Part 1 by DianneGreenlay6

Ahoy Ye Mateys,  Musketeers, and Messmates All

Historically, swashbuckling tales were fictitious, full of much daring-do done by sexy, noble-at-heart-but-on-the wrong-side-of-the-law men – those sailors aboard tall ships or outlaws on land astride fast horses. The only fantasy components in those early stories were the descriptions of the characters and their lives, as such details were very romanticized for the readers by authors.

Dictionary.com describes the meaning of swashbuckling as "[one who] engages in daring and romantic adventures with ostentatious bravado or flamboyance", while "swash" means to swagger with sword in hand and "buckler" was the small hand shield fixed to the base of a sword's blade that protected its user from hand injuries to the "sword hand". Therefore, although the term is usually associated these days with pirates and men of the sea, it actually encompasses anyone who was an adventurer who defended and advanced his life by the sword.

Two of the earliest novelists in this genre were Robert Louis Stevenson, notably famous for his Treasure Island and its main character, Long John Silver, and Howard Pyle who wrote a children's version of Robin Hood, and in the process, sanitized the character of Robin Hood changing him from being that of a common highwayman or roadside thief, to a forest-dwelling philanthropist who stole from the rich and redistributed his taken wealth among the poor. Likewise, d'Artagnan, hero of The Three Musketeers, by Alexandre Dumas, was also based on a real life nobleman, at least in name, who through determination, chivalry, and much skilled sword-handling, rescues maidens, kills foes, and eventually earns a coveted spot as one of the King's musketeers.

Fantasy (ie. seemingly magical or not of the real world) began to appear substantially in swashbuckler stories, in the early twentieth century after J.M. Barrie penned Peter Pan. The character of Peter Pan lived in a mythical land, defied aging, flew through the air, conferred with fairies and mermaids, fought off pirates with his sword, and protected children who had been taken from their homes.

Today's swashbuckling fantasy genre is one in which there is an element of magic present in the mundane world of the story's characters, but the stories are frequently set in an historical time and place. Settings vary widely from the medieval or Dark Ages, to the Golden Age of Piracy of the 1700's, to the renewed interest in Arthurian times and the mysterious people and events of the Middle and Far East (Arabian Nights). However, recently TV and film have produced storylines that most definitely qualify for the swashbuckling genre but whose setting is present day, such as the very popular TV series, Arrow. The common theme however, because of the nature of the swashbuckler, is lots of danger, and the hero or heroine being an excellent weaponry master, usually fighting to save his/her life or the lives of those around them.

There is also a lot of swashbuckling crossover into other sub-genres, as authors blend magic, realism and time travel, creating similarities to stories in alternative history, magical realism, and steam punk genres. Swashbucklers are everywhere! The lines between sub-genres continue to blur, but it is the historical and ancient weapon use, notably the swordplay, that separates the subgenre Swashbuckling Fantasy from any others.

I chose to write a series about a headstrong young woman set in the pirate-infested waters of the West Indies, 1700's. Life back then was violent, and the West Indies at the time of the so-called Golden Age of Piracy was akin to the Wild West – full of fierce rogues and gutsy women. As I researched the era, I became fascinated with women pirates (and who knew there were such characters?) I soon found that not only were there a fair number of them, but several of these lady pirates, as well as their lusty men folk, had well-documented lives.

And what lives they were! Life back then was NOT for those with a delicate constitution nor for the feint-of heart. Medical procedures were brutal, and courage was required in large doses to withstand battles, to endure subsequent wound care, and even to participate in food consumption (dried biscuits full of worms, anyone?).

Swashbucklers abounded – the sword was always at the ready and was useful in close-up skirmishes – everyone had one. Even proper ladies were likely to sport hidden daggers tied in small sheaths, to a thigh or calf.

Life was often short, intense and often thrilling, depending on which end of a weapon one found oneself on. Writing about and living inside one's head with a swashbuckler or two, meant a story roared on with no room for dullness or boredom.

The swashbuckler genre sweeps readers along with the force of a hurricane, transporting them to thrilling times full of heart-pounding circumstances and situations played out by ruthless scoundrels and scallywags, murderous thugs and thieves, mischief-makers and saucy wenches, delicious deviants, and dangerous damsels-in-distress (or not!). 

Could one ask for a better way to escape the humdrum of ordinary life with all of its office drudgery and present day stresses? I think not.

Example of Swashbuckling Fantasy on Wattpad:
Quintspinner by DianneGreenlay6

Synopsis:

Even in the year 1717, one month, one week, or one day, can make all the difference in the world.

One month ago, Tess Willoughby was the daughter of a well-to-do physician in London, and she witnessed the murder of an old seer. Coming into possession of the dead woman's odd ring – an ancient Spinner ring, known by the locals as the Ring of Prophesy, she was wrongly accused by her father of having stolen the ring.

Three weeks ago, by her father's arrangement for the family, she became an unwilling passenger on a merchant ship bound for the pirate-infested waters of the Caribbean.

Two weeks ago, at her father's insistence, she became forcibly betrothed to a man who she recognized as being the seer's murderer – a man who covets her only for her ring.

One week ago, she met a sailor and experienced the thrill of being in love for the first time.

Two days ago, she realized that such a secret love would endanger them both, and, heart-broken, she was forced to choose her loyalty.

Yesterday, her fiancé betrayed her during a pirate attack and those she loved were slaughtered.

Today, she is plotting to save her own life and perhaps to take his in retribution. The ring is urging her to decide quickly...

Tomorrow will be too late.

A tale of pirates and treasure, love and betrayal, all bound together by a dash of ancient magic, QUINTSPINNER – A PIRATE'S QUEST is a cross-over novel that has entertained both YA and adult audiences alike. Meticulously researched, yet not your typical historical fiction, it presents the mud and the blood of life in the 1700's.

Full of high seas action, dangerous magic, and a dash of romance, Quintspinner is a swashbuckling adventure that twists and turns with the fury of a hurricane.

Excerpt:

"Captain's as good as dead if his back's broke!" Smith countered, ignoring Cassie's pleading. "The most I can do is make it quick fer him." He brandished his blade and knelt beside his captain.

Captain Crowell nodded in immediate understanding, his eyes unflinchingly locked on Smith's face.

"You have my gratitude, Mr. Smith."

"No, Wait! You can't!" Cassie screamed and grabbing Smith's arm with all of her might, she wrenched it backwards.

"It's a final help to the Captain, don'cha see?" Smith shouted, struggling to loosen his arm from her grip. "Fer God's sake, woman! Let me do this fer the man!"

At that moment the sea took matters out of his hands, as a wall of water crashed over the deck again, sweeping them all through the break in the ship's railing.

Part 2 by VivienneMathews

When I was young, I delighted in reruns of the 1957 classic Zorro, featuring the adventurous shenanigans of Don Diego and his incredible stallion Tornado. Packed to the gills with romance and comedy, witty banter and sword fighting extravaganzas (courtesy of capable fencer Guy Williams), every episode found me leaning forward in starry-eyed excitement, wondering how our charismatic hero would foil the dastardly Captain Monestario this week. The non-stop action never failed to energize. And the reliable happy endings let me know my emotions as a viewer would never be held hostage.

Though I didn't know it at the time, everything I loved about that (admittedly campy) experience was drawn from the "cape and sword" plays of Spanish theater — the unapologetic ancestor of today's swashbuckling genre. In the Golden Century of Baroque literature, writers like Félix Lope de Vega y Carpio and Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra took center stage with lively dialogue and characters whose strict code of honor fueled every manner of imaginable quest — up to and including Don Quixote's ill-advised assault on a series of windmills in the name of his lady Dulcinea.

While sailing and swordsmanship may come to mind when you think swashbuckling, it is the idealistic, heart-of-gold hero and a child-at-Christmas undertone of awe that really defines the genre. Fitting smartly between the earliest adventure tales and modern-day comic books, swashbuckling tales rarely feature a buckler — or the intimidation tactic of swashing said buckler. But it is precisely this never-on-the-nose quality that gives this style of fiction its staying power. Inigo Montoya (The Princess Bride, 1973) would have been right at home alongside Athos, Porthos, and Aramis (The Three Musketeers, 1844). And Baroness Emmuska Orczy's Scarlet Pimpernel (1905) probably taught Bruce Wayne a thing or two about balancing his secret identity against the image of a wealthy playboy.

These stories cater to your sense of justice, highlighting villainy as heroics and revenge wrapped in noble aims. Heavy situations like Edmond's many years in the Château d'If (The Count of Monte Cristo, 1844), are offset by lighthearted characters like Robin Hood, the Lone Ranger, and Indiana Jones — non-sailing film protagonists who traded the traditional cutlass or rapier for a bow, a six-shooter, and a whip, respectively.

The settings vary from the high seas to exotic locales with mysterious — sometimes cursed — reputations. They might be historical or in an imagined world that mirrors the technology and colonial ambitions of the 17th or 18th century. They may even cross boundaries of fantasy and science fiction. Odds are, you'll never fault them for being flexible — so long as you get your fill of crazy shenanigans, lovable rogues, and flashy narratives that rarely take themselves too seriously.

At heart, swashbuckling tales are true spectacles; written carnivals that are as fun on the page as they are bizarre in thought. Embracing silliness and shifting ideas of nobility, they stretch plausibility while simultaneously stoking an adventurous flame in your gut. They leave you entertained, electrified, and gleefully optimistic about what might be around the corner in your own life. They are bold. Glamorous. And if they convince you to spend your days tilting at windmills, so much the better.

Now, what are you waiting for, dear reader?

Get your pirate on.

Open a book.

And send yourself on a glorious adventure.

Additional Recommended Reading:

- Robinson Crusoe (1719) — Daniel Defoe
- Ivanhoe (1820) — Sir Walter Scott
- The Fencing Master (1840) — Alexandre Dumas
- Treasure Island (1883) — Robert Louis Stevenson
- The Black Arrow (1888) — Robert Louis Stevenson
- Captain Blood (1922) — Rafael Sabatini
- On Stranger Tides (1987) — Tim Powers
- Swordspoint (1987) — Ellen Kushner
- Peter and the Starcatchers (2004) — Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
- Temeraire (2006) — Naomi Novik

Example of Fantasy Swashbuckle on Wattpad:
The Mosque Hill Fortune by VivienneMathews

Synopsis:

A haunting mist sits on the harbor beneath Secora Tor.

It hides a secret that only Captain Marshall, accomplished military figure, can unlock. When he receives a cryptic message from a shocking source, the stoic otter sets out on a dangerous journey to save his queen, never suspecting that McKinley the Marauder, notorious pirate and general miscreant, might have ambitions that could put his mission at risk.

Now accompanied by a gypsy mercenary, a dishonored knight, and a family of thieves, the captains find their paths converging in an uneasy alliance as they travel through mythical tales to the legendary island of Mosque Hill, each of them hoping to reach an ancient artifact before it is too late. Each of them desperate to stay ahead of the secrets that they keep.

What will they lose along the way?

And where will they turn when they realize nothing is as it seems?

Excerpt:

McKinley threw open the cabin door and strode vigorously inside, towing Eadric by the collar. "Found this outside, looking out of place. Nearly broke my heart."
"Unhand me you vile cretin!" the bird shouted as he struggled to free himself.
Releasing him, the otter pirate held up his hands in a benevolent gesture.
"No need to thank me, my feathered friend. I'm sure they'd have let you in eventually." He glanced to the two officers, then pulled himself upright with a sheepish grin. "Oh, I'm sorry. Was I interrupting?"
"Yes," chorused Marshall and Ryder without missing a beat.
"Well, don't mind me. I'll just wait here until you're done." McKinley seated himself in a chair near Marshall's desk, leaned back, and planted his heels on the desktop with a reverberating thunk. "Or, for the sake of expediency, I could sum up this morning's interactions so we can get on with the loathsome business of sharing the same space. You," he pointed to Ryder, "think this is a bloody mad idea because pirates are dangerous. You," his finger moved to Eadric, "think this is a bloody mad idea because pirates are icky. And you," he gestured at last to Marshall, "just want your ship in order for honor and duty, the greater good and all of that nonsense." Then he repeated the cycle in quick succession, proclaiming, "You're right. You're right. And you're completely barking bonkers, but you're the captain and that's all there is to it, so there. Now, if we're all caught up, why don't the two of you scuttle along and leave the sussing of the details to the scary folk, aye?"
Jabbing an angry wingtip into the Marauder's face, Eadric sputtered indignantly, "You! Are a foul and repugnant ruffian and I'll be drowned if I will spend one second in your presence without protest! I was thrilled with your monumental capture – thrilled! But this idea, this, this...pretense of being on the same level of civility, I cannot accept! I won't do it, I tell you!"
McKinley stared at him blankly for a moment.
"I'm sorry," he said at last. "I stopped paying attention after you said something about being drowned. Were you asking for help with that? Because I'd be more than happy to oblige." He bared his teeth in a malicious smile. "That's the accommodating sort of repugnant ruffian I am."

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