Pirates

Pirates, the scum and bane of sea travel. These robbers at sea travel in frigates loaded with cannons to cripple other ships, before entering them. At land, Pirates also hold considerable fighting power in their hands. These people have nothing to lose, and all to win, so no one can expect mercy from them. However, should the Pirates be fend off, in their ships or in their bases wait fine treasure.

Pirates are found on their ships at sea, or near the coast. Buccaneer's Den is also known for being their base.

Lore
''The pirates that infest the coastal waters of Sosaria are the scourge of the honest mariner. They ply the waterways seeking unarmed merchant ships to plunder, and often press the younger crew members into service as marauders. Once engaged, a pirate vessel and its crew will battle to the end, seeking no quarter and offering none.''

- from "The First Age of Darkness", Ultima I

''Be extremely cautious when one of these ships is sighted if thou art on land. A Pirate Ship can fire it's cannons at thee three squares away. If the shot hits, all members of thy Party take damage. Most beginning Parties cannot sustain more than a few shots before the Party is wiped out. If the Pirate Ship stays offshore, shelling thee, nothing can be done to get him. If, however, he touches the coast, thou couldst attack him.''

- from "The Book of Play", Ultima III

''Truly the dregs of Britannia, most of these crews have death warrants hanging over their heads. Remember that the evil Pirates take no prisoners! Their ships are equipped with heavy cannon, and the crews are well-trained to quickly move their large galleons into battle position. It is a rare skipper indeed that can survive a broadside duel with a Pirate vessel. Thy best hope is to "dot the T", or to close with thy enemy. If thou art able to defeat the crew, the ship itself becomes thy prize. For castaways on remote islands, this is the only hope for salvation.''

- from "The History of britannia", Ultima IV

Notable examples

 * The most notorious Pirate ever encountered in the series is without doubt Hook in Ultima VII. As the Fellowship's executioner, a number of horrible murders (at least 14 according to the High Court), like the one at the beginning, go on his account. He finds his end in the battle at The Black Gate.