Spyglass uses for "smugglers" and Piracy

[Aydz]

Any word on the use of spyglasses to check out NPC trade ship cargo?

 

Still something I have wanted to see for a while.

 

Foundation for this is.

 

1. ships were unique in this period to a certain degree

 

2. nations flew flags

 

3. ports used by certain ships and nations denote cargo

 

something to help the ole smuggler/pirate find what they are looking for.

[Hethwill, the Red Duke]

What you propose is already done by players using one or two sessions just "hanging around" and see what kind of traffic moves about. Many have a solid knowledge of different trade routes and know for certain what kind of cargo is being hauled. They know when to intercept and when a ship is going empty and will return full...

 

It is a playstyle and doesn't need, IMO, a specific spyglass mechanic. Requires time and dedication and not a "win" button.

 

 

Also, ships did not flew the flag all the time.