Great Inagua Island, Caribbean, Year 1712
A three-masted schooner was anchored off the coast of a tropical island. The ship was badly damaged as evidence of a recent battle were previlant. On the beach, several dozen men were making camp. Out of this lot, two men seem to be calling the shots. One was a man in his mid-thirties. He was tall, and lean had a modest goatee and shrewd eyes. He wore a red shirt under a navy blue overcoat and pants with black boots. His belt was well armed with a cutlass, a dagger and two pistols. The other man was more of a mystery. He wore a privateer version of an assassin's uniform with protective leather pads attached to it. He was quite young with features of a man not even in his twenties. He was clean-shaven, with his jet black hair swept back in a widow's peak and piercing silver eyes that were enough to make lesser men quiver. The fingers on his hands had an assortment of heavy rings. The first man was well-armed, But this man was more so. Instead of swords, he had a pair of what resembled French naval axes, except they were scaled down to be wielded one-handed. He also had two double-barrel pistols, a curved dagger and a Smallsword. He had a black jaguar cub cradled in his left arm while his right hand stroked it affectionately. These two individuals were the infamous pirate Captain Joesph Flint and his new first mate Roger.
"What is the condition of the Octavius," Flint asked.
"We've managed to block the leaks in the hull," Roger replied. "But the mainmast and the bowsprit will need to be replaced."
"We rest here, till tomorrow," Flint ordered, "make a choice now as to what you would rather do, make camp or forage supplies."
Roger turned to his companion. "You certain we should linger here, Captain? These are Spanish waters." Roger's accent indicated he was Scottish, but the years at sea had obviously weathered it with a drawl.
The Captain nodded grimly. "We have no choice Roger, that little brawl with French brig did a number on the Octavius. Until we make proper repairs, I won't risk sending her out there again."
The one called Roger turned began climbing the Mayan structure that led to the top of the island.
"Where you going boy?" The Captain wondered.
"Goin' to check the isle for supplies."
The Captain looked back at the crew and appointed the Quartermaster Hal Gates as in charge of the crew. He then went to follow his quartermaster. True he was the Captain, but his First Mate was popular with the men. He knew how to navigate, and he could fight like no other man he had known. But most surprising was his age being only 16 making his talents all the more impressive. When the duo reached the top, they found a path through the jungle. Roger knelt down and lifted up a broken branch.
"This looks recently cleared," Roger muttered, the fact made the Captain nervous. If the path was recently cleared, then that meant the ones who did it may still be here. Roger stood up and started to follow the trail.
"Careful," the Captain urged, "we don't know what's out there."
Roger turned, "better to find out sooner than later, captain. I'll not have the rest of the crew get their insides eatin' by cannibals in the night." The Captain sighed and nodded. They tread through, as discreetly as possible. Roger could tell something occupied his captain's mind. "You seem troubled Joseph."
Joseph sighed, "It shan't be long before you captain your own ship, Roger. Once that happens, you'll be the youngest pirate captain in history."
Roger shook his head, "you're older an' got more experience. I'm only six and ten meself. I don't understan' why they'd choose me as captain."
"'They'd choose you because you have a gift," Joseph replied with a smile. "You can sail and navigate better than any of the lot. And there's nobody I know that can wield an axe like you."
Roger shrugged. "Don' sell yourself short Joseph. You got charisma plus an education. Your ruthlessness exceeded only by your cunning. The men have done well thanks to you."
Joseph smiled at Roger's assessment. As they went deeper into the dense jungle, they came across a group of huts. The pair found to their shock that the huts were occupied by a group of Spanish soldiers Roger and Joseph quickly hid and spied on the soldiers.
"I guess we know who lives here now," Joseph said grimly
"Hmmm," Roger was deep in thought. "What's on this island that's so important?" He then crept closer towards the Spanish men. Joseph could barely register what happened next. In a flurry of spinning steel, flips and kicks, Roger took out all the entire Spanish encampment. When he finally came to a halt, he stood as still as a statue, his axes and clothes drenched in blood.
Joshua looked around at the dead soldiers and shook his head. "You'll forever remain a mystery to me Roger."
"That's the idea," Roger replied with a grin replied.
They continued on their way until they came upon a wide-open space. The open space revealed a sugar plantation to the left and a hamlet on the right overlooking a cove. A manor sat atop the higher ground dominated the landscape. The buildings were old ready to fall apart, even the manor was in bad shape. Yet despite this, the hamlet was bristling with activity. Spaniards were everywhere. But what truly caught the attention of Joshua and Roger were the four ships docked in the cove. Two schooners, one brig and a frigate.
Joseph had seen enough. "We need to leave," he said hastily. Joseph turned to leave, only to find Roger was not following. Joseph turned to him and notice his attention was elsewhere. Roger was staring at the frigate docked in the cove. Joseph could understand why it would catch his eye. It was larger than most frigates, with a narrow beam and a long keel. The hull was black and red of the typical Spanish warship. It looked quite formidable Joseph admitted, and Roger was eyeing it with a dark and fierce desire.
"I'm goin' to take a closer look," Roger decided after a moment.
Joseph stared at his captain with wide eyes. "The whole area is swarming with Spaniards how will you get close to it?"
"I have my ways," Roger replied. he unstrapped his pistols and handed them to Joseph. "Stay 'ere I'll be righ' back." With that Roger headed into the plantation.
Joshua shook his head, "You're mad."
Roger looked at him. "Good thin' I am too because if I wasn't I'd probably be dead."
Joseph didn't have to wait long before Roger returned. He was soaked and breathing heavily but he didn't seem to care.
"Well?' Joseph wanted to know what Roger had learned.
'This isle is owned by a Frenchie named Du Casse," He replied. "He plans to attack an English convoy headin' for Kingston."
Joseph leaped up, "then we must go and warn them."
Roger chuckled, "an' what is your plan, sail our rickety schooner all the way to Kingston?"
Joseph smirked, "if you have a better alternative please share."
Roger nodded, "you, me and the rest of the crew are coming back tonigh', and we're takin' that frigate."
Now this had Joshua stumped, he knew Roger daring, but this plan seemed outright insane. "Are you daft, Roger, you want to steal a frigate in the midst of hundreds of Spanish soldiers?"
Roger hmphed, "they'll not be expectin' us. Tonight's a new moon, we'll come in hit 'em hard, hit 'em quick. Regardless, we need a new ship anyway and I want that ship Flint."
Joseph knew Roger was serious whenever he used his surname. He then contemplated their options. The Octavius was in no condition to sail to Kingston. it would not be long before the spanish discovered them. Yet taking a frigate sounds insane. But knowing Roger, it had a chance of working. Besides, they did need a new ship, and should they succeed, it would be a fine prize. In the end, Joseph agreed, and the pair headed back.
Roger, Joseph and their crew of about 60 men began preparing for the attack. To avoid attracting attention, the pirates would not use their firearms. They headed out at sunset and reached the huts just after the sun went down.
"I'll go out first and clear the frigate of its skeleton crew." Roger told the men. "When I give the signal, you lot will rush in. Captain, make sure to hug the left side of the compound there will be less guards there." Joseph nodded indicating he understood.
With that Roger headed in, he hid behind bushes killing every Spaniard within reach. Roger climbed a large tree branch that led to a hidden path. The path led to a tunnel that guided Roger to his target. With great caution, Roger slowly climbed down the cliffside and quietly dipped into the water. He then swam under the surface all the way to the frigate. Roger climbed up the frigate's stern and squeezed himself through one of the gun ports. He drew his axes and a slaughter ensued. There were fifty men aboard the ship, but most of them were asleep and they were scattered all around the vessel. Many died in the hammocks, others never got a chance to react until it was too late. As Roger finished the last man who was on the crow's nest, he then set three lanterns in a row. (The signal to his crew that he has succeeded).
As soon as they saw the signal, Joshua and the crew, swarmed the plantation, they came to the beach and waded towards the ship. They quietly killed the soldiers on the docks and boarded the frigate. Roger didn't need to say anything, the men knew what had to be done. As some prepared the ship to make sail, others loaded the starboard cannons. Some of the Spanish in the hamlet notice the activity on the frigate and rushed to check it out, Roger ordered his men to stay silent. The Spaniards demanded to know what was going on. Their question was met with silence, they asked again and again silence. Finally, they came aboard the frigate. Once they were all aboard Roger and his men ambushed them. but one managed to get a shot off. That shot woke everyone in the area up, lanterns were lit, and men were swarming to the dock.
Fortunately, they were finally ready to sail, and Roger ordered the anchor to be raised. The crew took up muskets and fired on the pursuing Spaniards. This bought them enough time for the frigate to clear the dock. As the frigate sailed away Roger turned the ship's guns on the other ships in the cove. The volley of cannon fire destroyed the brig and one of the schooners. The crew made its way out of the cove and circled the island to where the Octavius was anchored. They picked up their supplies, tied the Octavius to the frigate and towed it all the way to Kingston.
After they were safely away, the crew celebrated their accomplishment. They had taken a powerful ship for themselves in the midst of hundreds of Spanish soldiers without losing a single man. Joseph still could not believe their luck. He placed a hand on Roger shoulder. "This is why you should be captain," he said. Joseph could not tell whether it was madness or brilliance that drove Roger to take such gambles. But whatever it was Roger had, they needed more of it.
The frigate they took turned out to be a grander prize then they could possibly imagine. It was a strong ship made of several types of wood including, live oak, black locust, ironwood and blackwood. The hull was at least 20 inches thick and had diagonal riders set at a 45-degree angle to limit warping. The bow was reinforced with steel plating and the masts had lightning rods. Its underbelly was sheathed in copper to prevent barnacles and at 152 feet long and 40 feet wide, it was indeed larger than most frigates. Aside from a sturdy hull, the ship boasted an impressive armament. With forty 18-pounders, Four 12 pounder bowchasers, four 12 pounder sternchasers, and 10 swivel guns. One unique feature was the 32 oars installed. Joseph now understood why his Roger was willing to gamble so much on taking it. Roger fell in love with the ship decided to christen it the Gideon. (Note: The design of the Gideon is based on the USS Randoph from Assassin's Creed 3. It has the Aquila's naval ram).
Joseph and Roger sailed the Gideon to Port Royal. Once there they began making preparations. They repaired the Octavius and recruited men to sail the Gideon. In a move Joseph believed to be long overdue, he made Roger the captain of the Gideon he had earned it after all. Once they were ready, Joseph and Roger sailed for the open ocean, their targets, the spanish treasure fleets.
To establish order on his ship, Roger established a chain of command of individuals he hand-selected to run the ship's affairs. The Quartermaster commanded the fighters, The First Mate supervised the non-combatants (prizemaster, pilot, surgeon, carpenter, cook, cooper, lookout). The Bosun presided over the sailors and the Striker led the hunters and foragers. He chose Englishman Hector Roxton as Quartermaster, Welshman Joshua Becker as the First Mate, Freed slave known as Red Samson as Bosun, Irishman Catesby MacDougall as Prizemaster and Taino native Enrique as Striker (in charge of hunting and foraging for food). He also had 2 Surgeons, 2 Carpenters, 2 Cooks and 2 Coopers with one in each pair being the apprentice.
Roger knew he would have to achieve an early success to get the crew firmly behind him and soon he got that chance. Roger's first target as captain of the Gideon was a Spanish galleon. The Gideon's performance was nothing short of beautiful, her design allowed her to reach a speed of 14 knots under full sail and 16 with the oars. This combined with Roger' sailing skills allowed the Gideon to overtake the slower lumbering warship with ease. When it came to close engagement the Gideon's hull proved it's merit by shrugging off the 12 pounder shots of the galleon's guns, while the Gideon's 18 pounders tore through the hull. Once the ship's guns were disabled Roger and his men stormed aboard killing everyone to a man and stripping the ship of everything. The crew cheered at their success it was their first prize and an easy kill. Emboldened by this Roger began going after more and more dangerous targets if only for the cargo they were protecting.
As well as targeting Spanish ships, Roger also made a point to target pirates that were attacking ships from the East India Trading Company. One such hunt involved the Emperor under Captain Alexander Dolzell a former privateer turned pirate. When Roger finally caught up with him he found that the Emperor had ben overrun by the crew of the Sea Dog's Bite, a privateer ship commanded by Edward Thatch. From what Roger could see Thatch had caught the Emperor in the act of pirating a merchant vessel known as the Amazon Galley. Heading towards the commotion, Roger noticed a body in the water and hauled it aboard. Coming up alongside the Amazon Galley. Roger donned a balaclava and greeted his old acquaintance and noted the situation
"Is this what's left of them?" Roger asked.
Thatch nodded, "three still alive the rest have moved on."
Roger nodded and brought the man they had rescued forward, "we found this one in the water but we were unsure which ship he came from."
"That be our Captain, Alexander Dolzell," one of the survivors verified.
Roger turned to the survivor, "you have a name."
"Edward Kenway," the survivor replied.
Roger smirked, "you seem awfully eager to sell your captain out."
Edward laughed, "he stopped being my captain the moment he and this gorilla forced me onto this crew."
"Ahh, so you were gang pressed," Roger said in recognition.
"Aye."
Roger turned back to Thatch, since you and yours did all the legwork, I'll leave this li'l sea urchin to you to deal with as you please." Thatch's men seized the captain and put him with the others. Roger turned to leave when he noticed a glint of metal on one of the survivors. Seizing the man's hand Roger saw the familiar etching of a templar ring same as the one worn by the late Alfred Hamilton. "Where did you get this?" Roger demanded, knowing such a lowborn scoundrel had no business possessing such a ring.
"Took it from the ship's captain," the man replied. Roger knew this was most likely the case given their affiliation. He pried the ring from the man's finger and pocketed it. Thatch then addressed the others, "the rest of you have an opportunity to redeem yourselves. join us or face London's noose." The survivor that had the ring immediately stepped forward, a big hulking man. "I'll join you," he said. I'll even kill those who don't to prove myself if that will satisfy you."
"BLANEY YOU TREACHEROUS DOG," Roared the third survivor, who then launched himself at his companion. Sadly, he was no match for his larger more brutal opponent and Blaney killed him with ease.
Blaney then tried to go after Edward only for Roger to pierce him through the neck with his smallsword. "I hate those who are so willin' to kill their own brothers in a feeble attempt at bootlickin'," Roger snarled as the brute choked on his own blood. Thatch turned to the only survivor left. "So what do you say Kenway? Want to redeem yourself?"
Kenway nodded, "you have my thanks, I'm your man now Captain." After hanging Captain Dolzell and recruiting Edward Kenway, Thatch escorted the Amazon Galley to the nearest port while Roger left to look for prey.
Over the next year, Captain Roger and Captain Flint terrorized Spanish shipping in the Caribbean. From the treasure fleets going between Havana and Spain, to the slave ships arriving from Africa. It was from these slave ships that most of Roger's crew came from. As a result, the crew of the Gideon consisted mostly of escaped African slaves. Roger gave them their freedom and in return many gave him their services in thanks. Captain Flint eventually gave the Octavius to Roger to add to his fleet. Roger eventually captured an East Indiaman named the Bucephalus. Both the Octavius and the Bucephalus served a key role in Roger's fleet. The Octavius would pursue smaller targets such as sloops, schooners and brigantines should they go to shallow waters where the Gideon could not go. The Bucephalus was made to be a cargo ship to carry the extra cargo of the ships Roger took since his crew made it a habit of stripping the ship clean before sinking it. This was especially useful when such ships had cannons and the Bucephalus was even given several to protect itself.
With his newfound power and status Roger was able to pour focus on a venture that had been on his mind for years. The disruption of the Slave Trade. The Caribbean was the heart of the Atlantic Slave Trade, Textiles, Rum manufactured good were sent to Africa to trade for slaves, Slaves were sent to the America's to trade for sugar, tobacco and cotton, these goods were sent to Europe to trade for Textiles and Rum. The idea that people who dared call themselves Christians would take part in the main topic of Exodus sickened him and though he knew he couldn't stop it, he could still do something. So as well as targeting treasure galleons, Roger also set his sights on the slave ships, mainly those coming from Spain.
The slaves that Roger liberated from the slave ship were taken to known Maroon Communities set up on islands all over the Caribbean, He also helped establish new ones on islands that were uncharted or isolated from the trade routes. These not only acted as havens but also friendly places where they could anchor and resupply. These Maroons allied themselves with the native Tainos who taught them how to survive and this cooperation bolstered the strength of the Havens. With his association with slaves, Roger eventually met with Mr. Scott, a house slave of Nassau merchant Richard Guthrie. During a Spanish raid on the island, Roger helped Mr. Scott's wife and his daughter Madi escape to one of these havens were his wife became the leader of the community later known as the Maroon Queen. Mr. Scott and Roger established a system to help keep the haven's supplied. With Roger becoming Mr. Scott's silent partner.
Around this time Roger took on a cabin boy the crew called Bucky. Orphaned at a young age Bucky was forced into bonded labour by a press-gang into the royal navy. When his ship was taken by a Spanish captain who subsequently ripped out his tongue with hot pincers after Bucky accused him of stealing rations. Eventually, his ship was met by Roger and the Gideon who easily overpowered the vessel. The privateers found Bucky in the hold defending a young woman on board. Impressed by his courage and noting how he himself came to be a pirate, Roger offered Bucky a place on his ship. The boy accepted on the grounds that the woman was not harmed. to which Roger agreed and sent her on a boat to Havana where her kin lived. Despite his age, he was a vicious fighter, quiet and fast and always armed with two daggers and a smallsword.
Roger even went as far as to attack several Spanish ports including a daring raid on Havana Harbour. But his biggest exploit was the sack of Casco Viejo. With help from several other privateers, including, Flint, Henry Jennings, Benjamin Hornigold, and Edward Thatch, Roger concocted a plan to eliminate the Spanish defenders and then take the gold including the infamous golden altar. Through deception and stealth, the privateers drew their attention of the Spanish soldiers away from one end of the city while a smaller group led by Roger slipped in. By the time the Spanish realized the trick, it was too late, the city gates were opened, and the pirates swarmed in. They looted every single building of anything valuable or useful and those that resisted were cut down. The biggest prize was the massive golden altar inside the city's cathedral. The priests tried to hide it under whitewash, but Roger noticed the still wet paint and figured out the deception. Roger and his crew hauled their prize to the Bucephalus and with their business done the privateers sailed away.
End of Sequence.
