I've always wanted to be an Orc with a Shotgun, and this seems like as good of a chance to attempt it as any. And it's still practical as well as a "New" idea for the Elderscrolls. Sure you got magic and stuff, but not everyone likes using magic. I got nothing against magic either, but it's going to take time that Malakaus doesn't have to learn how to throw fireballs or shoot lightning. And there's the idea of Malakaus leaving a lasting legacy, even if it is only in this RP: To be the creator of firearms. Plus it feeds into another thing that Malakaus wants to do: Kill people.

Killing someone with an axe isn't a new thing. While it's exciting and thrilling to get into a melee fight, sometimes you get to the point where it's fairly repetitive. Throw in guns and now there is a new way you need to fight, one that really challenges you. A for a short while, as the one who created guns, Malakaus has an advantage and power over others that he can relish in, at least until he sells the idea or someone else figures out how it works. Either way, Malakaus leaves a legacy behind and hopefully gets killed in battle against the weapons he makes. It would be a good death, and certainly something that would make him more memorable than "That orc who was with that pirate that caused a lot of problems." It leaves an impression and gives Malakaus a chance to die in a new and interesting way.

Plus eventually Malakaus is going to create cannons for the ship once he gets Sharee's help, which we'll need if our Reputation as pirates gets infamous since a bunch of ships are going to start gunning for us. Balistas can only do so much, we'll need something to tip the scales in our favor. Tactic and planning is all well and good, but Cannons will be the simple answer if all else fails.