Ahoy, mateys!
The world of Sea of Thieves is fantastical and mystifying with legendary Sea Monsters lurking in the depths of the ocean, and the vengeful Undead, past pirates of fame and fortune guarding their treasure. Magic has a great presence in Sea of Thieves, and the Order of Souls seem to have the greatest connection and understanding of it. If they're able to use this magic themselves, why not the players?
My suggestion would be to give players magically enchanted items they would use to assist them in their exploration and even in combat. Making them a pre-stocked, permanent item instead of a purchasable consumable would be a great way to keep players equal on the playing field. Here are a few item suggestions and possible magical properties I though of, as well as some enemy AI ideas.
Permanent Items
Skull Pendant
An enchanted necklace or charm that allows the user to temporarily repel the Undead (Skeletons), whether it be single cast or channeled.
Ring of Phantasms
An enchanted ring that allows the user to summon phantom copies of themselves to distract the enemy. These phantom copies would deal no damage, and be mainly used against enemy AI. Perfect for countering those firearm wielding Skeletons.
Witch's Vial
A potion which once consumed would fully heal the user as well as increase their base health for a short duration, but would keep the user from eating Bananas (healing foods) for an extended period of time.
Skull Flare: Placeholder name, but its use would be that of a modern flare gun. The user fires a projectile into the air which bursts into a very pirate-y skull of a variety of colors depending on the intent of the signal. Red for enemy players or AI, yellow for loot, green to retreat, etc. Might not even be some magical thing, but a regular tool.
Legendary Items
Tome of the Undying: A book of spells and incantations with an ethereal glow which whispers to the wielder seductive temptations. Upon use, the book would light ablaze with a blue-green flame as it withers away, and those whispers would turn to screams as a harsh voice commands a horde of Phantom Skeletons to rise and fight for you. The Tome of the Undying can be sold to an Order of Souls vendor.
Voice of Zeus: A horn decorated with gold and silver which upon use the horn would shatter into a thousand pieces, and the skies would darken as a thunderous storm gathered to smite your enemies with divine lightning. The Voice of Zeus can be sold to a Gold Hoarder vendor.
Trident of Poseidon: (read @RattlyFob 's post below, a far better idea) An ancient artifact humming with divine properties that points the wielder to untold treasure, and as it nears its truest point of direction the pitch of the hum increases. When the player reaches their destination the Trident will glow brilliantly. Players will dive deep below to find a strange monument guarded by sharks and Merpeople. Upon defeating the enemies, you'd insert the Trident into the monument, and the earth will shake revealing a trove of treasure worth more than the Trident itself. The Trident of Poseidon can be sold to a Gold Hoarder vendor.
Necronomicon: An ancient book with an indecipherable language and mysterious symbols riddled about on every other page. Once used, the book would lift itself into the sky by an unknown force, and a cosmic portal would appear, shadowy and deep like an endless void, and from it a horrifying, monstrous beast would enter into the world. Its roar would shake the earth and the skies would part revealing the infinite space. This would be a Legendary boss you'd slay, and upon its defeat you'd receive an item far more valuable than the Necronomicon itself which can be sold to an Order Of Souls vendor for a godly amount of gold. The Necronomicon can be sold to an Order of Souls vendor.
Enemy AI
Captain Ravenheart: An enigma whom players may encounter at night during their explorations with an increased chance to spawn the more players you slay or ships you sink. This Legendary Boss will have unique mechanics like teleporting a short distance, summoning Withering Wisps, and switching between ranged and close combat.
Leviathan: A new Sea Monster which traps ships in a maelstrom until defeated. Thank you @NicolasNaatz for the idea.
Undead Animals: Think a flock of skeletal seagulls that awaken with Skeletons or a skeletal shark.
Withering Wisp: A phantom skull which explodes when within proximity of a player dealing a small amount of damage as well as damage over time.
There would have to be rules and limitations for them. I'd suggest enchanted items have a limited use, and depending on the effect, would be single use or multiple. Where ammunition can be gathered from Ammo Boxes to reload your firearms, enchanted items would have a usage bar that can be recharged by visiting an Order of Souls vendor.
Thanks to @nenikakamen for giving me the thought. Just a few items I could think of to introduce usable magic while keeping it balanced and grounded. I'll be updating this list often.
What do you think? Let's discuss!
