Black Seas - Revision history

imported>Administrator: 70 revisions imported

2023-06-17T23:28:14Z

70 revisions imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 23:28, 17 June 2023
(No difference)

1d4chan>CaptainPoole: adding King George III just for fun

2021-12-23T23:10:16Z

adding King George III just for fun

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:10, 23 December 2021
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	{{topquote\|Do you not know that in the service … one must always choose the lesser of two weevils?\|John "Lucky Jack" Aubrey}}		{{topquote\|Do you not know that in the service … one must always choose the lesser of two weevils?\|John "Lucky Jack" Aubrey}}
	{{topquote\|Stop blowing holes in my ship!\|Captain Jack Sparrow}}		{{topquote\|Stop blowing holes in my ship!\|Captain Jack Sparrow}}
			{{Topquote\|I will send a fully armed battalion to remind you of my love!\|[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrEoPDv67fE King George III]]}}
	Released in October of 2019, ''Black Seas'' is a squadron-scale, Age-of-Sail tabletop [[wargame]] produced by the venerable [[Warlord Games]]. The system's release was accompanied by several swanky, 1/700 scale models that typically come in boxes with multiple models per pack, at astonishingly affordable prices considering how many you need to play a full 2,000 point game.		Released in October of 2019, ''Black Seas'' is a squadron-scale, Age-of-Sail tabletop [[wargame]] produced by the venerable [[Warlord Games]]. The system's release was accompanied by several swanky, 1/700 scale models that typically come in boxes with multiple models per pack, at astonishingly affordable prices considering how many you need to play a full 2,000 point game.

1d4chan>Frolki: /* Cons */

2021-10-01T21:33:18Z

Cons

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:33, 1 October 2021
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	'''- The rules occupy a no-man's-land'''		'''- The rules occupy a no-man's-land'''

	Because the rules, even advanced rules, focus on the "important" aspect of Age of Sail combat, a lot of detail can be lost in this. Rather than give ships individual ratings like how Battlefleet Gothic does, ships are just perceived as greenhorn, seasoned, or veteran crews. This means a lot of personality aboard each ship is lost depending on your perspective. In other words, leadership - a defining part of this warfare - is somewhat abstracted. This doesn't necessarily detract from the gameplay ''per se'' but it does mean some more narrative elements like deception, crafty ploys, and other fun things that defined the period can be lost. On top of it, because the rules are not exactly quickplay they aren't fast. Expect your games to last at least an hour or two. For people seeking a ruleset with simulated nuanced or quickplay feeling this might not be squarely what you're looking for, however, that doesn't mean it isn't for you.		Because the rules, even advanced rules, focus on the "important" aspect of Age of Sail combat, a lot of detail can be lost in this. Rather than give ships individual ratings like how Battlefleet Gothic does, ships are just perceived as greenhorn, seasoned, or veteran crews. This means a lot of personality aboard each ship is lost depending on your perspective. In other words, leadership - a defining part of this warfare - is somewhat abstracted. This doesn't necessarily detract from the gameplay ''per se'' but it does mean some more narrative elements like deception, crafty ploys, and other fun things that defined the period can be lost. On top of it, because the rules are not exactly quickplay they aren't fast. Expect your games to last at least an hour or two. For people seeking a ruleset with simulated nuanced or quickplay feeling this might not be squarely what you're looking for, however, that doesn't mean it isn't for you.

1d4chan>Frolki: /* YARRRRR */

2021-10-01T21:31:09Z

YARRRRR

1d4chan>Frolki: /* YARRRRR */

2021-10-01T21:30:44Z

YARRRRR

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:30, 1 October 2021
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	Why play Black Seas? Let's look at Pros and Cons:		Why play Black Seas? Let's look at Pros and Cons:
	==== Pros ====		==== Pros ====
			<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="100%">
	'''- A streamlined gaming experience'''		'''- A streamlined gaming experience'''
	Gabrio states pretty plainly what his design philosophy was when writing the system down right at the start of the rulebook on page 3; "These rules are designed for a fast-paced and fun game, rather than to give a completely authentic sailing simulation. They're realistic in many respects, but several of the intricacies and difficulties of battling with a fully rigged sailing ship have been simplified to avoid games becoming bogged down in unnecessary minutiae and book keeping."		Gabrio states pretty plainly what his design philosophy was when writing the system down right at the start of the rulebook on page 3; "These rules are designed for a fast-paced and fun game, rather than to give a completely authentic sailing simulation. They're realistic in many respects, but several of the intricacies and difficulties of battling with a fully rigged sailing ship have been simplified to avoid games becoming bogged down in unnecessary minutiae and book keeping."
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	'''- VERY cost-effective and beautiful models'''		'''- VERY cost-effective and beautiful models'''
	The total cost of a Black Seas navy can be as small as $30 and caps out at around $150 if you also get a big fleet box, which is admittedly a really generous box for what it gives you. Overall, you can make a "generic" fleet for about $80 with all the bells and whistles. On top of that, the models are truly gorgeous; they're big enough where detail is well-defined and easy to discern (stern plates, figureheads on bows, rigging and sails) but not so large that you feel as if you're recreating a ship in a bottle. They take Games Workshop's contrast paint VERY well, too, so painting is a breeze.		The total cost of a Black Seas navy can be as small as $30 and caps out at around $150 if you also get a big fleet box, which is admittedly a really generous box for what it gives you. Overall, you can make a "generic" fleet for about $80 with all the bells and whistles. On top of that, the models are truly gorgeous; they're big enough where detail is well-defined and easy to discern (stern plates, figureheads on bows, rigging and sails) but not so large that you feel as if you're recreating a ship in a bottle. They take Games Workshop's contrast paint VERY well, too, so painting is a breeze.
			</div>

	==== Cons ====		==== Cons ====
			<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="100%">
	'''- Finnicky bits'''		'''- Finnicky bits'''
	There were some grumblings over the structural integrity of key parts of model architecture, namely the masts, when models were released. Warlord uses a rather soft and springy plastic for their ships, and this means masts get damaged and broken quite easily. Safe packing, transport, and delicate handling are key. If this concerns you, there are loads of alternative manufacturers online who might have something a bit more robust.		There were some grumblings over the structural integrity of key parts of model architecture, namely the masts, when models were released. Warlord uses a rather soft and springy plastic for their ships, and this means masts get damaged and broken quite easily. Safe packing, transport, and delicate handling are key. If this concerns you, there are loads of alternative manufacturers online who might have something a bit more robust.
Line 50:		Line 53:
	'''- Too many ships can hamstring a game'''		'''- Too many ships can hamstring a game'''
	It's somewhat easy to overload the game with too many boats. Whenever this happens (usually above 1500 points) things can get rather slow as each ship goes through its own motions of adjusting sail, maneuvering, firing, accounting for critical damage and repairs, so on. Also, considering how much damage your average ship can take and that this is a game of low probability and low numbers of dice being rolled, battles can go on for some time. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, because it just means your ships aren't blown off the table immediately unless something truly astonishing happens. However, at lower points (1,000 or below) the game lasts a decent and fun amount of time. Granted, the more familiar with the rules players are the faster the game goes.		It's somewhat easy to overload the game with too many boats. Whenever this happens (usually above 1500 points) things can get rather slow as each ship goes through its own motions of adjusting sail, maneuvering, firing, accounting for critical damage and repairs, so on. Also, considering how much damage your average ship can take and that this is a game of low probability and low numbers of dice being rolled, battles can go on for some time. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, because it just means your ships aren't blown off the table immediately unless something truly astonishing happens. However, at lower points (1,000 or below) the game lasts a decent and fun amount of time. Granted, the more familiar with the rules players are the faster the game goes.
			</div>

	==Core Mechanics==		==Core Mechanics==

1d4chan>Frolki: /* YARRRRR */

2021-10-01T21:29:22Z

YARRRRR

@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 ==YARRRRR==
 Why play Black Seas? Let's look at Pros and Cons:
 ==== Pros ====
 '''- A streamlined gaming experience'''
@@ Line 35: / Line 34: @@
 With that said, Black Seas translates this very well with skill checks, damage modifiers gotten through proper positioning, and so on. A clever commander will always beat out a better-armed enemy. Beyond this, Black Seas' system of critical damage adds for some truly fantastic moments of desperation and chaos, as a ship whose rudder is shot out might unwillingly beach itself on the nearby island by losing the ability to predictably maneuver. Likewise, a ship whose quarterdeck is hit just before it attempts to tack might find itself not only out of position but with its masts stove in due to the wind-pressure and lack of adjustment.
 ==Core Mechanics==

1d4chan>Frolki: /* YARRRRR */

2021-10-01T20:30:28Z

YARRRRR

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:30, 1 October 2021
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	==YARRRRR==		==YARRRRR==
			Why play Black Seas? Let's look at Pros and Cons:

			==== Pros ====
			'''- A streamlined gaming experience'''
	Gabrio states pretty plainly what his design philosophy was when writing the system down right at the start of the rulebook on page 3; "These rules are designed for a fast-paced and fun game, rather than to give a completely authentic sailing simulation. They're realistic in many respects, but several of the intricacies and difficulties of battling with a fully rigged sailing ship have been simplified to avoid games becoming bogged down in unnecessary minutiae and book keeping."		Gabrio states pretty plainly what his design philosophy was when writing the system down right at the start of the rulebook on page 3; "These rules are designed for a fast-paced and fun game, rather than to give a completely authentic sailing simulation. They're realistic in many respects, but several of the intricacies and difficulties of battling with a fully rigged sailing ship have been simplified to avoid games becoming bogged down in unnecessary minutiae and book keeping."

			'''- A well-written rulebook'''
	Boy, does he deliver. Weighing in at a respectable, yet not overwhelming 95 pages, the ''Black Seas'' rulebook is an approachable system for players looking for an excuse to blast sea shanties during their game night. The main rulebook contains all you need to play the game, including faction rules, ship points and profiles, upgrades and their costs, as well as, well, the rules. Players coming from the world of [[Games Workshop]] will breath a sigh of relief for not needing to carry a library with them to game night if this is on the menu.		Boy, does he deliver. Weighing in at a respectable, yet not overwhelming 95 pages, the ''Black Seas'' rulebook is an approachable system for players looking for an excuse to blast sea shanties during their game night. The main rulebook contains all you need to play the game, including faction rules, ship points and profiles, upgrades and their costs, as well as, well, the rules. Players coming from the world of [[Games Workshop]] will breath a sigh of relief for not needing to carry a library with them to game night if this is on the menu.

	One praiseworthy aspect of the rulebook is that it essentially contains two "halves;" a simplified set of rules in the first half, and the full, "advanced" rules in the latter portion of the text. Players can therefore choose how in-depth they'd like to get with their game, such using the basic or advanced wind gauge (discussed later). This can cut down on play time significantly in bigger games where more than a dozen ships are maneuvering and blasting away at each other. The book also contains several scenarios, ranging from an imitation duel based on the opening engagement from ''Master and Commander'', to a to-scale recreation of the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) which requires ''more than forty ships, and an 8x6 foot table!''		One praiseworthy aspect of the rulebook is that it essentially contains two "halves;" a simplified set of rules in the first half, and the full, "advanced" rules in the latter portion of the text. Players can therefore choose how in-depth they'd like to get with their game, such using the basic or advanced wind gauge (discussed later). This can cut down on play time significantly in bigger games where more than a dozen ships are maneuvering and blasting away at each other. The book also contains several scenarios, ranging from an imitation duel based on the opening engagement from ''Master and Commander'', to a to-scale recreation of the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) which requires ''more than forty ships, and an 8x6 foot table!''

			'''- Extremely narrative and engaging gameplay'''
			Black seas is best enjoyed with friends who love the antics that defined the Age of Sail. This was a style of conflict which rewarded being clever moreso than perhaps any other trait. In the occasions where a straight-up-and-down firefight decided the day (which was not as common as you'd think) then yes, the bigger and better armed ship would win out. However, these battles of attrition were relatively rare. Battles on the sea usually came down to the grit of crews, the wit of captains, and a dash of luck, as small but fiendishly clever crews could overcome larger, less stalwart ones.

			With that said, Black Seas translates this very well with skill checks, damage modifiers gotten through proper positioning, and so on. A clever commander will always beat out a better-armed enemy. Beyond this, Black Seas' system of critical damage adds for some truly fantastic moments of desperation and chaos, as a ship whose rudder is shot out might unwillingly beach itself on the nearby island by losing the ability to predictably maneuver. Likewise, a ship whose quarterdeck is hit just before it attempts to tack might find itself not only out of position but with its masts stove in due to the wind-pressure and lack of adjustment.

	==Core Mechanics==		==Core Mechanics==

1d4chan>Frolki: /* A side bar on what in the fuck is a carronade */

2021-10-01T20:22:12Z

A side bar on what in the fuck is a carronade

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:22, 1 October 2021
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	Coming in at half, if not less than the size of a traditional long gun, the carronade combined the firepower of heavy artillery with [[Lasgun\|simplicity any civilian could use in a life-or-death situation]]. Furthermore, its compact shape meant it used less precious cargo space which was needed for the shipping of goods. In practice, the weapon traded range and velocity for firepower and powder efficiency; less need for range meant less of a charge. This was a non-issue for the weapon's intended purpose, and it soon caught on with the British merchant marine, and subsequently, the British Navy. The weapon fired shot well above most other traditional guns, typically in either 32 or 68 pounds, compared to what was regarded as heavy cannon firing 32 pound shot. Seeing the value of using a lightweight gun that needed minimal crewing as a sledgehammer for when opponents came too close, the Brits made it a point to equip numerous rated Ships-of-the-Line with carronades. Hell, they liked it so much they equipped the ''[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Glatton_(1795) HMS Glatton]]'' with 56 of them exclusively; 28x32lbers and 28x68lbers. Some accounts of the Battle of Trafalgar (where both the ''HMS Victory'' and the ''HMS Glatton'' were present) claimed that [[anal circumference\|a single broadside from the ''Glatton'' exceeded the destructive potential of one from the ''Victory''.]]		Coming in at half, if not less than the size of a traditional long gun, the carronade combined the firepower of heavy artillery with [[Lasgun\|simplicity any civilian could use in a life-or-death situation]]. Furthermore, its compact shape meant it used less precious cargo space which was needed for the shipping of goods. In practice, the weapon traded range and velocity for firepower and powder efficiency; less need for range meant less of a charge. This was a non-issue for the weapon's intended purpose, and it soon caught on with the British merchant marine, and subsequently, the British Navy. The weapon fired shot well above most other traditional guns, typically in either 32 or 68 pounds, compared to what was regarded as heavy cannon firing 32 pound shot. Seeing the value of using a lightweight gun that needed minimal crewing as a sledgehammer for when opponents came too close, the Brits made it a point to equip numerous rated Ships-of-the-Line with carronades. Hell, they liked it so much they equipped the ''[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Glatton_(1795) HMS Glatton]]'' with 56 of them exclusively; 28x32lbers and 28x68lbers. Some accounts of the Battle of Trafalgar (where both the ''HMS Victory'' and the ''HMS Glatton'' were present) claimed that [[anal circumference\|a single broadside from the ''Glatton'' exceeded the destructive potential of one from the ''Victory''.]]

			In sum, the carronade was the practical child of when necessity meets innovation. It was a civilian weapon noticed by the Royal Navy who then scaled it to their own need as a point-blank knock-out punch. Getting close to a ship armed with carronades is generally considered bad for your health.
	</div>		</div>

1d4chan>Frolki: /* Collecting your Fleet */

2021-10-01T20:00:51Z

Collecting your Fleet

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:00, 1 October 2021
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	==Collecting your Fleet==		==Collecting your Fleet==
	So there's two primary ways to build a fleet. Bear in mind that all boxes come with an adequate amount of sails, ratline threading, cut-out flags and such for national ships, wakes, so on.		So there's two primary ways to build a fleet. Bear in mind that all boxes come with an adequate amount of sails, ratline threading, cut-out flags and such for national ships, wakes, so on. For what it's worth, Black Seas (in my neck of the woods) is typically played at no more than 1,500 points. Make of that what you will in terms of collection size.

	===The Cheap Way/ Fleet Build for Nations Without National Fleet Boxes===		===The Cheap Way/ Fleet Build for Nations Without National Fleet Boxes===

1d4chan>Frolki: /* Beyond your First Fleet: Expanding */

2021-10-01T19:59:30Z

Beyond your First Fleet: Expanding

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:59, 1 October 2021
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	===Beyond your First Fleet: Expanding===		===Beyond your First Fleet: Expanding===
	~~I think~~ it~~'d be wise~~ to ~~at least~~ have ~~six Third Rates since they're basically the core~~ of ~~your battle line in bigger games~~, ~~so I'd say grab the [[https://us-store.warlordgames~~.~~com/collections/black-~~seas~~/products/3rd~~-~~rates-squadron-1770-1830\| Third Rates Squadron box]] if you just want something~~ to ~~flesh out~~ a ~~fleet roster overall~~.		Before we continue, it is very rare to have a game of more than 1,000 points. Black seas is simply a very detail-oriented game in all the good and bad ways (more good than bad). It strikes a fine balance, as noted above, but it tends to run into a wall at higher point values due to the sheer number of things to keep track of. 2,000 point games are rare, 1,000 to 1,500 is the sweet spot for speed and functionality.

	Afterwards, I'd say [[https://us-store.warlordgames.com/collections/black-seas/products/frigates-brigs-flotilla-1770-1830\|more frigates]] is never a bad idea since they're cheap, aren't limited, and fulfill a pretty utilitarian role in your fleet. The upshot of frigates is after you get at least six of them, you can run a pretty tidy American fleet no-problem.		I think it'd be wise to have some, even just one, Third Rate since they're basically the core of your battle line in bigger games, so I'd say grab the [[https://us-store.warlordgames.com/collections/black-seas/products/3rd-rates-squadron-1770-1830\| Third Rates Squadron box]] if you just want something to flesh out a fleet roster overall. This is your main "punch". You could definitely split this box with a pal or two.

			Afterwards, I'd say [[https://us-store.warlordgames.com/collections/black-seas/products/frigates-brigs-flotilla-1770-1830\|more frigates]] is never a bad idea since they're cheap, aren't limited, and fulfill a pretty utilitarian role in your fleet. The upshot of frigates is after you get at least six of them, you can run a pretty tidy American fleet no-problem. This game also really shines in the "frigate action" scale, which is where the true action from the Age of Sail happened.

			Generally speaking, your fleet will consist of MAYBE one First Rate, one or two Third Rates, a handful of Frigates and a score of Brigs, Schooners, Clippers, and so on, with some gunboats for a laugh. A dozen or so models should be where you cap out.

	==Tie-in to Black Powder==		==Tie-in to Black Powder==

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:31, 1 October 2021
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	<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="100%">		<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="100%">
	'''- A streamlined gaming experience'''		'''- A streamlined gaming experience'''

	Gabrio states pretty plainly what his design philosophy was when writing the system down right at the start of the rulebook on page 3; "These rules are designed for a fast-paced and fun game, rather than to give a completely authentic sailing simulation. They're realistic in many respects, but several of the intricacies and difficulties of battling with a fully rigged sailing ship have been simplified to avoid games becoming bogged down in unnecessary minutiae and book keeping."		Gabrio states pretty plainly what his design philosophy was when writing the system down right at the start of the rulebook on page 3; "These rules are designed for a fast-paced and fun game, rather than to give a completely authentic sailing simulation. They're realistic in many respects, but several of the intricacies and difficulties of battling with a fully rigged sailing ship have been simplified to avoid games becoming bogged down in unnecessary minutiae and book keeping."

	'''- A well-written rulebook'''		'''- A well-written rulebook'''

	Boy, does he deliver. Weighing in at a respectable, yet not overwhelming 95 pages, the ''Black Seas'' rulebook is an approachable system for players looking for an excuse to blast sea shanties during their game night. The main rulebook contains all you need to play the game, including faction rules, ship points and profiles, upgrades and their costs, as well as, well, the rules. Players coming from the world of [[Games Workshop]] will breath a sigh of relief for not needing to carry a library with them to game night if this is on the menu.		Boy, does he deliver. Weighing in at a respectable, yet not overwhelming 95 pages, the ''Black Seas'' rulebook is an approachable system for players looking for an excuse to blast sea shanties during their game night. The main rulebook contains all you need to play the game, including faction rules, ship points and profiles, upgrades and their costs, as well as, well, the rules. Players coming from the world of [[Games Workshop]] will breath a sigh of relief for not needing to carry a library with them to game night if this is on the menu.

Line 32:		Line 34:

	'''- Extremely narrative and engaging gameplay'''		'''- Extremely narrative and engaging gameplay'''

	Black seas is best enjoyed with friends who love the antics that defined the Age of Sail. This was a style of conflict which rewarded being clever moreso than perhaps any other trait. In the occasions where a straight-up-and-down firefight decided the day (which was not as common as you'd think) then yes, the bigger and better armed ship would win out. However, these battles of attrition were relatively rare. Battles on the sea usually came down to the grit of crews, the wit of captains, and a dash of luck, as small but fiendishly clever crews could overcome larger, less stalwart ones.		Black seas is best enjoyed with friends who love the antics that defined the Age of Sail. This was a style of conflict which rewarded being clever moreso than perhaps any other trait. In the occasions where a straight-up-and-down firefight decided the day (which was not as common as you'd think) then yes, the bigger and better armed ship would win out. However, these battles of attrition were relatively rare. Battles on the sea usually came down to the grit of crews, the wit of captains, and a dash of luck, as small but fiendishly clever crews could overcome larger, less stalwart ones.

Line 37:		Line 40:

	'''- VERY cost-effective and beautiful models'''		'''- VERY cost-effective and beautiful models'''

	The total cost of a Black Seas navy can be as small as $30 and caps out at around $150 if you also get a big fleet box, which is admittedly a really generous box for what it gives you. Overall, you can make a "generic" fleet for about $80 with all the bells and whistles. On top of that, the models are truly gorgeous; they're big enough where detail is well-defined and easy to discern (stern plates, figureheads on bows, rigging and sails) but not so large that you feel as if you're recreating a ship in a bottle. They take Games Workshop's contrast paint VERY well, too, so painting is a breeze.		The total cost of a Black Seas navy can be as small as $30 and caps out at around $150 if you also get a big fleet box, which is admittedly a really generous box for what it gives you. Overall, you can make a "generic" fleet for about $80 with all the bells and whistles. On top of that, the models are truly gorgeous; they're big enough where detail is well-defined and easy to discern (stern plates, figureheads on bows, rigging and sails) but not so large that you feel as if you're recreating a ship in a bottle. They take Games Workshop's contrast paint VERY well, too, so painting is a breeze.
	</div>		</div>
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	<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="100%">		<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="100%">
	'''- Finnicky bits'''		'''- Finnicky bits'''

	There were some grumblings over the structural integrity of key parts of model architecture, namely the masts, when models were released. Warlord uses a rather soft and springy plastic for their ships, and this means masts get damaged and broken quite easily. Safe packing, transport, and delicate handling are key. If this concerns you, there are loads of alternative manufacturers online who might have something a bit more robust.		There were some grumblings over the structural integrity of key parts of model architecture, namely the masts, when models were released. Warlord uses a rather soft and springy plastic for their ships, and this means masts get damaged and broken quite easily. Safe packing, transport, and delicate handling are key. If this concerns you, there are loads of alternative manufacturers online who might have something a bit more robust.

Line 49:		Line 54:

	'''- A decent amount to remember'''		'''- A decent amount to remember'''

	New players might be a bit slower to the rules than other games. Granted, things like shooting and changing speed are VERY simple, blessedly, but other things such as tacking, wind speeds, ammunition types, skill checks, and so on might crowd your first game. Warming up to bigger games takes some practice but it's all well worth the effort.		New players might be a bit slower to the rules than other games. Granted, things like shooting and changing speed are VERY simple, blessedly, but other things such as tacking, wind speeds, ammunition types, skill checks, and so on might crowd your first game. Warming up to bigger games takes some practice but it's all well worth the effort.

	'''- Too many ships can hamstring a game'''		'''- Too many ships can hamstring a game'''

	It's somewhat easy to overload the game with too many boats. Whenever this happens (usually above 1500 points) things can get rather slow as each ship goes through its own motions of adjusting sail, maneuvering, firing, accounting for critical damage and repairs, so on. Also, considering how much damage your average ship can take and that this is a game of low probability and low numbers of dice being rolled, battles can go on for some time. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, because it just means your ships aren't blown off the table immediately unless something truly astonishing happens. However, at lower points (1,000 or below) the game lasts a decent and fun amount of time. Granted, the more familiar with the rules players are the faster the game goes.		It's somewhat easy to overload the game with too many boats. Whenever this happens (usually above 1500 points) things can get rather slow as each ship goes through its own motions of adjusting sail, maneuvering, firing, accounting for critical damage and repairs, so on. Also, considering how much damage your average ship can take and that this is a game of low probability and low numbers of dice being rolled, battles can go on for some time. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, because it just means your ships aren't blown off the table immediately unless something truly astonishing happens. However, at lower points (1,000 or below) the game lasts a decent and fun amount of time. Granted, the more familiar with the rules players are the faster the game goes.
	</div>		</div>