Black Angel
Arcane
I've got about 70 effective atm. If I dump around 20 points into it, I'll get around 100 effective which will hopefully be enough. Do you actually get to walk around the pirate bases and such if you pass the persuasion checks?
I haven't tried it. I only managed to secure a deal of only having myself and myself alone to traverse their waters safely, while paying some charons for each laborer (also unarmed) who come with me should I need some extra hands. fantadomat admitted he's unable to approach the Ports without getting shot at, I'd assume this happens if you don't offer your services to the pirates.