Ahoy there mateys,
I was playing in the betas and when I was exploring the ships, I felt that they were slightly... identical. When I first heard of SOT, I thought, Wow! a pirate game with tons of different types of ships that I can sail. But instead we only have a sloop or a galleon. If there were more ships that would be added in, here are my thoughts on the subject:
Explorer/Schooner:
A small boat with two sails ideal for crews of 2-3.
is good on turning and has moderate speed with the wind from astern but doesn't make much heading with wind from the bow.
Trader/Galley:
A medium sized ship with two relatively small sails with the main power coming from oars. (maybe you can enslave some skeletons or have volunteers from outposts?). Suitable for a crew of 3-4
Clipper:
A rather large ship with 4-6 Sails and suitable for crews of 6-8 (I know that this is above Rare's limit currently, but just search up a clipper, its HUGE!). This type of ship could be used for large voyages or even be a flagship if fleets are implemented for certain clans/guilds.
Junk:
A small, 1 person only, ship that has a heptagon shaped sail. (only one sail, medium/medium-large size).
Other Hull designs for sloops:
This can include hull designs from similar ships such as;
Cutter, Cog, Knarr, Lugger, Yawl, or a Hoy.
These hulls would have the sail plan they usually have. (similar to IRL)
Other designs for Galleons:
Such as; Barque, Barquentine, Carrak, Xebec, Fluyt, Galleass, Third Rate, or a Pinnace.
Another thing that would be great for personalizing/customizing your ship is sails. I know that there are customizable sails but i mean such as creating your own designs/colors. I also think that the wind tell-tale (the little flag on the top of the mast.) should be customizable on the way that your crew operates (such as if your TT (tell-tale) is red then you are hostile, if it is white your are neutral, and if it green you are helpful.) I also think that there should be tangible markings for your achievements in game. This could include strings that could hold flags or banners depicting what you have done. Such as a black flag with waves on it could be that you sank and killed a ship. A purple banner with a yellow circle in the center of it could show that your reputation level with the gold hoarders is high. It would just add a level of personalization and even dedication that could show how proud people are about this game.
This is just my thoughts on the idea of personalized ships, sails, and flags. Please comment if you have anything to add.
I shall see you on the seas,
~Tersevenim
