There are many dangers in the life of a pirate. The sea is an unforgiving mistress, and punishes mistakes with death. Allies can quickly become enemies and intrigues are all around. The great pirate captains were ruthless, effective and bold – and this garnered confidence from their men, many of whom lost all contact with family.
In the annals of world history, many vicious pirates became famous, but few became great.
From the farthest east to the farthest west, there was one who sailed from the Mediterranean Sea, to the East Indies, through the Indian Ocean, to the South China Sea to the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean.
He had an unnaturally long life, granted, it was said, by a curse. It is said that death and destruction followed wherever he went, towns ablaze with fire impossible to quench. His voice ushered fear into even the most stalwart and veteran hearts. He was a king once, an expert in intrigue and intimidation, a master of war and naval tactics. He was undefeated, save one excursion, which resulted in his ‘death’, after which he reappeared a few years later.
You know his name, though you may not even be aware of it!