So everyone at this point probably knows that I privateer. A lot. It's something that I do because I can't find a GHA group but I digress. There's a couple methods of doing this, and of course the more people you have the better. Ideally a group of five works wonders. If you have a galleon, the likewise reward increases because you have a radar. A group which compliments itself is best. Somalian pirate style: This is a coastal style attack. Some things of note to know: When a ship comes into view distance, characters do not. You can cloak and swim into the path of the ship with little warning for them. Even more devastating is immediate glider out of nowhere. They aren't expecting you. You have to land on the ship and take out the captain asap. After that it becomes a huge fight of survival. You win if you kill them and get away with it. BUT IT DOESN'T END THERE. You need to retrieve the packs and then turn them in. Usually I swim them in myself while cloaked because quite frankly, I'm solo and I'm just being cautious. Keep in mind this: You can generally get to any ship within 100m if has just spawned. You need to move for it immediately when it spawns though. Black Pearl style: Ram the shit out of the other ships board and blow 'em up. Blow up their clipper for good measure if you have the time to spend. Harpooning works. Remember that to reel in you want to use 'S' not 'W'. Same idea though Boarding: If you're on the coast, gliders are really good for this. If you're not, there's a couple ways to get on the ship. If you are directly under the ship you can grab the lines that trail the ship as it passes. If you have shadowplay you can use shadowstep to teleport directly behind someone on the enemy ship (You all have seen how quickly I get on ships right?). Fights on boats devolve into fights in the water really, really quickly. Knocking enemies off the boat is better. They'll attempt to do the same thing to you. It's also pretty close quarters so keep that in mind. And yes, I can wombo combo you with either the bubble or the sleep if you're in the water since you sit on the surface most of the time. Lessons on engaging: Take boats you think you can take. I have to pass up some boats merely because there are more than three people on board. Which makes me sad because those are hilariously profitable if you kill everyone.
