Privateers: Useful or just bananas?

[PLATO]

I think that you would have to evaluate the particular map you are playing before you can determine weather or not privateers are useful. If you have a newly discovered island and have the excess capability, then it could be a huge advantage to keep the AI from getting there with a settler and staying out of an unwanted war.

I don't know why, but the idea of stacking a privateer fleet with a national unit had never occured to me. That is a fantastic idea that I can't wait to try out.

[Arrian]

I typically only build privateers if I have a healthy lead. They're a fun unit for fighting during peacetime.

I typically put together stacks of 3 and roam the high seas hitting any AI ships I can find. 2-3 privateers can even take down ironclads. But mostly they're good for nailing galleys, caravels, frigates & galleons. I've had as many as 25 out at a time (standard map). Using hordes of them, you can sink entire AI navies (again, if you're comfortably ahead).

In my opinion, though, stacking privateers with normal ships (say a galleon) is an exploit. Just my opinion, of course, but deliberately using a normal ship to "protect" your privateers from attack from the AI seems cheap to me.

-Arrian

[dexters]

Using Sullla's measuring stick for this, stacking your own ship on your privateers is definately an exploit, since this is a blind spot for the AI and it has no idea how to deal with it.

IMO, having large fleets of privateers roaming the high seas is also an exploit. Given the AI is not very keen on using this and it becomes a one sided affair.

Also, the privateers appear to have been intended as harassment units, and not units people go around sinking entire navys with. I would certainly propose a fix whereby if attacks are frequent enough, it is tantamount to a declaration of war, and the victim civ will tell everyone aobut it and players would also take a reputation hit.

Seems reasonable to me.

[The Pioneer]

Depending on how the game goes I usually I build a couple just for fun. I've tried to mod them but it's difficult to strike a balance!

So long...

[Panag]

hi ,

they are great in stacks to pic of the AI naval units without getting into war , .....

excellent tools for not letting that AI ship sail to that land with its settler onboard

have a nice day

[Arrian]

dexters,

I think the AI does get pissed at you for using Privateers on them. Even though the nationality of the unit is "hidden" almost every time I've used privateers, the civ I picked on attacked me. I agree that's a good thing. The AI does occasionally use privateers, btw, just not very well. Kinda like bombard units.

-Arrian

[Jaybe]

According to Bamspeedy's AI Attitude article at CFC,
Yes, attacking with privateers does affect their attitude, by 1 per attack. I forget if that's per attack on THEM, or anyone.

[Panag]

Originally posted by Arrian
dexters,

I think the AI does get pissed at you for using Privateers on them. Even though the nationality of the unit is "hidden" almost every time I've used privateers, the civ I picked on attacked me. I agree that's a good thing. The AI does occasionally use privateers, btw, just not very well. Kinda like bombard units.

-Arrian

hi ,

the AI stacks two or more naval units in the later era's , ...

but not in the early ages , if the AI where to stack them about half of the time in a small two or three stack , that could change things , .....

have a nice day

[Tiberius]

We definately need some banana boats.
Of course, later they should upgrade to heavy banana boats

[TheStinger]

Originally posted by Daz
No, hence the

Lighten up

lighten up yourself I put a spam smilie in for gods sake , thats not an indication of being annoyed.

[Daz]

ok

[PLATO]

Originally posted by Jaybe
According to Bamspeedy's AI Attitude article at CFC,
Yes, attacking with privateers does affect their attitude, by 1 per attack. I forget if that's per attack on THEM, or anyone.

Is this effect still in play if you have a gpt trade arrangement?

[Louis XXIV]

You will not loose any trade agreements if you attack with Hidden Nat units

BTW, can anyone confirm that the AI will seriously hate you if you capture their city with a Hidden Nat unit?

[PLATO]

Originally posted by Louis XXIV
You will not loose any trade agreements if you attack with Hidden Nat units

I wasn't so much concerned about losing trade agreements. When I have a gpt agreement with the AI then they are usually polite or gracious. If I start hammering away at their navy with privateers, then my question is: Will the gpt agreement continue to keep them polite or will the hidden offensive overide and cause a down grade in relations?

[Aramis]

Originally posted by TheStinger
rubbish

My dear Stinger--
I cannot help but notice that "rubbish" immediatly follows my claim to have sunk a battleship with 5 privateers. Despite your clarification a few posts down that you consider privateers 'rubbish' I cannot help but feel that you intended to doubt the veracity of my claim.
While I have no proof to offer, sir, I stand by my claim and will shout it from the parapets, the spires, and the market places of my little virtual empire that I have done such a deed. Have you not seen similar odd anamolies in this, the greatest of all strategy games? Dare I say, I would not try it again, for surely I would fail. Randomness of the game was with me, my good Stinger. I do not count fate twice to aid me.
I remain your obedient servant,
Rob