Now here me out, 'cause I know this is a curve in Rare's vision, but...
What if you had an option to "Hire NPC crew" that performed basic functions on the ship? Anytime you had less than a full crew compliment, you could go to the Outpost and hire a Deckhand.
This would allow those who aren't feeling particularly social to run a bigger boat, and or not be so outclassed by larger crews on the sea.
By adding a sub-menu to the communication wheel you could stand in front of your deckhand and send them to:
Be a Powder Monkey
Keep the cannons loaded, running cannonballs from the barrels to the guns.
Be a Rigger
Listen for commands to raise, lower and angle the sails.
Repair
Patch holes in the ship when they happen.
Keep a Lookout
Stay in the Crow's Nest and ring the bell if ships get within a certain range.
Feed the Animals
Grab bananas from the barrel and keep the d@#m pigs fed.
All these functions would be not quite as fast as a skilled player, and the Deckhand would have a little less life and not be able to attack, but otherwise, they could lend a hand to understaffed crews.
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Side Thoughts
- It would be fun if these were ACTUAL monkeys!
Deckhands might only be employable by Legends?- Deckhands never leave the ship, unless knocked off and killed.
- They might be able to "lower" or "raise" the anchor too.
- When not busy, they sometimes play music. Possibly badly. Especially if they're actual monkeys. Please let them be actual monkeys.
Your thoughts?