Recently, I've heard many a tavern tale of pirates struggling to find a regular crew. I've run across many a solo pirate with stories of being brigged, being blocked, or being ignored by fellows they had once sailed with.
In order to ensure a lasting crew, one must first ensure one is being a good crew mate.
So here is my cursory guide to being a jolly good pirate to sail with.
1.Communication! As in any good relationship, communication is key. It is difficult to get into a rhythm as a crew without it. It is fine to shoot off of the boat to gather supplies. Just make sure you let your crew know, so that they are aware they are a man down and can adjust accordingly. Get crew consensus on voyage types, attacking other ships, etc. so that everyone knows what is going on.
If you don't have a mic, utilize pirate chat. We are all aware of its limits, but limited communication is better than no communication! Utilize it to the best of your ability. I've seen many a pirate locked up for an unwillingness to communicate.
And speaking of communication...
2.DON'T BE BOSSY It is one thing to communicate, it is quite another to order others around. Unless the crew has AGREED upon a captain, no one has the right to tell others what to do. Instead, make request. "I'm going to need those sails at half soon" vs "Pirate, put those sails at half mast." Try adding "can you" before any desired action. It will go a long way towards making one seem less demanding and less difficult to work with. "Can you raise the anchor?" "Can you vote to cancel?" "Can you put a shirt on, your muscles are distracting me?"
If you have been voted as a captain, please remember that this entitles you to choose voyage types, order of islands, pvp opportunities, etc. It does not mean you need to micro-manage and start bossing everyone around. Everyone knows about keeping the sails in the wind, two manning the sails, storing gunpowder in the crows nest, etc. You don't need to demand your crew do the things that they already are doing or you will soon find yourself the captain of a one man ship.
sidenote In maritime, the helmsman is NOT the captain. The captain delegates jobs, plots courses, makes decisions that will affect the ship and voyage. They do not steer! So stop assuming you are the captain because your at the helm. If anything, being at the helm would make one the LAST option for captain.
The obvious exception to rule 2 is if someone asks for guidance. We are tasked with helping pirates who are new to the seas! But, unless a fellow crew member tells you otherwise, assume everyone knows as much about the game as you do.
On that note...
3.No One like a Bragger So, you can dock a galleon in Thieves Haven? You've soloed the kraken? You have purchased all of the figureheads? You've reached Pirate Legend? Guess what...so have loads of others. We don't need to hear about all of your "great acomplishments" that, more likely than not, other members of your crew have already done as well.
Focus on your current playing session and making a new, fantastic memory with what your doing in the present. Engage with your crew to try new and exciting things. Go goof off! Get silly! Try and get some killer screen grabs! Create unique experiences to talk about!
4.Be Present By this I mean be aware of the ship, the crew and the situation as a whole.
Don't dash off the ship to find the treasure if she's still not stopped. Unless of course, you've checked with the crew to make sure it is okay (this harkens back to rule 1). Chances are, you are just excited to get to do the things that are your favorite to do. That's great! But, remember, there are others in your crew that may want to do them just as badly as you do. Be fair! If someone likes staying behind and prepping the ship or being lookout, by all means let them. But NEVER assume someone else prefers this job, or any job for that matter. If there is a task that no one enjoys, share the burden.
Read the room....if your fellow pirates seem uninterested in viewing your different hairstyles and outfits: 1. Remember, no one likes a bragger, and 2. Don't try to force them to look at you and give their opinion. Or, if you are the ONLY one who wants to do a fort, and everyone else wants to continue the voyage, don't whine about it until they concede. Be aware that a crew is about teamwork. Sometimes you will have to put your own desires aside in order to foster your relationship with your crew.
Sometimes, working with others can be hard. But your reward will be companionship and camaraderie that will travel the seas with you for many a journey.
Happy sailing!
