Battle - 1720 - December 20 - The Trifle at Turpitude

ALLIES:

Virgil Kyle - HMS Pellinore ('Valiant' Third Rate)

-8 other British ships, consisting of assorted lineships and frigates

ENEMIES:

-3 vessel Pirate squadron, consisting of two captured 'Oliphant' heavy Indiamen and one 'Cursed Blade' refit frigate.

Action Setup:
Upon arriving in the port battle ready room, I felt as if I was about to blow my top. Of all the British captains who could have attended the battle, 9 showed up. Nine! Hmph.

Given our numbers, we quickly started devising a strategy similar to the last port battle at West End. However, when the battle timer ticked down to zero, we quickly saw, to our everlasting relief, that the pirates had showed up in even more paltry numbers then we had. Only 3 captains, among all the cutthroats and buccaneers in the entire Brethren fleet, had bothered to show up! We entered the field of battle with jubilant hearts, and with a twitchy hand on the slow match.

The Action Itself:
Upon arriving on the field of battle, we immediately made for the pirate fortress, intent on cutting them off from their one route of escape, and sinking them in the process. However, before we got very far, they spoke up on Area chat, and offered a three versus three with us. I interpreted this offer to Gunny, of the British Council, but I was ordered by him to refuse the offer. He said as long as the pirates sink sub-level 20s outside of Port Royal, no mercy or clemency was to be shown towards the rats.

So, no quarter then. Fine by me. Somebody went further, however, and suggested we actually trick the pirates by telling them we would take their offer, but then go back on our word and overwhelm them when they drew close. Some of the captains started to warm up to the idea, but I immediately came out strongly against it, conveying to everyone involved that we should not impune our honor in such a manner. When a few stated, rightfully so, that the pirates as a whole had already forfeited their honor, I pointed out that that's exactly why we must preserve our own. It's what separates us from them, after all. Hearing my argument, they became inclined to agree, and thus I conveyed Gunny's message directly to the pirates, without subterfuge or misdirection. I stated simply:

'No quarter is asked, and none will be given. Prepare yourselves for battle!'

The Result:
Victory, as would be expected. We managed to catch every one of their ships before they escaped, and all three ships were subsequently boarded, captured, and burned.

All in a day's work for the Royal Navy :)

Lessons Learned:
Two things come to mind, in terms of lessons. First of all, this non-attendance crap doesn't float with me. This needs to be brought up at the next Council meeting, and addressed if at all possible. We MUST have full numbers at ALL of our port battles we intend on winning. No exceptions. Accept those invites, people! You can always drop from the ready room if you need to, or are ordered to. As long as the ready room timer is still ticking down, another invite will be sent out to somebody else. Just accept the invite first, and then go from there!

Second, I think it is important that we as a nation stay mindful of the duty we have to ourselves, our country and our King to remain honorable and upright in the face of our enemy's villainy. Their forfeiture of their own honor is no excuse for us to discard our own. Our righteousness is what seperates us from them.

Keep that in mind, my fellow captains, and mind your actions! You are all representatives of His Britannic Majesty's Navy, and you are expected to act in a way that befits that noble calling. Never forget that!

Misc.
Behold, the righteous might of the Royal Navy!

Flee, enemies of Great Britain! Flee!!!