Bumping again, because this subject has been on my mind, and ship tech/modification is badly needed and desired by just about all.
And besides, this idea just rocks!
Some thoughts:
With the differing shot types I would suggest three different areas of damage each ship takes: Hull damage, rigging damage, and crew. Different shot targets each to a greater degree. Ship is limited in gun numbers and space though, so a player has to choose what to load their guns with.
~Damaged rigging slows the ship drastically and effects aim and gives greater chance of first shot to opponent.
~Reduced crew reduces firing rate and accuracy.
~Damaged hull is a damaged hull- reduce to sink ship.I would also suggest that shot types that target crew have a range of potential damage to crew numbers, not a flat 25 or 50 percent, but a 1%-25% potential crew loss, or 1%-50% potential crew loss. Shot type could be upgraded through foundry research to achieve better percentages. Same with other shot and their damage type.
I also see a need for bow and chase guns on ships, as was mentioned, and a need to limit larger guns to larger ships. Those are subjects for the topic of ship customization though, not tech.
Big +1 to the idea of a new player driven market for these items as well, and the need to stock and replenish ships as you use up ammo and wear out guns. You will need to keep your foundry stocked, and forge the items for your own use and to sell.
Or forgo the foundry yourself and simply purchase the tech from a player that can provide the level tech you desire.
A personal note: I would couple this idea with the suggestion made for the modification of the line of battle mechanics:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3965, as differing cannon/shot types on ships along with this battle mechanic would certainly make for a more strategic combat system in the game. Add the ability to modify base ship stats at creation through a custom shipwright, and individual fleet treasuries to provide more reasonable fleet risk management so more of these fleets can be put to sea, and combat on the seas of Avonmora gets very interesting indeed...
Even if none of the rest gets attention though- I want foundry at my hideout, and a store to sell my tech from.
Great work, Shadowood!
~TH~