The Smuggler

The life of a Smuggler is a cautious one.

Corsica is the birthplace of many smugglers and

pirates. A relatively large island in the
Mediterranean ruled by the Italian Princedom of
Genoa, its people are born to the sea. Corsicans
are well-known for nautical ability, and sail as
traders, smugglers and pirates far and wide.
Corsicans primarily speak Corsican (a blend of
French and Italian with Moorish influences) but are
conversant in both French and Italian as a rule.

Corsicans do not trust outsiders easily, but once

won over they are staunch allies. Corsica has changed hands between various rulers since
history began, and the islanders are far from caring who it is exactly who rules them- it just
doesnt matter. It is often said that Corsicans will never truly accept the rule of any man who
is not a Corsican himself.

Corsicans are people of simple tastes- they make a wide range of liqueurs and have a
particular fondness for chestnuts and wild boar.

The Smuggler does not care much for the wars on the continent- all he cares about is who
levies what taxes, and which port is in need of what. The Smuggler does not necessarily see
himself as a criminal, just an entrepreneur who is trying to get around unjust and punitive tax
regimes. Smugglers prefer fast, small ships, and quick, quiet business.

The Smuggler is adept at deceit and subterfuge, a crafty fellow who's under-the-table acts
are greatly appreciated in the ports he calls at. Some, however, are more than prepared to
cover up their illicit dealings with a violent murder. Smuggling may lead to piracy, but many a
pirate secretly envies the more sedate life of the simple, honest Smuggler.

The Smuggler is a man of simple business- he provides and the buyer pays what is agreed.
Corsicans are sticklers for debt- if they are owed money they will not be settled until that
debt is paid. Likewise, a Corsican will not let anything he owes lie; save a Corsicans life and
he is your companion through thick and thin until that favour is repaid, and probably beyond.
As such, a Corsican Smuggler is not someone to be fobbed off.

Nevertheless, the Smuggler is a man who is willing to put his life on the line for the right
price. A large enough payday is worth a proportional amount of risk.

Your character has been tasked with smuggling some unusual cargo- a man- from the
Genoa to Marseille. He has paid a little gold in advance, and promised far more if he gets to
to a rendezvous in Le Canard dOr tavern. He is clearly
Marseille undetected and brought
some form of aristocrat, but hides his accent and guards his mannerisms. An odd job, but a
lucrative one.
Your character would not let a debt owed to him go unless absolutely necessary;
likewise he would not allow a deed done for him go unpaid. He would be extremely
tempted by any venture that promised a good financial return- even if it was
dangerous.

General Information-

The game starts in Marseille, 1658. Marseille is a major port on Frances

Mediterranean coast. Well defended by coastal forts from Barbary Pirates and
Spanish attacks, and far from the influence of the English, it is a relatively safe city.
Whores and taverns can be found everywhere.
In France, the states affairs are handled between the Prime Minister, Cardinal
Mazarin, and the Regent, Queen Mother Anne of Austria. Although crowned in 1651,
Louis is still a young King and has not yet taken over the reigns of France.
Since 1639, the English Parliamentarians have defeated the Royalists in the Civil
War, executing Charles I and exiling his son, Charles II, to France. This was followed
by vicious campaigns to put down dissent in Scotland and Ireland.
In 1657, Cardinal Mazarin and Oliver Cromwell formed an alliance against Spain,
over the protests of King Louis.
One of the last acts of the Scottish Parliament before the Commonwealth invaded
was to recognised Charles II as King of Scotland. Charles currently lives in exile in
France, a guest of his cousin, Louis.
The Catholic Church granted the entire Americas to Spain, to colonise and civilise in
the name of Catholicism. England, France and Holland are envious of Spains
various colonies in the New World.
Rumours abound that the cannibal-infested islands of the Caribbean are beset by
pirates of many nationalities, causing the Spanish untold problems. Among their
number are a great many privateers from England and France (privateers are a cross
between pirates and mercenaries- they have a L etter of Marque from their
government that grants them license to commit acts of piracy on the nations
enemies. In the Caribbean, this usually means attacking Spanish ships).
Italy is not a country, but a collection of small nation-states and Princedoms, and is
currently weak due to constant skirmishes with the Ottoman Empire to the East, and
Barbary Pirates to the South. Many Italians can be found in France, either as
swordsmen or as Commedia DellArte performers (a kind of improv theatre).