Notoriety Ring

[combatlizzy]

When Lizzy turned Level 40, the notoriety ring around the 40 in the left upper corner of her screen was completely red. As time went on, the ring turned black again and started rebuilding to red. Now, Lizzy has fully mastered all weapons. The notoriety ring is still partially black. Is this normal? Does the ring continuously revamp as long as you are using a pirate character? Not an earth-shattering question, but a question in this inquisitive wench's mind.