Change of Command

Formal navies across Cartyrion cherish their tradition, but so do the pirate of Tyrnabay, and none of the fleets is richer in tradition and ceremony than the fleet known as the Legion of the Tides. The Legion has traditions for initiating new crew members, for recognizing any of their number that shows exemplary service, and for honoring those that die during their operations. But one of the most pageant-filled ceremonies is the one that marks the assignment of a new captain to a ship of the fleet: the Change of Command Ceremony.

If the former captain has died, but the Cutlass of Command is available, the officer acting as ship's commander offers the sword to the Fleet Leader. Again, a few words of honor and praise are delivered. The cutlass is then handed off to an aide while the acting commander joins the other officers at the stern rail. If the Cutlass is not available, this part of the ceremony is simply skipped.

If the former captain is disgraced, they quietly offer the Cutlass of Command to the Fleet Leader, who hands it off to an aide. As the aide then breaks the blade by holding it against the deck and stepping on it, the Fleet Leader says, "May the dishonor you brought this ship end as this blade has ended. The outgoing captain's Stars are then removed by the Fleet Leader's aide, after which the outgoing captain departs the deck and the ship in silence. Depending on the nature of the disgrace, the outgoing captain can either look forward to a life of exile, or a quick end in a dark alley within the day.

This portion of the ceremony ends with the the ship's Officer of the Watch sounding the Ship's Bell six times, using the pattern that marks the end of a Watch.

Bestowing of Command

At this point, the incoming captain steps forward before the Fleet Leader. A few words of praise outlining the notable service of the new captain and the honorable history of the ship itself are delivered. The Fleet Leader's aide then pins the Captain's Stars onto the shoulders of the new captain. Finally, the Fleet Leader presents the Cutlass of Command - either the one used by the recently deceased captain, or a new one otherwise. The Fleet Leader then salutes the new captain - the only time a Fleet Leader ever initiates a salute. The other officers join the salute, and the crew cheers. With the ceremony concluded, the Fleet Leader and aide depart the ship to the continued cheering of the crew. The new captain shouts their first few formal orders - usually nothing of importance as the captain is expected to be joining the Fleet Leader at the Shredded Sail Tavern to celebrate.