Name:   Royal James (Pirates)

Card:    CC #016 (Common)

Points:  8

Masts: 2

Cargo: 3

Moves: S+L

Guns : 2S,2S

Hit %: 133 (S), 0 (L)

Ability: Schooner. Once per turn when this ship hits an enemy ship, also eliminate one crew from that ship.

This is my kind of ship - fast, inexpensive, good cannons, and an ability that can make even a huge gunship think twice about taking her on. Her natural prey isn't enemy gold ships, like most two-masters do, but enemy secondary fighters. One hit and their Captain, which is often all the crew they carry, is toast, and so is their effectiveness as a fighter. She can also fight in support of your big fighter, sniping to eliminate the enemy's carefully chosen crew so your battleship can go in for the kill. She'll do well against gold ships, but that's usually a waste of her ability. An even bigger waste would be to use her as a gold ship, but she can do a fair job there as well.

The Royal James was the real-life ship of pirate Stede Bonnet. That individual was one of the most inept buccaneers to sail the seas. But, used aggressively, this ship can do a lot more than he ever did. Her low price is icing on the cake, and makes her an above-average value.

Goldship rating: 3.4 / 5

Gun Ship rating: 3.2 / 5

Boarding rating: 2.7 / 5

Value for points: 3.7 / 5

Name: Royal James       

Masts: 2

Cargo: 3

Speed: S+L

Firepower: two 2S guns

Cost: 8 points

Ability: Schooner Once per turn when this ship hits and enemy ship, also eliminate one crew from that ship.

Our second ship of the week is the Royal James. A two mast small fighting ship, which packs quite a punch for a small cost. Her cargo space is enough, but her best attributes are those guns and that ability. Attributes which can’t be ignored, so don’t poke around trying to find gold.

Load her up with at least a captain and go and get yourself into a scrap. Put on a helmsman and then you’ve got the speed to get into trouble quicker than you can get out of it. For a little more firepower, take advantage of those rank two cannons and put aboard a fire-pot.

So, whatever configuration that is decided. Whether just a captain or a fully loaded crew compliment the Royal James will not disappoint.  

A look at the breakdown of points.

Masts – 1 point

Cargo­ – 1.5 points

Speed – 3.4 points

Cannons – 1.33 points

Ability – less than 1 Point  

The ship without its ability comes out at little over 7 points. This means you get the crew killing and schooner ability for less than a point. A pretty good bargain to say the least, but she’s not the best value. Executioner RV is a very similar and gives (believe it or not) more for eight points.     

Gunship rating 4/5

Gold ship rating 3/5

Fleet support rating 4/5

Value rating 4/5