Ok I decided to make this thread as I'm very curious what everyone thinks.
First of all let me say I am very much against any form of 'stats' system as everyone will spec into combat and it will be hard to balance and there will be 'meta' ways to play the game, which sucks. I think one of the beauties of this game is that Rare are trying to be supportive of pirates experiencing the game in a way they prefer - encouraging pirates who prefer the PvE or PvP side of things... to do just that.
BUT I think it would be great if there was some way to make YOUR pirate truly feel unique. I love the fact we all look unique, but it would be great if we all felt unique too, for instance some kind of 'skills' which could be learnt. This wouldn't require too much balancing as it wouldn't be 'stats' people could put into abilities, but it would be things with a preset value, like:
- Fishing (Although I think this will probably be introduced for all pirates which is fine too..)
- Foraging - can gain additional fruits/vegetables on islands which other pirates can't find.. perhaps unique properties when cooked (more healing, + defence when fighting skeletons..)
- cooking, to make healing items which are more effective than bananas
- Reading the stars at night - pirates can tell N, E, S and W, and perhaps some other basic information at night by using the stars (i.e. no compass needed)
- Vision - pirates can see far from the crows nest and are able to pick out a bit more detail than most pirates (for instance can see easier what is on islands, if you're looking specifically for a black chicken for example.. they could see the chickens on the island before fellow pirates?)
- Craftsmen - A chance to not consume a plank when repairing the ship due to efficient use of wood and raw materials
- Endurance - pirate is able to run whilst carrying chests, skulls, cannon balls etc, even if there is a stamina bar to balance it.
- Stamina - pirates can run faster than other pirates
- A combat related one? (The concern is that everyone would see a combat related skill as a 'must-have', which is why I'm reluctant to have one which boosts combat ability..)
- Swimmer - can hold breath longer and swim faster, ideal for exploring hidden underwater areas and exploring ship wrecks
- Keen sailor - pirate can turn the ship wheel faster, raise and lower sails faster, and turn/angle sails faster
- Cannons - reluctant to have one related to cannons as again, that's combat, I don't want people to be at a ridiculously big advantage, I just want each pirate to feel unique, to feel special like they can do something which few other pirates can, which will help their crew whilst voyaging etc..
- Naturist - aggressive animals (we only have snakes at the moment but if more were added...) are more passive around you, or perhaps aren't aggressive at all as you know how to avoid angering creatures in their own habitat
- Sea monster hunter - I have no problem with things which give people a slight boost vs PvE. Perhaps this skill could... show pirates weak spots on large sea monsters? Or people would find it easier to locate sea monsters?.. They do bonus damage to sea monsters with gun shots as they know where to aim?.. Not sure with this one
- Map expert - perhaps some maps/riddles have a hidden clue for one additional chest, but this is only viewable by those who have this talent. Obviously this chest couldn't be too valuable otherwise this would also be a 'must have', but could be a nice little bonus...
This is an incredibly raw idea so there may well be holes in this idea but I just wanted to start discussion!
Perhaps pirates could accumulate 2-3 of these (and more) skills to choose from. Any ideas of extra skills or whether you believe this is a good idea or not?
Thanks.
