Editing Black Seas (section)

===France===
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[[File:BOTC.jpg|400px|thumb|A cultural exchange between France and some waterborne Goddams.]]
The French Navy tended to go either one way or the other; it was a rare moment when the battles it engaged in weren't either decisive victories or defeats. At the command of the French government (whichever one happened to be in power), they tended to act opportunistically. Such was the case in 1775 when they basically ensured final American victory in the American Revolution with the Battle of Chesapeake, which effectively prevented the British from saving Cornwallis. While officers were not exactly of as reliable quality as their British enemies, French ships tended to be well-made, which sometimes made up for... errr... varied qualities of crews and officers. They're some speedy bois though, so don't underestimate them on account of some HONHONHON.  

* '''Streamlined:''' French ships get a super discount on Streamlined Hull (only 40 points now). Combine this with the next discount and you got yourself a fleet of aquatic boxers.

* '''Double Planking:''' Their usual trend of shipbuilding, which sometimes accessed American methods of architecture (as evident in the highly recommended film and book series ''Master and Commander'') meant some of their vessels sported unusual fortitude. So, we get the same discount as Streamlined but for Sturdy. 

* '''Aiming High:''' French gunners were trained to aim for the enemy masts with the philosophy of disabled their maneuvering ability with the added benefit of creating the possibility of capturing the enemy ship, rather than sinking it. This was a damn good idea if you wanted to take prizes, or if you were in the higher circles of naval strategy, grow your fleet at the price of balls, powder, and some men. Shots that aim high only get -1 rather than -2, unless you're firing chain shot, which suffers '''no penalty''', which is fucking absurdly good. Enjoy whipping the shit out of your target while dancing circles around then with Streamlined. 

'''French Officers'''
Somewhat lackluster, but better than nothing. 

* '''Pierre-Charles-Jean-Baptiste-Silvestre de Villeneuve'''
It's an unspoken rule that you can only use this character if you wear a beret and smoke a cigarette from a baguette while playing. He was accountable for the defeat at Trafalgar, which says a lot about why his only special buff is allowing his own ship to test skill to ignore critical damage. 

* '''Captain Robert Surcouf'''
This guy is a troll on sails. For 40 points you get the Privateer upgrade for free on whatever ship he captains, but it ALSO effects ''every ship in Surcouf's fleet, except those rated between 1st and 4th rate.'' Take him on a 3rd rate + a pile of frigates and brigs for lols in boarding actions. 

'''French Named Vessels:'''

* '''''L'Orient'''''
Highly situational, but fun when it works. +1 to hitting British Vessels, and <s>if</s> when your opponent lights her on fire with heated shot spam at the expense of many brigs, an unmodified 1 on a skill test to put out flames means she fucking explodes. 
* Combine the +1 against British targets with aiming high and she will become your primary means of disabling the enemy fleet. With 4H-4L-3C and 1H on the stern and 2H on the bow, you'll have a lot of chances to make it work. The cost can be a turn-off, so make your own judgement call on if she's worth it. 

* '''''Bucentaure'''''
In keeping with the French theme of [[Colorz|blue and yellow 'unz go fasta]], the ''Bu'' can make an additional change of direction during any part of its move, and gets a +1 to all skill tests. Combine this with tacking and you've got a ship better than a greased pig at avoiding enemy maneuvers. At 370 points, I'd say she's worth it.
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