After the takeover, he decided what loot was taken, and then he ensured its fair division amongst the crew. The quartermaster usually supervised which men boarded a target vessel, leading the attack himself. The helmsman, the man who steered the ship’s wheel, was usually supervised by the quartermaster who, skilled in navigation, was also concerned with the ship’s general course and with recording its speed, although this role could be taken by a pirate captain or a sailing master (who was expert in the ship’s sailing capabilities in all conditions). Like the captain, the quartermaster could be voted in or out of office by the crew. He was, then, the equivalent of a merchant First Mate or a naval First Lieutenant. Having a nice long coat and plenty of pricey pistols were other ways of showing one was a successful leader of pirates.Ī pirate quartermaster (as opposed to one on more legitimate vessels) was often the second-in-command, and below him were the first and second mates. 1718) went for terror with a ribboned beard and lit fuses under his hat while Roberts sported scarlet silks, a feathered hat, and a diamond necklace. Pirate captains often dressed the part in the Golden Age. 1721) was relieved of his command for failing to attack a ship as his crew had wished and was replaced by ' Calico Jack' (aka John Rackham, d.

The position of captain might not be permanent either, since sailors who had mutinied once before were not shy to do so again. Nevertheless, the most successful captains, those who captured large prizes, could instil some rules and discipline on their men, such as Bartholomew Roberts (1682-1722) who insisted his crew refrain from gambling in the ship’s articles which all his crew swore to abide by. Many mariners had turned to piracy precisely because of the strict discipline and harsh punishments of life on a merchant or naval ship and so they were hardly likely to put up with a leader who ruled by the rod alone. Perhaps surprisingly for a gang of cut-throats, a pirate captain was frequently elected to his position, but then again, it was difficult to lead through coercion a group of individuals who valued their liberty above all else. Imperial Navy promotion missions usually include the phrases 'Imperial Navy' in the mission title, for example 'Imperial Navy Strike Contract' or 'Rebel Transmissions Imperial Navy Salvage Mission'.Having a nice long coat & plenty of pricey pistols showed that one was a successful leader of pirates. Note that rank progress continues to increase and count toward higher ranks even if the 100% mark for rank has been reached no reputation gains are lost while waiting for a promotion mission to appear. Completing a promotion mission will increase rank by one level. Once a pilot reaches 100% rank progress, Empire-aligned minor factions with whom the pilot has a 'cordial' or higher standing will begin to offer promotion missions for the Imperial Navy. Source-and-return missions for Empire-aligned factions at repairing stations - While slower than passenger missions at damaged stations, the commodities requested by these missions are common, and the risk is still fairly low.įinding a system that best offers these opportunities can be difficult due to faction states changing constantly and a need for the minor factions to be aligned to the relevant superpower.Passenger missions for Empire-aligned factions at damaged stations - Missions are plentiful, fast, low-risk, and earn decent rank progress, but Thargoid attacks on stations occur inconsistently.Trade of Imperial Slaves - Only earns credits unless done as part of a mission.

Data courier missions - Low-paying, but low-risk.

Charity missions - Requires large credit donations, but very little effort.

Cargo delivery missions - Offers high reputation gain and moderate pay, but carries the risk of frequent pirate interdictions.

Common tactics for fast rank progress are: There are several types of missions that reward reputation, which improves rank. Progress toward the next rank is tracked in the right HUD panel, in the Reputation section of the Status tab. As pilots rise through the ranks, they are rewarded with access to exclusive Imperial ships, missions, and restricted system permits.įor players to be promoted through the Empire's ranks, they must complete missions or other favourable activities with minor factions aligned with Empire. There are 14 ranks in the Imperial Navy Auxiliary, which can be joined by any independent pilot.

Naval action ranks and ships