Here are the sample vignettes that will be the backdrop for the Round 1 scenario sheets, with the exception of the Royal Navy player the other players will be assigned slots randomly..note historical accuracy has been fudged somewhat for gamesmanship!
Port Royal, Jamaica 1719
If there ever was a "pirate town" it would be Port Royal, its primary residents are Pirates, cutthroats and prostitutes. With a large harbor, quick access to trade routs, and a government that turned to Pirates to defend the city, Crews used to operate with impunity here. That was then, this now in 1719 Port Royal calls itself "reformed", The Royal Navy has a strong presence here and Gallows Point awaits those convicted of Piracy. Slavery is still the key business here, and skillful Pirates operating under the guise of Slavers have ample cover to almost unlimited nefarious activity, just don't get caught. Israel Hands has come to Port Royal. Shot in the leg and gimped by Blackbeard, He was pardoned by the British for testifying against corrupt politicians in North Carolina. Hands claims he has given up the life and has come to Port Royal to sell off the location of Henry Morgans gold that Blackbeard hid some 10 months ago. Hands hopes to gather up a large nest egg and then gain passage back to England. Many are interested in what he has to say and at what price the information comes. Your crew comes to a local tavern to meet Hands and see what he's selling however a rival crew has beat you there with either a better offer or to just beat the knowledge out of him..either way it's a fight, and one which gold is the prize.
Scenario A: BAR FIGHT
"Wine and women drained their wealth to such a degree that… some of them became reduced to beggary. They have been known to spend 2 or 3,000 pieces of eight in one night; and one gave a strumpet 500 to see her naked. They used to buy a pipe of wine, place it in the street, and oblige everyone that passed to drink"
Castillo de San Cristóbal- San Juan, Puerto Rico, 1719
The small redoubt on the north side of San Juan will eventually become the huge complex known as Castillo de San Cristóbal, right now to your crew its known as San Juan Prison. Held by the Spanish, Pirate crews who prey on the English and French are given the wink and nod..The Spanish officials in San Juan are as corrupt and unscrupulous as the Pirates themselves. A man by the name of Richards sits in San Juan prison and claims to traveled to the Caribbean with Israel Hands after Blackbeards death, how he ended up in San Juan Prison is unknown but rumor has it he has information which leads to the location of Blackbeard's stache. After bribing the prison guards your crew moves in to secure the prisoner but encounter a rival crew with similar ideas..the fight is on, to grab Richards and get out of San Juan before your rivals do or the Spanish change their minds!
Scenario B: PRISON BREAK
"Many Puerto Ricans also became Spanish privateers that operated against the British, French and Dutch possessions in the area, Despite this at times formal, at times informal, conflict, contraband proved to be a crucial element of the local economy, as was common in many peripheral areas of Spanish America."
Santa Domingo, Hispanola 1719.
England and Spain are at an uneasy peace..resentment is strong and the Royal Navys' presence in Santa Domingo is less the welcome. However on its mission out of Port Royal to capture Pirates the local government can say little in opposition to British requests due to several large galleons en route to Spain being captured just east of port quite recently. Pirates crews have blended into Port keeping a low profile but rumors are spreading about a Pirate raid to steal supplies going on this evening. A grand opportunity to accomplish one's mission and leave town for a more friendly port
Scenario C: SACK /DEFEND THE TOWN
"England expects that every man will do his duty."
Tortuga, Hispanola 1719
Again Tortuga was once similar to Port Royal as a Pirate base and a full fledged thriving Pirate community. ( it was here that Henry Morgan gathered his crews that plundered Panama and its Spanish gold.) In recent years the Island has just as similarly attempted to remake itself. However these remakes are the works of politicians in France and Spain and offer little practical use to the small island. While blood doesn't run in streets, Tortuga is still a hot bed for Privateers and Pirates alike, many operating out of small coves or under disguise in Port. A large shipment from France has just arrived in Tortuga along with a French agent carrying several Letters of Marque for some former colleagues who have chosen to hunt as Privateers rather than be hunted. These goods are ripe for the picking and will go long in funding your exploits, but no doubt many your former comrades have the same idea.
Scenario D: CLASH OF SWORDS
"Quarrels between several Brothers whilst aboard ye ship shall be settled ashore with pistol and sword. He that draws first blood shall be the victor. No striking another whilst aboard ye ship."
