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Strichev · 03-20-2011, 06:28 PM,

Wokou

Origins and activities:
The Wokou are mainly soldiers, ronin, merchants and smugglers from Kusari. A colorful mix of different characters, brought together by coincidence and the need for survival outside, or on the edge of relatively rigid Kusari society. Some of them are poor, some are ashamed, some are greedy and some are there just for the adventure and the thrill of living on the other side of law.

Traditionally, those, who couldn't sustain themselves could resort to farming, no matter how undesirable the might have been. However, with the rise of the Synth Foods Inc. farming became unprofitable, rather than only undesirable. Some farmers joined the AFA, found a new source of income, or as a few, became pirates, if that word can be used.
Primarily they rely on piracy to gain wealth and necessary commodities. Occasionally they also smuggle or even work as mercenaries, of course rather shady mercenaries. Some of them succeed to return to the safety of normal society, however, most are either too ashamed to set foot on their home planet, or just lack the will to do so.

For centuries, there were Wokou and for centuries they were not numerous. That hadn't changed drastically. The 'ethnical' picture did. In the past decade or two the need for warriors increased. The Nomad war and lately the conflict with Bretonia increased Naval Forces need for pilots. Therefore not too many competent pilots join groups that can be called pirate. A deserter or two and nothing more. Instead, many farmers, who once produced Kusari's traditional cultures ceased to exist and the percentage of former farmers amongst Wokou increased. A prominent source of those, who are unable to withstand the shame, or perhaps in some cases discrimination of some sort, that commonly follows a deed that is unwanted are the Blood Dragons. Their practice of presenting two options, one being self-inflicted death, the other life that can't be called life, no matter how rare it might be, provides a steady influx of new robbers, smugglers and consequently growth of Kusari State Police database of known acts piracy.
Usually they, if they have the chance take their ship with them. That is not only true for defectors from the BD, as the KSP database shows that civilian and even ships that were once part of the Naval forces can sometimes be seen robbing and murdering.
Due to poor organisation and generally non-politically oriented goals these small groups of pirates rarely become target for larger detachments of lawful forces. Rarely a daring raid gets to the front pages of local Kusari newspapers, mainly because there is nothing more important to report about. Nebulas provide them cover and sanctuary. Their usage of larger ships that they succeeded to capture as mobile bases makes them difficult to detect. Occasionally a mysterious transport docks at a Freeport, resupplies it and disappears into the darkness of space. Although the Zoners are not happy to see that.
History:

First written report of a Wokou attack dates back to third century A.S, shortly before the Skura coup. The source describes a band of deserters, adventure seeking young men lead by an older ronin that attacked a transport headed from New Tokyo to Yokahoma shipyard. That raid was almost suicidal, as the route was heavily defended. Most Wokou ships were destroyed and the survivors imprisoned.
Through the centuries Wokou population didn't increase or decrease drastically, the only exception being the years that followed the Sakura coup. Many of these attacks, especially against political or economic figures, actually weren't carried out by the Wokou, for it is easier to blame a bunch of pirates, that admitting a covert operation, or even murder. This practice stretches to present day.

Ships and equipment:
As stated above, the Wokou ships and equipment wary from group to group, from individual to individual. It largely depends on pirates past and in some cases his or her personality. Normally they use Kusari built ships, mainly light fighters and freighters. Sometimes a Katana can be seen. Gunboat class ships and larger are never seen.

Hierarchy:The Wokou are not a highly organised group, in fact normal perception of order doesn't exist. Friendships and blood bounds create a loose idea of who is 'in charge'. Often disputes are settled with a confrontation of the opposing parties either in space or on a ship, sometimes resulting in death.

Diplomacy:
Real diplomacy doesn't exist, as in Kusari there are only two sides to choose from; the pro-government and the unlawful. Successfully navigating through the maze of Kusari relations is difficult, especially for a small group. That is why the Wokou try to stay 'neutral' to most unlawful factions, most notably the Farmers Alliance. Problems arise, when an individual, which is in bad relations with a certain faction, joins a group. Bloody reprisals are not something uncommon.

Zones of higher activity:
Where there are poorly defended traders, there are the Wokou. They largely stay within Kusari controlled space, however stay mostly stay within the nebulas.

Help me here.

By the Wokou I mean a bunch of individuals that act locally and have a loose hierarchy, rather than a great group of people that is extremely powerful, or has a significant influence on events in most situations.

Comments are extremely welcome, both positive and negative. I'm sure I have made plenty of spelling and grammar mistakes, especially when placing commas. PM me revised text.

Ivan · 03-20-2011, 06:30 PM,

This looks very good, I approve.

I'd join, but unfortunately I'm quite busy.

Strichev · 03-20-2011, 06:40 PM,

I would like to state, that this is far from final version and I'll hammer it out a bit more in the next week or two.

Jam · 03-20-2011, 06:53 PM,

Looks good, keep it up folks.

[10:46:32] Wolfs Ghost (Murphy): And actually, the KU Dessie is the best GB.
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Admiral John Clay - Retired and dead *sadface*
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Malenka · 03-20-2011, 07:18 PM,

Excellent, more too shoot on my KSP.

No srs, you're cool.

Awesome sigz by Cabulb
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Bakamono · 03-21-2011, 03:37 AM,

This looks good, glad to see a pirate group with pirate resources. keep up the good stuff:)

03-31-2011, 07:44 PM,

Nice, reminding me of [RR], too busy now, maybe I will join some day, very interesting ! keep it up !

Taffic · 03-31-2011, 08:04 PM,

Good to see a potential <strike>faction</strike> group that has modest goals & recourses + doesn't have 23 hierarchical positions.
I like the equipment freedom counterbalanced by the limited ship selection.
It will be hard to stay neutral when you're pirating away & if you hit Kusari Shipping the Farmers Alliance (& Hogs by association) will quickly shun you.

Keep developing this.

Korny · 03-31-2011, 08:06 PM,

Sounds nice. Kusari needs every bit of activity it can get.

Chrysalis · 04-01-2011, 06:58 AM,

What KoЯny said. Good luck, choose your sides carefully :D

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