Since Thera enjoyed peace for a time, the adventurers became lazy and unchallenged. Adventurers gained their levels with ease because of all the "charitable help" such as spell ups. Easy quests were the norm and many gained a heighten sense of power that did not exist. This laxity provided the opportune moment in time for the tribe to surface visibly.
The Pirates of the Dragon Sea was founded by a group of adventurers seeking immortality, peril and most importantly, gold. Pirates dream of the day they will "Captain" their own ship. Privateers at heart, they are known to do anything for gold as long as they have a reasonable opportunity to avoid the gallows. Leveling others, especially power-leveling is considered a gallows offense. One way to insult a pirate is to ask for a free favor. Pirates are willing to help for the RIGHT PRICE.
Pirates seek excellence in all they do. They party hardy. They quest ruthlessly. They know the best locations for gold, experience or equipment. They train their own to become captains and immortals if they desire.