Equestria is a civilized country. Everyone knows that. Princess Celestia says that. 'Crime is nonexistent, friendship is rampant throughout the land, and the country is wealthier than ever. Of course Equestria is sharing it's wealth with the world!' That's just what the Princesses say, though. All the ponies believe it, too. The truth is different. Much different.

The rest of the known world is dying. Wealth is rare and the little that exists is hoarded by the already wealthy. Crime is everywhere and friendship only lasts as long as the money flows. Thieves and beggars outnumber guards the world over, and piracy is only growing, not dying. Pirates sail through all the seas, making it a common sight to see an empty merchant ship come into harbor when it should have been full of cargo.

Some ships will form under the same banner, a dozen Captains sailing under the command of a Commodore. Other pirates strike out on their own, putting their skills and their ship against the world. The Captain of the Crimson Deceit is one such pirate.