There are five primary factions to select, each determining your path and purpose in the maritime world:
Pirates:
Pirates live by their own rules, driven by dreams and aspirations as they sail the seas. Society often views them with disdain, but being a pirate doesn't necessarily equate to villainy; it signifies freedom from authority. If you choose the path of a pirate, expect to earn a bounty, even if it's undeserved, and operate beyond the bounds of law.
Marines:
These stalwart enforcers of justice execute the directives of the World Government, ensuring the safety of islands across the globe. If you opt to become a Marine, your mission involves the pursuit of outlaws and pirates, steadily climbing the ranks.
(Note: Marine stand for Justice, law and order if your roleplay style conflicts with the organization you might be removed from the faction. I.e brutally killing civilians while on duty or being caught in other criminal behavior.)
Bounty Hunters:
These versatile mercenaries primarily track down pirates with bounties but occasionally collaborate with them as well. Bounty hunters aren't tied to any specific faction and can join any adventure. In this role, you'll be responsible for pursuing and capturing anyone with a wanted poster or, at times, collaborating with them for a more substantial reward.
Bounty Hunter Benefits:
Bounty hunters navigate the fine line between upholding justice and embracing piracy, bending the rules for an authorized government payday. Here are some key aspects of being a bounty hunter:
Potential Marine Ranks: If you're a bounty hunter, your performance might catch the eye of the Marines. With approval from a Rear Admiral, you could attain Marine ranks. However, these ranks and perks cannot surpass the Captain rank. If you decide to switch over to the Marines, you'll commence at the rank you achieved as a bounty hunter.
Bounty Advancement: While working as a bounty hunter, your own bounty may increase, similar to how it does for pirates. Many Marines tend to overlook this rise in your bounty because you help make their job easier. However, if you shift towards piracy or commit severe transgressions, your Marine ranks will be revoked, and you'll be pursued like any other pirate. (edited)
Bounty Payoff System
Navigating the treacherous waters of bounty accumulation? Fear not, for each faction offers a unique avenue to settle your debts.
Marine's Dilemma:
For Marines, a burgeoning bounty jeopardizes not just freedom but also one's standing within the esteemed ranks. The repercussions are dire, prompting a reflection on allegiance and duty.
Pirate's Tab:
The life of a pirate carries a price, and for every 10,000 berri, a Pirate must part with a precious Downtime (DT). The liberation from a 100,000 berri bounty would demand a toll of 10 DT—each moment of respite inching closer to the ultimate freedom.
Bounty Hunter's Ledger:
Bounty Hunters wield flexibility in settling scores. Paying off bounties incrementally is their privilege. However, caution reigns supreme, for exceeding a 50,000 berri bounty incurs the immediate expulsion from the guild—an uncompromising measure to maintain integrity.
Dynamic Faction Transitions
As your character's journey unfolds, transformative experiences may reshape their perspective and influence pivotal decisions, leading to a shift in faction allegiance.
(Note: You can spend 3 AP to change factions after meeting the requirements.)
Marine Recruitment:
To don the prestigious Marine uniform, one must possess a clean slate—zero bounty—and successfully complete a designated marine mission. This opportunity is a one-time endeavor, a commitment to uphold justice on the high seas.
Bounty Hunter Induction:
Embracing the life of a bounty hunter requires a bounty-free record and a negotiated pact with the Bounty Hunters Guild. The path of a bounty hunter can be tread multiple times, as long as one can afford to erase their bounty and reforge their allegiance.
Pirate's Call:
For those who yearn for the unfettered freedom of the seas, the path of a pirate beckons. Embrace your lawless spirit, and become the enigmatic dreamer you were destined to be. The open waters await, free from the shackles of authority.