YellowWarningTriangle.png This wiki is closed in favour of the new wiki. Information shown is likely to be very out of date.

Difference between revisions of "Corsairs"

From Discovery Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
m (→‎Known Bases: Removed Saalburg)
(Controlled Space: Omicron Omega removed. Bases: Amorgos added.)
Line 16: Line 16:
 
* [[Omicron Gamma]]
 
* [[Omicron Gamma]]
 
* [[Omicron Xi]]
 
* [[Omicron Xi]]
* [[Omicron Omega]]
 
 
|organisations = ''none''
 
|organisations = ''none''
 
}}
 
}}
The '''Corsairs''', also referred to as the '''Corsair Empire''' (''Imperio del Corsario''), are an unlawful faction operating from the remote edge worlds of Sirius. They are believed to be the largest criminal organization currently in operation in Sirius -- frequently attacking civilian, commercial, and even military targets. The Corsairs are ruled over by an oligarchy of the most ruthless, powerful, wealthy or influential, who reach their position of power primarily by carving a bloody path of destruction through their plentiful enemies.
+
The '''Corsairs''', also referred to as the '''Corsair Empire''' (''Imperio del Corsario''), are an unlawful faction operating from the remote [[Edge Worlds]] of [[Sirius]]. They are believed to be the largest criminal organization currently in operation in Sirius -- frequently attacking civilian, commercial, and even military targets. The Corsairs are ruled over by an oligarchy of the most ruthless, powerful, wealthy or influential, who reach their position of power primarily by carving a bloody path of destruction through their plentiful enemies.
  
Corsair influenced territories span across most of the Omicron and Omega [[Edge_Worlds | Edge Worlds]], leading them as far as [[Bretonia]] and [[Kusari]]. Most of their bases are directly connected to their core worlds. The Corsairs are currently involved in a long standing, large scale war with the [[Outcasts]] over the domination of the Omicron [[Edge_Worlds | Edge Worlds]].
+
Corsair influenced territories span across most of the Omicron and Omega Edge Worlds, leading them as far as [[Bretonia]] and [[Kusari]]. Most of their bases are directly connected to their core worlds. The Corsairs are currently involved in a long standing, large scale war with the [[Outcasts]] over the domination of the [[Omicrons|Omicron]] Edge Worlds.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
Line 28: Line 27:
 
The ancestors of the Corsairs that had set adrift from the crippled sleeper ship [[Hispania]] made planetfall on [[Planet Crete|Crete]] shortly after the other Houses arrived in the Sirius Sector.
 
The ancestors of the Corsairs that had set adrift from the crippled sleeper ship [[Hispania]] made planetfall on [[Planet Crete|Crete]] shortly after the other Houses arrived in the Sirius Sector.
  
Scratching out a living, the Corsairs managed a bleak existence for four centuries and over time they developed a strong self-identity, isolated from the rest of the Houses. In 450 AS that insular world changed. An exploratory expedition headed by Franz Schulman -- financed by [[Daumann Heavy Construction|Daumann]] and the [[Rheinland]] government -- stumbled into the system while mapping the far reaches of the Walker Nebula. The local inhabitants, sensing a historic opportunity, attacked the landing party en masse, killing all save Schulman whom they took hostage to gain control of the mother ship "Schiller" in orbit above the planet.
+
Scratching out a living, the Corsairs managed a bleak existence for four centuries and over time they developed a strong self-identity, isolated from the rest of the Houses. In 450 [[A.S.]] that insular world changed. An exploratory expedition headed by Franz Schulman -- financed by [[Daumann Heavy Construction|Daumann]] and the [[Rheinland]] government -- stumbled into the system while mapping the far reaches of the [[Walker Nebula]]. The local inhabitants, sensing a historic opportunity, attacked the landing party en masse, killing all save Schulman whom they took hostage to gain control of the mother ship "Schiller" in orbit above the planet.
  
No one is entirely sure who first nicknamed them the "Corsairs", recalling the ancient pirate clans of the Mediterranean, but the name came into popular use among the Houses sometime around 500 AS. The Corsairs began attacking unprotected outposts and ships, plundering whatever supplies and equipment they could lay their hands on, before escaping through one of their secret Jump Holes. The systematic expansion of the Houses into the Omega Border Worlds further fueled the Corsair movement, dramatically increasing the quantity and variety of accessible goods.
+
No one is entirely sure who first nicknamed them the "Corsairs", recalling the ancient pirate clans of the Mediterranean, but the name came into popular use among the Houses sometime around 500 A.S. The Corsairs began attacking unprotected outposts and ships, plundering whatever supplies and equipment they could lay their hands on, before escaping through one of their secret [[Jump Holes]]. The systematic expansion of the Houses into the [[Omegas|Omega]] [[Border Worlds]] further fueled the Corsair movement, dramatically increasing the quantity and variety of accessible goods.
  
The final chapter began in the sixth century AS, when an enterprising, well-armed [[Liberty]] freelancer named Jim Brown made his way to [[Omicron Gamma]]. He brought various Consumer Goods to trade, but the Corsairs could offer little but [[Artifacts]]. A year later he returned. Those trinkets were all the rage with the elite of [[Planet Manhattan|Manhattan]]. He saw a great business opportunity if they could set up a viable trade route to Liberty. The Corsairs were on their way. They grew rapidly in size and sophistication as they built up the Artifact trade.
+
The final chapter began in the sixth century AS, when an enterprising, well-armed [[Liberty]] freelancer named Jim Brown made his way to [[Omicron Gamma]]. He brought various [[Consumer Goods]] to trade, but the Corsairs could offer little but [[Artifacts]]. A year later he returned. Those trinkets were all the rage with the elite of [[Planet Manhattan|Manhattan]]. He saw a great business opportunity if they could set up a viable trade route to Liberty. The Corsairs were on their way. They grew rapidly in size and sophistication as they built up the Artifact trade.
  
The primary smuggling route goes north to [[Sigma-19]], where Artifacts are traded with the [[Hogosha]] onboard the Hawaii. In the west the Corsairs invaded [[Bretonia]] in order to reach the Junker [[Trafalgar Base]] in [[New London]]. They also operated routes into [[Rheinland]] via [[Yanagi Depot]], a former Junker base in [[Sigma-13]]. Liberty is still a target of their smuggling operations, and much of this trade is handled by the [[Junkers]] and various intermediaries.
+
The primary smuggling route goes north to [[Sigma-19]], where Artifacts are traded with the [[Hogosha]] onboard the Hawaii. In the west the Corsairs invaded [[Bretonia]] in order to reach the Junker [[Trafalgar Base]] in [[New London]]. They also operated routes into Rheinland via [[Yanagi Depot]], a former Junker base in [[Sigma-13]]. Liberty is still a target of their smuggling operations, and much of this trade is handled by the [[Junkers]] and various intermediaries.
  
The [[Bounty Hunters Guild]] has taken advantage of several [[Freeport]]s in the [[Edge Worlds]] to attack the Corsairs’ home system. So far they’ve been more of a nuisance than a real threat, but the presence of [[Zoner]]-controlled bases so close to [[Omicron Gamma]] has provoked intense debate among the Elders of Crete regarding the future of nearby independent bases.
+
The [[Bounty Hunters Guild]] has taken advantage of several [[Freeport]]s in the Edge Worlds to attack the Corsairs’ home system. So far they’ve been more of a nuisance than a real threat, but the presence of [[Zoner]]-controlled bases so close to Omicron Gamma has provoked intense debate among the Elders of Crete regarding the future of nearby independent bases.
  
 
===A Varied Economy===
 
===A Varied Economy===
Line 42: Line 41:
 
In the past the Corsairs were unable to grow enough food on the mountainous and arid terrain of [[Planet Crete]], and the low native wildlife populations and sparse forests only further contributed to the lack of resources and eventual famine of the original Corsair population. According to legend, in the early days of their civilisation a select few members of the populace volunteered to be cannibalised to ensure the future of their people. Though many Corsairs believe this to be a myth, these individuals are still revered among believers and their glorious sacrifice celebrated. This story however, whether a fact or a myth, is not one that the Corsairs share with outsiders.
 
In the past the Corsairs were unable to grow enough food on the mountainous and arid terrain of [[Planet Crete]], and the low native wildlife populations and sparse forests only further contributed to the lack of resources and eventual famine of the original Corsair population. According to legend, in the early days of their civilisation a select few members of the populace volunteered to be cannibalised to ensure the future of their people. Though many Corsairs believe this to be a myth, these individuals are still revered among believers and their glorious sacrifice celebrated. This story however, whether a fact or a myth, is not one that the Corsairs share with outsiders.
  
Today the Corsairs, while not as desperate as in previous ages, are still dangerously short of food, which necessitates regular shipments of smuggled [[Food Rations|food]] from the Houses to [[Planet Crete|Crete]]. Their smuggling of [[Artifacts]] is a major source of income, a large portion of which is used to buy resources and food shipments from the [[Zoners]] and from the various Houses and factions of Sirius. Regardless of these (frequently inadequate) supplies the Corsairs are still using piracy and various shady business dealings to fulfil the majority of their demand for supplies and cash.
+
Today the Corsairs, while not as desperate as in previous ages, are still dangerously short of food, which necessitates regular shipments of smuggled [[Food Rations|Food]] from the Houses to Crete. Their smuggling of [[Artifacts]] is a major source of income, a large portion of which is used to buy resources and food shipments from the [[Zoners]] and from the various Houses and factions of Sirius. Regardless of these (frequently inadequate) supplies the Corsairs are still using piracy and various shady business dealings to fulfil the majority of their demand for supplies and cash.
  
 
Despite their partial dependence on other organisations for food and resources, the Corsairs are known for their ship-building industry, and their advanced ship designs are feared across Sirius. Because of this, the Corsairs are rarely if ever seen utilizing ships or equipment developed by anyone other than their own engineers; Corsair battle technology is part of the Corsairs' national identity and most would be loathed to use anything else, viewing foreign ships and weaponry as inferior and unreliable.
 
Despite their partial dependence on other organisations for food and resources, the Corsairs are known for their ship-building industry, and their advanced ship designs are feared across Sirius. Because of this, the Corsairs are rarely if ever seen utilizing ships or equipment developed by anyone other than their own engineers; Corsair battle technology is part of the Corsairs' national identity and most would be loathed to use anything else, viewing foreign ships and weaponry as inferior and unreliable.
Line 48: Line 47:
 
==Controlled and contested space==
 
==Controlled and contested space==
  
The Corsairs consider most of the Omega systems as part of their domain, and exercise significant influence even as far as [[Planet Gran Canaria]] where they maintain a large agricultural and supply colony. The Corsair zone of influence extends as far as the uppermost [[Sigma]] systems, [[Rheinland]] and [[Bretonia]], as well as [[Honshu]] in Kusari. [[Liberty]] while not part of the direct Corsair zone of influence, is still the target of a great deal of the Artifact trade and thus a frequent port of call for Corsair smugglers.
+
The Corsairs consider most of the Omega systems as part of their domain, and exercise significant influence even as far as [[Planet Gran Canaria]] where they maintain a large agricultural and supply colony. The Corsair zone of influence extends as far as the uppermost [[Sigma]] systems, Rheinland and Bretonia, as well as [[Honshu]] in Kusari. Liberty while not part of the direct Corsair zone of influence, is still the target of a great deal of the Artifact trade and thus a frequent port of call for Corsair smugglers.
  
The Corsair Empire has maintained their claim to the [[Omega-5]] system for generations, but since shortly after the [[History of Rheinland#Popular Revolution (672 A.S.)|Popular Revolution]] in [[Rheinland]] they have had to protect their claim against the [[Red Hessians]] who have also taken roots in the system. Initially the presence of Red Hessians in Omega-5 was tolerated, until the Corsairs under the threat of growing Hessian competition in lane piracy took the decision to attempt to drive them out in 740 [[A.S.]] The initial siege of [[Ronneburg Base]] did not bring the expected conclusion however, an event that eventually led to a stalemate in the system that exists to this day. The bitter conflict has caused the loss of many lives, littering the Omega-5 "no man's land" with shipwrecks, all floating among the countless proximity mines and automated defences that have been set up by both sides over the years of warfare.
+
The Corsair Empire has maintained their claim to the [[Omega-5]] system for generations, but since shortly after the [[History of Rheinland#Popular Revolution (672 A.S.)|Popular Revolution]] in [[Rheinland]] they have had to protect their claim against the [[Red Hessians]] who have also taken roots in the system. Initially the presence of Red Hessians in Omega-5 was tolerated, until the Corsairs under the threat of growing Hessian competition in lane piracy took the decision to attempt to drive them out in 740 A.S. The initial siege of [[Ronneburg Base]] did not bring the expected conclusion however, an event that eventually led to a stalemate in the system that exists to this day. The bitter conflict has caused the loss of many lives, littering the Omega-5 "no man's land" with shipwrecks, all floating among the countless proximity mines and automated defences that have been set up by both sides over the years of warfare.
  
Rumours suggest that all-out invasions of the [[Rheinland]] and [[Bretonia | Bretonian]] houses sit within the long-term plans of the Corsair leadership, who are intent on expanding their empire and using the riches and fertile soils of [[Rheinland]]er and [[Bretonia]]n planets to sustain their own populations. Indeed, Corsair sources are on record as referring to the Cambridge system as "Corsair space with unwelcome tenants" and the system is the scene of frequent Corsair raiding sorties, where outside the [[BAF]] controlled zones they seem to operate with relative impunity. Despite these plans however, the Corsairs have made little permanent progress in those areas, and one such campaign against [[Federal_Republic_of_Rheinland|Rheinland]] was brutally crushed by the [[Rheinland Military]] in 816 A.S. Recent years however have seen a strong resurgence of the Corsair military as well as a large increase in general fleet movements throughout the borders of the empire and beyond, indicating that the Corsairs may now consider themselves to be once again in a position to launch large scale operations within house space.
+
Rumours suggest that all-out invasions of the Rheinland and Bretonian houses sit within the long-term plans of the Corsair leadership, who are intent on expanding their empire and using the riches and fertile soils of Rheinlander and Bretonian planets to sustain their own populations. Indeed, Corsair sources are on record as referring to the Cambridge system as "Corsair space with unwelcome tenants" and the system is the scene of frequent Corsair raiding sorties, where outside the [[BAF]] controlled zones they seem to operate with relative impunity. Despite these plans however, the Corsairs have made little permanent progress in those areas, and one such campaign against Rheinland was brutally crushed by the [[Rheinland Military]] in 816 A.S. Recent years however have seen a strong resurgence of the Corsair military as well as a large increase in general fleet movements throughout the borders of the empire and beyond, indicating that the Corsairs may now consider themselves to be once again in a position to launch large scale operations within house space.
  
 
==Government and politics==
 
==Government and politics==
Line 61: Line 60:
  
 
==Economy==
 
==Economy==
The economy of the Corsairs is based around smuggling and piracy. They are heavily involved in the transport of Alien [[Artifacts]] to third-party distributors such as the [[Junkers]] and [[Hogosha]], who then transport the goods to dealers on House planets and bases. The profit received from this trade goes a long way towards paying for the regular shipments of food and other supplies that the Corsairs must receive from the [[Zoners]].
+
The economy of the Corsairs is based around smuggling and piracy. They are heavily involved in the transport of Alien Artifacts to third-party distributors such as the Junkers and Hogosha, who then transport the goods to dealers on House planets and bases. The profit received from this trade goes a long way towards paying for the regular shipments of food and other supplies that the Corsairs must receive from the Zoners.
Acquisition of cargo from traders in and between [[Bretonia]] and [[Rheinland]] at gunpoint has kept the Corsair nation thriving for generations and with their increased dependence upon the [[Zoners]], and the development of short range balance transfers, Corsairs are now often spotted demanding Sirius credits from unlucky victims. These extra credits are then often used to pay for supply shipments, construction of new warships, or simply the personal gain of a family or individual.
+
Acquisition of cargo from traders in and between Bretonia and Rheinland at gunpoint has kept the Corsair nation thriving for generations and with their increased dependence upon the Zoners, and the development of short range balance transfers, Corsairs are now often spotted demanding Sirius credits from unlucky victims. These extra credits are then often used to pay for supply shipments, construction of new warships, or simply the personal gain of a family or individual.
  
 
==Foreign relations==
 
==Foreign relations==
The Corsairs have a contempt for the other houses, and a disregard for foreign lives. As such, they have no inhibitions about killing [[Bretonia|Bretonian]] or [[Rheinland]] traders in cold blood if it means they will acquire wealth or cargo. Because of their relentless piracy and disregard for the lives and laws of [[Bretonia]] and [[Rheinland]], they are feared enemies of these houses, and considered hostile by most of their associates.
+
The Corsairs have a contempt for the other houses, and a disregard for foreign lives. As such, they have no inhibitions about killing Bretonian or Rheinland traders in cold blood if it means they will acquire wealth or cargo. Because of their relentless piracy and disregard for the lives and laws of Bretonia and Rheinland, they are feared enemies of these houses, and considered hostile by most of their associates.
  
Because the Corsairs ambitions and operations do not extend beyond [[Liberty]] and [[Kusari]]'s borders, these houses view the Corsairs with disinterest. Due to their limited contact with the Corsairs, the Liberty government's policy on them centres around the view that they are "someone else's problem".
+
Because the Corsairs ambitions and operations do not extend beyond Liberty and Kusari's borders, these houses view the Corsairs with disinterest. Due to their limited contact with the Corsairs, the Liberty government's policy on them centres around the view that they are "someone else's problem".
  
The war between [[Bretonia]] and [[Kusari]] has complicated Corsair foreign relations, with [[Kusari]] and the Corsair Empire finding themselves on the same side of the war. Despite this, collaboration between the [[Kusari]] and Corsair leaderships has been minimal. If the war continues, it is likely that quasi-legal organizations in [[Kusari]] such as the [[Farmers Alliance]] and [[Hogosha]] will play a vital role in bridging the gap between the kindred spirits in [[Kusari]] and the Corsair Empire.
+
The war between Bretonia and Kusari has complicated Corsair foreign relations, with Kusari and the Corsair Empire finding themselves on the same side of the war. Despite this, collaboration between the Kusari and Corsair leaderships has been minimal. If the war continues, it is likely that quasi-legal organizations in Kusari such as the [[Farmers Alliance]] and Hogosha will play a vital role in bridging the gap between the kindred spirits in Kusari and the Corsair Empire.
  
 
Geographical location mitigates against any regular links between the [[Kingdom of Gallia]] and the Empire. However mutual enemies have resulted in a working neutrality and it is known that [[Ile-de-France Shipping]] have provided emergency supplies to the Leaders of the Empire.
 
Geographical location mitigates against any regular links between the [[Kingdom of Gallia]] and the Empire. However mutual enemies have resulted in a working neutrality and it is known that [[Ile-de-France Shipping]] have provided emergency supplies to the Leaders of the Empire.
  
Aside from their usual minor conflicts and skirmishes, the Corsairs are also in a state of declared war with the [[Outcasts]] and the [[Red Hessians]] on their respective fronts, with both wars long standing and exhausting to all parties, yet effectively mired in a long term stalemate.
+
Aside from their usual minor conflicts and skirmishes, the Corsairs are also in a state of declared war with the Outcasts and the Red Hessians on their respective fronts, with both wars long standing and exhausting to all parties, yet effectively mired in a long term stalemate.
  
 
==Crime and dissent==
 
==Crime and dissent==
Line 80: Line 79:
 
In 817 [[A.S.]] the Council of Elders published a unifying [http://discoverygc.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=8584&pid=552018#pid552018 Corsair Laws Document] which officially collected the many scattered ancient decrees and codes into one concise piece of legislature. A [http://discoverygc.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=39395 Supreme Court]; a branch of the Council of Elders, has been set up to deal with matters of lawbreaking in the empire.
 
In 817 [[A.S.]] the Council of Elders published a unifying [http://discoverygc.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=8584&pid=552018#pid552018 Corsair Laws Document] which officially collected the many scattered ancient decrees and codes into one concise piece of legislature. A [http://discoverygc.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=39395 Supreme Court]; a branch of the Council of Elders, has been set up to deal with matters of lawbreaking in the empire.
  
In addition, as of 818 [[A.S.]], sale of Corsair ships and technology to non-Corsairs has been tightly regulated by the newly appointed [http://bit.ly/corsairtech| Corsair Arms Licensing Dept].
+
In addition, as of 818 A.S.], sale of Corsair ships and technology to non-Corsairs has been tightly regulated by the newly appointed [http://bit.ly/corsairtech| Corsair Arms Licensing Dept].
  
 
==Ships==
 
==Ships==
Line 106: Line 105:
 
{{SL | [[Essedarius]] | Train | Essedarius-s.png‎}}
 
{{SL | [[Essedarius]] | Train | Essedarius-s.png‎}}
 
{{Ship List/end}}
 
{{Ship List/end}}
 +
  
 
==Known Bases==
 
==Known Bases==
 +
* [[Amorgos]], [[Omicron Xi]]
 
* [[Battleship Athos]], [[Dresden]]
 
* [[Battleship Athos]], [[Dresden]]
 
* [[Battleship Delos]], [[Omicron Xi]]
 
* [[Battleship Delos]], [[Omicron Xi]]
Line 125: Line 126:
 
* [[Tinos Outpost]], [[Omicron Xi]]
 
* [[Tinos Outpost]], [[Omicron Xi]]
 
* [[Tripoli Shipyard]], [[Omicron Gamma]]
 
* [[Tripoli Shipyard]], [[Omicron Gamma]]
 +
  
 
==Diplomacy==
 
==Diplomacy==
Line 131: Line 133:
 
{{FD | [[Gaians]] | +0.8}}
 
{{FD | [[Gaians]] | +0.8}}
 
{{FD | [[Farmers Alliance]] | +0.7}}
 
{{FD | [[Farmers Alliance]] | +0.7}}
 +
{{FD | [[Samura Industries]] | +0.3}}
 
{{FD | [[Junkers]] | +0.2}}
 
{{FD | [[Junkers]] | +0.2}}
{{FD | [[Zoners]] | +0.1}}
+
{{FD | [[Zoners]] | +0.0}}
 
{{FD | [[The Order]] | -0.4}}
 
{{FD | [[The Order]] | -0.4}}
 +
{{FD | [[NPC Factions#Kusari Lawful|Kusari Lawful]] | -0.4 }}
 +
{{FD | [[Kishiro Technologies]] | -0.5}}
 +
{{FD | [[NPC Factions#Rheinland Corporate|Rheinland Corporations]]  | -0.7 }}
 +
{{FD | [[NPC Factions#Liberty Corporate|Liberty Corporations]]  | -0.7 }}
 +
{{FD | [[NPC Factions#Bretonia Corporate|Bretonia Corporations]]  | -0.7 }}
 +
{{FD | [[NPC Factions#Gallia Corporate|Gallic Corporations]]  | -0.7 }}
 
{{FD | [[Liberty Rogues]] | -0.7}}
 
{{FD | [[Liberty Rogues]] | -0.7}}
 
{{FD | [[Lane Hackers]] | -0.7}}
 
{{FD | [[Lane Hackers]] | -0.7}}
 
{{FD | [[Blood Dragons]] | -0.7}}
 
{{FD | [[Blood Dragons]] | -0.7}}
{{FD | ''House Corporations'' | -0.8}}
+
{{FD | [[Independent Miners Guild]] | -0.7}}
{{FD | ''House Police'' | -0.8}}
+
{{FD | [[NPC Factions#Bretonia Lawful|Bretonia Lawful]] | -0.9 }}
{{FD | ''House Militaries'' | -0.8}}
+
{{FD | [[NPC Factions#Liberty Lawful|Liberty Lawful]] | -0.9 }}
{{FD | [[Independent Miners Guild]] | -0.9}}
+
{{FD | [[NPC Factions#Rheinland Lawful|Rheinland Lawful]] | -0.9 }}
 
{{FD | [[Bounty Hunters Guild]] | -0.9}}
 
{{FD | [[Bounty Hunters Guild]] | -0.9}}
 
{{FD | [[Gas Miners Guild]] | -0.9}}
 
{{FD | [[Gas Miners Guild]] | -0.9}}
 
{{FD | [[Mollys]] | -0.9}}
 
{{FD | [[Mollys]] | -0.9}}
{{FD | [[Red Hessians]] | -0.9}}
+
{{FD | [[Red Hessians]] | -1}}
{{FD | [[Outcasts]] | -0.9}}
+
{{FD | [[Outcasts]] | -1}}
 
{{Faction Diplomacy/end}}
 
{{Faction Diplomacy/end}}
  
Line 172: Line 181:
  
 
{{House_Listing}}
 
{{House_Listing}}
[[Category: Nations]]
 
 
[[Category: Factions]]
 
[[Category: Factions]]
 
[[Category: Houses]]
 
[[Category: Houses]]
 
[[Category: Corsairs]]
 
[[Category: Corsairs]]

Revision as of 11:42, 13 December 2018

This is a NPC faction. For the affiliated player factions see below.
Corsairs
Imperio del Corsario
Αυτοκρατορία των Κουρσάρων
Flag-corsairs.png
Capital Planet Crete,
Omicron Gamma
Official languages Spanish, Greek, English
Government Oligarchy
- Leader   Corsair Council Of Elders
Founded 20-50 A.S.
Primary ID Corsair ID
Controlled space
Affiliated organisations

none

The Corsairs, also referred to as the Corsair Empire (Imperio del Corsario), are an unlawful faction operating from the remote Edge Worlds of Sirius. They are believed to be the largest criminal organization currently in operation in Sirius -- frequently attacking civilian, commercial, and even military targets. The Corsairs are ruled over by an oligarchy of the most ruthless, powerful, wealthy or influential, who reach their position of power primarily by carving a bloody path of destruction through their plentiful enemies.

Corsair influenced territories span across most of the Omicron and Omega Edge Worlds, leading them as far as Bretonia and Kusari. Most of their bases are directly connected to their core worlds. The Corsairs are currently involved in a long standing, large scale war with the Outcasts over the domination of the Omicron Edge Worlds.

History

Arrival in Sirius and Early History

The ancestors of the Corsairs that had set adrift from the crippled sleeper ship Hispania made planetfall on Crete shortly after the other Houses arrived in the Sirius Sector.

Scratching out a living, the Corsairs managed a bleak existence for four centuries and over time they developed a strong self-identity, isolated from the rest of the Houses. In 450 A.S. that insular world changed. An exploratory expedition headed by Franz Schulman -- financed by Daumann and the Rheinland government -- stumbled into the system while mapping the far reaches of the Walker Nebula. The local inhabitants, sensing a historic opportunity, attacked the landing party en masse, killing all save Schulman whom they took hostage to gain control of the mother ship "Schiller" in orbit above the planet.

No one is entirely sure who first nicknamed them the "Corsairs", recalling the ancient pirate clans of the Mediterranean, but the name came into popular use among the Houses sometime around 500 A.S. The Corsairs began attacking unprotected outposts and ships, plundering whatever supplies and equipment they could lay their hands on, before escaping through one of their secret Jump Holes. The systematic expansion of the Houses into the Omega Border Worlds further fueled the Corsair movement, dramatically increasing the quantity and variety of accessible goods.

The final chapter began in the sixth century AS, when an enterprising, well-armed Liberty freelancer named Jim Brown made his way to Omicron Gamma. He brought various Consumer Goods to trade, but the Corsairs could offer little but Artifacts. A year later he returned. Those trinkets were all the rage with the elite of Manhattan. He saw a great business opportunity if they could set up a viable trade route to Liberty. The Corsairs were on their way. They grew rapidly in size and sophistication as they built up the Artifact trade.

The primary smuggling route goes north to Sigma-19, where Artifacts are traded with the Hogosha onboard the Hawaii. In the west the Corsairs invaded Bretonia in order to reach the Junker Trafalgar Base in New London. They also operated routes into Rheinland via Yanagi Depot, a former Junker base in Sigma-13. Liberty is still a target of their smuggling operations, and much of this trade is handled by the Junkers and various intermediaries.

The Bounty Hunters Guild has taken advantage of several Freeports in the Edge Worlds to attack the Corsairs’ home system. So far they’ve been more of a nuisance than a real threat, but the presence of Zoner-controlled bases so close to Omicron Gamma has provoked intense debate among the Elders of Crete regarding the future of nearby independent bases.

A Varied Economy

In the past the Corsairs were unable to grow enough food on the mountainous and arid terrain of Planet Crete, and the low native wildlife populations and sparse forests only further contributed to the lack of resources and eventual famine of the original Corsair population. According to legend, in the early days of their civilisation a select few members of the populace volunteered to be cannibalised to ensure the future of their people. Though many Corsairs believe this to be a myth, these individuals are still revered among believers and their glorious sacrifice celebrated. This story however, whether a fact or a myth, is not one that the Corsairs share with outsiders.

Today the Corsairs, while not as desperate as in previous ages, are still dangerously short of food, which necessitates regular shipments of smuggled Food from the Houses to Crete. Their smuggling of Artifacts is a major source of income, a large portion of which is used to buy resources and food shipments from the Zoners and from the various Houses and factions of Sirius. Regardless of these (frequently inadequate) supplies the Corsairs are still using piracy and various shady business dealings to fulfil the majority of their demand for supplies and cash.

Despite their partial dependence on other organisations for food and resources, the Corsairs are known for their ship-building industry, and their advanced ship designs are feared across Sirius. Because of this, the Corsairs are rarely if ever seen utilizing ships or equipment developed by anyone other than their own engineers; Corsair battle technology is part of the Corsairs' national identity and most would be loathed to use anything else, viewing foreign ships and weaponry as inferior and unreliable.

Controlled and contested space

The Corsairs consider most of the Omega systems as part of their domain, and exercise significant influence even as far as Planet Gran Canaria where they maintain a large agricultural and supply colony. The Corsair zone of influence extends as far as the uppermost Sigma systems, Rheinland and Bretonia, as well as Honshu in Kusari. Liberty while not part of the direct Corsair zone of influence, is still the target of a great deal of the Artifact trade and thus a frequent port of call for Corsair smugglers.

The Corsair Empire has maintained their claim to the Omega-5 system for generations, but since shortly after the Popular Revolution in Rheinland they have had to protect their claim against the Red Hessians who have also taken roots in the system. Initially the presence of Red Hessians in Omega-5 was tolerated, until the Corsairs under the threat of growing Hessian competition in lane piracy took the decision to attempt to drive them out in 740 A.S. The initial siege of Ronneburg Base did not bring the expected conclusion however, an event that eventually led to a stalemate in the system that exists to this day. The bitter conflict has caused the loss of many lives, littering the Omega-5 "no man's land" with shipwrecks, all floating among the countless proximity mines and automated defences that have been set up by both sides over the years of warfare.

Rumours suggest that all-out invasions of the Rheinland and Bretonian houses sit within the long-term plans of the Corsair leadership, who are intent on expanding their empire and using the riches and fertile soils of Rheinlander and Bretonian planets to sustain their own populations. Indeed, Corsair sources are on record as referring to the Cambridge system as "Corsair space with unwelcome tenants" and the system is the scene of frequent Corsair raiding sorties, where outside the BAF controlled zones they seem to operate with relative impunity. Despite these plans however, the Corsairs have made little permanent progress in those areas, and one such campaign against Rheinland was brutally crushed by the Rheinland Military in 816 A.S. Recent years however have seen a strong resurgence of the Corsair military as well as a large increase in general fleet movements throughout the borders of the empire and beyond, indicating that the Corsairs may now consider themselves to be once again in a position to launch large scale operations within house space.

Government and politics

One of the many variations of the Corsair flag. (Associated with the [1] Council of Elders)

Currently ruled by an oligarchy referred to as the Council of Elders, the ruling body of the Corsairs is made up of the most ruthless, bloodthirsty, wealthy or influential people of their society. Initially, it consisted of representatives from the three most significant organizations within the Corsair empire, and a number of additional people nominated on an individual basis. This system, occasionally referred to as the "Triumvirate", was introduced as a solution to a number of years of infighting between the Corsair sects.

The roles of the Council range from that of a parliament, to that of a supreme court. Currently the Council of Eldersis considered to be the supreme and ultimate authority within the empire.

Economy

The economy of the Corsairs is based around smuggling and piracy. They are heavily involved in the transport of Alien Artifacts to third-party distributors such as the Junkers and Hogosha, who then transport the goods to dealers on House planets and bases. The profit received from this trade goes a long way towards paying for the regular shipments of food and other supplies that the Corsairs must receive from the Zoners. Acquisition of cargo from traders in and between Bretonia and Rheinland at gunpoint has kept the Corsair nation thriving for generations and with their increased dependence upon the Zoners, and the development of short range balance transfers, Corsairs are now often spotted demanding Sirius credits from unlucky victims. These extra credits are then often used to pay for supply shipments, construction of new warships, or simply the personal gain of a family or individual.

Foreign relations

The Corsairs have a contempt for the other houses, and a disregard for foreign lives. As such, they have no inhibitions about killing Bretonian or Rheinland traders in cold blood if it means they will acquire wealth or cargo. Because of their relentless piracy and disregard for the lives and laws of Bretonia and Rheinland, they are feared enemies of these houses, and considered hostile by most of their associates.

Because the Corsairs ambitions and operations do not extend beyond Liberty and Kusari's borders, these houses view the Corsairs with disinterest. Due to their limited contact with the Corsairs, the Liberty government's policy on them centres around the view that they are "someone else's problem".

The war between Bretonia and Kusari has complicated Corsair foreign relations, with Kusari and the Corsair Empire finding themselves on the same side of the war. Despite this, collaboration between the Kusari and Corsair leaderships has been minimal. If the war continues, it is likely that quasi-legal organizations in Kusari such as the Farmers Alliance and Hogosha will play a vital role in bridging the gap between the kindred spirits in Kusari and the Corsair Empire.

Geographical location mitigates against any regular links between the Kingdom of Gallia and the Empire. However mutual enemies have resulted in a working neutrality and it is known that Ile-de-France Shipping have provided emergency supplies to the Leaders of the Empire.

Aside from their usual minor conflicts and skirmishes, the Corsairs are also in a state of declared war with the Outcasts and the Red Hessians on their respective fronts, with both wars long standing and exhausting to all parties, yet effectively mired in a long term stalemate.

Crime and dissent

Due to a lack of specific laws regarding many issues in the empire, the Corsair leadership often over-estimated and exaggerated the power it wielded over the nation as a whole. The lack of a specific system of tribunals and specific written laws meant that matters of misconduct often had to be dealt with by the Council of Elders on a case-by-case basis.

In 817 A.S. the Council of Elders published a unifying Corsair Laws Document which officially collected the many scattered ancient decrees and codes into one concise piece of legislature. A Supreme Court; a branch of the Council of Elders, has been set up to deal with matters of lawbreaking in the empire.

In addition, as of 818 A.S.], sale of Corsair ships and technology to non-Corsairs has been tightly regulated by the newly appointed Corsair Arms Licensing Dept.

Ships

Fighters & Bombers

Pi fighter.png
Decurion
Advanced Light Fighter
Pi elite.png
Centurion
Heavy Fighter
Gladiator.png
Gladiator
Advanced Heavy Fighter
Pi vheavy fighter.png
Titan
Advanced Very Heavy Fighter
Praetorian.png
Praetorian
Bomber

Warships

Eldiablo.png
Imperator
Anti-Fighter Platform
Praefect.png
Praefect
Main Attack Cruiser
Legate.png
Legate
Dreadnought

Sair BS1.png
Murmillo
Battleship

Commercial

Mercatante.png
Correo
Freighter
Armicustos.png
Armicustos
Tansport
Essedarius-s.png
Essedarius
Train


Known Bases


Diplomacy

Faction Relationship
Hogosha
Allied
Gaians
Allied
Farmers Alliance
Friendly
Samura Industries
Neutral
Junkers
Neutral
Zoners
Neutral
The Order
Unfriendly
Kusari Lawful
Unfriendly
Kishiro Technologies
Unfriendly
Rheinland Corporations
Hostile
Liberty Corporations
Hostile
Bretonia Corporations
Hostile
Gallic Corporations
Hostile
Liberty Rogues
Hostile
Lane Hackers
Hostile
Blood Dragons
Hostile
Independent Miners Guild
Hostile
Bretonia Lawful
At War
Liberty Lawful
At War
Rheinland Lawful
At War
Bounty Hunters Guild
At War
Gas Miners Guild
At War
Mollys
At War
Red Hessians
At War
Outcasts
At War


Player Factions

[TBH] - The Brotherhood

The Brotherhood is a powerful brotherhood of Corsairs, including high ranking Elders.

C:: - Custodi

Custodi are a nation of Corsairs from northern Crete, mostly of Greek descent.

Benitez - The Benitez Family

The Benitez Family was a powerful and politically influential (adoptive) Corsair family. In 819 A.S the organisation was disbanded and its fleet nationalized.

|Sails -The Black Sails

The Black Sails is a bloodthirsty guild of pirates and warriors based out of Etna and Cadiz, the spiritual successors of the Omega Pirates Guild.


See also

Links

The Colonies
Flag-liberty.png Liberty  •  Flag-bretonia.png Bretonia  •  Flag-kusari.png Kusari  •  Flag-rheinland.png Rheinland  •  Flag-gallia.png Gallia  •  Flag-outcasts.png Outcasts  •  Flag-corsairs.png Corsairs