Change of Command

Formal navies across Cartyrion cherish their tradition, but so do the pirate of Tyrnabay, and none of the fleets is richer in tradition and ceremony than the fleet known as the Legion of the Tides. The Legion has traditions for initiating new crew members, for recognizing any of their number that shows exemplary service, and for honoring those that die during their operations. But one of the most pageant-filled ceremonies is the one that marks the assignment of a new captain to a ship of the fleet: the Change of Command Ceremony.

Ceremony Details

This ceremony takes place on the aftcastle deck of the ship involved. The main participants: the Fleet Leader, the officer about to be invested as new Captain, and usually the outgoing captain gather just behind the ship's wheel and bell. Junior officers line up at the stern rail facing them, while the rest of the crew gathers on the main deck below.

Relief of Command

The first part of the ceremony involves the Fleet Leader relieving the outgoing captain of the responsibilities of command. The details of this depend on which of three situations has required the ceremony in the first place.

If the former captain is retiring with honor, the Captain offers the Cutlass of Command given them when they assumed command of the ship back to the Fleet Leader. The Fleet Leader then says a few words of praise honoring the captain's service and offers the cutlass back, to be kept as a mememto of service. All present then salute the captain, who then walks with dignity down to the main deck and off the ship as the ship's officers and crew cheer and wish them well.

Change of Command

Location

Aftcastle deck of ship

Parties Involved

Fleet Leader
Fleet Leader's aide
Outgoing Captain (or stand-in)
Incoming Captain

Items of Importance

Ship's Bell
Captain's Star
Cutlass of Command

If the former captain has died, but the Cutlass of Command is available, the officer acting as ship's commander offers the sword to the Fleet Leader. Again, a few words of honor and praise are delivered. The cutlass is then handed off to an aide while the acting commander joins the other officers at the stern rail. If the Cutlass is not available, this part of the ceremony is simply skipped.

If the former captain is disgraced, they quietly offer the Cutlass of Command to the Fleet Leader, who hands it off to an aide. As the aide then breaks the blade by holding it against the deck and stepping on it, the Fleet Leader says, "May the dishonor you brought this ship end as this blade has ended. The outgoing captain's Stars are then removed by the Fleet Leader's aide, after which the outgoing captain departs the deck and the ship in silence. Depending on the nature of the disgrace, the outgoing captain can either look forward to a life of exile, or a quick end in a dark alley within the day.

This portion of the ceremony ends with the the ship's Officer of the Watch sounding the Ship's Bell six times, using the pattern that marks the end of a Watch.

Bestowing of Command

At this point, the incoming captain steps forward before the Fleet Leader. A few words of praise outlining the notable service of the new captain and the honorable history of the ship itself are delivered. The Fleet Leader's aide then pins the Captain's Stars onto the shoulders of the new captain. Finally, the Fleet Leader presents the Cutlass of Command - either the one used by the recently deceased captain, or a new one otherwise. The Fleet Leader then salutes the new captain - the only time a Fleet Leader ever initiates a salute. The other officers join the salute, and the crew cheers. With the ceremony concluded, the Fleet Leader and aide depart the ship to the continued cheering of the crew. The new captain shouts their first few formal orders - usually nothing of importance as the captain is expected to be joining the Fleet Leader at the Shredded Sail Tavern to celebrate.

Credits

Page Banner Orc Warrior Image by Yuri_B from Pixabay
Page Banner Sailing Ship Image by GLady from Pixabay
Side panel images by Dorothe from Pixabay

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