Ahoy fellow Pirates!
I want to open by saying that this ship concept is purely conceptual; as much as I'd like Rare to consider it.
It also has nothing to do with changing the current small ship**
This is for the Solo artists.
I love having choices, and ship variety has a big part of defining who you are as a Pirate Legend.
It would be amazing to have the option to set sail in a solo, 2 man, 3, or 4, no 6, 8...16 man Man-O-War?
No, wait, let's get back on track for now.
I had to start my concept by mapping out the Sloop; I used this screenshot as a reference:
I then drew this:
Now, I really love the 2 man sloop, and I personally never had an issue sailing by myself, hoarding treasure, or sinking galleons.
** The only thing I would change would be to move the bell onto the bow-side of the Mast, so you don't accidentally ring it when trying to climb up to the Crow's Nest.
My friend brought up that the Sloop is still a little intimidating for a newbie; and it could still be reduced to something smaller, and more simple for the lone Pirate.
From here, I had to think about the pros and cons of having an even smaller ship.
Pros:
- Harder to see on the sea
- Very Maneuverable
- Can go into more shallow waters
- No need for Plank
- No bell on Crow's Nest
- No Brig
- No Voting Table
Cons: - Less Storage
- Less Firepower
- Less Hull space for Treasure
- Water will flood quickly from Hull Damage
- Water will flood rapidly in Storms/Rough Seas
Some interactable objects on the ship would have to be moved and tailored to suit a single player ship.
Here's what I came up with:
Notable Features:
- Single level hull, shorter and thinner than a Sloop.
- Triangular sail with forward boom (Same amount of Controls).
- 2 Rudders, for sharp corners. (Same Wheel Rotation, Harder Corners.)
- 1 Ladder on the Stern (between the rudders), to prevent easy boarding.
- 1 Cannon on the bow, with restricted firing angles to keep skill-cap.
- Voting board, as apposed to a table for multiple voyages.
- 1 of each "Supply" Barrel, Cannonballs far away from Cannon.
- Ammo stash far from Helm to prevent easy resupplies while sailing away.
- No bowsprit to give the cannon space. (Figurehead Optional.)
- Kept the Crow's Nest for the surveillance aspect.
- Helm Railing is solid to prevent Map-Peeking at the Helm.
- "New" Single-Player Anchor.
I made a size comparison for the two:
And finally:
I'd love to hear any questions, feedback, ideas, suggestions, criticisms.
Let me know what you think below, and I'll try to get back to you!
Cheers,
ch3wiie