Snapplejack

This is an item where I think "realism" should be sacrificed for gameplay. It is already very time intensive to travel between ports, and I think most people/clans don't have the time or energy to support a system where you have to physically check each port for prices.

Simply using BR to limit participation feels very artificial when there are 25 1st rates available in the nation. Much better to implement changes that have follow on effects that limit the total number of 1st rates in game, which cold include... 1. Slow down crafting of rated ships, in terms of cost/resources and time to craft. 2. Only allow Admiralty to hand out BPS for rated ships, and limit the production run of those BPs. 3. Only allow rated ships to be based at specific ports, such as regional capitals. 4. Introduce supply requirements. 5. Reform the rank system so that nations. aren't so top heavy with Admirals. 6. When land in battles is added, include harbour depth to limit the utility of deep drafted rates. 7. Include variable wind conditions in battle to increase the utility of light ships that can respond better.

We do need smugglers, but this version isn't good. Historically, smuggling was more about avoid tariffs and national owned merchants trading within the national ports. 1. Allow any nation to dock at any port. 2. Introduce tariffs on certain goods. 3. Give players the option to pay the tariff or not. 4. Allow other players to search traders for contraband And remove the nation specific goods.