What should my pirate-style crew's flag look like?

In my story, a totalitarian king has taken power and is attempting to destroy historical articles (books and papers, at least at this point) in an effort to bring in a New Age and start people afresh, forgetting about wars and all things of the past.

One of the biggest causes of trouble for him is a crew of men, similar in some ways to both pirates and ninjas, called the "shadow crew". This crew had worked for the former king as a covert group for protection, enforcement, defense, and whatever else there was need for them to do. When the totalitarian king took power they broke what few ties they had with the government and started working to resist said totalitarian king.

Their method is primarily while "invisible" (disguises, hiding, using darkness, etc.), but they also have a swashbuckling, unorthodox style and can probably use weapons and fighting too, but all I know for that so far is the use of ballistas (and probably crossbows).

They also have a reputation, although the actual stories and specifics are largely tall-tale and have little fact to them.

They differ from pirates in that they do not fight and pillage for greed or pleasure, but for what they believe is right. They are honorable and moral men.


So, after all that, my question is: What should their flag look like?

Maybe a raised sword. Like, they're ready to fight for the right of everyone. Also, "Shadow Crew" could probably have a better name. Seems not-very-special.

I kinda like the Shadow crew. It stays in nautical terms, and it evokes that feeling of "we could be everywere..."

At first i would have suggested a skull munching on a crown, but that may be inappropriate of they served the past king. I assume they only have a beef with this king, not with kingship per se?

Another possibility would be a floating hand stabbing a dagger through a human heart. hearts were used on real pirate flags, by blackbeard for example, and a dagger through your heart would fit quite nicely with cloak-and-dagger type pirates.

> Their method is primarily while "invisible"

Well there you go then. Their flag is _no flag_. Just an empty flagpole.

Dutch Guy: This is correct. It is not the kingship itself with which they have issue, but the particular king currently filling it.

Good ideas! Yes.. *contemplates*

What came before the totalitarian king? Use that as a symbol. You want a symbol that resonates with people and unites them. It is not the symbol itself, but what it means to people who see it. Imagine if the Spanish Armada had conquered England, the Tudor Rose might have been a symbol of resistance.

can i raise a possible flaw here

ballistas are not the best weapon for invisible/stealthy attacks

may i recommend something like katars

the reason i say this is 2 fold really, there is a very real fear about stealthed opponents, but a scarier prospect is one that can stealth and kill/attack close quarters as that takes real skill, so the fear factor is much higher

take the Gurkhas in WW2, they used to sneak up to the Japanese sentries and cut their laces without them realising until they looked down......now imagine that fear when they saw someone had been close enough to touch them but hadnt killed them!

also....if they are not pirates then they wouldnt need a flag as such

robert has a good idea that its a more meaningful flag rather thana symbol of who they are

christy: This is a good point, but they really only use the ballistas on the sea, on which they are not so concerned with being stealthy (and everyone uses ballistas there in place of cannons anyway). On land they would use other weapons, or none at all, yes. :)

Robert and christy: That's a very good idea. I like it. I should think of something regarding that. Not necessarily violent (preferably not, in fact), but more symbolic. Yes. Thank you both.

may I suggest the old kingdoms flag upside down

upside flags in naval terms means distress or a protest...so maybe that could have significance

you could even make it that the new king bans all old kingdom references...so they use it as their flag to fly in the face of the new regime

almost musketeer-esque