The Pirate Code

The Pirate Codex, or Pirata Codex, is the ruling document set down by Henry Morgan and Bartholomew Francisco, Pirate Lords of the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas.

Purpose

At the beginning of the Golden Age of Piracy, many Pirates found that the profession had very little to offer in the way of fair compensation, treatment of sailors, and appropriate punishment for Captain and Crew. At the first gathering of The Brethren Court, the Pirate Lords settled many arguments regarding everyday Pirate Life. Morgan and Bartholomew documented them in a bound parchment book that is kept at Shipwreck Cove.

Document Structure

Clauses

1. Rule one, befriend others wisely.
2. The Right of Parlay
3. Whenever a pirate is to be marooned, they are to be given a loaf of bread or hardtack, a bottle of water (if any exist), and a pistol loaded with a single shot
4. Artycle II, Section I, Paragraph VIII (sharing of the spoils)
5. Artycle II, Section II, Paragraph I (whoever first spotted a treasure-laden ship could choose the best pistol for themselves)
6. Every crew member is to have an equal share in any treasure found
7. Any man who falls behind is left behind
8. An act of war can only be declared by the Pirate King, who would parley with shared adversaries. The King could only be elected by popular vote by all nine Pirate Lords.
9. Any person who refuses to serve aboard a pirate's ship must die.
10. Trading for products fair and square mean the seller can do as they like, including resell at profit.
11. The Code calls for pirates to respect their fellows on the account. Knowingly targeting and sinking other pirate ships is strictly forbidden
12. Killing a surrendered enemy is not allowed

Type

Decree, Governmental

Medium

Paper

Location

Shipwreck Cove

Signatories (Characters)

• Captain William "Bill" Mason
• Ol' Smoky

Signatories (Organizations)

• The Brethren Court