union)
(In)famous pirates to take inspiration from
For research on individual topics, Google is your best friend, but make sure to check multiple sources to confirm facts you're given.
A General History of Pyrates by Charles Johnson
Under The Black Flag by David Cordingly
The Republic of Pirates by Colin Woodard
The National Museum of The Royal Navy
A compiled list of Pirate Research
There's a graphic scene in Black Sails that depicts keelhauling, I'll link it here but if you're sensitive to any sort of gore, I advise you don't watch it. Linked here
A couple locations to look into...
How many pirates in your pirate crew?
How does the crew operate? What is each member's responsibility on board?
What separates this crew from the rest?
Is every pirate bloodthirsty and ruthless, or is there more to them than that? Did they choose this life, or were they forced into it? Have they adapted, are they struggling? What about their parents? Shunned by the family, or supported?
What about the crew? Are they getting along? Is there power imbalance? A traitor, someone unreliable better to be rid of?
Who is their biggest enemy? What about allies?
Are they feared? Infamous? Or thought to be incompetent?
Who is more likely to cause harm? Who is the voice of reason?
Are they skilled at negotiating, or do they operate on fear?
The Quartermaster's authority
Loyalty to the Captain, and each other?
What do they do for fun? Are they heavy drinkers? Who holds onto their treasures? Who spends it all in one night?
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