Brigands of Calzon Sea

The Brigands of Calzon Sea was a novel published by Maximian Gathian in 1884. It was a work of historical fiction based off of the actual history of the pirate settlement of Kerison, which existed from 1812 to 1850. The primary characters were Pentol Pallonil and Vane the Butcher, as well as Valmar Oszettor, Elizabeth the Demon, and Rosemary Clereg, all of whom were real historical figures. Much of the novel stayed close to reality, though some details were exaggerated or incorrect for story appeal, lack of information, or legal issues.

The book became wildly popular, particularly among young adults, in Haleglar and later all over Enamarith, despite attempts from the Gathian House to hinder its success.

Information
Author: Maximian Gathian (under the alias Maxwell Gavern).

Written: 1869-1872.

Published: 1877 (locally), 1884 (officially).

Historical Accuracy
While Maximian acquired a great deal of knowledge about the pirates during his time in Calzon Sea and wrote much of that down, many areas of the novel were supported by guesswork, either filling in gaps in Gathian's knowledge or coming up with new tales entirely. Some stories were also made up to increase the appeal of the story.

There was also a major inaccuracy regarding Elizabeth and her backstory. This was entirely intentional on the author's part due to threats of suing for libel against the Gathian House should Elizabeth's heritage as a member of that family be at all mentioned.

Controversies
The novel was first prepared for publishing in 1877 but when Maximian wrote Aberdeen to ensure the book would not be banned and he would not be arrested for revealing sensitive details, he was threatened with legal action for libel and defamation of the Gathian House, even though what was written of Elizabeth's background was true, albeit classified. In 1879 a revised version was submitted in which all mention of Elizabeth's heritage, save for vague and fabricated details, were omitted. Even then it took five more years for the book to be officially published.

Maximian was also forced to use an alias so avoid questions or theories that might reveal censored information about Elizabeth Gathian.

It also surfaced in 1880 that information regarding Elizabeth had somehow been leaked into Aethernel Aydombiel's history of Haleglar, now being added to by his heir Horgath. Despite suspicion against Maximian, no legal action was made due to fears of what information might come to light in such an affair.