Articles of Agreement are a pirate ship's constitution. Every pirate aboard the ship has to sign them, and they are agreed on jointly. (Yes, pirates practice democracy). The Articles of the
Amethyst are heavily based on those used by Bartholomew Roberts (Black Bart), who is prob'ly the most sucessful pirate ever (he captured over 400 ships).
Articles of Agreement
I. Every man has a vote in affairs of moment; has equal title to the fresh provisions, or strong liquors, at any time seized, and may use them at pleasure, unless a scarcity makes it necessary, for the good of all, to vote a retrenchment.
II. Every man to be called fairly in turn, by list, on board of prizes because they were on these occasions allowed a shift of clothes: but if they defrauded the company to the value of a dollar in plate, jewels, or money, marooning was their punishment.
III. If any gold, jewels, silver, ect. be found on board of any prize or prizes to the value of a Piece of Eight, and the finder do not deliver it to the Quartermaster in the space of 24 hours he shall suffer what punishment the Captain and the majority of the company shall think fit.
IV. The Captain and Quartermaster to receive two shares of a prize: the Master, Boatswain, and Gunner, one share and a half, and other officers one and quarter.
V. If any man shall lose a joint in time of an engagement, shall have 400 Pieces of Eight; if a limb, 800.
VI. To keep their piece, pistols, and cutlass clean and fit for service.
VII. To desert the ship or their quarters in battle, was punished with death or marooning.
VIII. No striking one another on board, but every man's quarrels to be ended on shore, at sword and pistol.
IX. No person to game at cards or dice for money.
X. The musicians to have rest on the Sabbath Day, but the other six days and nights, none without special favor.
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