Privateers in OTU?

[cphonx]

I'm new to the traveller universe and was wondering if you could help me with a history/political/legal question.

I'm using the T20 rules and am therefore in the third imperium and was wondering if there's any place in the galaxy where piracy is considered heroic? I'm thinking back on earth history where England engaged in piracy (see Drake, Sir Francis) as a technique to wage war. In this case, depending on where you travel, you are either a hero or a villain. Does such an place exist in OTU?

 

[Falkayn]

I believe that privateers may have been used by both sides in the various Frontier Wars with the Zhodani. They certainly are used in the Vargr Extents (where corsair bands are almost the normal naval force).

Privateers are usually only allowed in border regions where it is possible for them to prey entirely on enemy shipping and not on neutral shipping. You could make a case for them in most border regions. IIRC there are canon references to them in Aslan space ...

You might also be interested in an article on Commerce Raiding & Convoys by the TML's Larsen E. Whipsnade.

 

[rancke]

Originally posted by Falkayn:
[Privateers] certainly are used in the Vargr Extents (where corsair bands are almost the normal naval force).

They may be the most publicized, but they're hardly the normal naval force. The description of Vargr corsair bands in JTAS #21 (or 20 or 22, I forget) shows that the largest band near the Spinward Marches at its height wasn't large enough to outfight a single light cruiser (well, maybe if they were really lucky and didn't mind getting thoroughly shot up in the process).

Hans

 

[Shadowdancer]

You may see some privateer action in the OTU when the Gateway Domain sourcebook is released.

 

[Liam Devlin]

Rough country, the Gateway...all them small states, each with an agenda...Imperium/ K'Kree either side...plenty of action there fer men with a ship...just looking at the GATEWAY sector...!probaby more so in sparser (density wise) Glimmerdrift!

Arrrr! heretically yours!