The Cerberus
From BelegarthWiki
The Cerberus is a pirate ship operating out of The Iron Forest and captained by Calico. Her mission statement is to pillage, plunder, drink, sing, and be merry.
Contents |
Statistics
Type: Race-Built Galleon
Masts:3
Length: 180 ft
Beam: 37 ft.
Displacement: 1900 Tons
Draught: 12.5 ft.
Speed: 10 Knots
Armament: 44 Guns
Upper Deck: 15 X 36lb Long Guns
Gun Deck: 20 X 36lb Long Guns
Bow: 2 X 24lb Bow Chasers
Stern: 2 X 24lb Stern Chasers
Aft Deck: 2 Swivel Guns
Forecastle: 2 Swivel Guns
Appearance
The Cerberus, faster and more heavily armed than most ships of its size, casts an imposing figure across the ocean. Her figurehead is an ebony carved statue of her namesake, the three-headed dog Cerberus. On her mainmast, she flies the flag of Calico, a skull with crossed cutlasses flanked by a trinacria and a harp, the symbols of Sicily and Ireland respectively, and 4 red stars across the top.
History
Many stories and tales (and a series of bawdy limericks and shanties) exist to explain the Cerberus' origin and acquisition by Calico and his crew. One tale claims that it was bought off of a Spanish sugar merchant for (literally) a song. Another marks the ship a former rum runner, captured single-handed after Calico challenged the entire crew to a drinking contest, leaving them all asleep on a desert isle. The most popular and most repeated tale, however, goes something like this.
The Cerberus was formerly a ship-of-the-line in the Royal Navy. As it sailed toward Cuba one fateful night, the ship came under siege by Sirens who seduced the crew with their song and shape, and promptly drowned them (as is their way). Below, locked in the brig, sat Calico, (the reason for his captivity varies from tale to tale. Some claim he was arrested for any number of illicit dealings, including fraternizing with a Governor's daughter, while others make Calico the mutinous Lieutenant, bound for disobedience.) listening, but unmoved by the sirens' song. Once the rest of the crew was disposed of, they descended on his cell to finish the job. The sirens sang their song and, in response, Calico sang his (as is his way). A few wayward glances, a smirk or two, and a well placed wink later and Calico was in command of the ship with the sirens helping him bring it to port, their bosoms heaving and their knees weak.
This tale is most often repeated in The Ballad of Calico
Crew
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The Cerberus is home to the unit Crew of the Cerberus (Sometimes called The Cerberus Crew and simply The Cerberus). Though the unit's primary function is barding and merriment, they do muster arms in order to plunder, pillage, and generally cause mayhem and destruction on the battlefield. Primarily, their combat function is flanking and line-breaking; smashing through enemy lines with daring boarding parties. The unit has gained great notoriety amongst many midwestern Belegarth realms for their pleasing voices, bawdy lyrics, and legendary capacity for drink. Enlistment is by invitation only. Ranks are:
Captain: Leader of the Crew
Senior Officers: The Captain's right and left hands
- Quartermaster: Logistics and Problem Solving
- First Mate: PR and Crew Morale/Relations
Junior Officers: General officers delegated responsibilities by the Captain
Mates: Full members in good standing
Cabin Boys/Lasses: Petitioners
Crew Roster
Captain: Calico
Senior Officers:
Quartermaster: Toph
First Officer: Welshie
Junior Officers:
Bosun/Boatswain: Hurricane/Boketto
Master Gunner: Das Bear
Master Carpenter: Espret
Ship's Surgeon: Daimen
Navigator: Welshie
Master Rigger: Vacant
Helmsman: Vacant
Mates:
Cabin Boys/Lasses:
Honorary Crew Members:
Crew Requirements
Garb: Though we primarily take influence from early 18th century Caribbean pirates (The Golden age of Piracy), any pirate related garb is encouraged. This includes, but is not limited to, 17th-19th Century Barbary pirates, Chinese pirates such as Chingh Shih, Pirates and privateers of the Napoleonic wars, and even Vikings.
Initiation: Before a Cabin Boy or Cabin Lass can become a Mate, they must lead a song for the rest of the crew. This right of entry will usually be performed at camp. The Captain will assign a song to the Cabin Boy/Lass before an event and it will be their responsibility to learn it and perform it in front of all members of the crew assembled. Then, they will be given their belt flag and declared a member of the crew. Newly minted mates are not required to sing their song while out barding, but may if they so desire.
Age: All petitioners must be at least 18 to join or have their 18th birthday before the next event the crew attends. With rare exception, petitioners under the age of 21 are not accepted.
