Pirate Factions
Pirate factions are groups of pirates, outlaws, or other marauders. Fictional pirate groups are a common faction in fictional worlds and versions of pirates can be found sailing the high seas of fantasy worlds, harassing galactic trade routes in science fiction worlds, or ambushing convoys in post-apocalyptic wastelands. These groups may be small and loosely associated (with each caption or fleet an enemy or ally of each other) or may be sprawling and cohesive and run more like an unrecognized government or kingdom. Pirate factions may be funded in part by other factions looking to disrupt trade routes of their competitors.
| Synonyms: corsairs, marauders, pirate kingdoms, pirate fleets, sea raiders |
| Example Mythonyms: the Northern Bilge Rats, Skully’s Marauders, the Dread Pirate Whitebeard |
Designing Fictional Pirate Factions
Overview
While versions of pirate factions can be found across most genres, these factions often share a number of common elements. These crews of outlaw bandits harass traders, merchants, and others often using quick and highly armed vessels. Pirate factions are often found where it is difficult to protect trade routes or difficult to eliminate this threat. This may mean they are active in the wilds, on borderlands, or hiding themselves in one of many islands of an archipelago.
Faction Identity
Pirate factions are most identified with black flags emblazoned with a skull and crossbones (a flag referred to as the ‘Jolly Roger’). The fictional flags of pirate factions are typically variations on this theme – the skulls of people, animals, or other beasts may be common. Additional symbols – hearts, knives, swords, etc. should also be considered. Also consider unique tattoos and face paint as a means to strengthen the identity of a fictional pirate faction.
Organization
Fictional pirate factions are often depicted as a loose confederacy of pirate captains and their crews. They may owe their allegiance to a pirate king or council of powerful pirate lords (if they aren’t entirely out for themselves). The organizational structure of a pirate faction provides a wealth of potential narrative opportunities often explored with pirates, including mutinies, rivalries, and comraderies.
