Ahoy Matey Welcome Aboard
Journey back io a lime of bold adventuring when the sword was mightier than the pen; a time of grand opportunities lot someone with enough ambition, courage and muscle From a humble start, you set out lor the Caribbean to make a reputation (or yourself, build (or steal) a fortune, meet Ceautilul women, unearth buried treasures and, with royal favor, perhaps even gain a title ol nobility
In Prates! you will do all that and more. Your goal is to make your lortune sailing the Spanish Main so that you may retire to a life ol wealth, ease and high status. The quality of your retirement is a sum ol your personal wealth, your rank, your lands, your reputation, the wife you marry (if any), and whatever pleasing events you accomplish during your adventures — such as saving members of your family Irom kidnappers
After your voyage, you can return to port and divide up the plunder, and then retire or return to adventuring (il your health permits) Ah, but you're not ready to hear about retiring, you're just a young landlubber seeking a chance to conquer the high seas Hoist the sails and prepare to set ofl!
BEGINNING YOUR VOYAGE Initial Opportunities
At the start of Prates! you will select options Irom various menus that will lead you into If« game. Use the CONTROL PAD to move the sword cursor to your choice, then press SELECT or the A BUTTON to enter it.
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Control Select Start B A
Pad Button Button Button Button
Control Select Start B A
Pad Button Button Button Button
The first menu to appear will ask il you wish to: Stan a Hew Career (new game). Continue a Saivd Game. or Look at Hallot Fame. Slatting a new career begins a new adventure, from your first arrival in Ihe New World to your well-earned retirement. Continuing a saved game allows you to pick up wtiere you last saved ycur adventure.
Selecting a Historical Time Period tov players should select No, thanks. This automatically gives you the best time period lor new players, (he csmr Heroes (1660). Other options include:
Ihe Silver Empire (1560) — Spam controls all but one colony. The pickings are ripe tor a tearless adventurer, but very difficult lor an apprentice. The Spanish arc strong and wealthy, and protective of the-r treasures
Merchants & Smugglers (1600)—Like the Silver Empire, this era is dominated by the wealthy Spanish However, they are a little weaker, but still a big challenge for the apprentice pirate.
Ihe New Colonists (1620)— The Spanish hold on the Caribbean is weakening, and enemies of Spain are establishing more colonies Thrs is still a tough time for apprentice and journeyman pirates.
War tor Prof/t (1640)—A great era lor the independent buccaneer. Spanish military and economy are at the lowest point yet. This is an enjoyable era lor any pirate looking to become wealthy,
Tte Buccaneer Heroes (1660) — The peak of swashbuckling adventure in the Caribbean, and the best era for apprentice pirates. Spanish wealth is returning, but their military is still a joke Ttere are many European colonies and ports, and the taverns are full ol experienced men looking lor a Captain to lead them to lame and lortune.
Pirates' Sunset (1680)- The last days ol pirate adventuring in the Caribbean. European governments are taking the events in the region seriously, and Navy warships patrol the seas f njoy the lime while you can. because Ihe age of adventuring is coming to a close. It's a tough time fot apprentice pirates, but interesting and challenging for all others.
Selecting a Nationality
Family Name
Selecting a Nationality
New players should start with English Buccaneer, because this nation supported the privateer (that's the polite term lor p;rate) in the 16th Century. You may also choose French Buccaneer. Dutch A&tfMurer, or Spanish Renegide. French and Dutch are interesting choices, though their governments weren't as supportive as the English. Spanish is the most challenging. Remember, though, that your initial nationality does not require you to support that nation — in the 1680s many of France's admirals were Dutch buccaneers!
Family Name
Use the CONTROL PAD to point the sword at a letter, then press SELECT or the A BUTTON to enter. You may enter any name up to ten characters Press the B BUTTON to delete the last letter. When you are linished select END
o 'iculty Level w players should select Apprentice. The play is easier fceause the men you recruit are more loyal and ^ experienced. However, they take a larger share of the loot atien you divide the plunder As you get better. advanced levels where sailing is more difficult and encounters are more challenging.
Special Skills
Starting at the Apprentice level ensures that all aspects of your adventure remain fairly easy. When you vance to more difficult levels, selecting one of the following skills will give you a decided advantage:
Skill at Fencing gives you quicker reflexes;
Skill a! Navigation allows you to sail faster and easier;
Skill at Gunnery aids you in naval battles, improving the accuracy of your broadside shooting;
Wit and Charm is useful when dealing with governors and other nobles. SM//a/Mftftawhelps you preserve your health and extend the length of your career.
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