Skellies

Skellies or Skelletons are non-player 'pirates' that are found in the oceans. They can be found in two places:
 * On islands
 * On the black ship

Island Skelletons
Skelletons on land appear randomly and can be challenged. A challenge requires 100 poe and one item. This item may be any tradeable item other than a portrait, familiar, and deed. If the players loose to the skelletons, these items are taken. If the players beat the skelletons, they will collect equal shares of all [poe] and items lost (though the items are distributed randomly so one person may end up with ten bid tickets and another person may win ten swords.)

History
Originaly skelletons appeared in small groups of three to five. Beating these skelletons would result in winning in addition to all the items lost to them, one article of clothing and a sword.

Black Ship
Seventy-five skelletons will appear on a black ship as punishment for attacking too easy a ship.

See black ship for more information.