Emperor
The Emperor was originally a merchant ship, before being turned into a privateer ship during the War of the Spanish Succession. She was captained by Alexander Dolzell up until January 1713.
History[edit | edit source]
During the War of the Spanish Succession, she was refitted to become a warship to carry privateers of the British crown. In 1713, the young Edward Kenway, who had been recruited by Dylan Wallace, was press ganged into the Emperor's crew. After the ship left Bristol a day later than planned, he and the other newcomers were given training and practice.[1]
In 1712, foreseeing the end of the war, the crew turned to piracy. Dolzell asked the privateers who did not want to become pirates to step out of the ship. Edward initially intended to do so, but was stopped by the ship's deckhand, Friday. The five other sailors who refused to become pirates were thrown overboard by the ship's first mate, Trafford.
In January 1713, while flying the British flag, the Emperor sailed near the Amazon Galley, a merchant ship of the East India Company that was reportedly carrying treasure. The Amazon was fooled by the ruse, with her crew only realizing the threat when they found swords, pistols, and cannons aimed at them. Trafford called the Amazon's captain Benjamin Pritchard to board the Emperor; Dolzell and Trafford subsequently interrogated and tortured him in the captain's cabin.
After the interrogation, Dolzell and crew boarded the Amazon and began to loot its cargo, while Edward and Blaney stayed behind to watch Pritchard. A conflict ensued between the two pirates when Edward realized Pritchard was wearing a Templar ring, which Blaney took though was unaware of its significance. Before the fight further escalated, Dolzell stormed in, informing them that they were being attacked by the Sea Dog's Bite, captained by Edward Thatch, who was still loyal to the crown.
Beset on both sides, the majority of the Emperor's crew was quickly killed in battle. Captain Dolzell escaped the conflict, but would be hanged for piracy two years later, while Edward managed to find himself a place in Thatch's crew.
Crew[edit | edit source]
- Alexander Dolzell - Captain (until January 1713)
- Trafford - First mate (until January 1713)
- Edward Kenway - Lookout (1712 – January 1713)
- Blaney - Sailor (until January 1713)
- Melling - Sailor (until January 1713)
- Friday - Deckhand (until January 1713)
Appearances[edit | edit source]
- Assassin's Creed: Black Flag (first appearance)
- Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: Blackbeard – The Lost Journal