| The International Brotherhood of Buccaneers flag will be available soon. The three skulls represent the brotherhood on the red background. Many are unfamiliar with the usage of the red flag and are far more accustomed to the traditional black flag with the skull and crossbones commonly known as the Jolly Roger. Pirates used an assortment of flags and often flew false colors or no colors at all when approaching another ship as they wanted to be within engagement range before declaring their intentions to capture the ship. Once within range they would lower any other colors and raise the black flag as both a warning and a demand that the vessel surrender immediately. If the ship surrendered then quarter was given to the crew and passengers. If the vessel did not surrender then the black flag was lowered and the red flag raised. The red flag indicated that no quarter was to be given. Obviously the pirates perferred that the prize vessel surrender but if it did not then they wouldn't hesitate to slaughter all on board. It is said that in June 1720 when Bartholomew Roberts sailed into the harbour at Trepassey, Newfoundland with black flags flying, the crews of all 22 vessels in the harbour abandoned them in panic The International Brotherhood of Buccaneers offers no quarter which is why the red flag was choosen. |