Confederacy of the South Seas

The Confederacy of the South Seas, also known or formally known as the South Seas Maritime League, is a loose coalition of pirate bands, mercenaries, and smugglers allied together in hopes of establishing a stronger presence in the South Seas. Although their ranks hold legitimate tradesmen and aristocrats, their strong stance against the monarchy of Stormwind has led to them being ostracized by most reputable enterprises and lawful institutions of government. They now operate openly as pirates and "villains to all nations", bringing in much needed income and resources through illegal smuggling, plundering, raiding, and slavery. The Confederacy has also been known to run a series of protection rackets, forcing reputable tradesmen to accept their protection as they sail the South Seas or pay the price of refusal with their lives.

History
Not much is truly known about the Confederacy, but it is known that the organization began primarily as a trading guild in the South Seas. A group of merchants, tired of monopolies held by the Kingdom of Stormwind and the many royal and independent companies that resided within the lands of the realm, founded the guild under the name of the South Seas Maritime League. The League initially operated through legitimate means; most of the business the League involved itself in was the trading of wood, grain, and even precious resources like silver and metal ores mined in Elwynn and Redridge. However, the League failed to take off as a prosperous business venture, so it resorted to piracy and smuggling. Secretly, the head tradesmen of the League bought out a plethora of small pirate bands, mercenary groups, and smuggling rings to aide them in their venture. Soon, the coin began to flow like win into a cup.

However, infighting soon began. Months after the creation of the League, a group of upstart brigands and scoundrels attempted to overthrow the tradesmen that governed the League. They did so successfully, installing a new form of government under the leadership of a man known only as the Pirate King. The Pirate King's identity is not known, but what is known is that he is adamant in his hatred towards the Crown. His reasons behind this are a mystery as well, but speculations suggest that it may have to do with probable past encounters involving the Royal Navy or the the royal government. Whatever the case may be, what is known is that the Pirate King was able to focus all of the League's resources into acquiring new ships, buying more mercenaries, and persuading more pirate bands to join the cause. The League also took on an anarchic spin, with talks of open rebellion against the monarchy in Stormwind.

By late 625 K.C., the League had now taken in multiple pirate bands, mercenary guilds, and smuggling rackets to formally create a small nation of "free men and women". It is said that the Pirate King has now founded a small town, calling it Libertalia, and declaring it the capital of his would-be empire. The location of this haven is unknown to most, secreted away in the jungles of Stranglethorn Vale. After the founding of his capital, the Pirate King at some point declared the formation of a formal maritime confederation -- perhaps due to the increasing population of the organization and the need for more efficient management. At this point, it can be assumed that while the League (now known as the Confederacy) still holds great distrust and contempt for the Kingdom of Stormwind, it has shifted its own nature of governance to meet increasing demands of coin and resources.