[User Interface ideas]

I didnt necessarily mean that there was an avatar. I am suggesting that the player wouldnt have direct control over the ship or the guns. Instead they direct its actions through the ships officers and crew...

[User Interface ideas]

As for other UI ideas, how about something akin to startrek bridge commander?  They have a system where you have your senior officers around you and you command them to carry out whatever task.  In this instance they would be sail trim, helm direction, gunnery orders, boats/borders away etc.

 

You are the captain on the quarter deck. Yes you may occasionally take the helm and possibly fire a single aimed shot but generally you are not the one helming nor aiming or firing cannons. In the middle of a battle a captain would be wasted if they were on the helm or behind a cannon.

 

Have I explained it sufficiently? Anyone agree that this could be a good system? 

[Old buildings, ports and 17-18 century plans...]

Got to have Portsmouth Harbour!

 

The Solent circa 1800

http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/maps/sheet/first_edition/lm_11

 

Portsmouth town, defences and docks 1770

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ec/1773_map_of_portsmouth_showing_the_town_and_dock_defences.JPG

 

image dating dockyard buildings

http://www.notion.webspace.virginmedia.com/heritage/nomination080628_files/image039.jpg

[Building the Gotheborg East Indiaman replica]

part 1

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w04CpOl94Sc

 

part 2

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNwGpNLQb1M

 

part 3

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp7ox8u7Kas

 

she even has her own channel

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/SwedishShipGotheborg/videos

 

oh the internet 

 

enjoy