Modders have introduced a new way to experience the pirate life in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced by making the notorious Blackbeard a playable character. This mod, created by user Kamzik123, allows players to embody the famed buccaneer as they navigate the game's rendition of Edward Kenway's quest for riches and renown.
While the prospect of swaggering through ports and capturing galleons as Blackbeard sounds appealing, historical research suggests that a truly accurate portrayal of the pirate's life may hold some grim realities. Archaeological findings from the wreckage of Blackbeard's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, have unearthed evidence of medical treatments that paint a starkly different picture of the era. Among these discoveries were a urethral syringe, potentially used for mercury treatment of syphilis, and a clyster pump for enemas.
Historical accounts, including those noted by the BBC, suggest that Blackbeard himself likely suffered from syphilis. Mercury was among the costly medical supplies he demanded during the blockade of Charlestown in 1718, an event that is depicted within Assassin's Creed Black Flag and its Resynced mod. This historical context implies that an authentic role-playing experience as Blackbeard might involve elements far removed from the romanticized pirate fantasy often presented in fiction.
The mod's existence raises questions about the balance between historical fantasy and grim reality in pirate-themed entertainment. Much like the romanticized portrayals of cowboys in Westerns, the image of the swashbuckling pirate often overshadows the harsh conditions and medical challenges of the time. Some games, such as Red Dead Redemption 2, have opted for greater historical accuracy, even depicting protagonists succumbing to diseases like tuberculosis.