Since mindless skeletons that obey their captain have been long established in the game I would like to suggest that an option to get skeletons on your crew to fill up empty crew slots with some basic crewmembers for those that are single slooping, or just having trouble filling up a crew would have more flexibility.
I would first like to point out that a real life player would, in all cases, be far superior to what I am suggesting. Thus, I do not expect it will imbalance the game as a live crew would always be better then a skeleton crew.
Take the AI from the skeletons on the burning blade and move that to skeletons that can be acquired on board. They would never leave the ship and would assist with repair, bailing, raising anchor, and cannons. If a live crew member joins the skeleton would get destroyed. They also would defend the ship. Encourages making use of the new sneaking and such things in this season. Sneak on and they do not notice. Hang off the side, become a barrel or chest... they go back to it.
I think in would also be an opportunity for RARE to offer customization to captains of a captained ship. Blackened? Gold? Glowing? Clothes?
I primarily like the idea that you would need to shanghai existing basic skeletons off of an island or other source. Harpoon them on board and they now work for you. In this case they could end up highly disposable, but I would recommend that they have the same life as a pirate. When broken, you go replace them. If they are hard to get they should last or respawn. Perhaps they can also eat from your food barrels to heal.
Would love other ideas on how to acquire them within lore and practicality.
Would love to see this happen as someone who keeps odd hours or has a hard time finding people to play with when I can play, or just needs to chill and sail alone.
