Great work Captain @Bo-Bilgebottom! I was adding a few lines and then realised I could make it fit better if I changed some things (read everything).
I hope you can forgive me Captain Bilgebottom?!
Captain Bilgebottom's essential rules for safe solo seafaring
So you think you have what it takes to sail these dangerous seas on hard-mode, well I salute those who step up for the challenge! From one solo captain to another, I wish to share with you my rules for survival on these treacherous seas. The sea is unforgiving and will try to swallow you whole, but follow my rules and you'll stand a chance to conquer her!
- Rule #1 Friendly pirates are the unicorns of the sea!
Every pirate might act friendly until they catch the smell of treasure and since most sail around in a crew, you'll usually be outnumbered and outgunned. There's no way in telling the others intentions, so if you want to survive the sea, it's better to avoid confrontation with other pirates.
- Rule #2 Keep your eye on the sea, for dangerous she can be
Your spyglass is one of your most important tools, use it often. Make sure to check the horizon before setting sail and before stepping ashore. Don't think that a crow's nest is only there for extra crew, it's the best position to scout around, use it!
- Rule #3. Keep it secret, keep it safe
Become one with the shadows, turn off your lights and mind your silhouette. Try to spot large rock formations or caves to hide your ship when going ashore, masking your silhouette from several angles. Raise your sails to not be spotted easily. Don't anchor by the beach or lowlands, you'll stick out like a sore thumb.
- Rule #4. The sloop is a dolphin, the galleon a great white.
If you'd challenge a galleon in open combat you'll find yourself at the bottom of the sea, avoiding it will make you live another day. Never keep a true course on the open sea, use your tighter / faster turn radius and shallow draft to your advantage. Try staying close to islands or rock formations and use them to shake off your pursuer! You can't outsail a galleon with the wind, but against the wind you have the speed advantage.
- Rule #5 This is my ship, there are many like it but this is one mine
You have only one ship, it's your most important treasure. Without your ship you lose the only safe means of getting treasure to an outpost. Therefore keeping it afloat is more important than finding treasure. Don't let it out of your sight too long and if you see a ship coming, put that shovel away and set sail.
- Rule #6 Arrived at an island? Prepare to leave
Prepare your departure before you set foot ashore. Make sure the ship isn't stuck on the beach and is pointing towards your next location. Angle the sails in the right direction, bail out any water and fix holes and scout one last time before you hop onto the beach.
- Rule #7 There's always another outpost
So you scouted the outpost and there's another ship at the harbor? Don't risk it! If you want to sell some chests, skulls or other found treasure remember that there's more than one outpost and they'll all give you coin for your treasure. Look at the map and set sail to an island ending with "outpost" and you'll be more certain to cash in. Made a deal with the Merchants Alliance? Well their time limit is usually a few days so it might be better to try at a later time, the other crew might just be unloading.
- Rule #8 Never sail with more booty than you can "afford" to lose
Sailing the world will reward you with loads of oportunity to find more treasure, but always remember that you can always end up in the wrong waters and lose it. Always consider this risk and visit any outpost you might pass to drop off some treasure. Apart from the dangers at sea, also keep in mind Rule #4, unloading treasure can be quite the time consuming work. Everytime you leave the ship with a chest, looters might be around the corner.
