The Pirate Accords of 1217

No one is required to say or acknowledge anything right now. While Mantel's research on the generally accepted procedure surrounding honor combat is commendable, there is currently no provision within the laws of Travance stating that anyone must accept anything of the sort, especially before a higher authority has approved the duel.

His Excellency has made it clear in the past that if two adult subjects of Travance have agreed that they want to settle a score by beating the stuffing out of each other, they can do so without either being arrested for assault. But it must be a mutual agreement - none of this "if you don't accept my offer to beat the stuffing out of each other you have to admit you're wrong" nonsense. We're (nominally) a civilized society, not a pack of trolls. Captain Cade has turned down the duel, so that is that. You're all welcome to your own opinions on the character of the people involved, but there is no law that will force Captain Cade to admit anything just because he doesn't want to get in a knife-fight with Miss Demeanor (I certainly wouldn't). If Lord Tartaros wishes to have Captain Cade arrested for besmirching a noble, or have the situation further investigated, I am quite sure he will say so.

Miss Potrevski, you have asked a number of intelligent questions. I will do my best to answer them for you. Please feel free to ask for further clarification if you desire.

You are somewhat correct in that the sea does not belong to any one nation. However, waters close to the ports of some nations, and frequently-traveled sailing routes, might be considered to be the "territory" of a nation. The distance is vague, as the sea is ever-changing, however a good rule of thumb on the minimum distance is that if you can see the shoreline of a land from the crow's nest then you are in their waters.

It is correct that Kormyre does not generally punish the breaking of Kormyrian law outside of its borders through the legal system. Even if they were aiding an enemy, or just targeting Kormyrian ships because they can, it would not even necessarily fall under the punishment of the legal system in that case - they would merely be declared an enemy of Kormyre, no longer one of Her subjects, and thus not under the protections of Her laws (Which, to those who are not adept at reading between the lines, means that it's legal for a Kormyrian subject to stab them unless otherwise instructed. This is why no one gets arrested when everyone goes on their little stabbing jaunts against horrible cultists and the like.).

The gap concerning attacks on non-Kormyrian, but non-enemy people/ships/cargo/etc. that you have brought up is called "politics". Some examples to illustrate some of the variances in response:
1) A ship not attached to any recognized Kormyrian guild, land, noble, commission, etc. that attacks the ship of a friendly or neutral nation would most likely be declared "not one of ours" and let the target exact whatever justice they desire; if we're on good terms (or trying to get on good terms) with the targeted group, they might receive a promise from us to seize that ship and turn it over if it docked in any of our ports, or something similar.
2) A ship that is officially attached to any guild, etc. is likely breaking their charter (or other orders) by attacking a friendly or neutral ship. They would then be subject to the laws of Kormyre concerning theft, destruction of property, etc. as laid out in their charter, and they may suffer other consequences depending upon our relationship with the aggrieved nation and the severity of the attack.
3) If we are provably aware of the existence of a ship of "pirates" (using your definition) - say, if a bunch of them posted up a big notice in the center of town saying "WE ARE PIRATES" and signed their names - and we allow them safe haven in our waters, other nations will hold us responsible for their actions, even if they do not own any of the ships that are attacked. If they do own the ships that are attacked, at best we would probably end up paying for the damage caused and wealth stolen; at worst they may see the attacks as an act of war.

That last example is where the fear of the word "pirate" comes from. It is the fear that the greed of one group of people will drag the entire kingdom into a war, causing untold loss of life and damage.

You are not wrong to say that this method of, what is the phrase, "plausible deniability" serves politics more than it serves justice. Let us speak more on this at the next Feast. The Baron has stated that he prefers to be brought solutions, not problems; perhaps together you and I can come up with something to present to His Excellency or His Grace.

Maritime law is not a purview of the Barony of Travance, and thus not commonly noted around here. It is something held by the greater kingdom and enforced by the Navy. However, it seems, Miss Potrevski, that there is always room for improvements in clarity. I look forward to hearing from what Lois has to say about your conversation.

For the matter of the proclaimed pirate, Cade Tanwyn. I will state this publicly so it is clear to everyone. Your ship is being graned permission to remain in port until the August Baronial Feast where you and I have agreed to talk at greater length regarding these accords and concerns with the land of Dregamire and the Kormyrian Navy.
You are not accused nor guilty of any crimes at this moment. And while some may feel my honor and name have been besmirched, I do not feel so. I may have been called a liar and my promises empty, but these are simply the words of a distraught sailor. I've been called worse.

I would strongly suggest everyone who is reading this post consider their actions carefully, both Cade's crew and the subjects of the Barony. There is no reason for this to erupt any further unnecessarily.