Greetings buccaneers, scallywags, salty dogs, and legends!
This post is a collection of ideas I've been sitting on to increase and greatly expand the "Mythical Monsters" aspect of the game that were promised during Sea Of Thieves development as well as the mechanics that could go into summoning/encountering and fighting said monsters. The ideas for monsters I've taken straight from the rock paintings, bones, and such clues found all over SoT. These include: Giant Crab, Giant Bird/Hawk, Giant Shark, and of course the much debated Kraken. Too add to this mighty list of mythical monsters of ocean lore, I'd also like to throw in the Leviathan. 1st off, Giant Crab! (Rewards for all monsters to be the same with the exception of the "end-game" foe..)
Giant Crab
Locating: By way of message in a bottle, wayward NPC adrift on a dingy, or crab-like cloud (a-la skull fort). Either of these events would give you a mysterious warning of a specific island where the Giant Crab currently dwells. I think it’d be great to arrive at this island (must be a large island or have a large beach head) and have to search for the Crab that would be buried beneath the sands. Pull out compasses/riddles, shovels and start the search! Once the Crab is struck by an unlucky adventurous pirate it would unearth its massive self with the pirate being pulled along for the ride.
Fighting: Weak point should be the 2-eyes perched on top of the shell and spread far apart, along with the mouth (when not guarded by pincers), and underside. Everywhere else is armored! Taking reduced damage at best. The plus for the unlucky pirate that unearthed the beast is a straight shot at the eyes, but of course the Crab would have defensive mechanics to claw/knock/buck off rodeo pirates.
With the crab being only 1 of 2 multi-environment creatures, this guy can crawl around the island, as well as retreat into the ocean depths and move to a separate island when enough damage is dealt. Near the end of the Crabs life, the beast should make a move to eliminate the attacking Galleon(s) & Sloop(s). It could latch onto the ships and claw holes, or attempt to pull the ship under the water if the crew cannot damage it enough to remove it, a-la Kraken grab mechanic.
Rewards: Loot comparable to a Skull Fort, possibly extra loot based off of the ships a mythical monster has sunk on a server by server basis. Decorative items for your pirate and/or ship would be warranted as well. 1-character bound item that, when added with other items gained from mythical beasts, will allow a hunt for the “end-game” monster… (Rewards for all monsters to be the same with the exception of the "end-game" foe..)
Giant Shark (MEGALODON)
Locating: Much like the Kraken, should be a random encounter(attack?). Would love for the Sloops to get some big boss action, and as such, a sloop would be on the menu for the Megalodon. Perhaps in a more reserved role as in defending and escaping, while the Galleons would get a more extensive battle that would lead to killing the beast and rewards. The trigger for the shark attack could fall on a number of mechanics. Lots of loot on a ship, floating through waters with multiple wrecked ships/vessels around, or even sailing in open waters with no islands/structures around.
Fighting from a Sloop: Sloops are fast, nimble, and agile enough to escape many dangers on SoT. Throwing a Mega at them would greatly shake things up for Sloop Captains that can always steer clear out of danger. This would not be meant as a loot goal, simply fighting for your life. Music will cue in when a Megalodon has you in it’s sights. Defending would entail direct cannon shots as the beast is barreling towards you with it’s massive fin/body able to be struck. Cannon fire, explosive barrels, well placed firearm shots (eyes only?). If the Mega is allowed to ram a sloop, massive damage would ensue, think 3-4 holes. Sail far enough, or output enough damage and you scare the Shark off for good. Huzzah!
Fighting from a Galleon: Same as above, however more mechanics! Pivoting your ship would be essential for cannon fire, as such, you’d be best to park your galleon for better aiming. Shark should be able to actually sink its teeth into a Galleon and slowly crush the hull. Damage to the exposed beast (eyes, gills, mouth for max damage) would dislodge it, or possibly break the teeth that you can see in the hull itself! I think it’d be great to give a throwback to “Jaws” here and be able to place an explosive barrel in the mouth (or swimming path) and while awaiting the next charge, snipe it from under water for a critical hit. Scary? Exhilarating? You be the judge.
