Concerning Julienne’s Crew.
Requirements:
Generally speaking, the crew aboard Tromperie is only replaced in the advent of death. Well over ninety-percent of Julienne’s crew are his original men from France – military trained merchants, dignitaries and disenchanted naval officers. However, the ship needs to maintain herself and that requires a crew of 250to manage in an adequate fashion, however a full complement aboard her would be 600.
Tromperie is operated with the same efficiency as a military vessel. New recruits are expected to have discipline, focus, a willingness to learn and an understanding of the Pirate Code. There are modifications to the Code aboard Tromperie that are discussed with those familiar prior to signing on – those with no familiarity with the code are inducted to it, as well as taught where basic pirate law and law aboard Tromperie differs.
Prior to being signed on, men ( and women, should they be so inclined ) are interviewed first by Evrart Regnault, the Quartermaster. After him, they are introduced to Julienne’s daughters, who will take turns asking questions – responses to their presence and them in general will weigh heavily on one’s approval aboard the vessel. After this, information is brought to Julienne and he will personally speak with each who have passed the preliminary portion. Generally upon making port, anywhere from fifty to a hundred will be interviewed, with perhaps ten making it aboard.
This can be straining after particularly horrific battles, but with the community aboard Tromperie it is absolutely essential. Julienne’s ship operates very much like a floating town, where everyone is quite familiar with everyone else after years of working together, and dispositions as well as skills need to be matched. Julienne can afford to be discerning, and as a result, he will be.
There are unique cases when rescued men and women from other vessels may appeal or be invited to stay aboard Tromperie as a result of their time aboard and the impressions that were either made upon them, or by them.
Uniform:
Despite being pirates, Julienne’s crew is exceptionally distinctive in the fact that every man and woman aboard his ship wears something resembling a uniform. The base items are polished black boots, pale cream pants, and black shirts. ( These can be embellished as the crew members see fit, being as plain, as frilly, as open or as closed as they please. They must, however, be full sleeved – rolling to the elbow is permissible in high heat. Shirtlessness is only permissible at the captain’s decree – which is generally granted when becalmed or when the heat is truly unbearable. )
From this base, further embellishment is permitted in the form of red sashes or bandanas, black or red silk cravats and queues, and jewelry / hair beads of gold, brass or silver to as lavish an extent as each person pleases. Rings, bracelets, bangles, necklaces, earrings are all permitted, and there is no limit to a crew member’s artillery provided it does not clash with the aesthetic of the crew.
Coats and cloaks for the crew must be black and plain. Only those of station are permitted to wear red coats or gold brocade on their over-wear during colder temperatures or ceremonial situations ( be they marriages / matelotages or the boarding of particular ships where a certain air of dramatic flare is encouraged – generally reserved for French ships, because these assholes are extra af ) Those permitted these extremities are:
- The Captain ( Also extending to his hat, which may be black with red plume for boarding, or red with black plume for ceremony )
- The Quartermaster ( Red coat / gold brocade )
- Gunner & Sailing Masters ( Black coat, gold brocade )
- Division Heads ( Black cloak, red inner lining, gold trim )
- Captains Daughters ( Black cloaks, red trim / Red coats, black brocade )
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