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Usually dwelling in isolated regions of space, these areas naturally attract renegades, exiles, and mercenaries. Without the guidance of the [[Emperor]], this drudge of humanity often fall to the powers of [[Chaos]]. However many do not, instead opting for a life of plunder. Hiding away on fringe worlds, moons, or in asteroid belts these men form pirate fleets. Their ranks are filled with deserters from the [[Imperial Guard]] and [[Imperial Navy]] as well as those fleeing from the [[Adeptus Arbites]]. Many are also anti-Imperial insurgents, who see themselves as freedom fighters against the tyranny of the [[Adeptus Terra]].{{Fn|1}}
While the [[Imperium]] does not know their exact number, the [[Adeptus Terra]] once estimated there were at least fifteen thousand [[Human]] Pirate gangs operating in the [[Galaxy]]. This number though ranged from small groups to large fleets and hundreds are thought to have hidden bases that they used to strike at the Imperium. The [[Maelstrom]] [[Warp Storm]] is known to be densely infested by Pirates and their bases, though [[Asteroid Belt]]s and [[Nebula|Nebulae]] also serve as popular hideouts for them as well.{{Fn|5}} Pirate bases act as safe havens for every criminal, miscreant, heretic, and rebel throughout the Imperium. Such bases are a constant bane to the Imperium, often serving as epicenters for raiding outposts and isolated colonies. However most pirates survive by living off the plunder acquired through raiding Imperial [[Merchant Fleet]]s. When faced with the firepower of the Imperial Navy however most Pirates will opt to flee, for they lack the heavy firepower or capital ships of the [[Imperial Fleet]]. However due to their hit-and-run attacks and guerrilla tactics, Pirates are usually able to stay one step ahead of the Imperial Navy.{{Fn|1}} They will also join forces with other Pirate gangs in order to successfully bring down a targeted ship, that is protected by escorts. This includes even working with [[Ork]] [[Freebooterz]] and [[Eldar Corsairs]] if the raid is ambitious enough for the Eldar.{{Fn|5}}
Such is the level of piracy in the Imperium's space lanes that one of the prime duties of the Imperial Navy is to hunt down pirate bases and keep shipping lanes safe for Merchant ships. It is important for the Imperial Navy to destroy pirate bases early, for they have been known to grow exponentially as a successful pirate fleet gains more followers, glory, and plunder. Eventually an unchecked pirate fleet could even check Imperial rule at the [[System]] level.{{Fn|1}}
==Leadership==
Pirate Captains are the leaders of Pirate Gangs and are lavishly equipped with the best of their plundered loot. They are said to be the most evil, meanest and largest member of their gang and make formidable opponents in battle. However Pirate Captains are also quick tempered and if angry enough, they will kill any Pirate that challenges their command. Though Captains make use of '''First Mates''' and '''Pirate Champions''' to maintain control over their gangs,{{Fn|5}} this does not always work. If they find it difficult to control their wayward forces, and thus a Pirate Captain's fleet will often be made up of many different factions and individual warlords looking out for themselves as opposed to combining efforts for the common good. As such it's little surprise that infighting and backstabbing are common among pirate fleets.{{Fn|1}}
==Tactics==
Pirates prefer to operate in 'Wolf Packs', small squadrons of swift craft which will launch an ambush against unprotected targets. Wolf Packs often operate in areas where the [[Imperial Navy ]] is already embattled against heretics [[heretic]]s or [[xenos]], forcing the [[Imperium ]] to divert ships to stop their raiding. Usually when faced with Imperial warships, pirate Wolf Packs prefer to scatter and fight another day.{{Fn|1}}
Pirates will rarely strike or operate in deep space, such regions lack plunder and are often extremely hazardous. At the same time they will rarely raid a world or the space around it, where orbital defenses and [[Defense Monitor]]s can quickly respond to their threats. Instead, pirates prefer to strike in shipping lanes and sparsely inhabited regions of Imperial space.{{Fn|1}}
Pirates will offer a targeted ship a chance to surrender after attacking it, but if this is refused, they will disable their target's engines. Once this is done, Pirates will normally use [[Power Grapple]]s to tear a hull in the ship's hull, so that a [[Boarding Tube]] can be injected into it. More rarely, richer Pirates may use [[Boarding Torpedo]]s and other extravagant methods to board a ship instead. They then form hordes and fight as crazed maniacs to overwhelm their enemies and subdue any defenses a boarded ship may have. Once it is under their control, the Pirates will then fight amongst themselves to keep the best loot. This will often require their Pirate Captain to step in to settle the matter, before things escalate. These boarding attacks are often over in minutes, as the Pirates will seek to escape with their stolen goods, before the Imperium can launch a response.{{Fn|5}}
==Types of Human Pirates==
*'''Pirate Captain''' are the leaders of Pirate Gangs.{{Fn|5}}
*'''First Mates''' are the right hand of Pirate Captains and are trusted with their Captains' deepest secrets. They are also often psychotic and like to lead Pirate Veteran squads in boarding attacks, so that they can get into the thickest of the fighting.{{Fn|5}}
*'''Pirate Champions''' are experienced, cruel and relentless fighters, whose Captains have tasked with making sure their gangs do as they are ordered to. These qualities and responsibilities can also one day earn the Champions the right to command their own Pirate gangs.{{Fn|5}}
*'''Pirate Veterans''' are shock troops that are sent in squads to lead the charge into a boarded ship. They will use [[melta-bomb]]s to destroy any bulk heads that may block their gang's path.{{Fn|5}}
*'''Pirates''' make up the bulk of a Pirate gang's forces and form hordes as they charge at their foes.{{Fn|5}}
*'''Pirate Gun Crews''' have the important task of manning their warship's weapons in space battles. Once their targeted ship is disabled, the Gunner Crews take up heavy weaponry and join their gangs in boarding it. In this role, they are similar to the [[Astra Militarum]]'s [[Heavy Weapons Squads]] and consist of a team of three pirates, who are deployed alongside three to five other Gun Crews. They will then fire volleys at their enemies, while the Pirate hordes of their gangs charge into battle.{{Fn|5}}
**'''Pirate Gunner Champion''' are the leaders of Gun Crews who direct their fire.{{Fn|5}}
*'''Pirate Scavengers''' are the biggest, meanest pirates in their gang and are known for their strength. They will fight other members of their Pirate gang to ensure they lay claim to the best looted weapons and equipment.{{Fn|5}}
*'''Pirate Bikers''' are Pirates who ride [[Bike]]s into battle and they are deployed in squads. They play an important part of their Pirate gangs' attacks, as the Bikers can use their speed and ferocity to quickly plunder loot or fuel.{{Fn|5}}
**'''Pirate Biker Champions''' are the leaders of Pirate Biker squads.{{Fn|5}}
*[[Rogue Psykers]] are wanted by every Pirate Captain so that they can gain an advantage over their enemies. However the number of Rogue Pyskers that actually serve in Pirate gangs is very rare and comes with several dangers for doing so. If the [[Imperium]] becomes are of aware of the Rogue Psykers, its forces will be sent to deal with them, likely making the Pirate gang a target as well. [[Daemonic Possession]] is a major concern as well and if this occurs, the [[Daemon]] controlling the Rogue Psyker will attempt to corrupt the gang. Their efforts will be subtle at first, but the possessed Rogue Psyker will work towards convincing their Pirate Captain to worship the [[Chaos Gods]]. This can be for various reasons, such as wanting aid to increase his stolen wealth, but once a Captain does so, their Pirate gang will eventually become a [[Chaos Cult]] instead.{{Fn|5}}
*[[Ogryns]] [[Mercenaries]] can be hired by Pirate Captains for troublesome attacks and will form mobs within their gangs.{{Fn|5}}
==Ships==
Pirate ships are often converted and modified [[Imperial Transport]]s or [[Armed Freighter]]s. However many more are captured small Imperial Navy [[escort]] craft or older light vessels.{{Fn|1}}
*[[Q-Ship]]
==Wargear==
Pirates will often wield swords like [[Scimitar]]s and most commonly [[Cutlass]]es, which they can coat in [[Blade Venom]]. They will also use [[Whip]]s, [[Digital Laser]]s, [[Combat Drug]]s and guns that use [[Armour Piercing Ammo]] or [[Seeking Ammo]]. Wounded Pirates can replace limbs with [[bionics]] or make use of [[Wooden Leg]]s, [[Hook Hand]]s, [[Bone Crutch]]es, and [[Cranial Plate]]s. Pirates are also known to have [[Cyber Parrot]]s in their gangs.{{Fn|5}}
==Non-Human Pirates==
*[[Dark Eldar]]
*{{Endn|3}}: [[The Alien Hunters (Short Story)]] - [[Xenos Hunters (Anthology)]]
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Farseer (Novel)]], Chapter Four
*{{Endn|5}}: [[The Citadel Journal 13]], pgs. 19-30 - ''Avast There! Ye Scurvy Dogs!: Pirate Armies in Warhammer 40,000''
[[Category:Imperial Fleet]]
[[Category:Imperium]]
