Ships are integral to the world of Vampirates. Visually, so far, they all hark back to the era of the tall ships from the original golden age of piracy in the eighteenth century. However, on closer inspection, each ship is somewhat different and expresses the unique character of its captain and crew.
The Diablo (meaning “The Devil” in Spanish) is one of the most notorious pirate ships ever to roam the high seas. It is captained by the eccentric and flamboyant Molucco Wrathe, oldest brother in a clan of three famous pirate captains (his brothers are Barbarro and Porfirio).
In Demons of the Ocean The Diablo’s deputy captain, Cheng Li, rescues Connor and brings him back to the ship, where he rapidly proves himself a brave, talented and ambitious member of the crew.
The ship is always bustling with activity and the atmosphere is one of organized chaos. The members of the crew are a rowdy but generally good natured bunch – from Connor’s great friends Bart, Jez and Cutlass Cate through to “Toothless Jack” and “the Stinkbomb”. Meal times are rough and ready and there is a strong camaraderie aboard. However, the cheerful atmosphere belies an adventurous, battle-ready crew who are the terror of the oceans, looting and plundering all the ships that cross their path despite the precise rules and regulations laid down by the Pirate Federation.
I was very fortunate to make two visits to the Cutty Sark before it was so badly damaged by fire. It was invaluable to spend time on board the ship and get a true sense of scale. I took loads of pictures – my favourite is of the ship’s bell, just as the sun was beginning to set. This feels especially poignant now.