Many of the game's original challenges have been watered down along the way, to account for less experienced crews. This is all fine, in fact, it's a positive addition. The game should be playable by all.
However. Some more experienced players enjoy the added challenge. I suggest having a Bilge Rat Challenge Table on the dock of each outpost, which you vote on similar to an Emissary flag. You can have the Bilge Rat Flag active alongside an Emissary Flag, Voyage, Tall Tale, etc. Be a Bilge Rat, and live for excitement!
When you vote to hoist this Challenge Flag aboard your ship, the world's encounters become more difficult for your crew. There is no special turn-in location, no added reward multiplier, just more challenge in the world, along with a Ledger. This Ledger is progressed just by... playing the game. All loot you turn in, all events you complete, everything-- it all progresses your Bilge Rat Challenge Ledger, as long as you fly the flag.
This way, you can show off to the world how much you've played with a harder difficulty. Perhaps special Bilge Rat Ledger sails could be up for grabs.
Here are some examples of difficulty changes that would take effect if you ran the Bilge Rat Challenge Flag:
Skeleton enemies are stronger, more health, more damage. Sniper skeletons return. Gunpowder skeletons are more common
Kraken, Meg, and Skelly Ships would prioritise spawning on Bilge Rats over other ships.
Kraken could cover your stairs once again and require more tentacles killed to defeat. Tentacles are beefier and will wrap/slap more often. It will take less time to get sucked off the ship. It could gain a new ability, such as spraying poison ink.
Megalodons are faster, stronger, more unpredictable. It could gain the ability to bite hold of the ship and shake it and drag it around
Skeleton Ships will fire more accurately, and use slightly more Cursed Cannonballs, the occasional firebomb/blunderbomb, and rarely, Chainshot.
Ghost Ships will have double health, and fire Wraithballs more often. Occasionally fires Cursed Cannonballs
Scraping the ship will make medium holes rather than small.
Volcanoes and Island Cannons will be more accurate.
Tall Tale bosses will be more challenging.
PvP remains the same, only PvE is altered.
And more. The best part is, the flag is entirely optional, and the only rewards are just for the ledger. I believe this Flag would be a great way to spice up play sessions. Perhaps you'd need to be a legend to be able to raise it. I just really like this idea as it is optional for those who want more difficulty. You get nothing out of it but bragging rights, allowing for Experienced players to enjoy a more seasoned play session, and more laid back players can have their way, too.
What is eveeyone's thoughts? Would you like this in the game? Why or why not?
