I really like the new version of this. I downloaded an older version a while ago, and liked it even then. But now, there's so much more stuff here...
Very fun mod. I just started a game as one of the Pirate leaders (the English one). I'll let you know what I think after I get through it some more.
Hey, cool man. I am still working on this Mod too and should have another update soon. One of the guys above is haveing trouble loading saved games, test that out for me please. I haven't had a problem yet saveing and loading.
What I have been working for this mod is a more advanced "Plunder Trade Routes" mission. In the old version the ships you'd encounter would be spawned ships, but I didn't really like that idea. So I have changed that in this next update only ships that are already in the game can be intercepted while on route to Europe. If your Privateer happens to find such a ship the camera will zoom to the spot, and you will get a popup asking you if you want to attack the ship and the odds if you do. You will also get to look around the area for other possible enemy ships to attack in your sight range or ships that may attack you. That way if you encounter a stronger ship you don't have to attack it.
I'll also have a better unloading system for units with Pirated Cargo.
But one of the cooler features is Naval Spys!! You can move a unit to a rivals territory and much like Gift you can turn your Transport into a Spy. That will make that nation like you more as that unit will then become the other players unit but you will see what it sees... not only that but when ever you mouse over any ships by that Nation in which you have a spy you will get a full list of Cargo that is on that ship. That way your privateers and pirates will have a better idea on who that want to attack. I plan to make it so that if a spy unit is defeated at sea there is a chance that it will be captured and made to "squeal" and that nation will know you been spying on them and it will lower their attitude towards you.
I am also thinking of ways to make a full blown Pirate Confederation that has no ties with a Europe power much like the Cheng I and his wife Cheng I Sao, they answered to noone.
This Mod needs balanceing though in that are AI Nations getting Founding Captains way more than the player? And things like that.
Anyway, one of the coolest things I done in my mod is lose my starting ships right from the get go, told the king where to put his ring, then took my freebooter and stole a canoe, searched for a rival Nation, lay in wait, attacked a Caravel and captured it, then went on my way
. It was intense as your little canoe can be easly killed by privateers and other naval units, so you have to stay out of sight while you lay in wait. The free "Incognito" promotiom helps though as enemy units have to be right next to you to know who you really are.
~Cheers