Ratings are based on a 1 to 5 scale
1 being the worst.
3 is average.
5 is the highest rating.
Date Reviewed -
July 6, 2009
Cadet-Captain Mike
Name: Monaque (France)
Card: FS #005 (Rare)
Points: 14
Masts: 5
Cargo: 3
Moves: L
Guns : 3L,3L,2L,3L,3L
Hit %: 267 (S), 267 (L)
Ability: Other ships do not block this ship's line
of fire.
Card Number Five Week begins with a French
five-master, the Monaque.
Her cannons are good but not thrilling; some more
2-rank guns would have been nice, and she'll have
problems with the ships that can't be hit by red
cannons. Her cargo is her weak spot; she has to have
a Helmsman in addition to a Captain crew, which
leaves only one space free for a third crew or for a
coin stolen by boarding. For that third crew, I'd
recommend either Gentil de la Barbinais
(world-hater) or Capitaine Gaston de St. Croix (SAT
and +1 vs English). Alternately, you could replace
the Captain with Capitaine Arathiel or Capitaine
Arazure, and add two Oarsmen to be sacrificed as
needed for extra actions. Her ability will come in
very handy, especially in high-point games where the
seas are crowded with ships that get in everyone
else's way.
I have to compare the Monaque to the very similar Le
Superbe, a colorful five-master from the Revolution
release. Le Superbe has five cargo and three 2-rank
guns, and is a bit faster; Monaque costs two points
less.
Le Superbe is clearly a better choice, unless you
really need those two points for something else.
A lot of ships in the Fire & Steel era were slightly
overpriced, or undervalued, depending on your view.
The Monaque rises a little bit above the pack. Her
sub-standard cargo is the main reason she doesn't
shine as an excellent value, but she's still a
worthy flagship for a French fighting fleet if you
don't have any of the older French five-masters.
