Introduction
Almost anyone who has played this game has probably thought at some point that sea serpents would be a good addition to the game's AI threats, I agree. This topic is a mismatch of other people's concepts which I then tweaked in a way that I thought would better fit the game. While I would like to credit some of my ideas, I was unable to find the post again. Now, into the idea.
Serpent Design
These sea serpents are not unlike those you would commonly find in other games and movies. They are long, slender creatures. They have small, needle-like teeth used for grabbing onto prey. They are also lined with large, near impenetrable scales that come in a range of colors such as: Green, blue, aqua, and dark yellow. Serpent sized range from the length of a sloop to a bit longer than a brigantine.
Serpent Behavior
Most sea serpents are shy, they don't seek out interactions with pirates unless they are motivated to do so. That motivation is food. If you are transporting animals on your ship then you have a chance to have a run in with a group a serpents. I feel this is a good mechanic to add a bit of risk to good orders. Basically, a group of three to four serpents will swim up to your ship, you be alarmed to this problem by there hissing noises. As they swim alongside your ship they will take turns bashing holes into your ship, occasionally leaping out of the water. These serpents will flee after only a few bullet shots, unlike alpha serpents.
Alpha serpents
Alpha serpents are roughly double to size of an average sea serpent. They only spawn in certain waters, the general area of these serpent waters are marked on the map by a small depiction of a sea serpent (I'm on the fence with them only spawning in certain places). Alpha serpents don't need a reason to attack your ship, but food will increase their likely-hood of spawning. Alpha serpents also have a large crest atop their head.
Alpha Attacks
Alpha serpents will spawn next to your ship, and will begin to leap in a out of the water. After jump a few times the fight will begin. It will begin when the serpent wraps itself around the front of the ship once. It has one coil around the whole ship, its head rising next to the bow of the ship, while the tip of its tail rests on the deck. Once the is done the serpent has four attack styles:
- It will use its tail to bash the side of your ship
- The tail will whip pirates in the vicinity, launching them into the ocean
- It will bite the front most mast and crack it, making it fall
- It will unleash a spray of venom on the crew and any animals on deck
Loot
Once the alpha has taken enough damage it will release your ship and flee back into the depths of the ocean. However, in the heat of the battle several scales had fallen off. A about five scales will be on the deck of the ship, each can be sold to the merchant alliance or hunter's call for 500 coin.
P.S.
I strongly believe this idea could work only using the alpha mechanics and scrapping the serpent pack idea.
