G'day, following posts of messaging systems, carrier pigeons, etc. I thought about how the use of distress flares could be adapted to PvP and PvE players alike.
It's a very limited option with only a few colours to indicate your intended message but it could become useful.
The suggested colours could be reworked.
- If you are being chased by the typically aggressive sandbox bullies then fire a distress flare (perhaps purple) into the sky to get the attention of nearby help.
- If you want to incite some action then fire a flare to inform other PvPers of your location and intentions (perhaps red).
- If you wish to form an alliance but can't find any boats around then fire a flare (perhaps blue).
- If you are lost on an island and can't find your ship or a fellow crew mate then fire a flare (perhaps green).
Although we have the reaper's mark, long term players tend to memorize the world and aren't always looking at the chart table. On top of that, you'll still find the occasional crew flying the reaper's mark only to complete past event commendations and have no intention of engaging in a sea battle.
It would be good if the flare could hover over your ship for a few minutes whilst moving which would help eliminate false calls. With the exception of the "I'm lost" (green) flare which should not go as high and perhaps only last for about 30 seconds or less.
The unlimited flares could be stored in (and fired from) a box mounted to the front of the main mast, similar in size to the flag box. Although you may carry one green coloured (I'm lost) flare on your person.
Not unlike the flag box, you can only fire the first three mentioned flare types on your own vessel. No boarding just to set up another crew for PvP. lol
Firing a second or third flare would dissolve the first flare you've fired, if it were abused by repeated use. Or a cool-down period could be implemented.
The main three flares could also be shown on the chart table but it's not totally necessary.
The sound could be similar to that of a person being fired from a cannon or, to the more extreme, the sound of fireworks heard across the seas.
Flares could also be used to help weaken a new species of skeleton like water is to gold skeletons and light is to shadow skeletons.
