Privateers

[kenaveli]

I believe this game could have a lot more use on the waters, epecially during the "Golden Age of Piracy." Smuggling, ransom and purging cargo could be some rather nice features to this game.

I agree that the privateer should be able to hold passengers. If you look at Blackbeard's ship on Wikipedia it was a converted slave ship, but living conditions were extreme on slave ships. Also, a privateer's mission was different than a pirate ship as privateers were approved under law just to slow the other colonies down. Maybe, add a really fast pirate ship that could do some serious options. You could pay a pirate ship from an available list, not knowing the nationality or any specifics, and have them carry cargo through enemy lines. Anything like this, I think would be cool. Also when you capture the ship you could have a hold ship ransom order, and take gold or purge the cargo and/or destroy the ship in full. This could take about two turns to negotiate with the owner of the merchant ship. Or if you are being chased by pirates wouldn't it be nice to be able to purge your load if you know you are going to be outrun and pick up some speed to flee, I know silver/treasure can get really heavy.

What do ya'll think? This game needs some more creativity, I like the economic options, don't change that. I think some random/unknown/barabic native could take over the wagons every now and then. Treasure is way too much initially, it needs to be sporadic.

Moderator Action: Warned for piracy.
Please read the forum rules: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=422889

 

[vidcapper]

In the original game Privateers were multi purpose. Yes they were good for attacking enemy ships but they were also the fastest ships in the game and could carry colonists. I used them extensively for moving my scouts around the map and for taking colonists to indian villages for training.

Now that Privateers are limited to carrying goods only the game needs a new fast scouting ship that can carry colonists.

I easily found the line in the CIV4UnitInfos.xml file that controls ship movement (search for <iMoves>), but don't know which line controls whether a ship can carry units or not, as opposed to just cargo?

 

[Refar]

<SpecialCargo>
Also check out <UnitAIs> if you want the AI to know what's going on.
(Compare with another transport)

 

[mostly-harmless]

If at all, Privateers are rather overpowered. They are cheap to buy, especially after Peter Minuit and recoup the costs pretty soon.
Identify your opponents main trading port park a privateer close buy and you are fine. Early ships like Caravels and Merchantmen are no match. And once you constantly cripple your opponents economy that is all you will ever see.
I have yet to spot a Frigate, Galleon or Ship of the Line or even another Privateer.
My success rate for Privateers is around 95%.

And with those easy XP a constant upgrade of +1 movement and strength makes them even better.

mh

 

[Öjevind Lång]

My record with privateers so far is bought 1, sailed to the New World, appeared next to a caravel, and was sunk in the ensuing combat. Edit: Next one managed to get sunk by a merchantman in his first combat.

I've had three privateers sunk by caravels, in different games. I'm not sure if I was just consistently unlucky.

 

[Refar]

Oh well it happens. I deploy 4 - 5 in every game. And usually loose 1, sometimes two.
But most of the time they pay well for them self - even the unlucky ones that go down.
And keeping down your enemies is of course priceless.

Also a few highly promoted Privatees are usefull blockade runners, if you choose to continue trade while in WoI.

 

[Supr49er]

If at all, Privateers are rather overpowered. They are cheap to buy, especially after Peter Minuit and recoup the costs pretty soon.
Identify your opponents main trading port park a privateer close buy and you are fine. Early ships like Caravels and Merchantmen are no match. And once you constantly cripple your opponents economy that is all you will ever see.
I have yet to spot a Frigate, Galleon or Ship of the Line or even another Privateer.
My success rate for Privateers is around 95%.

And with those easy XP a constant upgrade of +1 movement and strength makes them even better.

mh

I haven't come across any of these except Galleons either.
Galleons are tough on my Privateers.