@Tsandbom
I think that age of piracy needs small islands scattered around the map. The map physically must be bigger to give enough distance between the islands.
There should be some islands that will not allow building and they’ll be filled with rare resources and dungeons . We should be able to swim, but not without the danger to be attacked from creatures that’s faster at least. Swimming must come with a price. If you wish to swim across you have to fight in the water for it, if you’re “less” you are dead and it’s really difficult to obtain your inventory as well. So either fix a sale, either loose everything. I cannot think how this will work in pvp, but in pve people should become very careful how they build and how many resources must leave in their island to preserve their facility. Mounts will be totally useless and late game only will allow teleportation to some of the islands, especially the ones with rare resources and dungeons.
For purge sea creatures must exist that will destroy easily everything thats build in water and under water walking creatures must exit to destroy the rest. The final hit of purge must come with a tsunami that’s carrying multiple sea creatures and have a true battle.
For thralls you must go sailing and save npcs from underwater creature hunting. If you manage to jump in the waters and save it, it’s yours. Then again for crafters, missions must exist in each dungeon so you’ll gain your crafters without rng.
In order to take skin in the beginning of the game, like i said, you have to be very careful how to build not to destroy your spawns.
Last but not least, oysters must provide pearls with rng of course, that you can trade in the central island market for everything you need the most.
Yes in the central island you must have a market that sells a lot materials for building evolution and not mead and feast only. Your dancers must be only mercenaries and you’ll be able to choose their looks. The greatest the level the greatest the price.
I can expand for hours in this idea, speaking about underwater spear fishing etc…
But one thing is certain, to enjoy piracy you need sails and sea, that you cannot drink water from it. The sea must be risky and punishing. The capacity of the players must equalize the number of islands.