So I've made two other post a while back with a few ideas for a Pirate Hub as a side idea for the post. I would now like to go in greater detail on why a Pirate Hub should be introduced into the game and how it will make a great additions to the growing social environment.
Rare has been pushing for more cooperative play ever since The Hungering Deep, giving players more incentives to engage with other pirates in transactions that don't always end in Davy Jones Locker. Now with the introduction of alliances I feel now is the time to start laying the groundwork for this new feature.
Why It's Needed
When you think of Sea of Thieves of the main selling points are the social interaction and experiences you have with other players in the game. SOT is driven by this aspect and the game should include more things that expand upon that. With the addition of Bilge Rat Adventures and the new Alliance system. There should be another way to find like minded players beyond sailing around aimlessly, with hopes that the ship you start sailing towards doesn't get spooked. In addition to being a place to create your fleet it can also act as a social environment to indulge in different activities.
The "No Safe Zones" Issue
It's no secret that a lot of forum users have voiced their disgust with the idea due to the fact they feel it will act as a safe zone for pvp fleeing pirates. I cannot stress enough that this will not be a safe zone as my concept would have certain restrictions to prevent it from being used as such. Now I know that some SOT players such as the likes of the people who make the Crows Nest videos, have suggestion creating a pocket area upon login that is seperate from the SOT world. After finding your crew you will then be loaded into the server together in a random location. Although I like the idea I would prefer if there was a way to have it where it wasn't necessary separate from the main game.
My suggestion would be to make it where the area has an enchantment around it, possibly created by the Order of Souls. This enchantment could almost act as the red sea where if you attempt to sail into this hub with treasure your ship will break apart and sink. There will be several docks to place your ships and once in the area everyone is treated as if they are of one crew, not being able to attack each other. Alternatively instead of the sea enchantment that would sink your ship there could also just be a barrier that keeps you from entering. Also you know the "you cannot fast travel while in combat" message you get in some games? Same rule would apply. You can't enter if in the middle of a battle with a nearby ship. Perhaps within the same square.
- Treasure cannot be brought here
- Treasure cannot be turned in here
- You cannot enter while in combat
- Anti-camp measures will be in place
Lore of The Souls Barrier
Originally created to keep the skeletons out of the Outpost, the Order of Souls needed to reengineer the enchantment after the attack of the Cursed Sails. After it's creation they found new uses for it, including the creation of a protected Pirate Hub.
Activities To Participate In
From Liar's Dice to knife throwing and brawl tournaments to a dedicated pier for fishing. Players have asked for more activities to do on the ship, at the outpost, and now a hub would be a great place as well. Gamble your gold away, music mini-games, and arm wrestling. Having a number of fun side activities that don't subtract from the main voyages of the game will add diversity in what can be done in this world.
A Pirate Hub has the potential to better inrich the world by creating more of the experiences that make SOT fun. If you like the idea feel free to vote towards making this happen and if you're still not sold on it less discuss it. My goal is not to have my exact vision for it come true but the collaborated vision of the community that make up the game.
