
History vs the Game
I have made
an effort to be
historically accurate in regards to people, places, events, devices,
technology and the general background used in the game. Obviously
some aspects are not necessarily accurate, and certain plot elements
have required a few historical changes.
As I have mentioned elsewhere, do not rely on historical knowledge to
predict events after the start of the game.
The following is a partial list of differences between the 'real' history of the Caribbean in the 18th century and the game history.
Port Royal
Though the city suffered extensive
damage in the earthquake of 1692 it was rebuilt and revitalised. The
devastating fire of 1703 DID NOT OCCUR in the game history, leaving
Port Royal a strong, vibrant economy.
The pirate Jack Rackham did not become
a captain and meet Anne Bonney and Mary Read until 1719. For game
purposes these events were moved back to early 1717.
The British Man O' War, 'Sovereign of
the Seas' renamed 'Royal Sovereign' was destroyed by fire in 1696. In
the game she is still in service in 1717
Pirates & Zombies is not for profit or personal gain, but was
created solely for the entertainment, pleasure and a small degree of
education of those who play.
The game 'Pirates & Zombies' has been a slow work in progress for a number of years. It is impossible at this point to list all the books, movies and internet sites that provided inspiration, information and data. Accordingly I am listing what I can still find and remember.
Books
“On Stranger Tides” A novel written by Tim Powers in 1988. It was reprinted in 2006 by Babbage Press.
THE major influence in creating this game.
“The Sack of Panama: Sir Henry Morgans Adventures on the Spanish Main.” By PETER EARLE. New York: Viking Press, 1982.
A major source of factual information for the game.
“Treasure Island” By Robert Louis Stevenson
An important source of inspiration and 'feel.'
“The Dark Frigate” By Charles Boardman Hawes
“Under Drake's flag: A Tale of the Spanish Main” By George Alfred Henty
Another source of inspiration and 'feel.'
“The Buccaneers and Marooners of America: Being an Account of the Famous Adventures And Daring Deeds of Certain Notorious Freebooters of the Spanish Main” by Alexandre Olivier Exquemelin, Charles Johnson – 1891
A factual (?) historical book.
“THE PIRATES OWN BOOK Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.” by Charles Ellms Originally published 1837
A factual (?) historical book.
“The Economic History of Britain Since 1700 Volume 1” By Roderick Floud
Steve Jackson Games, GURPS Swash Bucklers 3rd edition
GURPS Hi Tech 3rd edition
GURPS Magic 3rd edition
GURPS Religion 3rd edition
Web Sites
Wikipedia
An important source for general information
Information on ships
http://website.lineone.net/~dee.ord/ships.htm
http://www.greatgridlock.net/Sqrigg/squrig2.html
http://www.kipar.org/piratical-resources/pirate-ships.html
Life at Sea
The Spanish Main
http://blindkat.hegewisch.net/pirates/spmain.html
http://faculty.smu.edu/bakewell/BAKEWELL/images/viceregalgov.html
The French Colonial Empire
http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/fr-colon.html
Pirates and Piracy
http://www.sevenoceans.com/Pirates/PiratesbyName.htm
http://www.gentlemenoffortune.com
Food, Fashion, Firearms, etc
http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodfaq5.html#tavern
http://www.captjackspiratehats.com/hats/#details
http://www.clearwaterhats.com/revwarcatalog.htm
http://www.gentlemenoffortune.com
http://www.engerisser.de/Bewaffnung/weapons/Doublehackbut.html
http://www.blupete.com/Hist/Gloss/Guns.htm
Money & Economics
http://www.pauahtun.org/Calendar/money.html
http://www.victorianweb.org/economics/currency.html
http://measuringworth.com/calculators/ppoweruk/
Flags
http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/gb-eic.html
Information on the Slave Trade
http://africanhistory.about.com/library/weekly/aa080601a.htm
http://www.nmm.ac.uk/freedom/viewTheme.cfm/theme/triangular
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triangular_trade
Magic & Voodoo
http://www.luckymojo.com/hoodoo.html