Diverse Balanced Fleet

Roanoke in action against Hai Peng Fort Frenzy

Originally published to Miniature Trading on June 23rd, 2017

100 Points

This is an idea for a fleet I had, to combine some great ships from each of the Big 5 factions. None of these ships is the best in its faction at getting gold or fighting, but overall each of them are great options.

The Swallow is the flagship, capable of moving S+L+S as one of the fastest 5 masters in the game. She’ll be ready for anything – brutal combat, hybrid tasks, or simply gold running when there is nothing else to do. Gunn saves a cargo space and the explorer provides some protection for him.

The Descharges is one of my favorite French ships, and plays the role of treasure raider. With a great boarding ability and Lenoir’s reroll, she can effectively raid enemy gold runners after softening them up with her accurate cannons. Ideally she’ll deposit the stolen loot in a nearby fort before going on another raid, so she doesn’t have to come all the way home each time (and repairing at the fort when necessary). Lenoir’s Parley ability also helps to keep any stolen gold protected, and the Descharges can explore islands for gold as well.

The Algeciras/flotilla combo is a great one, and gives you 6 mobile cannons for just 13 total points. The Algeciras will likely shadow another ship in the fleet for support, such as the Swallow or Roanoke. She’s also the most expendable, and could serve as the first line of defense if an enemy gunship or two come charging at the rest of the fleet.

The Eagle is a multipurpose ship whose role combines those of the Swallow and Descharges. She’s a great addition to the fleet and should be able to help out in various ways, whether it’s grabbing or stealing gold, or blasting opponents out of the water with up to 8 shots from the SAT.

I almost went with the USS James Madison to hold the tribal chieftain, but then I realized I could get the Roanoke and put a helmsman aboard. The extra masts and additional crewmember help protect the chieftain from harm, and the Roanoke is a great hybrid ship that will mostly be running treasure in this fleet. The canoes are one of the best ways to get gold. They might be able to set up a gold chain extending from the home island using their ability, possibly taking gold from the multipurpose ships that are safer in waters far from home.

I like keeping this at 100 points, but if you added a 0LR +5 crew I would add a stinkpot shot and fire shot to the home island, and probably oarsmen on the Swallow, Eagle, and Roanoke.

This fleet could be pretty susceptible to cancellers and faster fleets that have more extra actions available, but it’s a solid attempt to make a fleet with many diverse and balanced options. Feel free to comment and vote on this Diverse Balanced Fleet!

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