The Oath of the Pirate Brethren

he old clock dangling from the back wall of the Jolly Roger Inn struck midnight. A group of dark figures moved through the shadows on the beach towards the water. One by one they entered a large dragon ship that ancored by the shore. The ship had been decorated with a number of burning skull candles and strange items. The faint glow illuminated the strange scenery. Four men and one woman stood aboard the ship, waiting. They were dressed in shabby clothes and obviously were folks of the sea. Then, a figure with a blue tricorne shouted "Raise anchor!" and directed the tillerman to sail away from the shoreline. The dark figures were members of the crew of the United Pirates. A mysterious ritual began.

The Oath of the Pirate Brethren is a secret ceremony a member can choose to attend, to prove his dedication to the United Pirates crew. Any crew member, be it as a fighter, craftsman, treasure hunter, cook or tamer, can volonteer to swear the Oath of the Pirate Brethren. The Oath is a ritual that binds a crew member to the United Pirates for the rest of his life.

The ceremony is always held on a ship at the midnight hour. Other crew members usually attend the ceremony and thus honor the pirate who is willing to swear this momentous oath. The ceremony is lead by the Captain. The pirate swearing the oath is not allowed to wear any armor, but only regular clothing and a headdress. He then will recite the secret Oath:

"I hereby swear...
to dedicate my life to the brethren of the United Pirates.
to respect and enforce our articles.
to be there for the crew in good and in bad times.
to celebrate and share in times of prosperity.
to hang on and persevere in times of desperation.
to respect our friends and our foes.
to stand up for the crew with blade, spell, skill or mind.
As proof for my will to be there for this crew 'til the very end
I will sacrifice myself to the burning sea."

After the Oath was recited, the pirate walked the burning plank and sacrificed himself to the eternal sea. By chugging a deadly poison, he is symbolizing that he is willing to suffer for his crew.

Walking the plank:

10/2008

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