He nodded to his cook and bosun, as they kept sailing. "Of course, but that is the issue. We can hit this little villages and fishing ships, and get next to nothing for our troubles, or take a risk and hit the more dangerous ones that hit back harder, but give more. Either way, to get the same amount of loot is the same amount of danger, just how spread out it is differs. Trust me, my family was in the merchant protection business back home, and we made sure those that tried to make it through without us didn't get far.<br/><br/>That is the long term plan at the moment. Get enough ships to protect some merchants, with a few others roving about looking for those that didn't come to us to get protection. Eventually the merchants will wise up, and we will just have to protect them. Easier and less fuss all around that way."<br/><br/>He called up to the crow's nest to make sure the lookout and the tidewater dragon up there were doing their jobs.<br/><br/>(perception 15 =d20+1)