How do I know a ship is carrying contraband?

[Xenutheeviloverlord]

I'm just confused as to how I could possibly know that Snow is carrying contraband from miles away. Maybe having a mechanic where you can board a trader and see if they're carrying contraband?

Edited April 20, 2016 by Xenutheeviloverlord

[Anne Wildcat]

If you look at the trader it says something like 'Contraband goods found'. I'm not in game now and so do not know the exact phrase.

[Jean Ribault]

I also interpreted your post like Anne above based on the way you wrote it, but are you asking rather "is it realistic?" to know that a trader is carrying contraband, or are you asking actually HOW to find out?  If asking how, then Anne is certainly correct.

 

If you are asking if it's realistic, and in turn suggesting a boarding inspection mechanic, then maybe your idea IMO has merit for the current state of the game.  But when trading becomes more developed and players are regularly trading and trading companies are set up, and players are controlling the economy and trade shipping, then what you are suggesting would no longer be necessary IMO.