merchant flag?

[bigwhitehound]

Is there a flag for Merchant ships? What about ships that are independent? I was thinking a navy blur flag with a white compass on it. What do you think?

[Library Ogre]

Merchant ships will typically fly the flag of their nation, with their own personal ensign (or that of their trading concern)

[J. Lionheart]

As Nexx said, it would just be their nation's standard, along with any personal identifiers or company emblems.

There is no "neutral" worldwide shipping organization, and being a merchant doesn't protect you from anything in a time of war. A Western Empire ship sailing to the Eastern Territories, while at war with the Timiro Kingdom, is going to get attacked by the Timiro Kingdom, merchant or not.

As far as independants go, that could be more or less dangerous, depending how you look at it. In a time of war, you're less likely to be attacked, because you're not associated with a foe. At any other time, though, people are more likely to pick on you, as you don't have a crown backing you up somewhere.

Long story short, there isn't one.

[J. Lionheart]

Well, if the group was "Neutral until you mess with us then we send our own privately owned escort ships at you" it might be more effective.

Effective against pirates and privateers, yes. Effective against a kingdom, no. Unless you're using Demon Black Ships and escorts, you'll simply get branded a pirate, and find yourself facing down the entire navy (as well as reward-seeking independants) of whomever you've ticked off. Indy or not, if you're trading with somebody's opponent in war, you're likely to be subject to maritime engagement.

heres a question what are all the Flags in the palladium world and what do they look like

I'm not sure that there's really any directory of these. There are so many flags! It could be a fun project to try and go through the books and put together a listing. I know the Wolfen Empire doesn't even officially have a flag, though a black paw-print on a silver field is used in many cases.

[J. Lionheart]

I thought smart merchants carried several ensigns: match the banners to the biggest ship in sight

That is most certainly a tactic that could buy you some time, or even save your skin completely As long as they aren't going to board you, and you've got somebody who can passably do the needed language and accent if hailed, you could get far like that.

[Guest]

heres a question what are all the Flags in the palladium world and what do they look like

See Adventures on the High Seas.

[TonyTown]

In my campaign, the flying of independent colors or none at all would be immediately considered untrustworthy and probably justifiably worth a bounty. AAnd considering the players...heh...probably would have been commandeered and all personnel subsequently drafted into their military

Anyhow...

Heraldry could also easily come into play in this as well were to be it in use.

Hmmm...

[drewkitty ~..~]

Is there a flag for Merchant ships? What about ships that are independent? I was thinking a navy blur flag with a white compass on it. What do you think?

Can you say 'Come and pirate me' Flag.

[J. Lionheart]

Can you say 'Come and pirate me' Flag.

Wow.

I think your four words there, "Come and pirate me," just summed up everything I spent several paragraphs and several posts trying to say

::points at drewkitty:: "What he said!"