HomeLAN - How will players "level up" in the game?

Taylor Daynes - On the character level, as players engage in the activities of their area of interest, they will get better at them. In this respect, it is a skill/use based system. These sorts of activities are the actions specific to a single person, such as fencing, small-arms skill, forging cannons, etc. The effectiveness of your ship, on the other hand, is almost entirely determined by the skill of your crew, and of the officers who lead them. For instance, you could be the best gun captain in the world, but on a ship with 110 guns, your personal skill means almost nothing. A ship is run by a team, not a person, so you need to assemble, train and maintain a good team.

The real way to “progress” in the game, however, is by demonstrating leadership, and proving your reputation. Only by demonstrating your ability to take charge of the situation or seeing your missions through,will your people recognize you as the great leader of men that you are. Raising your “leadership” ability gives you access to command of larger ships, better crews, more ships, and higher ranks in the organizations to which you belong. In our game, “leadership ability” is not tied to your skill levels. The Lord High Admiral of the French Navy may be the worst gunner, swordfighter and sail-handler in the navy, but she knows how to organize people and she understands strategy and tactics, and that’s why she got the job.