“Pirates have taken control of the seas,
Cast out the darkness, crowned their king.
But when the king breaks the code, all will fall to their knees.
Chaos will rule, as thieves lose their honour, and the hymn of death begins to sing.
It won’t be the end, if a new brotherhood is formed, under princes among thieves,
Finally the new age will take wing.”

— From the Predictions of Seer Jung Do

SEASONS

CALENDAR : year 1321 ED

Months: Gildrise, Frostwane, Greencrest, Silverfall, Floreal, Palesun, Highsun, Harvestsun, Gildfall, Mistcrest, Ashwane, Silverset
Weekdays: Marketday, Titheday, Weaverday, Hearthday, Feastday, Gildday, Graceday

THE NIGHTINGALE

Captain’s Cabin | Quartermaster’s Cabin | First Mate’s Cabin

Lower Decks | Gun Decks

Crew’s Quarters | Board Room & Treasury | Hold

COUNTRIES

Miyuseille
Race Name: Mixed (Anglian, Jiā)
Equivalent: Mixed (French, Japanese)
Languages: Flausfeti (french), Inoshi (japanese), Common Tongue (english)
Description: A coastal country historically disputed over by Wintanberg and the Jiā-Min clan, for its abundant resources. Citizens from both countries immigrated there to exert dominance, making a divided state by technicality. However over time the people found they had their own collective national identity, and fought to gain independence. They are an ethnically mixed society, and are ruled by a king who is a distant relative to the royal family of Wintanberg. They mostly rely on their fruit and fine arts exports.
Clothes: Regency Era with Japanese Adornment
Beliefs: Catharrow, Seriph Jade

Wintanberg
Race Name: Anglian
Equivalent: Belgian, Anglo-Saxon
Language: Flausfeti (french), Anglian (anglo-saxon), Common Tongue (english)
Description: A large northern country with a long history of imperialism, budding heads with Spenia many times over colonies, and possesses Sabkhlah in it’s sphere of influence. They used to have the land Miyuseille resides on, until decolonization. Since the disputes over Miyuseille they have been on rocky terms with Jiāyuán. Their society is heavily Anglian, however you may see minorities around Port areas. Their royal family is matriarchal, their High Queen turning 100 soon.
Clothes: Tudors Era with Emphases on Fur
Beliefs: Catharrow

Newhaven
Race Name: Anglian, Various
Equivalent: Port Royal
Language: Common Tongue (english), Various
Description: While it is a colony of Wintanberg, it is not just Anglian that live there. There are a number of natives, as well as slaves from Spenia and Usava, that occupy the colony. It’s trade is predominantly in local resources exchanged with goods from Wintanberg and other countries in alliance with them. Piracy is highly illegal here, and the hanging of pirates is almost a form of entertainment for the common folk. However pirates still like to storm its ports regardless. The upper class live in luxury, the lower classes in constant worry and destitute. The economy only booms for those with privilege.
Clothes: Baroque Era, Various
Beliefs: Catharrow, Various

Jiāyuán
Race Name: Jiā (7 different clans)
Equivalent: Vietnamese, Cambodian, Korean, Mongolian, Japanese, Chinese, and Indonesian
Language: Công (vietnamese), Yeung (khmer), Hwan (korean), La (mongolian), Inoshi (japanese), Rénlèi (mandarin), Sing (indonesian)
Description: There are 7 different clans within the country, all self governing. Jiā-Dan, Jiā-Dtang, Jiā-Hwan, Jiā-La, Jiā-Min, Jiā-Shu and Jiā-Sing. They have battles over land since there aren’t many set boarders. Each clan regulates peace with one another through royal marriages. They struggle with rouge crime since many low class thieves take to piracy for food and wealth for their families. The lowest classes are always treated like dirt, and restrained from benefits of foreign policy, so they take it upon themselves.
Clothes: Various
Beliefs: Seriph Jade

Prieçia
Race Name: Angliçian
Equivalent: Greek
Language: Prieçian (greek), Common Tongue (english)
Description: One of the oldest countries, however has continuously struggled with warding off intruders from apposing countries throughout history. They have a stable and constant amount of minerals and oils which they can use to trade with Wintanberg, in return for live stock. However their greatest foe has been Spenia who keep trying to invade them for their abundant space and arable land. Their people have been displaced in ancient times, and rely on faith to keep their homeland.
Clothes: Renaissance Era
Beliefs: Erianism

Tamaza
Race Name: Tamazian
Equivalent: Egyptian
Language: Tamazian (Egyptian)
Description: One of the longest and strongest civilizations in the world. Though relatively secluded, they do have consistent trade with Usava and Spenia their close neighbours. They don’t have a particularly big navy, but their military alliance with Usava is what keeps both kingdoms going. Fishing and music are what they are most well known for, as well as the beauty of their people. Men and women are seen as equal citizens, and women have many of the same rights as men. In fact many of their rulers are female, such as the current Queen Nephthys who took the throne not long after her father the previous Pharaoh died.
Clothes: Ancient Egyptian
Beliefs: Ouaphris

Gelboldihr
Race Name: Dwarves and Fauns, Halflings
Equivalent: Dwarves and Fauns (Narnia), Halflings (Dungeon & Dragons)
Language: Boldihr (khuzdul), Common Tongue (english)
Description: An ancient kingdom spanning from fishing ports to large mountains for mining, Gelboldihr is perfectly self sustaining and only gets involved in international trade and affaires because of free labour sent over from Jiāyuán and Spenia. The Dwarves are the ruling race, Halflings the offspring of human slaves and Dwarven lords that are often discriminated against. Fauns are a docile race, who dwell in the forest area in-between the ports and mountains, they’re scholarly and do much book keeping and regulating for the dwarves.
Clothes: Nordic Viking
Beliefs: Will of the Flame

Usava
Race Name: Usavian
Equivalent: Carthigian
Language: Savetsu (Punic)
Description: Relying heavily on their military power and strong national identity, Usava has been able to build itself into a strong empire, with a relatively significant navy. Their local economy mostly consists of trading, fishing being a strong resource. They’re alliance with Tamaza is very important to them, and they facilitate it through bartering of textiles, and even royal marriages. They openly do business with the pirate community, viewing them with respect.
Clothes: Ancient Carthigian
Beliefs: Erianism

Sabkhlah
Race Name: Sharki, Thari
Equivalent: Indian, Thai
Language: Sharki (hindi), Thari (thai), Common Tongue (english)
Description: It’s origins are not widely known due to its ancient history, however they have never had a strong military. It resides too secluded from most countries to attempt to over throw, but has huge mining potential. However Wintanberg’s imperial ambition gave them the upper hand and Sabkhlah is now under their sphere of influence. They have two distinct ethnicities, of which don’t often get along, so while they are cooperative mostly in politics, they live in different areas of villages. Crime is common among the lower class, and pirates find refuge among the middle classes, a sort of upper cut to Wintanberg.
Clothes: Mughal and Lopburi
Beliefs: Seriph Jade

Badlands
Race Name: Abantu, Goblins and Hobgoblins
Equivalent: Aztecs, Goblins and Hobgoblins (Pathfinder)
Language: Seucewun (indigenous dialects), Golock (goblin)
Description: Split into the Westlands and the Eastlands, it is two very different sides of the same coin. The Westlands are dominated by human tribes, historically enemies but now allies to fight off the threat that is the Eastlands and it’s inhabitants. Dark magic is common in the Eastlands, which is where the Abantu legend of how humans were turned into Hobgoblins originates. Abantu are some of the few humans known to be able to wield magic, given to them by their connection to nature, is found in their culture commonly, but never abused.
Clothes: Aztec
Beliefs: Kunasatou

Spenia
Race Name: Gente
Equivalent: Spanish
Language: Palabras (spanish), Common Tongue (english)
Description: They used to be small and weak like Prieçia however instead of relying on their faith to keep their home safe, they instead built up their military. Are known to be very ruthless and have a strong sense of patriotism. Spenia believes part of Prieçia belongs to them, so they have been sworn enemies for quiet some time. They sustain themselves through fishing and silk making, which is exported elsewhere, in return for minerals and plants to grow. If Wintanberg is the strongest, Spenia is a close second.
Clothes: Renaissance Era
Beliefs: Erianism, Catharrow

Piranha Isles
Race Name: Various
Equivalent: Tortuga, Nassau
Language: Common Tongue (english), Various
Description: A Pirate Port if you ever saw one. It used to be a Wintanberg outpost, but when the Pirate King came to power it was taken over as a Pirate strong hold, since very few would dare go near because it, as it is so close to Gelboldihr and the Badlands. The island was effectively destroyed, and so was rebuilt using parts of wrecked ships. Spells like fish, rum, and candle wax, but pleasant and inviting to all of The Brotherhood. It’s castle was build out of the old fort and lies at the top of the highest point, the island sustained by the Pirate crews coming and going with goods.
Clothes: Various
Beliefs: Various

Cadralia
Race Name: Merpeople
Equivalent: Atlantis
Language: Merlic, Common Tongue (english)
Description: The world of the Merpeople is different from that of those who dwell above, existing in various realms based on the different seas. The Cadral Sea is where the capital is, Cadralia, the hub of aquatic commerce and society. The royal family also lives here, and it’s the only place in the ocean where you’ll find so many species getting along no strings attached. It’s ancient, however the newer parts of Cadralia have been built from sandstone only a hundred years ago, in comparison to the millennia old structures. Because of this magic is strong, and why most trade is between magical goods. However the Merpeople hate Land-dwellers and therefore have limited trade beyond the Abantu and Dwarven peoples, and occasionally pirates.
Clothes: None, with Shell Adornments
Beliefs: Mother-of-All

RELIGIONS

Overview
Name: Catharrow
Type: Monotheism
Teaching: To avoid the dangers of selfishness and greed, one must learn to control destructive emotions.
Symbol: Sparrow with outspread wings
Clergy: Knights of Paladin
Place of Worship: Cathedral
Founder: Catherine the Sparrow
Rituals: Followers are known as Sparrows, and on Graceday it is customary for them to seek council with the Paladins of the clergy, and reflect on their emotions to continue to control them. Gatherings are held on Hearthday and Graceday, where followers enjoy song and enlightened poetry. Sparrow iconography is common, such as in art and in religious jewelry. All Catherine’s teachings are recorded in the book of Segena.

Nature of the Divine
Name(s): The Almighty
Legends: Catherine was saved from falling off of a cliff by a glowing white being, and was henceforth given divine knowledge. It’s believed this being was an embodied Spirit, minor deities that either guide you or lead you astray. There are Spirits of Burials and Necropolises, Spirits of Lost Souls and Wanderers, Spirits of Sea Nymphs and Wisps, and Spirits of Safe Passage and Guidance.

History
Though the origins of Catharrow aren’t exactly known, its largest population is in Wintanberg and subsequently their colonies, however never really caught on in Sabkhlah. It is said that Catherine’s followers were known as Sparrows, since she used to bread and care for the said bird. The Sparrows built a great Cathedral, establishing this religion as a real power, but the Cathedral was destroyed by an opposing religion. Some of her followers needed to take up arms in order to protect their beliefs, and became the Knights of Paladin, named for the man who lead them.

Overview
Name: Erianism
Type: Polytheism
Teaching: The world is plagued by violence and hatred, and the way to avoid this is to conform to ones’ role in society and be dedicatedly faithful.
Symbol: Circle with crossed olive branches
Clergy: Monks
Place of Worship: Landmark Alters
Founder: The Prophet
Rituals: Followers are known as Erianists, and follow strict faith. Monks are a constant part of daily life. Every Feastday there are celebrations and ritual offerings at designated Alters, as the people embrace the gods. Their symbol of faith can be found anywhere worship takes place, on Monk robes, and on royal military battle armour for blessing and protection.

Nature of the Divine
Name(s): Rosyn (Goddess of Agriculture and Land), Fumnos (God of Love), Avlena (Goddess of Hunting), Erian (Goddess of Fortune), Nabeus (God of Beginnings and Endings), Gipphine (Goddess of Marriage), Eione (God of War), Napysus (God of the Sea and Sailing), Iraura (Goddess of Beauty and Youth)
Legends: The world was made from the dismemberment of a god, and living creatures of all sorts came from the tears of his fellow gods, in order to fill his world. He was killed by the father, who was then cast out to a different spiritual dimension, now known as Downworld. The nine deities made their brother into a world, and watch over it. There is a secondary tier of deities known as Patrons Of Sin. Because they are the product of among the gods, so they are seen as the embodiments of the worst sins. They are believed to often come to earth in different forms and sleep with humans to make Demi-gods. There is Vimion the God of Pleasure, Andis the God of Envy, Isthys the Goddess of Jealousy, and Cora the Goddess of Hatred.

History
Originally it has ties with Ouaphris but enough time has passed to allow it to develop in its own ways, and is mostly practiced in Prieçia, Spenia, and Usava. It is considered one of the most ancient religions. Many are not aware it was first practiced in Usava, and developed since then and spread across continents.

Overview
Name: Ouaphris
Type: Polytheism
Teaching: The only way to defeat greed and hatred, is equality and rule of law. All are equal.
Symbol: Rope of Eternity around Staff
Clergy: High Priests and Priestesses
Place of Worship: Temple
Founder: Pharaoh Naahmed
Rituals: Followers are known as Acolytes of the Divine, as a symbol for their divine creation. Because this faith can be traced back to the oldest known Pharaoh, religion and politics are very close, and the royal family are looked at as divinely blessed. The symbol of Ouaphris is tattooed to the back of the neck of all High Priests and Priestesses, and can be found inscribed all across their Temples.

Nature of the Divine
Name(s): Alealamia (God of the Earth)
Legends: Unlike Erianism, their main focus of worship is the tenth god, therefore their temples are dedicated to him, with specific small alters for the nine deities. There is a secondary tier of deities known as Omens. They are believed to be from the Dark Realm, and wish to corrupt humans. There is Najja the Omen of Pleasure, Bastet the Omen of Envy, Ebony the Omen of Jealousy, Naunet the Omen of Hatred.

History
Going as far back as recorded history, this faith has had the least global influence however the strongest staying power, given the endurance it has had over the centuries. Especially when it’s offshoot Erianism began to develop and became more influential. It was originally persecuted against, but the Pharaoh of the time decided they had to let Erianism flourish freely, to avoid violence and infighting among their own faith. The split after was swift, and since then Ouaphris hasn’t been threatened.

Overview
Name: Seriph Jade
Type: Animism
Teaching: Cruelty and oppression weaken humanity and the solution is practicing courage, and morality of heart.
Symbol: Circle of Life
Clergy: Monks
Place of Worship: Temple
Founder: Lou Su
Rituals: Followers are known as Seriphs. Special tea ceremonies are done for different occasions, such as funerals, births, marriages, and lunar anniversaries.

Nature of the Divine
Name(s):
Legends: Seriphs believe in and interact with spirits and the spiritual world, rather than gods, though some spirits may be gods of a sort. In this case, a spirit they call Dasein is said to have given birth to the world, but they do not exclusively worship this spirit. Rather, they interact with the spirits of the common folk, nature, as well as celestial beings, such as the moons and stars. Notable spirits include Spirits of the Pilgrim, Spirits of the Elements, Spirits of the Moons, Spirits of the Heavenly Bodies.

History
Although it’s practitioners claim their religion was the first ever practiced, there is not much evidence to this, though it is agreed to be among the oldest. Its more sophisticated thinkers will merely observe that the precise names and symbols may be more recent, but its truths began with time itself. Lou Su is believed to have assended to a higher plane of consciousness, to where he saw the truth of life and established what is now known as Seraph Jade (named for the jade stone he was meditating on). Now this religion has become split between two quarreling factions. The larger, more orthodox group has become complacent and hopes to avoid change, while the smaller group uses the term Scholar instead of Monk, which reflects a changing sense of clergy roles in the religion.

Overview
Name: Kunasatou
Type: Panentheism
Teaching: Society is weakened by greed and the only solution is hard work, and obedience to the law.
Symbol: Various
Clergy: Chiefs
Place of Worship: Sacrificial Alter
Founder: Tak Kuna
Rituals: Followers have no specific name, as they are so secluded. Tradition is passed down through a tapestry which recounts Tak Kuna’s experience with the divine. It is taught that all people are given a spiritual gift. One such gift is called discernment, which means being able to help other people discover their gifts. Sacrifices are usually representations of each person’s gift, to show they are cultivating them. Such as a piece of meat by a hunter, or a tunic from a clothing maker. Each community has and maintains its own Sacrificial Alter, where people may stop by for sacrifices, private worship, or prayer.

Nature of the Divine
Name(s): All-as-One
Legends: They believe in a god-like entity of which the entire universe is a part of. In this case, they worship a pantheon of 42 gods, who themselves are part of a greater unity called the All-as-One. All the universe and all beings in it are also part of the All-as-One. Popular gods include Balaur, whose symbol is a man with a spear through his chest and who is said to be part demon and thus better able to fend off the forces of darkness, and Ahalia, whose symbol is a snake and who is said to weave dreams out of the choices people could have made but didn't.

History
This religion, though not a major one, is one of the oldest. It’s existence traces back centuries, and more then likely the result of the fall and reconversion of ancient kingdoms and tribes forming together for safety. Their own beliefs, coming to form a pantheist religion. It’s also a notable presence in the founding of the Abantu under the rule of Chief Tak Kuna. A great warrior, scholar, and who possessed the ability to converse with the All-as-One.

Overview
Name: Will of the Flame
Type: Polytheism
Teaching: If you are patient and thankful, the Ancestors will watch over you and protect you on your journey to the afterlife.
Symbol: Eternal Flame
Clergy: Vicar
Place of Worship: Chapel
Founder: Garinwulf the Great
Rituals: Known as Followers of the Flame, this religion is exclusive to those who live in Gelboldihr. The clergy is almost entirely fauns, and they oversee masses on Graceday, and include their own wisdoms from study. Through tradition, most dwarves are buried in dungeon tombs with their riches to protect them, payment for the trip into the afterlife.

Nature of the Divine
Name(s): The Ancestors
Legends: Only great dwarfish Lords and accomplished Scholars make it to the afterlife, but if one can gain the favour of The Ancestors they may be looked after on their way to the other side.

History
This faith has existed since the beginning of dwarfish society, and while Fauns have long been fully included, it’s only been recently that Halflings have been accepted. For the longest time their dwarfish blood was ignored and they were believed to not be welcome in the afterlife. However interestingly enough Fauns and Halflings are far more invested in the Will of the Flame. Most young dwarves don’t care much for the teachings of the Flame, and live far from patient and thankful lives. However Fauns and Halflings are consistent worshippers. Older dwarves will join masses and are much more faithful, as their time of life is nearing a close.

Overview
Name: Mother-of-All
Type: Monotheism
Teaching: Rejoice in the Ocean Mother’s favour, as her children non shall challenger her wrath and your reign. The sea and all its glory protect her domain.
Symbol: Conch Shells
Clergy: Elders
Place of Worship: Coral Reafs
Founder: Ocean Mother
Rituals: Followers are known as Her Children, all life whether Merpeople or other sentient aquatic life. With the Mer King/Queen’s blessing, rituals for the Mother-of-All commence every Hearthday, with dance and music. The Great Conch Shell is blown at High Tide, as they call upon the Ocean Mother and her nourishing energy to flow through the sea.

Nature of the Divine
Name(s): Ocean Mother
Legends: The Ocean Mother is the Demi-god daughter of the Supreme Being, and the first mermaid, known as the Mother-of-All. It’s believed that all of life comes from her deep nourishing waters. Her strong and protective energy can be found near oceans and lakes. Offerings for her include molasses and white flowers. However if you cross her, disrespect her domain, or hurt one of her children, she has a serious anger streak. Wielding a broad blade, she’s known to “bathe in the blood of her enemies,” or manifest in the form of a tidal wave.

History
As long as the Merpeople have existed, the Ocean Mother has been their protector and her legendary favour has been fuel to the Merpeople’s disdain for Land-dwellers. The royal family has gone back as long as people can remember, so it is believed they are direct descendants of the Mother-of-All, correlating to their long and uniting rule. While this faith is near exclusive to Merpeople, over the generations (despite the various belief systems followed by them) near all pirates believe in the divinity of the Ocean Mother. As such, they are often considered Her Children as well, though some Water-dwellers may disagree.

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