The red-haired woman held the spyglass to her eye and aimed it at several specks on the horizon. Three ships came into view. Goldwater city flags could be seen whipping in the breeze atop their masts. The middle ship was much larger than the other two, and riding low in the water.
“Mister Combs” Scarlet remarked sweetly as a she furrowed her brow, “Come have a look at this. What do you make of it?”
The grizzled first mate took the spyglass from Scarlett’s hand and held it to his eye, pointing it in the direction she indicated.
“Three Goldwater ships cap’n. Looks like an escort of some kind to me. The big one’s hauling a lot of cargo, probably bound fer somewhere important I’d say...”
Mr Combs lowered the spyglass and offered it back to Scarlett.
A devious smile crossed Scarlett’s lips as she took back the spyglass.
“Yes. It does look that way, doesn’t it? I wonder where they are going with all those goods...”
Mr Combs nodded as a look of realization crossed his face. He stroked his greying beard. That look in Scarlett’s eye was familiar, he had seen it many times before, and knew better than to object when Scarlett had her eye on a prize.
“These seas are quite treacherous cap’n. Many ships don’t make the journey safely...”
Scarlett held the spyglass up to her eye to regard the ships again.
“That’s exactly what I was thinking. Perhaps we should get closer, make sure that cargo reaches a port safely.”
Mr Combs grinned, several of his golden teeth glinting in the sunlight.
“Aye cap’n. We should offer ta help escort that cargo safely. Twould be a shame if anythin were ta happen ta such a lovely ship...”
“Indeed, such a shame. Bring us about Mr Combs, and set a pursuit course. Also, prepare the black... in case they don’t accept our generous offer.”
“Aye aye cap’n!” Mr Combs exclaimed eagerly as he turned and began to shout orders at the crew.
Scarlett remained perched on the railing, staring through the spyglass. Her lips curved into a mischievous smile.
Today was going to be a good day.
Welcome to patch 0.1.8, where we introduce TREASURE FLEETS! These convoys of ships are bursting with cargo and ripe for the taking for any pirate captain bold enough to seize the opportunity. Beware, however these fleets will defend themselves fiercely, and the authorities will not take kindly to their treasure being pilfered by nautical rapscallions.
Not that you need MORE encouragement to spend time flying the black sails (because pirates are awesome), but we are going to be showing a bit more love towards pirate mode in the coming months to flesh out the high-seas brigand experience – treasure fleets are the first step in doing so.
Now, go seize those riches all ye lowlife, salty brigands! And TAKE what is rightfully YOURS!
Or... technically someone else’s. Whatever. You’re a pirate. Finder’s keepers.
New Content
- Thar be a Fat Prize! – Treasure Fleet random events have been added to the game.
General Improvements
- Dolphin movement has been improved.
- New mouse cursor texture added.
Bug Fixes
- Stranded sailors can no longer spawn off the map.
- Pirate attacks on towns can now occur throughout the entire game (they previously only occurred during the early game).