User talk:Aconight

On a pirate ship, or one more loosely aligned, the quartermaster is more akin to those in the land armies of old. They hold far more authority, being required to gather supplies, dole out those supplies to the crew, and decide what plunder to take after a battle. They are also the disciplinary arm of the ship, maintaining order and giving out punishments for minor infractions. As this type of quartermaster holds so much power, they are often elected by the crew, and acts as a first mate on a ship without one.

http://saltybirds.livejournal.com/1740.html