Black Sea Company
The Black Sea Company is a loosely organized group of seafaring individuals united by their love of freedom, adventure, and the sea. The company was founded in the year 1616 of the Celestial Calendar (71 years before The Pact) when ships from all kingdoms were sent to gather lost treasures and learn about newly found underwater ruins. They began forming bonds and alliances as they were left to their own volition.
The free people of the Black Sea Company are a diverse group comprising honest merchants, shameless pirates, and everything in between. But as the ships travelled together, they also found much in common. They were all free people who valued their independence and freedom and shared a love for the sea and its treasures.
When they discovered a mysterious plant that allowed people to breathe underwater, the group of ships decided to seize this opportunity and claim independence from the nations that they had come from. They formed a new organization called the Black Sea Company and banded together to explore the seas as a united force, using their newfound knowledge and resources to further their goals.
Over time, the Black Sea Company grew in size and power, attracting more ships and sailors who shared their love for the sea and its treasures. Each ship operates independently, with the position of captain serving as the only consistent element. They developed their code of honour and respect, which governed the behaviour of their members and ensured that they operated with a sense of dignity and integrity.
Today, the Black Sea Company is a well known and respected group of seafaring individuals who operate independently but share a common bond of respect and honour. They are a testament to the power of unity and cooperation and the enduring spirit of freedom and independence that is so important to those who live and work on the sea.
It has gained a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy organization, and as a result, it is regularly contracted by the nations of the world for a range of services such as transportation of goods and people, trade, protection on the high seas, exploration, and more. Its members are skilled and experienced seafarers who operate independently but work together to ensure the success of their missions.
Presentation
The Black Sea Company is a culturally diverse group of individuals who bring their unique beliefs and customs to the organization. While members are free to follow their own religious or cultural practices, many have incorporated elements of the ancestral rites and traditions from their nations of origin into their daily lives. This makes the beliefs and customs of the Black Sea Company complex and diverse.
As such, the members of the Black Sea Company share no single, common belief system. Some follow the traditional beliefs of their homelands, while others have adopted new beliefs from their travels and interactions with other cultures. Nevertheless, many members share a variant of the Old Ways, which holds that all elements of the natural world, including the sea and its creatures, possess a spirit.
As part of their spiritual practices, many members of the Black Sea Company make alliances with seafaring Guardians or Water Elementals to ensure safe voyages and calm seas. These Guardians protect sailors and travellers to ensure a safe journey on the sea. This belief in the spiritual interconnectedness of the natural world is a key element of the organization's culture and philosophy.
Rites and Beliefs
The clothing and apparel of the Black Sea Company seafaring people vary widely depending on their fleet's style and customs. It tends to be both practical and flamboyant, designed to protect against the harsh marine environment while projecting a sense of style and confidence.
Some of their standard clothing items include tall boots with intricate buckles, fitted pants with leather belts and pouches, and flowing shirts or tunics with billowing sleeves. Many wear wide-brimmed hats, often adorned with feathers or jewels, to protect against the sun and add a touch of panache to their look.
Accessories like belts, sashes, and jewellery are also popular among the Seafarers, with many crew members sporting elaborately decorated belts and pouches for storing tools and weapons. They may also wear eye patches, scarves, or other accessories as symbols of their status or to highlight their individuality.
Aesthetics
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: Michel Hudon
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: Michel Hudon
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: Yves Bériault
The Black Sea Company is a decentralized group of ships. Within the company, each ship and fleet operates independently and has its own set of rules, with the captain being the only constant and consistent element of the organization.
While there is little formal political structure, the company is known for its strict code of honour and respect, which governs the behaviour of its members both in and out of battle. This code of honour ensures that members of the company operate with a sense of dignity, loyalty to the company, respect for the high seas and courage in the face of danger, even in the most challenging circumstances.
In addition to this code of honour, the company has a few fleets, each with its specialized role and area of focus. These fleets operate with a more structured hierarchy, with a designated leader or captain responsible for overseeing the ships' activities within the fleet.
When decisions need to be made that impact the Black Sea Company as a whole, such as changes to the company's code of honour or the adoption of a new policy, representatives from each ship convene to discuss and determine a course of action. These meetings typically occur at the company's headquarters, which are located on an enormous ship called the Leviathan currently anchored north of the eastern coast of Thessaly. In situations where time is a critical factor, they can use remote communication methods like messenger pigeons to facilitate decision-making.
Decisions are made through discussion and votes, with captains getting a number of votes according to the number of ships under their control and the number of people on those ships.
While there is no formal decision-making process for the company, its code of honour and respect ensures that members operate with integrity and dignity, even amid disagreement or conflict. This allows the company to function effectively as a cohesive group.
Organization
Cities of Sinai: Our best customers! Our nations need each other. We don't understand everything they do, but what happens in the desert stays in the desert...
City of Septis: They are misunderstood. They respect the stars, like us. No question, no problem. Let's be honest, all nations have some form of slavery.
Dai Shikai Teikoku: A bunch of maniacs, they always resented us more than the others simply for existing. War is never far away with them, so our cannons will stay targeted at their big lizard.
Forest Folks: Difficult to judge them as a whole because, like us, they are rich in diversity. They don't play the big game and always manage to pay, sometimes even with real money.
Inheritors Empire: We have to be on our toes with some of their nobles, and they always hire us for the same thing: their bloody relics. Otherwise, they are fine.
Kingdom of Albion: They are honourable. They provide us with their supplies and let us manage our own affairs.
Kingdom of Thessaly: Our survival is linked to the salt they provide us. Their wisdom and lands of rest are always there for us, and our fleet will defend our friends against the spoilsports. If we were to return to dry land, it would be their home.
Kouznets Union: They keep us busy and, above all, armed. They deserve a discount because the clash of our blades is less harmonious than the sound of our cannons, thanks to them. Plus, they're a thorn in the Shikai's back. It's good for us.
Relations with other nations
THE DEEP-SEA PAVILLION
The fleet comprises several large platforms with living quarters, research facilities, and state-of-the-art diving equipment which serve as temporary accommodation. The platforms are designed to withstand the extreme pressures and conditions of the deep ocean, and are staffed with a team of experienced and highly trained divers, engineers, and support staff.
The fleet operates in the Black Sea, one of the most treacherous and unpredictable bodies of water. Despite the challenges of operating in this environment, the fleet is highly successful and profitable, attracting adventurers, scientists, and investors from around the world. The location of the Deep-Sea Pavillion is not arbitrary: an ancient source of magic exists directly under the platforms and is the object of continued exploration and research.
The fleet's primary mission is to explore the ocean's depths and uncover its secrets. This includes conducting scientific research, discovering new species, and recovering valuable resources from the ocean floor. This maritime fleet represents the cutting edge of deep-sea exploration and research, and is a vital player in the global economy.
Captain: Kley Petar
THE FLEET OF 500
The fleet comprises many small, fast ships, each operated by a crew of hardened warriors and skilled sailors. They are notorious throughout the seas for their fearsome reputation as plunderers and are feared by merchant ships and sailors alike.
Since the fall of the Dai Shikai Teikoku empire, the fleet has been driven by a desire for power, wealth, and revenge. They view themselves as the rightful heirs to the empire, and seek to establish themselves as the dominant force in the seas. To achieve this goal, they raid and plunder any ships they come across, taking prisoners and seizing valuable cargo.
Despite their reputation as ruthless pirates, the fleet is also known for its martial prowess and skill in battle.
The fleet is organized into a strict hierarchy, with a powerful leader known as the Shogun. Beneath the Shogun are several captains, each responsible for a group of ships and crews. The fleet is also known for its strict code of honour, which governs the behaviour of its members and ensures that they operate with a sense of honour and dignity, even amid battle.
Captain: Tsukiko Tomoko
THE GOLDEN STAR COMPANY
The Golden Star Company is a fleet of mercenaries specialized in the art of reading the sky and navigating the treacherous waters of the sea. The fleet comprises a diverse group of sailors, navigators, and astrologers, each with their unique skills and talents.
One of the fleet's greatest assets is its members' ability to read the sky and interpret maritime charts. They are well versed in the various symbols and signs that are used to navigate the sea, and are able to quickly and accurately interpret these charts to guide ships on their journey. This makes them an invaluable asset to ships and companies that are seeking to navigate unfamiliar waters or travel through dangerous territories.
Despite their expertise and reputation, the fleet is not without its share of controversy. Some view their reliance on astrology and superstition as misguided and potentially dangerous, while others criticize their willingness to work for any ship or company that can afford their services.
Captain: Hypatia Corinthia
THE JEWEL OF THE SEA
The massive warship is the pride and joy of the free people. It is the largest project to be undertaken by the Black Sea Company since its founding, symbolizing the company's power and prestige. The ship is a formidable force in the seas, with a crew of over 800 highly trained sailors and soldiers.
The ship is a marvel of engineering, designed to withstand the most challenging conditions and most ferocious battles. It is heavily armed, with a range of cannons, guns, and other weapons capable of decimating even the largest enemy vessels.
The ship's crew is disciplined, and trained in various combat techniques and strategies. They are led by a captain renowned for his tactical genius and leadership ability.
Despite its formidable size and power, the ship is not just a weapon of war. It also symbolizes hope and freedom for the people it serves. It is a testament to the Black Sea Company's ingenuity, skill, and determination and serves as a symbol of their collective strength and resilience.
Captain: Ezekiel Feliciano
THE SEA FLAYERS
The Sea Flayers fleet is a group of skilled and fearless hunters, dedicated to tracking down and capturing some of the world's most dangerous and elusive sea creatures. They are led by a team of experienced hunters and trackers, who have spent years mastering the art of hunting these creatures and developing specialized techniques for capturing and subduing them.
One of the fleet's greatest assets is its island base, which serves as a hub for its operations. The island is strategically located in the middle of the sea, allowing the hunters to track and intercept their prey easily. The island is the base of a team of expert carvers who specialize in breaking down and processing the various organs and parts of the sea creatures for sale. The fleet's primary source of income is selling the various organs and parts of the creatures they hunt, which are highly prized for their medicinal and mystical properties.
Captain: Marika Ozana
THE SILVER ANCHOR FLEET
The Silver Anchor Fleet comprises a group of large, well equipped vessels capable of carrying various goods and cargo, as well as passengers. The fleet operates on a regular schedule, travelling to different ports and harbours around the world to conduct trade and commerce with various nations and regions. The fleet is known for its efficiency and reliability and is often sought out by merchants and traders looking to move their goods quickly and safely across long distances.
In addition to its role as a merchant fleet, this maritime fleet also serves as a messenger and carrier for those who can afford to pay for their services. This includes transporting important documents, messages, and even people between different locations. The fleet is trusted by many to deliver their goods and information safely and securely, and is known for its discretion and professionalism.
The fleet crew is highly skilled and experienced in maritime navigation and trade. The fleet is well funded and well maintained; it is equipped with the latest technology and equipment to ensure that it can navigate through even the most treacherous waters and adverse weather conditions.
Captain: Gottfried Raimund