This is a WIP of course.

Pirate lore:

The area: While pirates are found in most areas, they prefer sunny and mild climates. The islands of the Onar Archipelago are a favorite cruising ground, with territories and areas that are in a constant state of flux. In general, pirates will not attempt to crowd an area or compete directly for prizes. However, chases frequently lead to more than one ship being involved in the taking of a prize, and when this happens conflict can often turn bloody. 

Settling disputes: Nobody wants to risk their ship being damaged too badly to outrun pirate hunters, and ship engagements are never a sure thing among pirates. Similarly, a captain cannot allow a crew to divide itself over an issue. Therefore, whenever there is a dispute that cannot be judged fairly by a third party, it is settled on the spot with single combat. Ships and crews may choose a champion to represent them, but personal quarrels must be settled personally. Thieves are not tolerated, and in a culture where reputation is everything, an accusation of theft is always followed by a fight to the death. 

The culture: Pirates live and die by their names and reputations. In their world, there is very little written news. Theirs is an oral tradition, a surprising but necessary thing when surrounded on all sides by nations who would see them hunted. While friendly insults are often exchanged between comrades, strangers are viewed with careful distain. They may be rough men, with little or no formal education, but they are surprisingly polite in their own fashion. 

Taboos: Even the most barbaric of cultures has its share of taboos, and pirates are no exception to this. In general, violence against children is frowned upon regardless of their circumstance. Anyone of age taken as part of a prize, though, is considered fair game. Surrender is usually honored, though exactly how much behavior that restricts is usually determined by the captain. 

The Free Cities: 

There are multiple free cities in the Archipalego and up and down the coast. Pirates are fiercely self-regulating in these cities, as they want to continue to be welcome. In general, there is a district or area set aside where they are left to their own devices. 

Notable ranks: 
	Captain: His word is to be considered law in the day-to-day running of the ship and in action. Orders must be carried out swiftly and precisely in order to ensure the safety of the ship and its crew. 
	Quartermaster: The administrator of the ship, the quartermaster served as go-between to the captain, representing the wishes of the crew. They alone had the power of veto, but usually used this sparingly and behind closed doors in order to keep the crew's confidence in the captain's judgment. Of course, the extent of this differed from ship to ship. The quartermaster was also in charge of managing the ship's hierarchy and answerable for the books and division of plunder.
	Lieutenants: The first and second lieutenants represented the chain of command on board a ship. In general, it went Captain, First and Second Lieutenants, Quartermaster, Bosun. Their presence promised stability and sure guidance to the crew in the event of a calamity befalling their captain. They were considered future captains in their own rights, concerned more with the management of operations on board the ship than the administrative duties of the Quartermaster. 
	Bosun: This man was answerable for the ship's tackle and sails. He directly managed the operations on deck, kept the crew organized, oversaw maintenance and damage control, and otherwise tended to the minutia of running a ship.