05 - Pirate's Rights
Hundreds of years before the ancient Eiyudi became a unified nation they suffered from a major schism between the government leadership and the loose consortium of ship captains. A culture of ocean-borne piracy developed due to the government putting limits on which ships could use inland rivers and bays. Most captains of shipping vessels felt this was unethical as it would significantly reduce the amount of food that could be delivered to outlying settlements. Approximately half the ships being sailed at that time turned pirate and refused to pay any government fees or dues until the government removed their blockades.
This was their final major hurdle to overcome before becoming a cohesive, peaceful culture and ultimately set the stage for their eventual self-destruction.
Their years of piracy and violence are far behind the Eiyudi people but even after losing so much of their heritage, they've managed to adapt several ancient traditions that focus on their respect for innovation and creativity. As is common among sailing traditions, many of their ancient stories and legends were preserved in song. Usually presented through a somewhat distorted lense, these songs were the only real historical knowledge that followed the Eiyudi refugees. Regardless of their state, the tales of outrageous pirate captains who sailed outlaw ships across the ancient coast of their homeland were common and the captains who stood against their short-sighted government were elevated to the level of folkhero and legend.
Any truth in the details of this old tale is purely coincidence and despite the events, or something 'like' them, having happened it was many centuries ago and a continent away. Modern Eiyudi have adapted this former celebration of peace into something a little more relatable to their people and current lives. Even among a society of serious, hard working folk there must be space for a little chaos and maybe... love?
The detailed laws of the old world are gone and now the Eiyudi have this oddly romantic courtship ritual. Every captain knows he'll only get as far as his crew can take him so he must gather a reliable and enjoyable group to spend his days, and night, with. Famous for stealing nearly anything and making it disappear, pirates are not villains in Eiyudi culture and in friendly relationships stealing from someone is considered a high form of compliment. Depending on the context and history of the relationship it is most often viewed as a proposal of a sort to steal from your intended something special, usually an object they keep private or don't allow others to know about. Stealing something that is 'secret' symbolizes your deep understanding of them and returning it to them shows that you trust them with what is now technically yours.
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