Eustace The Monk
- Piracy
- 2 mins
By Crusader1307
While the Brother of a Religious Order (Augustine) may the most unlikely candidate for Pirate – Eustace The Monk was actually (according to legend), one of the most feared of the early European Medieval Era. His ''reign'' began in the early 12th Century. Much of what is written of Eustace (and much is seen as allegory), states He was the Son of a French Lord. A bit of a ''reckless youth'', Eustace ran away from Home and went to Spain. There (it was said), He studied The ''Black Arts''. Stories of His encounters with all sorts of supernatural beings were widely known. Eustace would go to England, serving as an Administrator to a Baliff. This is where His Piracy career would begin.
According to legend, Eustace and The Baliff argued over inconsistencies with ''The Books''. Finding that The Baliff was ''skimming'', He brought it to His attention. The Baliff, perhaps fearing that Eustace would tell The King, made the ''evidence'' appear as if Eustace was in fact – the culprit. Eustace responded with burning down several of The Baliff's properties. He responded in kind, by declaring Eustace an Outlaw.
Eustace made His way to The English Coast and recruited a suitable crew for His next venture. He began to attack English Shipping. Stealing and sinking most of His Prey, Eustace earned a fierce reputation. With The Baron's War in England beginning (and without reason) – Eustace ''switched sides'' and began to plunder The French. It is thought that a prior benefactor (Baron) may have supported Eustace years prior. Eustace was simply returning the favor (whereas French influence effected The Baron's War on several levels).
Eustace and His now formidable Pirate Fleet held complete control over The English Channel. Operating from Stark Island, few ships dared to venture into The Channel. However, after The Baron's War, and again for some unknown reason, most of His Ships simply stopped being Pirates. It is thought perhaps that a General Amnesty was offered and most Pirates (at some point) – yearn for ''respectability''. Around 1217 AD, English records show Eustace as being dead, but from what or why had never truly been known. Eustace and His exploits would continue well into the 14th Century, adopting many traits of a ''swashbuckling Corsair'' and even a bit of a ''Robin Hood'' persona. While not quite a part of The Mater of England, Eustace could well be included.
