Official FAQ for Add-on “Sea Legend is Back” (SLB)

The present FAQ contains the most frequently asked questions relevant to Add-on “Sea Legend Is Back” for the game “Pirates of the Caribbean” and it cannot be considered as a Game Manual

* Actual version of the Add-on: 1.06.0124.

* FAQ update date: May 23, 2006

* FAQ Editor: TANAT

IMPORTANT:

Majority of answers of your questions are presented here:

* Official Manual of Add-on A&M

* List of updates of Add-on A&M up to Add-on Sea Legend Is Back

* List of the keys to control the Add-on (by default)

* Formal forum of Add-on “Sea Legend Is Back”

* One more forum relevant to Add-on Sea Legend Is Back – site POTC.RU

If you want to suggest either additions or corrections applicable for the FAQ you are requested to send your messages in the appropriate topic of the present forum.

USEFUL REFERENCES:

* All modes works of ALexusB (a base of all modes makers);

* Descriptions of mode by Morgan 1.02;

* List of the works by ALexusB in the basic Add-on A&M;

* List of the works by Morgan in the basic Add-on A&M

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Editor would like to express his acknowledgements the Editor of the first FAQ (Ratmeer) and the previous Editor (Gray). In the course of development of the present FAQ advices and clarifications had been used which were created by the following authors:

* ALexusB & Morgan – “FATHERS” – mode makers
* Ascold, Delamer, Dimittro, Eklipter, Jon, Klint, Kto, Норсмор, Ratmeer, Stry, TEQ, Zed – experienced pirates

QUESTIONS

1. LOADING, INSTALLATION, VERSIONS, ADJUSTMENTS

Where it is possible to get a fresh version of ADD-ON SLiB?
And apart from this site? To load almost 70 megs – it is too much!
What is the Add-on’s base?
I can’t download installation files! Download process is terminated with an error after the downloading process begins.
Loaded, but the archives fail to get unpacked!
What is the correct procedure to install Add-on SLiB?

o What is the correct procedure to install updates?

o How to install additional resources?

o During the installation process there is message “Cabinet file does not have correct format”. What shall I do??

During the installation process there is message that, library MSVCR71.DLL is not found. What shall I do?
I have installed as instructed, begun a new game but during transition to the towns locations I see a black screen.
I am facing errors! What shall I do?
I had installed everything correctly but any way the game either returns back to the table or produces a black screen!
The game was installed all right and operational but all of a sudden it returns back to the table and fails to get started! What shall I do now – reinstall it?
Hanging when I get to the shore at some harbors!
When switching over to another application and later get back – I get a black screen...
Adjustments “Brightness” (Яркость) and “Contrast” (Контрастность) fail to respond!
Why all sounds are somewhat “extended” and unclear?
Key F8 (screen shot) does not work!
Getting very slow at new forts when 12х12. Is it possible to do anything?
When accidentally pressing some keys I return back to Windows...
I keep changing the difficulty level, leave the adjustments but the level again is the same!
What is the difference between “Линейный” (“Linear”) and “Нелинейный” (Non-linear) modes of the guns?
What is the difference between “Быстрый бой” (Quick combat) and “Медленный бой” (Slow combat)?
What the meaning of “1/2 блока сабель” (1/2 of swords block)?
What is the meaning of adjustment “Упрощение абордажа” (Simple grappling)?
What is the meaning of adjustment “Дозарядка пистолетов” (Pistols reloading)?
What is the meaning of adjustment “Hardcore Game”?
What is the meaning of adjustment “Nations quests”?
For those from Igromania.
When the next patch shall be made? And the release?
Is it possible to do so that after the installation of a new version it is not necessary to begin the game from the very beginning?
It’s fine but it’s a bore to begin from the very beginning. Give me either cheat codes or a software to crack saves!

2. HOW TO BEGIN

What is the way to make my own character?
How shall I change the character’s characteristics?
Is the there any difference, what nation shall I begin with?
Is there any difference which character to begin the game with?
Female characters are featured with errors! A pistol is suspended in air and so on! Do something!
I have no ship of my own. How can I get to another island?
What is the way to acquire my first ship?
Where shall I get money?
I have a ship and the money but not enough. How can I earn more money?
I would be happy to trade but they shoot upon me at all ports. What shall I do?
Is it possible to see a map of the archipelago “disengaging” the camera from the ship?

3. S.P.E.C.I.A.L, SKILLS AND PERKS

What is S.P.E.C.I.A.L?
How shall I improve my swordsmanship (фехтование)?
Keep trying to improve my swordsmanship (фехтование) when fighting but the enemies get cured faster than I can kill them... what shall I do?
I had a little fighting with skeletons in a cave and my skills had dropped -10!
I did not fight anyone for a long time but I get minuses for all characteristics anyway...
Where shall I find teachers in the archipelago?
How is it possible to improve navigation during combats?
How is it possible to improve navigation during storms?
What should be navigation index for the ships of various classes?
How is it possible to improve trade (торговля)?
How is it possible to improve authority (авторитет)?
How is it possible to improve stealthiness?
How is it possible to improve repair (ремонт)?

o How shall I improve joss?

o What is reputation and what it is eaten with?

How shall I improve the reputation?
How shall I reduce the reputation?

o How shall I reduce a reward for my head?

o What is the essence of perk “Change of the flag” (Смена флага)?

What is the way to switch on a “Musket salvo” (Мушкетный залп)?
How does perk “Experience exchange” (Обмен опытом) work? Shall I loose my experience that it is gained by my officers?
What is the essence of perk “Trustworthy” (Вызывающий доверие)? Any way it is possible to look at the smuggled goods and it is impossible to sell them!
I’ve heard that at different difficulty levels various perks and features are switched off – where can I see the list?
The level has been improved but there is no perk.

4. SHIPS

How shall I improve my ship?
Why the ships (especially improved ones) sail faster than the wind?
How shall place my ship for a station?
I want “Black Pearl” (Черную Жемчужину) (ЧЖ)!
What’s up, there is no a 200-guns Man-of-War, anymore?
The game is switched off after exchanging the ships on the land “through a hold” (через трюм)!
What the meaning of the red and blue arrow in the ship’s characteristics?

5. OFFICERS, SAILORS

What are the types of officers and what they are meant for?
How many officers can I hire?
Who are Dankas (Даньки) and where shall I find them?
What is the way to employ Jack (Джэк), Blade (Блэйд), Turner (Тернер) and other quest officers?
How is it possible to see the officer’s statistics?
In the menu of characters on the pictures of my officers there are some icons: a ship, sword, white flag – what does it mean?
How shall I equip the officer?
Why others can exchange the things during the grappling and I cannot?
How shall I put a cuirass on an officer?
What perks are to be assigned for the officers?
If I give an artifact for the officer +10 for something (for example for trade) and appoint this officer as a mayor will this + taken into account? And if I appoint him to another ship?
How much shall I pay the officer monthly?
How to improve the officers?
How shall I employ Philosopher (Философа)? What does he need?
My favorite officer has left me!!
I do nothing bad and a “good” officer keeps trying to leave me anyway!!!
Where is it possible to hire a huge crew (for a man of war, line ship)? At all taverns there are 5 - 10 men only!
Why do slaves refuse to join my crew?

6. TACTICS DURING COMBAT, GRAPPLING, ASSAULT.

How is it possible to capture a skipper of a hostile ship?
How is it possible to know the number of the crew, conditions of sails, hull of the hostile ship?
What shall I do if there is too great a crew on the hostile ship but anyway I want to grapple and to capture it?
Being on a galleon I grapple a yacht and loose a half of the crew. Is it a bug?
Why there are sailors with various numbers of hits on identical hostile ships?
Why after grappling when I press the key “exchange” (обмен) I hear a knock on the door?
Why during the grappling process I cannot get the log, the chests cannot be opened and there is no a fast action icon?
What is the correct way to assault a fortress?
How is it possible to assist the fortress of another nation to defend the colony?
How is it possible to assist the fleet of the other nation to capture a colony?
How is it possible to capture a colony and to present it to my favorite nation?
There are no fortressess of towns Des-Moines (Дес Мойнес), Fort Orange (Форт Оранж) and San-Damaso how is it possible to capture them?
Had anybody tried to move all nations from the archipelago? Is it possible or not?
Is it necessary to guard the captured colony?
Why there are no guarding ships near my colony as with the others?
If I capture all colonies shall the game be over?

7. TRADE, SHIPS, THINGS, GOODS, GAMES

I wanted to sell a ship at a shipyard and I am proposed 0 piasters… It’s a robbery!!!
How is it possible to procure a lot of goods at the same time?
Is there any difference of prices of various things (cameos, diamonds etc.) at various shops, i.e. is it possible to make money using them as goods or to sell the discovered ones, only?
What is a “rat god” (крысиный бог) and how is it possible to get it?
How rats can scoff arms? Why do they scoff planks, when a foodstuff is near?
In a buried treasure I found an idol which brought all my statistics down and it is impossible to throw it away! What shall I do???
I have a sword with block piercing ability equal to 100 % - but I can’t pierce through all times! The block equal to 100 % - but anyway I get killed anyway! Is it an error?
What sword is the best in the game and where can I get it?
I have 22 rings +10 for the luck (к везению) and an artifact with -20 for the luck (к везению), but all in all as a sum instead of 200, I get -10! Why?
Why in the game "21" two aces correspond to “overshoot” (перебором)? Two aces correspond to “twenty-one” exactly!
I keep trying to have a drink with a drunkard at a tavern and he keeps singing, only...

8. COLONIES, TOWNS, FORTS

How shall I build my own town?
Which architect is more competent?
How shall I appoint a mayor in my own town? What statistics he must have?
What officer shall I appoint to command the fort?
The stores of the architect and mayor of my town – are they the same?
Why are there mutinies in the colonies?

9. QUESTS

Quests generated in the course of the game.

Delivery of a cargo to a shop;
Shipment of a passenger;
Escorting a merchant;
To sink a pirate;
To bring jungles to order;
To eliminate smugglers;
To beat a debt for a money lender;
Delivery of gold;
A BURIED TREASURE;
Information about a merchant;
To pacify the unholy ones.

Quest “Samsa’s buried treasure” ("Клад Самсы").
Quest “Strange things are going on in the archipelago” ("Странные вещи творятся в архипелаге").
Quest “Book Of The Dead Ones” (Necronomicon)
Quest “Pirate line” ("Пиратская линейка").
Quest “At a Spanish service” ("На службе Испании") (a Spanish line).
Quest “The book of the dead ones” ("Книга Мертвых") (Necronomicon).
Quest “Rescuing Toff Oremas’ daughter” ("Спасение дочери Тоффа Ореманса").
Quest “Black Pearl” ("Черная Жемчужина")
Quest of Ascold
Quest “An enigmatic story of a lady” ("Таинственная история мадам").
Quest “Isabella’s treasure” ("Сокровища Изабеллы").
Quest lines for various nations;

Quest “On service for Spain” (A Spanish line).
A British line.

Is it possible to complete several quest lines for different nations in the course of the same game?

1. LOADING, INSTALLATION, VERSIONS, ADJUSTMENTS

Where it is possible to get a fresh version of ADD-ON Corsairs RSL? On the site of Add-on Corsairs RSL at the address http://seadogs.4fans.org/download.htm. To install the Add-on there and its upgrades there is a special instruction (see below)..

And apart from this site? To load almost 70 megs – it too much! The Add-on had been issued thrice on CD’s as attachments for game journals and magazines:

Magazine “PC games”. Issue № 2(26), February, 2006. Attachment in the shape of a DVD. Contains version 1.05.1002 of Add-on Sea Legend Is Back.

o http://www.lki.ru/archive/?37 (in ЛКИ № 12/37 2004 version 0.9.1222 or 0.9.1125)

o Magazine “Igromania” for august 2004 (version 0624 of Add-on A&M and no description).

Attention! Versions issued in 2004 today are completely out of date. In the network it is almost impossible to find updates of these old versions at least up to version 1.05.1002. In general do not even try it... Accept the version 1.05.1002 issued with PC Games...

What is the base of the Add-on? The base of the Add-on is the Add-on’s distributive featured with full function ability and playing ability. The Add-on’s basic version does not incorporate “cosmetic” additions: such as towns’ new textures and a new lifeboat texture. These additions may be downloaded and installed separately. On the official site of the Add-on there is always the Add-on’s current basic version is placed and an update from the previous version to the current one. The Add-on’s basic version is installed on the licensed version of game “Pirates of the Caribbean” of version either 1.0 or 1.01 (no warranty of operation of the Add-on with version is insured). The updates are to be installed only on the Add-on’s version they are meant for, for example update of version 1.05.1002 up to 1.06.0124 shall be installed on Add-on’s version 1.05.1002.
I can’t download installation files! Download process is terminated with an error after the downloading process begins. If we do not consider all possible technical problems relevant to the server there are two possible causes of the phenomenon, namely:

1. You have a low rate and unstable connection. In such a case it is better to wait till a more favorable time of a day to download (for example wait till night time).

2. You were unlucky and the server identifies your IP-address as “not Russian”. In this case the server either sets up a limit or blocks the downloading process providing priority for the “Russian” IP. You should use a “Russian” proxy server for downloading activities.

Loaded, but the archives fail to get unpacked! If you fail to unpack files setup.rar and/or upd_xxxx.rar – it means the either one: either the files had been damaged during loading or you have an old version of archive program WinRAR (below 3.20, see menu "Reference – About the software "). For the first case reload the files. For this case it is recommended to use some reload manager. For the second case it is necessary to install a new version of the archive program WinRAR. It may be downloaded from site www.rarlab.com
What is the correct procedure to install Add-on SLB? Correct procedure means to install it as instructed. Here is the instruction to install the Add-on:

1. Install game “Pirates Of The Caribbean” version 1.0 or 1.01 of 1С (or English), do not install official patches on to it.

2. Unpack files of Add-on installation (setup.rar) into a separate directory, for example D:\Temp, place files data1.slb, data2.slb and data3.slb into the same directory.

3. Start up setup_addon.exe

4. Accept the agreement, show the path to the game directory, press "Start Install".

5. Wait from 2 up to 6 minutes for complete unpacking and installation of new resources.

6. Start up Config.exe and set up your own parameters.

7. If site http://seadogs.4fans.org in the “download” section there are updates up to new version install them as instructed for every upgrade.

8. Start up ENGINE.exe – YOU Are In The Game!!

9. IMPORTANT !!! Right after installation, prior to initiation of a new game it is necessary to remove the controls by default and after that set up the controls as you wish. For this purpose it is necessary to exit the game and enter it again to set up the adjustments.

As it was demonstrated during the open tests some people face problems relevant to the Add-on installation process if the path contains Cyrillic symbols and/or spaces – rename the directory with the game something like “Seadog2”.
IMPORTANT!!! If additional resources were uninstalled (see below), it shall OBLIGATORY be necessary in the adjustments to uncheck option “Additional Resources” "Доп. ресурсы" – otherwise there shall be black screens during transition in the town locations.

What is the correct procedure to install updates? Correct means to install it as instructed. To upgrade version 1.05.1002 up to version 1.06.0124 the following files are required:

data_upd.slb
data3.slb
upd_0124.rar

Sequence of installation:

1. Unpack update files for version upd_0124.rar into a separate directory, for example D:\Temp, into the same directory place files data_upd.slb and data3.slb

2. Start setup_upd.exe.

Accept the agreement indicate the path to the game, press "Start Install".
Wait from 2 up to 6 minutes for complete unpacking and installation of new resources.
Start Config.exe and set up your own parameters.

7. Start up ENGINE.exe – YOU Are In The Game!!

IMPORTANT !!! Right after installation, prior to initiation of a new game it is necessary to remove controls by default and after that set up the controls as you wish. For this purpose it is necessary to exit the game and enter it again to set up the adjustments.

IMPORTANT!!! If additional resources were uninstalled (see below), it shall OBLIGATORY be necessary in the adjustments to uncheck option “Additional Resources” "Доп. ресурсы" – otherwise there shall be black screens during transition in the town locations.

How to install additional resources? Additional resources are presented by new textures of towns (the towns are more differentiated from each other) and a new model of the lifeboat (there shall be sailors waiting in the lifeboat). It is not obligatory to install them.
To install a new lifeboat model it is necessary to load file res_boat.rar and unpack the resources from the archive into the game directory (preserve the old version of the lifeboat if you want to return back to it). The new lifeboat model can be installed on any Add-on’s version.
To install new textures of the town it is necessary to download 2 files:

install_twn.rar - installer.
resource_town_c.rar – mew resources as they are.

Sequence of installation:

1. Unpack resources into the game directory with option “replace all”.

Unpack and start up installation utility and indicating the path to game press install.

Installation process is pretty long. After installation is complete the volume of the game directory shall be increased for about 700 Mb.
IMPORTANT !!! The towns’ new resources should be installed on to Add-on version not below 1.05.0601. Installation of the towns new textures changes the basic version of the Add-on into version RES. So, after installation it is necessary to initiate a new game. Besides, IT IS OBLIGATORY to check option “Additional resources ” "Доп. ресурсы" in the adjustments.

During the installation process there is message “Cabinet file does not have correct format”. What shall I do?? This message may take place when installing either Add-on or updates of version below 1.06.0124. It means an error took place during the download process. Normally it takes place when an inbuilt downloading device of the browser is used. The size of the downloaded file is either different from the initial one or has some parts which are different from the file on the site. Solution – either use modern download managers or establish a reliable connection. The first is better. This error is fatal. It is necessary to reload the damaged file and repeat installation again.
During the installation process there is message that, MSVCR71.DLL is not found. What shall I do? To install the Add-on it is necessary to use system library MSVCR*.DLL (Microsoft® C Runtime Library, "*" shows the version serial number). Normally if you have operational system Windows, browser Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office, the said library is placed in the system directory Windows (especially if you keep installing HotFix'es of Microsoft'а). If during the installation process you see a message about a failure to find library MSVCR*.DLL try to start search of file MSVCRT*.DLL in your computer. Most likely you shall find several files like that. It is related to the fact that Microsoft keeps updating version of this library changing the file name. The software manufacturers try “to get an insurance” and distribute the library version which is necessary for their operation. Just for the case. Copy any found file MSVCR*.DLL into the directory with the installer and repeat the installation process. If you could not find library MSVCR*.DLL in your computer you may download it from the page of files download of the Add-on.
Remark. This error may take place if you downloaded either Add-on or update of version 1.06.0124 before January 27, 2006. in this case it is necessary to reload the installer files setup.rar (for the basic version) and upd_0124.rar (for the update).
I have installed as instructed, begun a new game but during transition to the towns locations I see a black screen. It means that you have tried to install new resources for the towns but option “Additional Resouirces” "Доп. ресурсы" in the game adjustments is unchecked (see above). It is necessary to check it up. Or just the opposite, the new towns have not been installed and option “Additional Resources” "Доп. ресурсы" is checked in the game adjustments. It is necessary to uncheck it.

I am facing errors! What shall I do? Majority of errors take place:

Because the Add-on was installed in a wrong way, in contradiction with the instruction. What is there to be done: uninstall the game completely, reinstall as instructed (as shown above).
Because not the latest version of the Add-on was installed. What is there to be done: download and install the lacking updates of the Add-on (where to get them see above).
Because additional resources with the towns new textures are not installed, but they are switched on the Adjustments of the game. What is there to be done: either download and install the additional resources or remove the tick sign from the corresponding point of the adjustments.
Because there are either no drivers (most often for the mother board or a video card) or wrong drivers of a wrong version are installed. What is there to be done: download and install drivers updates from the manufacturers’ sites; [re]install DirectX. Sometimes it happens that the older driver work better that then newer ones, because engine Storm 2 is not too fresh.
Because you try to use the settings of the previous version of the Add-on. What is there to be done: press button “adjustments by default” ("настройки по умолчанию") and set up your own adjustments again.
Because file “options” is damaged. What is to be done read the procedures two questions below…
Because the save was cracked with the help of HEX editor, Art Money or by any other method. What is to be done: remove all saves and begin a new game. Never crack saves. The Add-on incorporates the option of the saves unity verification. If any save was cracked there is a chance of errors, interruptions of the game, slow down operation and faulty operation of some modes…

If there are still errors during the game – describe them in topic “BUGS OF ADD-ON SEA LEGEND IS BACK” Баги Аддона ВМЛ.

I had installed everything correctly but any way the game returns back to the table of produces a black screen! It means that it was not correct. Stops at the very beginning of the game, black screen and black squares in the places of the textures mean absence of the resources. Either resources were not installed or installed incorrectly or the resources were unpacked into a wrong catalogue (it is necessary to unpack them into the main catalogue of the game). If it is still impossible to install the game – remove the whole thing, read the instruction once more and install it once more – and do it until the very successful end of the process. DO NOT WRITE to the forum that it was something wrong and it cannot be installed – just think a bit it could be installed with all the others! So, the problem is not due the upgrades, but ability of the one to install them.
The game was installed all right and operational but all of a sudden returns back to the table and fails to get started! What shall I do now – reinstall it? Prior to the initiation of the game it is likely to develop back up copies of the following files: options, engine.ini and config.exe. If such a return took place, most often, replacement of these files helps to lick the problem. Normally it is enough to change file “options”. It is possible to identify if the file should be replaced checking its size. If the size considerably exceeds 7 - 8 kilobyte its replacement is mandatory... If the game back up was not made timely you may download the reserve copies from here. It is possible to try to edit file options manually opening it in the Notepad, for example and removing the junk from it. Naturally in such a case you should understand what you are going to do. It is possible to try to exclude a chance of damaging file options if it us attributed with Read-only. Naturally, after that to change any settings of the game whether it is volume, brightness or controls, you will have to remove the said attribute and set it up again after changes... If replacement of the files did not help, then, perhaps, only complete reinstallation will help...
Hanging when I get to the shore at some harbors! It is not hanging – some of locations take a considerably longer period of time to get loaded if compared with the other ones (up to 15 minutes with the slowest computers). After the very first load of the location it would be fine but you will have to wait for the first time.
When switching over to another application and later get back – I get a black screen... Open file Config.exe, remove a tick mark from the point "Full screen mode".
Adjustments “Brightness” (Яркость) and “Contrast” (Контрастность) fail to respond! They are operational under the Full screen mode, only, (with the check in the window in file config.exe).
Why all sounds are somewhat “extended” and unclear? Open file Config.exe, switch "Safe mode" (безопасный режим) on.
Key F8 (screen shot) does not work! It is operational under 32-bit color, only, (adjusted in file config.exe).
Getting very slow at new fortresses when 12х12. Is it possible to do anything? If the problem is due to a weak video card than in Config.exe it is possible to select color 16 bits instead of 32. Visually the difference is almost unnoticeable but the rate improvement may be significant especially in case with old cards (up to 70 %).
When accidentally pressing some keys return back to Windows... Most likely the keyboard switches are “guilty”, especially Punto Switch. Switch them off prior to the beginning of the game or install the latest version. There is an option to set up exclusions.
I keep changing the difficulty level, leave the adjustments but the level again is the same! After changing the difficulty level it is necessary to begin a new game. It is not possible to change the difficulty in the course of the game.
What is the difference between “Линейный” (“Linear”) and “Нелинейный” (Non-linear) modes of the guns? The major difference between these modes – different dependence of the range of balls flight upon the gun bore size. Under the linear (линейный) mode of operation the fire range is directly proportional to the gun bore size (12 lb <16 lb <24 lb <32 lb). Under the non-linear (нелинейный ) mode of the greatest range belongs to 24 bore (12 lb <16 lb <32 lb <24 lb). The adjustment is applicable as for the cannons as well as for couleuvrines. Also, it is necessary to remember that disrespectfully the chosen mode, 48 lb cannons installed on the fortress walls shall have greater fire range than either ship cannons or couleuvrines of any size.
What is the difference between “Быстрый бой” (Quick combat) and “Медленный бой” (Slow combat)? In case of the “quick” combat the time for reloading the ship cannons is about 3 times faster than during the “slow” one. Besides, during the “Quick combat” the ships speed and maneuverability are increased and the sails are brought up and down faster. The adjustment is applicable for all ships of the games including the hostile ships. In the course of the game it is possible to switch over from one mode into the other one (prior to sailing off into the sea).
What is the meaning of “1/2 блока сабель” (1/2 of swords block)? That is what it means. If this adjustment is on then all cold arms shall be provided with a block bonus two times less then in case of the switched off adjustment.
What is the meaning of adjustment “Упрощение абордажа” (Simple grappling)? When activating this adjustment the fight of the ГГ (main character) in the course of grappling with hostile sailors is simplier but it is not applicable to the sailors of both sides.
What is the meaning of adjustment “Дозарядка пистолетов” (Pistols reloading)? When switching this adjustment on the pistols shall be loaded even when ГГ (main character) holds a sword in his hand. If it is switched off then to load the pistol it will be necessary to place the sword into the sheath.

What is meaning of adjustment "Hardcore Game"? It is a setting for the corsairs who are strong in their spirit!!! If this setting is on it shall be possible to save the game only inside a church. If you do not feel sufficiently strong for this option it is better not to check this option.

What is the meaning of adjustment “Nations quests”? To ensure correct operation of the quest lines for the nations there is so called “pause of a live peace”. This setting enables the one or permits him to complete the quest lines for various nations (at the moment there is an English (British) and Spanish lines). If this setting is checked then you may complete one of the lines (what ever you want). Until you completed the line the “peace pause” shall be active. It means that neither you nor any other nation can capture colonies for oneself (only to rob them), except the ones which are organic parts of the quests. Besides the governors cannot move from one place to the other one and relations between the nations are maintained without changes. Activity of the “peace pause” shall stop as soon as the one or the other (any of them) quest lines is completed. If the adjustment “Nations quests” is unchecked the “live peace pause” is switched off, it is possible to capture towns, the governors move as they want, nations quarrel and conclude peace but you shall not be able to initiate one of the quest lines for one of the nations.
For those from Igromania. If you have installed Add-on RSL from the CD of magazine “Igromania” "Игромания", you should be aware that you have a very old version (8 files 7.62 Mb each), without updates. Prior to asking the questions download and install the latest updates.
When the next patch shall be made? And the release? At present introduction of new modifications into the Add-on is terminated. It is related to the fact that the Add-on is transferred to the next development level and becomes a full scale game. Game under the name “Sea Level Is Back” is being developed using engine Storm 2.5 of game “Corsairs 3: Age of Pirates” utilized by company Akella. It is scheduled to issue the game on separate discs. Details are presented in the Forum here, here and here.
Is it possible to do so that after the installation of a new version it is not necessary to begin the game from the very beginning? IT IS IMPOSSIBLE! It is related to limitations of the engine. Although, the choice belongs to the gamer: if you do not want to begin from the very beginning – do not install new versions then. IMPORTANT! At the same time if you do not install them then do not write to the forum about the errors and mistakes – old versions of the game ARE NOT SUPPORTED by the Add-on team .
It’s fine but it’s a bore to begin from the very beginning. Give me either cheat codes or a soft ware to break the saves! NO WAY! Do not forget – you are not a player yet, you are a tester. And it is beneficial for the Add-on team that you play fair. To play unfairly we know ourselves (we have the cheats) – but in this case partially the bugs are not produced: a long duration game is required. And only a long duration game shall be presented by a fair game. Do not complain if your message with a request to teach how to crack the saves is deleted from the forum without special warning. It is not necessary to mention that in the mass version there are no CODES AS A MATTER OF FACT!

2. HOW TO BEGIN

First of all pirates cherish their freedom. When in the Add-on freedom of choice takes place from the very beginning – you are free to do ANYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF. And this fact a bit discouraging. Choose the most attractive way in concert with your spirit – AND BEGIN YOUR OWN GAME. There is the only advice: novices are not recommended to initiate the game playing for England – foodstuff on Antigua is smuggled and it will be uneasy to leave the island if you do not know special features of the game.

What is the way to make my own character? Instruction and the script are in the catalogue: \RESOURCE\INI\TEXTS\RUSSIAN\HeroDescribe.txt read the instruction, introduce your own corrections into the file – at the very beginning of the game you will get a new character.

How shall I change the character’s characteristics? To change the character’s characteristics it is necessary at the very beginning of the game during the dialogue with ALexusB to choose a line "Change the character’s characteristics and begin the game...", in this case the dialogue shall be skipped and there will be a form “Character” where it will be possible to change S.P.E.C.I.A.L (see chapter 3) of your character. Most likely in the course of the change you might notice that the game somewhat “gets slow”. It is normal because in the case of the characteristics change initial readings of the main character’s skills are subject to recalculation.
Is the there any difference, what nation shall I begin with? There some difference naturally. Every gamer gets his own stile of the play and his own favorite method of its initiation. Initial nation of the Main Character first of all identifies the island the Main Character starts up his activities and his initial relations with all nations in the archipelago. The initial island is chosen randomly but its selection is effected by the following requirements: the island must belong completely to the nation which was chosen for the Main Character and should be provided with a port town. Here is the list of then islands where the Main Character may be “born” depending upon the initial nation:

Britain: Barbados or Antigua;
Spain: Cuba or Venezuela;
France: Martinique or Guadeloupe;
Holland: Curacao or San-Martin.

Exception of the rule is referred to the Coastal Brotherhood which is not a nation itself. If you begin the game as a pirate then the main hero shall be on Nevis.
At the beginning of the game the Main Character is featured with neutral relations with “his nation” and hostile with all others. Although it does not put any limitations upon his actions because the Main Character may quarrel, maintain peace or serve any nation. For example it is possible to begin the game serving Spain and in the course of the game to complete English (British) quests line.

Is there any difference which character to begin the game with? There is some difference. And it is pretty noticeable. First, the main characters of different types are assigned with different start up characteristics and threshold of their changes. It is possible to elaborate on them below in Chapter 3. Second: the main characters of different types begin the game with different start up equipment and devices:

A Corsair. Begins the game with “Bretta” (a light weapon), a standard pistol and a cheap long glass. He has ten bullets and 5 bottles with medicine mixture (+40hp). Additionally he is “awarded” with the reward for his head from two nations, which has nothing to do with the start up nation of the main character. The level of the head reward (random) is pretty high to initiate activities of the head hunters against the main character, but sufficiently low to enable the main character to raise the flag of the nation which had assigned the head reward and conclude a peace with it using services of a diplomat.
A Merchant. Begins the game with an old sword (medium weapon), a long barrel pistol and a cheap long glass. He has 5 bullets and 3 bottles of a medicine mixture (+40hp). Additianally he possesses 200 piasters.
A Master. Begins the game with an axe (medium weapon) and a cheap long glass. He has an elixir (+150hp).
An Inquisitor. Begins the game with a stiletto (light weapon) and a cheap long glass. He has 3 bottles of a medicine mixture (+40hp). Additionally he possess a bronze cross (+10 Luck).
An Adventurer. Begins the game with a grappling broad sword (heavy weapon) and an ordinary long glass. He has 2 bottles with medicine mixture (+40hp).

A Secret Agent. Begins the game with a brass knuckles (light weapon) and a cheap long glass. No bottle with medicine mixture.

Female characters are featured with errors! A pistol is suspended in air and so on! Do something! We will not do anything – there mission of higher priority. Yes there are some errors – not all models are provided with a slot for a pistol (town citizens ladies do not have it). Either do not play or we do not have enough cheese for your wine...
I have no ship of my own. How can I get to another island? Option one – to get a ship (see below). Option two – to employ a “corsair’s metro”. How? Easy. Go to the tavern and find a smuggler there. Ask him if he agrees to take you as a companion. He will inform you where and at what time the ship is sailing off. Of course it is not free of charge, naturally. On the assigned day it is necessary to approach him again and give him money. After that it necessary to go to the said bay and a ship will be waiting for you there. As a matter of fact the ship will wait for you one day only and if you are late it shall be your fault, only. Keep in mind that the “metro” can get to one of the closest islands. For example, from Venezuela it is possible to get either to Curacao or Barbados. Also, it is necessary to take into account that the smugglers will not take you to the place where you want. So, if you are proposed to go to Cuba and you need to get to Hispaniola reject the proposition about the journey and address the smugglers next day after that. Perhaps you will be lucky the next ship will be the one you need. Using this method it is possible to go around entire archipelago. The only exception is the island of Nevis. It is impossible to leave it without your own ship because there are no smugglers on it.
What is the way to acquire my first ship?

Buy it at the ship yard (naturally, you will need money – see the paragraph below). Price of a tartan is equal to a few pennies but you will have to collect money for a lugger.
Get the Blaker’s ship. Speak to the tavern owner on Nevis about the skipper at the corner. Speak to him – he shall employ you. After arrival to the ship he shall cowardly abandon you alone with the coastal pirates. Kill them all! The cutthroats happily shall catcall cheater Blaker and offer you to lead the gang. Agree and the ship (class 6 or 5) is yours! Alternate option: kill Blaker after leaving the town – it is much easier but reputation shall diminish to the level of a “Cheat”.

Where shall I get money?

From the money lender – up to 6000 for a relatively moderate interest.
From the “beggar” Philosopher near the tavern 25000 for an EXTREMELY NOT MODERATE (burglarious) interest. This method is recommended in two cases: for the novices who want to sail for a couple of months and to look around the game (after that Philosopher shall send head hunters and it will be impossible to play any longer); for highly skilled players-traders who do not want to reduce their reputation killing Blaker and who are able to make a lot of money to pay back the debt with interest. It is NOT RECOMMENDED for all others.
On Nevis it is possible to reach catacombs running through a jungle. Caves are not just a test ground to improve swordsmanship shooting ability, only, but it is a place of accumulation of treasures and useful amulets. Do not pick up cheap pots and rusted swords – only precious stones and light high quality swords.
For those who like to turn the luck with its face to yourself there is a method s/l (Save/Load): take 5000 from the money lender find a dice or cards player, save, begin to play. After loosing – reload, after winning save. Repeat the operations until you consider it is fit. In such a case it is possible to hire Danka as an officer. It is remarkable though; it is impossible to play this way to infinity – the counterparts shall suspect crooked gambling and shall refuse to play with you anymore.

I have a ship and the money but not enough. How can I make more money?...

Trade. Tactics is clear – buy cheap (at the place where the goods are for export), sell costly (where these goods are for import). Trade journal is a desk book. And it is necessary to consider the distances – otherwise there will be no money to pay the crew and to acquire the foodstuff. A good quartermaster shall make the trade easier and more efficient and profitable at early levels.
Carry the contraband. Looks like a trade but in this case the goods which are smuggled are shipped to the island. There is a smuggler in every tavern, to arrive to an agreement about the deal. It is not recommended for the initial stage: they may try to kill you (not to pay for the goods) or it is possible to encounter a customs patrol. Both are almost ensured death for the Main Character of the first level.
Piracy. To capture and to sell ships and/or cargo. Much more interesting than the previous two cases but it requires certain skills for a hand to hand combat and a sea combat. To capture the ship it is necessary to have an officer – first mate (he is the only person who can be a skipper of the captured ship); read below about employment of the officers. It is impossible to earn money using this method – the money reserve at the ship yards is limited.
Carry out the quests (see below). Awards for them may be in the shape of a ship or artifacts but majority shall be just paid off in money – especially it is relevant to the quest to carry a cargo (taken at a shop; the award is directly proportional to the volume of the lower hold(s).

I would be happy to trade but they shoot upon me at all ports. What shall I do? At the beginning the Main Character is hostile to all nations and the forts shall shoot upon him. Exclusion – fortresses of pirates and smugglers but it is necessary to find them, yet. To buy off neutral relations with the nations is possible from a diplomat on Nevis (as well as at the pirate fort and smugglers lair). The cost is inversely proportional to reputation and directly proportional to the level – so, at the levels over 30 with reputation below the floor level (Terror of the Sea and alike) may raise up to millions. Friendly relations are obtained either buying a caper’s letter of marque or assisting the nations when repelling sieges. If you have a letter of marque already you will not be able to reestablish good relations with a nation with the help of the diplomat. There is only one option to use the perks which enable the one to change flags.
Is it possible to see a map of the archipelago “disengaging” the camera from the ship? Yes, it is. Transfer into the map mode and press button Tab – after that the mouse does not rotate the map around the ship and shits position of the camera along the map. To return back to the mode "our ship is in the center " – press Tab again. If in the map only islands are visible without names of the towns – use a slow zoom of the map until you see the names.

3. S.P.E.C.I.A.L, SKILLS AND PERKS

What is S.P.E.C.I.A.L? S.P.E.C.I.A.L – is an RPG system which enables the one to create a unique Main Character with desirable characteristics. Abbreviation S.P.E.C.I.A.L incorporates the first letters of names of seven main characteristics applicable for any character of the game. Here they are:

Strength. Rough physical strength. Required to launch a strong blow, throw something far and carry a lot. Has an impact upon carried load and number of the life points. Determining characteristics for skill which require great physical efforts, especially heavy and medium weight arms, cannon skills.
Perception. Ability to see and hear well. It is doubtful that cannon balls shall fly to the enemy’s side without good visual estimation ability. Especially critical for perks accuracy (точность) and stealthiness (скрытность).
Endurance. Critical for survival of people of the difficult pirate’s occupation. It is not less critical for their potential clients. Repair and protection are most of all dependent upon this characteristics as well as addition of the life points and carried weight.
Charisma. The result of combination of a masculine injured face and a well suspended tongue. The character with great charisma does not have to use force to procure goods of a lucky merchant – he shall surrender it himself. The best people shall follow him, and the most beautiful ladies shall wait for him at every port. Charisma is a necessary feature for such perks as authority and commerce. Influences the number of the joined officers.
Intellect. Knowledge, wisdom and ability quickly to arrive to a decision. For a clever character it is not difficult to reload a gun quickly and to reduce prices at a shop. Treatment of navigational instruments, requires intellect, also. Influences commerce, guns, navigation.
Agility. Movements coordination and fast moving hands. A clumsy person always shall have his sword stuck in a sheath and the grappling hook shall catch the pants of its owner. Requires for such perks as light and medium arms pistols, grappling. Influences the number of jump back during the combat.
Joss. What is there to say about luck? We are the gentlemen if there is a luck with us, there are no gentlemen without luck. Assists in all other cases where everything is useless. A bullet shall miss your head and the enemy shall pass by without noticing you. Influences upon pistols, joss, stealthiness.

Prior to the beginning of a new game the player may redistribute readings of the characteristics as he wishes and depending upon the game style. It is necessary to remember that skills cannot be redistributed as you wish, because system S.P.E.C.I.A.L. is featured with certain limitations. For example, it impossible to assign the reading of any characteristics below 3 and exceeding 10. The aggregate sum of all readings of the characteristics must be equal to 40 (exception – the Main Character as “a secret agent”, who is provided with two additional points for the characteristics). Besides there are some limitations for the points distribution S.P.E.C.I.A.L. for various types of the main character. For example, the Secret Agent cannot be featured with the readings of any characteristics exceeding 8. For the other types of the Main Character the following rules are applicable:

A Corsair (S = 7, P = 6, E = 6, C = 3, I = 5, A = 8, J = 5). Min. agility (A) = 7, Max. Charisma (C) = 5.
A Merchant (S = 4, P = 9, E = 5, C = 6, I = 9, A = 3, J = 4). Min. intellect (I) = 5, Мax. strength (S) = 7.
Master (S = 8, P = 5, E = 7, C = 5, I = 7, A = 4, J = 4). Min. strength (S) = 5, Max perception (P) = 8.
An Inquisitor (S = 6, P = 4, E = 5, C = 8, I = 6, A = 6, J = 5). Min. charisma (C) = 6, Max. intellect (I) = 7.
An Adventurer (S = 5, P = 7, E = 4, C = 4, I = 6, A = 6, J = 8). Min. joss (J) = 6, Max. endurance (E) = 8.
A Secret Agent (S = 6, P = 6, E = 6, C = 6, I = 6, A = 6, J = 6). Maximum reading of any characteristics is equal to 8.

Apart from the characteristics the character is featured with 14 skills: 5 of them are personal and the rest 9 are applicable to the ship. The initial readings of the skills and rate of their improvement are dependent upon corresponding characteristics (see above). Maximum reading of any skill is equal to 100.
IMPORTANT! In the course of entire game the main character’s characteristics remain without changes, he will die as he was born. It is impossible either to improve or to redistribute characteristics in the course of the game. So, it is necessary to think twice before distribute them as you wish.

How shall I improve my swordsmanship (фехтование)? Fight, fight and fight! Now the arms are divided into 3 main classes – light (daggers, backswords), medium (swords, sabers) and heavy (axes, broad swords). When the Main Character is engaged in fights his ability to master the particular type of an arm is improved at the particular time. Correspondingly, to become a master of the sword who is capable to use any type of a sword – carry several swords with you during the game and keep changing them in the course of the game.
Keep trying to improve my swordsmanship (фехтование)when fighting but the enemies get cured faster than I can kill them... what shall I do? Hit more often! In fact try to hit all the time except when blocking a meeting blow. Do not stand in a block! Block the blow when the enemy just begins to lift his arm. If you do not have enough reaction – use time slow keys (key -; + correspondingly, shall increase the rate). Perks “cuirass” (in case the cuirass is available) and “professional swordsman” are very helpful.
I had a little fighting with skeletons in a cave and my skills had dropped -10! It’s and affect of one of latest introductions - health! If it is below excellent, the Main Character begins to acquire minuses for characteristics and causing this way presence of minuses for the skills: swordsmanship and authority. The health is self-improving, pretty slow, but any way. The fastest restoration shall be in cases when the Main Character does nothing (asleep at a tavern), twice as slow when sailing on a ship. Perk “medicine” facilitates restoration of the health twice as fast. A golden background of the indicator means that the health level at its maximum. Though, maximum health may diminish when getting serious damages (scars and injuries which shall affect the fighting ability during combat in future). Priests in churches can restore maximum of health but not too often, not for great and for great money. Sometimes it is necessary to visit 2 -3 priests to make “a good golden” health into “a good white one” and any way it will be necessary to wait until the health is restored up to the level of “excellent golden”.
I did not fight anyone for a long time but I get minuses for all characteristics anyway... It means that the Main Character owns a ship which he does not have enough navigation skill to control it for. The list of requirements for navigation applicable for various classes is presented below.
Where shall I find teachers on the archipelago? Strangers in jungles, visitors at shops and ship yards, believers at a church – may be teachers (not applicable for strangers in the street). Chances to meet them is not great – more often there are advisers, beggars, traders etc. For a considerable award he may improve one of your skills. The best chance to meet a teacher at a place where a lot of people could be met – for example San Juan church.
How is it possible to improve navigation during combats?

Either to shoot at or sink and ram the ships.
To capture ships by grappling.
To launch assaults upon fortresses (in this case guns and accuracy skills are improved considerably, too).

How is it possible to improve navigation during storms? It is unreasonable to try to improve navigation during storms if you do not have your own island – for a small ship it will take a great deal of time and for a big one it will be too expensive to repair the ship after that (especially at the levels “Terrors of seas” and “Impossible” – where perk fast repair doe not work). In general the tactics is the following: 1. Hire a skipper with navigation at least 70, get more or less serious ship like a pinace, get money and build a fort at Cayman or Terks. An option – capture a colony (for extreme players and players at level “sailor”). Appoint your own mayor – now, it is possible carry out the repair free of charge. 2. Capture a bigger ship, man of war is the best (the rate of improvement is dependent either upon the ships hits or maximum number of the crew). 3. Go around an island searching for a storm ignoring the enemies (perk “a skillful seaman” is very helpful). Keep dangling in the storm trying to keep the position either windward or against the wind – ensures a great improvement for navigation (the greater is the difficulty level the more difficult it could be done). When the ship’s hits are equal to 10 %, go to the port meet the mayor and carry out the repair. Do it until navigation is equal to 100. The same way it is possible to improve navigation skills of the hired skippers (just watch that their ships do not sink in the process).
What should be navigation index for the ships of various classes?

Class 6: 1-24
Class 5: 25-39
Class 4: 40-64
Class 3: 65-79
Class 2: 80-94
Class 1: 95-100

How is it possible to improve trade (торговля)? Trade ability is getting improved along with the process of buying and selling great batches of goods. Also, it is improved when buying and selling personal articles. In the course of smuggling the trade ability is not improved.
How is it possible to improve authority (авторитет)? To carry out any kind of operations when it is necessary to command people – from some quests up to capture of a colony.
How is it possible to improve stealthiness? Stealthiness is getting improved in the course of contraband selling. Besides, stealthiness is getting improved when you pretend to be another person, for example, when meeting headhunters either at sea or on land. Identically if the Main Character is not recognized when met at sea when sailing under a foreign flag – this action improves Stealthiness, too.
How is it possible to improve repair (ремонт)?

Set up “repair” perks and never forget to carry planks and sail cloth.
As soon as at a ship yard carry out repair works – “repair” is getting improved (only with the one who is the skipper of the ship, so, it is reasonable, when visiting a ship yard to change ships under various skippers commands to improve this useful function). Repair is growing proportionally to the restored hits of the ship: it is possible either to repair the ship completely or step by step – the aggregate growth will not change.

How shall I improve luck? The following actions facilitate improvement of the main character’s luck:

Fights on land. Luck is getting improved with every successful strike or a shot.
Battles at sea. Luck is getting improved in case of accurate hit of the enemy.
And, definitely, gambling. Every time when the Main Character wins his luck is getting improved.

What is reputation and what it is eaten with? The Main Characters reputation is a sort of a “thermometer” which shows level of the Main Character’s publicity on the archipelago and what kind of fame is the most popular about him. It can be either low (negative) or high (positive). Reputation keeps changing depending upon the Main Character’s activities. If the Main Character is involved in kind actions – reputation grows, otherwise it drops down. Reputation is changeable gradually. The whole reputation scale is divided into 7 groups (along with their growth): "Terror Of The Seas", "Bloody Murderer ", "Scum", "Cheat", "Ordinary Sailor", "Honest Skipper", "Protector of Dejected Ones", "Honorable Knight", "Hero". It important to remember that reputation in one group may be different. For example if the Main Character’s reputation is “Ordinary Sailor” it may be considered as the positive one (closer to the Honest Skipper) as well as negative – closer to the Cheat.
How shall I improve the reputation? (do not mix it up with Authority!)

To execute the stores keepers’ orders to ship the cargo.

o To escort merchants and transport passengers.

o To execute quests ("rescue of Toff’s daughter ", "Helping the Church ", "Strange things...", ...).

Set the captured skippers without ransom (skippers are in the lower holds , icon “lower hold” (трюм) and speak to them when the ship is in the coastal water of an island).
Save girls in jungles from rapists and gangsters.
Donate money to the Church and execute the priests’ missions to pacify the walking dead.
Give alms to beggars.

Just keep in mind that reputation is getting improved gradually (and getting reduced) and the corresponding text is not changed all of a sudden. Besides, the higher is the reputation it becomes more difficult to improve it further.

How shall I reduce the reputation?

To get involved in smuggling.
To execute the pirates’ quests.
Either to dismiss captured skipper on a plank at open sea or enslave them.
Refuse to help girls in jungles.
Blasphemy at a church.
To rob trade caravans.
To kill peaceful citizens and in general to commit inappropriate acts...

How shall I reduce a reward for my head?

In case of the hostilities with the nation which had assigned the reward – buy it off from the diplomat. The price is dependent upon the reputation (“Hero” pays the least). If the award exceeds 99000 this method does not work.
A meeting with the head hunters (ОЗГ) on land, sometimes, reduces the award disrespectfully its result (bribe, bluffing, fight).
Surrender to the head hunters and bribe the Chief of the jail – shall reduce the reward considerably.
Helping mayors (especially in case of a siege) – reduces the award.
If the award is extremely great and no other methods work – it is possible to pierce through the guards to the mayor and try to remove the award bribing him (approximately thrice as much). It does not work always if you meet an honest mayor you may be escorted to the fort and get shot!

Even after complete removal of the award for the head it is possible to encounter the head hunter at sea: he’s got an assignment and he did not know that the reward was removed.

What is the essence of perk “Change of the flag”? They help to save money and time a great deal. Enable the one to pretend to be a subject of any nation and enter any port without help of a diplomat. There are five various flags in the game (4 national flags as per the number of the nations and a flag of a Coastal Brotherhood). To be able to raise one or the other flag it is necessary to open corresponding ship perk of the Main Character. For example if the Main Character has opened either Flag of England or Flag of Spain then you will be able to raise a French Flag, providing, you have no French letter of marque. For the period of time of the committed activities the letter of marque is equal to the perk of the flag of the corresponding nation. To change the flag it is necessary to press "F2 ->Relations With Nations ->Changing Flag ". If the flag is not changed and you hear a thud it means that it is too late to change the flag: you are being noticed either by the adjacent hostile ships or the fortress. Not to face the problems of this kind develop a habit when approaching the island TO BE FAR AWAY at sea – it is possible to change the flag even when there are hostile ships at sea.
Important! Operation of perks “Changing Flags” is closely related to the mode of “Recognition Of The Main Character”. Be ready for a phenomenon that when if you had changed the flag then when meeting other ships at sea this ruse of war may be disclosed. In such a case you shall have to fight even your own friends... A chance to be recognized is directly proportional to the number and class of the ships in the Main Character’s fleet and reversed proportional in respect of skill Stealthiness. The only flag when recognition is not performed is the black one. If the Main Character has changed his flag for the black one he shall be attacked by everyone.
Important! Limitation in respect of utilization of the skills “Changing the Flag”: you cannot raise the flag of the nation which had set up a reward for your head exceeding 50 000 piasters.

What is the way to switch on a “Musket salvo”? It works automatically – during grappling there will be an inscription in the upper left angle of the picture “so many sailors had been killed by the salvo”. Losses after the musket salvo may be up to 25 % of the crew which was under fire, but not exceeding the number of the shooters. So, if being on a lugger and trying to grapple a man-of-war then the number of the killed sailors of the man-of-war shall not exceed the number of sailors you are launching the grappling operation with. At the same time the responding musket fire shall kill not more than a fourth part of your crew.
How does perk “Experience exchange” (Обмен опытом) work? Shall I loose my experience that was gained by my officers? The Main Character gets as much experience as without the perk but the officers shall get their percentage from the main character’ experience, additionally. The reverse procedure is absent. The Main Character DOES NOT receive additional experience if the officer has this perk. Apart from the above, perk “Experience exchange” ("Обмен опытом") enables the one to exchange items with officers in the course of grappling.
What is the essence of perk “Trustworthy” (Вызывающий доверие)? Any way it is possible to look at the smuggled goods and it is impossible to sell them! The idea is to enable the Main Character some smuggled goods (for a huge smuggling price, naturally), if the need is great, for example, - slaves, or food stuff. Also, the essence is constituted by the fact that it is possible to enable the Main Character to see general volume of goods with the merchant: the more is the goods volume – the less are buying prices. But it is impossible to sell great batches of goods at the shop: it shall be too evident. The goods are accepted by “dealers” at bays (smugglers and the merchant are same and correspondingly, the same warehouse). Besides, if the Main Character has this perk the employers shall close their eyes on his reputation and assign him with missions and the architect shall agree to erect a colony for the Main Character with a negative reputation.
I’ve heard that at different difficulty levels various perks and features are switched off – where can I see the list?

With difficulty level “Sailor” (“Матрос”) the time may be slowed down up to 0, and it is possible to be at the block as much as necessary, and the number of jump backs of the Main Character during combat is unlimited.

o For the difficulty level “Sailor” (“Матрос”) there is a cheating perk “grappling by choice” ("абордаж по выбору").

o With difficulty of “Sailor” the mode of health does not work (there are no minuses for skills and characteristics).

o With difficulty “Sailor” command “reach a hostile town” is operational.

For the first two difficulty levels new navigation (reduction of maneuverability with low speed) does not work for the main character.
For the first two difficulty levels the minimum crew of the companions, too great number of the crew and overloading of the lower hold is not taken into consideration.
For the first two difficulty levels the enemy and officers do not use medicine bottles at combat.
For the difficulty level “Impossible” ("Невозможный") perk “quick repair” ("быстрая починка") is switched off.

The level has been improved but there is no perk. That’s correct. New level is provided for improvement of skills (any) for a certain summed number of points and the new perk – for improvement of skills of the same group. If the skills were improved in different groups (pistols + navigation, for example) – the level of the Main Character shall grow, and the perk shall be provided as soon as the lacking points of the concrete group of the skills are accumulated. The number of points required to increase the level/to get a perk is dependent upon the main character’s intellect. To see the remaining number of the points for the level improvement you may under the portrait of the Main Character if you click on the name of the character. To see the number of point to get a perk it is necessary to select an icon of either personal or ship perks. IMPORTANT! I the main character’s intellect is low you will not be able to open all personal perks. All ship perks cannot be opened with the highest (10) level of the main character’s intellect. Besides, the maximum obtainable level of the Main Character in the game is also dependent upon the intellect.

4. SHIPS

How shall I improve my ship? In Fort-de-France on Martinique from the pier at the port turn right. There is a passage between the rocks behind the house of the Chief of the port. It leads to monsieur Alexus’ best ship yard of the archipelago. For a huge award monsieur shall bring condition of the ship up to “lumini perfectum” (lat. “brilliant perfection”). Attention! The ships are accepted at working hours, only and finish of the ships is carried out using the Customer’s materials.
Why the ships (especially improved ones) sail faster than the wind? First the speed of wind is not the limit for a sailing ship. For those who want to clarify the sailing physical model I may offer to see the following link: http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~jw/sailing.html (in English). Second, in fact no ships of the Add-on do not sail ahead the wind. Do not forget that in reality the force of the wind is measured in points (1 point = 2.5 m/sec), in the Add-on it is measured in m/sec and the speed of a ship it is measured in knots (1 knot – about 0.5 m/sec).
How shall I place my ship for a station? At the ports of Fort-de-France, Port Royal, Curacao, Santiago speak to the Chief of the port at his house. It is possible to leave 3 ships at every port where a Chief of the port is available. The officers shall remain on the ship and the crew shall run away. No food stuff is necessary. The cost of the station is dependent upon the class of the ship from 20 – 50 thousand each for one time. It shall be there until you take it back.
I want “Black Pearl” (Черную Жемчужину) (ЧЖ)! At sea there may ships ON THE BASIS of the “Black Pearl” model. They do not have ragged sails, they are ordinary ships of the line (may be on sale on Nevis). They are a bit faster than standard ships of the line but provided with smaller hull. And “Black Pearl” itself is rare in the game and only after indication of the archipelago citizens. Express your interest till you meet a person who saw it “just a moment ago”. Then when sailing off for the sea there is a chance to meet it near the island. It is possible, though very difficult to sink it and to grapple and capture at the end of the whole quest itself. Thou to be sunk by “Black Pearl” does not mean death of the Main Character but the beginning of the game from zero point (the ship and personal articles of the Main Character are lost but deposits with the money lenders shall remain).
What’s up, there is no a 200-guns man of war, anymore? Strictly speaking it was not there before, either. I.e. it was written 200, but in reality 100 were used. The Man-of-War is still there as the quest itself – just the description is brought to corresponding with reality.
The game is switched off after exchanging the ships on the land “through a lower hold” (через трюм)! Yes it does, and it shell be. The game is not accounted for such exchange! It’s possibility just an indulgence for the player without any guarantees! We just can complete the set with the following advices:

The easiest method and the one which provides maximum of guarantees is the following: do not use this possibility on land. It is possible to shift the cargo but not to exchange the ship.
If it is not allowed, but the wish is great, than it is possible – but there is a remark: do not save in the same location after exchange; do not perform any actions where the ships menus are involved (a tavern, ship yard etc.); exchange the ships back as soon as possible.
Final exchange (shifting the members to a new ship for good) – should be done at sea only! For example, if you sell the Main Character at the ship yard and later you want to carry out the exchange through a “lower hold” the ships with the companion – the game shall fatally go off to Windows with a possibility not to be able to resume the game.

What the meaning of the red and blue arrow in the ship’s characteristics? Ability to sail under a steep angle in respect to the wind (heading wind on the bow – i.e. when the wind is either from the left or right side in front). Dependent, first of all on the kind of the ship – availability of fore-and-aft sails.

5. OFFICERS, SAILORS

What are the types of officers and what they are meant for? Sometimes officers of the game are just irreplaceable. As a rule, an officer may be found in a tavern, spending his evening time drinking rum. Another way is to ask the tavern owner (for an award, the sum of which is dependent upon the Main Character level), is there is anybody who wants to get employed to a ship. Speak to an officer and perhaps he will join you (for a certain award). In the course of the dialog with the officer it is possible to get information about his type and characteristics. There are several types of the officers. Here is their approximate description:

First mate (first officer). One of the most necessary officers at sea. Keep in mind that only him could be assigned to command another ship. Provided with highly developed skills: authority/
Skipper. He is the only one who is capable to plot a correct heading and to squeeze everything from your vessel it is capable for.
Provided with highly developed skills - navigation.
Quartermaster. Responsible for the cargo and conditions of the ship. Reduces the volume of the cargo spoiled by rats. Also, assists the Main Character or a skipper to gat more beneficial prices

Provided with highly developed skills: trade, repair.

o Cannoneer. Cannons are his favorite. An experienced cannoneer shall always be required in the course of a sea battle, also, he would be able to command over a fort.
Provided with highly developed skills: cannons and accuracy.

Boatswain. Who is the best when throwing a grappler hook? Whose throat is the most powerful on a ship to call the grappling team for an attack? Of course it will be a boatswain. Also, he would be able to place the crew on the deck and sailyards to reduce the damage caused by an enemy.
Provided with highly developed skills: grappling and defense.
Grappling officer. An extra strong hand and accurate eye during grappling or a fight on land.
Provided with highly developed skills: mastership of various weapons and arms and pistols.

Remark. The said description is irrelevant to the quest officers (see below). All quest officers are “first mates” but apart from the authority they, also, have perks in their own skills, every one of them – in their own field. Besides, they are excellent masters of as cold as well as fire arms.

As per their status the officers are divided into the following categories:

1. Active officers. They compose a team of the main character, which escorts the Main Character at sea ant on land, take their parts in fights, grappli9ng operations and assaults. The ship skills (only) are taken into account when calculating aggregate readings of the ship skills. The “positive” and “negative” articles which the officers have at their possession are also counted.

2. Passenger officers. They are located on the Main Character’s ship awaiting their appointment to some position. Their skills are not taken into consideration anywhere.

Companions. Officers appointed to command the ships of the Main character fleet. They may have their own officers. The companions’ ship skills are considered when calculating aggregate readings of the skills for a companion’s ship. The companions are constantly placed on their ships and accompany the Main Character at sea only as a part of his fleet.

Besides, an officer may be appointed as a mayor of the colony (either of the captured or the built one). For this purpose a skilled and well experienced with great authority quartermaster can be employed. Also it is possible to appoint an officer as a commandant of the fortress of the built colony. For this purpose a skilled and well cannoneer shall be the best.

How many officers can I hire? Number of the passengers who can join the Main Character is depended upon the efficient reading of characteristics “Charisma” and equally efficient _Charisma*2. Efficient Charisma is constituted by Charisma accounting minuses which were gained by the Main Character if his health either is different from Excellent or if he steer the ship which does not correspond his skills of Navigation. The skippers of the ships left behind at ports and mayors who are appointed by the Main Character are NOT ACCOUNTED. Besides, even if the Main Character have a full set of officers the quest characters shall join him anyway, such as a Maltese Knight of quest “Strange things…”. Also merchants may join the Main Character not accounting Charisma as companions for the quest of an escort or for the quests of the British line .
Who are Dankas (Даньки) and where shall I find them? Not bad girls-officers applicable for the beginning up to the 20-th level. Obtained their nick names from the name of the model Danielle. There are three of them in the archipelago – Luisa Drake on the island of Nevis at the pirate fort, Annie Bonny on the island of Venezuela at the smugglers’ fort, Mary Reed on the island Curacao at the pirates fort. Their characteristics are different, employment wage is the same (30000 golden coins for any one of them). Nevertheless they would not join the crew is the reputation of the Main Character does not correspond their reputation. For example to employ Annie Bonny the Main Character must have a very high reputation, positive one, such as “An Honorable Knight” or “a Hero” ". to employ two other girls it is necessary to have extremely low reputation (negative). So you better do not even try to do that until you have reputation higher than “A Scum”....
What is the way to employ Jack (Джэк), Blade (Блэйд), Turner (Тернер)and other quest officers? It is possible to employ only two of them from the whole number. At the beginning of the game from the list of characters which will be a Main Character of the game and randomly one of two who are placed at some prisons in the archipelago (naturally different ones). One of them shall have a high (positive) reputation and another one – a low one (negative). Having a certain reputation the Main Character can convince them to join him as officers. To hire a “good” prisoner it is necessary to have a reputation not blow the reputation of the latter one, and to hire the “bad” one it just the opposite: his reputation must not be higher of the officer to be hired by the Main Charatcer. Naturally o be able to hire these guys it will be necessary to give a considerably great bribe (50 000) to the Chief of the jail.
How is it possible to see the officer’s statistics? In the menu applicable to F2 there is a point “Character” ("ПЕРСОНАЖ") – apart from the parameters of your character using keys <- and -> it is possible to see statistics and perks of all your officers and passengers. Also, it is possible to see characteristics, skills, perks and reputation of the officer prior to employment choosing an appropriate response during the dialogue.
In the menu of characters on the pictures of my officers there are some icons: a ship, sword, white flag – what does it mean? A ship – he is a skipper of one of the ships of the player; swords – accompanies the Main Character and fights together with him on land and during grappling; swords and a whit flag – fights on the land only (during grappling is in the lower hold); swords and a ship – is an officer of the one of the companion skippers; nothing – just sails together with the Main Character (a passenger – his statistics do not have any impact upon anything).
How shall I equip the officer? Approach the officer face to face, press icon Enter and choose the icon for the items exchange – here it is possible to pass any items to the officer and collect the ones he agrees either to return or pass over to the main character. Items like amulets, idols, bullets may be passed over to an officer and to recover them back; and arms and heavy cuirasses the more experience quest officers shall retain as their personal equipment – it is impossible to recover theses items (there is the only chance to replace them for the better ones).
Why the others can exchange the things during the grappling and I cannot? These others have a perk “Experience Exchange” ("обмен опытом") – it ensures such a possibility.
How shall I put a cuirass on an officer? The officer must have perk “cuirass” "Кираса". Just give him a cuirass an he shall put it on himself although externally it is unnoticeable (otherwise it would have required to change all models and it would be an extra volume, - and great one, of new files).
What perks are to be assigned for the officers? With the officers only those perks are operational which are not to be activated manually. For example the officers shall never use perk “Rage” even if they have it. It does not matter whether they sail independently or as the Main Character’s officers. It is reasonable to confer personal perks upon the officers who sail together with the Main Character, perks “Iron Will” and “Trustworthy”. Action of these perks effects the Main Character if they are available with the officers. Important! Perk “Trustworthy” is featured with a special feature: if the Main Character’s reputation is “Terror Of The Seas” and this perk is available with an officer only (and the Main Character does not have it), then the Main Character shall be able to see smuggled goods but he shall not be able to convince the architect to erect a colony or to get a mayor’s mission (merchant, money lender). With reputation Bloody Murderer and above action of the perk is complete.
All other personal perks (swordsmanship, shooting etc.) do not effect the Main Character at all. Perk “Experience exchange” of the officers shall work for the officers only but not for the Main Character. You are not an officer of your own officer. It profitable to use this perk when the companion has his own officers – they shall be improved.
Differently from the personal perks almost all officers’ ship perks are applicable for the Main Character. Exception is perk “Customs” and perks related to change of flags. So, it is reasonable to confer the following perks upon the officers and companions:

Preliminary cannons loading (предварительная зарядка орудий)
Easy repair (легкий ремонт)
Fast repair (быстрая починка)
Turn for 180^o (поворот на 180^o)
Sailing by shallow water (плавание на мелководье)
Brander (брандер)
Order for grappling (приказ на абордаж)
Landing of an assault party (высадка десанта)

If these perks are available with the Main Character’s officers these perks could be used by the Main Character during combat action activating them with the help of a menu. If these perks are available with a skipper of one of the ships of the Main Character’s fleet the Main Character shall not use them on his own but he may issue an order to use them (order->skills). Besides, all perks shall be operational when they are not activated independently.

If I give an artifact for the officer +10 for something (for example for trade) and appoint this officer as a mayor will this + taken into account? And if I appoint him to another ship? Pluses are added to statistics of the main character’s officer (the ones who are on his ship) and skippers of the fleet. A mayor is not an officer; officers of other skippers are not estimated with the same formula (there are too many of them and it will be too great load upon the engine).
How much shall I pay the officer monthly? (It is too much together with Philosopher and Dankas!) Philosopher and Dankas are paid only once – when they are employed. After that as to ordinary officers. The sum of their wage is included into the aggregate sum of the crew payment and it may be seen in the menu Ship - Crew.
How to improve the officers?

Swordsmanship and pistols: to take them for assaults/attacks; grappling and onto the caves.
Sea skills: to appoint them as skippers of your fleet and their officers.
All: to have a perk “Experience Exchange” ("обмен опытом"), and keep the officer under improvement in your unit!

This is the only way. “Teachers” ("Учителя") shall improve statistics of the Main Character only.

How shall I employ Philosopher (Философа)? What does he need? Reputation “Hero” ("герой"), blade “killidge” ("килидж") an a ship not below class 3.
My favorite officer has left me!!! If the officer is provided with a positive reputation he would leave you if you are engaged in bad activities (for example, “selling” captured skippers to the mayors, smuggling), and if it is negative than in case of good acts (for example, when setting free the prisoners without ransom, when shipping cargo as per merchants’ quests). If both types are available in the crew it is necessary to get engaged in different acts: to rob, to get engaged in smuggling and kill the armless, to carry out positive quests (donations for the church do not have any impact upon the officer’s loyalty). The officer’s loyalty is indicated under his image in menu “Characters” ("Персонажи"); when it diminishes to the extremely left edge the officer goes out. IMPORTANT! Activities have an impact upon the officer’s loyalty but not the Main Character’s reputation as it is! There is no direct dependence between the reputation and loyalty of the officer: it is possible to have reputation “Hero” ("герой") and to be involved in smuggling increasing reputation at a church but officer – hero – shall go out any way. It will not help if you replace the officer sending him to passengers but if you assign him as a skipper of one of your ships then the officer shall not leave you (responsibility for his duties). Identically, a good reputation does not make a “bad” officer to turn away from you. It is possible to employ bad Danka, improve the reputation at a church to the maximum but if you are involved in robbery, smuggling and killing defenseless people – she would stay with you being very happy.
I do nothing bad and a “good” officer keeps trying to leave me anyway!!! He does not try to leave you but tries to extort a bonus for himself. You may pay him off and you may send the racketeer to hell. By the way, the quest officers do not do it. But if the quest officer is appointed as mayor of the colony and later he is dismissed from that post and taken back to your company he shall be no different from the others and shall begin to press you for money. A similar effect takes place when the quest officer had escaped the sinking ship in a life boat.
Where is it possible to hire a huge crew (for a man of war, line ship)? At all taverns there are 5 - 10 men only! The number of the sailors at a tavern is dependent not upon the island but upon your effective authority and difficulty level. IMPORTANT! Do not mix the basic authority of the main hero (presented in menu “Main Hero” ("Персонаж") and effective authority (which is left after the basic one after a penalty for the lack of navigation). If you do not have enough navigation to control a ship of a certain class – the penalty shall be assigned for all skills (including an authority). To check effective statistics is possible using F2-Ship (click on a ship) or in the brackets after basic statistics. Effective statistics do not get into minuses (as minimum 1), but even – 30 for all skills is too VERY, just TOO MUCH VERY bad. It is better if you change the ship for the one of lower class. One more important moment: if your fleet consists of 3 – 4 ships with a big crew (Man-of-War, a ship of the line, a battle ship) it will not be possible to hire a complete crew for all of them even with an effective authority 100. The Add-on is not estimated for the actions when you possess 4 Men-of-War’s with a COMPLETE crew on each of them! Either have an incomplete crew (for trade) or leave 1 or 2 ships at a station at a port (to launch an attack and for other combat actions).
Why do slaves refuse to join my crew? There are same limitations for reception of the slaves for the crew as for the ordinary sailors – if there is no enough authority (aggregate for the ship, accounting bonuses/minuses) nobody shall join the crew.

6. TACTICS DURING COMBAT, GRAPPLING, ASSAULT.

How is it possible to capture a skipper of a hostile ship? The skipper of a hostile ship shall surrender if you have either a very high or very low reputation; some skills which have an impact upon grappling ability, superior crew and class of the ship. Sips of the first class shall never surrender. And do not forget about effective statistics! If you sail a Man-of-War with navigation equal to 1 you shall get – 94 penalty for your skills, as a result your other skills equal to 100 shall be accounted as equal to 6, you shall have no superiority and nobody shall surrender a ship to you. The plus ensuring articles are not taken into account.
How is it possible to know the number of the crew, conditions of sails, hull of the hostile ship? It necessary to use either a black or a red-copper long glass. It is possible to see these parameters of the ship and through the “excellent” one (red) including: what the guns are loaded with.
What shall I do if there is too great a crew on the hostile ship but anyway I want to grapple and to capture it? Prior to grappling shoot the ships with canister shots! The less crew is visible through the long glass (minimum 25 % of its minimum crew – the rest are hiding and the canister shots cannot reach them) – the less shall be their number on the decks during the grappling operation. But, though, it cuts both ways: you shall less number of slaves if the enemy crew surrenders. Also, it is very helpful to raise morals of your crew (maximum is “heroic”) – it shall be more difficult to kill the sailors and they shall fight better.
Being on a galleon I grapple a yacht and loose a half of the crew. Is it a bug? Most likely in the lower hold of the Main Character’s ship there is a lack of weapons for the whole crew (or it is not there at all) as goods “Weapons”. The sailors who did not have weapons are forced to fight with bare hands and they get killed by the enemy immediately.
Why are there sailors with different numbers of hits on identical hostile ships? The enemy’s number of hit points is dependent upon a lot of various parameters and the main one is the ratio of the sailors numbers of the crews of your and enemy’s ships (the greater is the number of the enemy sailors, the greater is the enemy’s hit points).. This formula may be studied in the Add-on manual. The same formula is applicable for the forts defenders.
Why after grappling when I press the key “exchange” (обмен) I hear a knock on the door? Because to exchange (to shift an officer on to the captured ship) it is necessary to shift a minimum crew on to it before that (it is about 20 % of the complete crew). After that (after an exchange or assignment of an officer) it is possible to take it back. Besides, to capture a ship it is necessary to have an officer as “a first mate”. Only this officer can be appointed as a skipper of the ship.
Why during the grappling process I cannot get the log, the chests cannot be opened and there is no a fast action icon? Did you look through a long glass? Did you remove it prior to grappling? That’s the cause. Remove the long glass prior to grappling operation.
What is the correct way to assault a fortress? To attack a fortress “fairly”, choose the wind direction, its parameters are randomly changed. The greater is the wind force – the faster is closing down movement and naturally the direction it is likely that the wind is directed to the fortress. The guns for the fortressess were selected in such a way that un-improved Man-of-War of the Spanish quest without repair can attack and capture any fort in the most “fair” manner. Moreover, to “reach” is not always the most beneficial position for the attacking ship. Sometimes it is better to reach the fortress moving along a shore, so, only few cannons of the fortress can deliver fire at the same time. Some fortresses consist of two parts and it is necessary to demolish both of them to get a chance to send an assault party. It is better to go to the fortress together with your officers – because they can use medicine bottles and it is easier to assault the fort. Philosopher on board is very helpful – because of his abilities the assault is faster considerably and losses among the crew are significantly less significantly.
How is it possible to assist the fortress of another nation to defend the colony? When anybody’s fleet attacks a colony and you want to assist it defense it is possible: 0). (not obligatory) Through the jungle enter the town and speak to the Governor about the conditions of help for the Main Character for defense of the colony against the attackers.
1. Being on the map not far from the town shift into the sea mode and sink the hostile ships of the attacking fleet. After that go to the Governor of the saved colony for the reward.

It is possible to act in a different way:

2. (obligatory). Speak to the Governor about an attempt to pay of a ransom and collect the ransom money.
4. Speak to the skipper of the flag ship of the attacking fleet and offer a ransom to him. It is possible to get into a bargain at the beginning and offer not the entire sum provided by the Governor. If the skipper of the flag ship agrees return back to your ship (the chests with bullion shall be shifted by the sailors).

After that the skipper of the assaulting fleet may go back in his words and resume the siege (the player becomes his enemy and gets under fire – when on small ship it is equal to death)... but he may keep his word he shall raise the sails and sail off. In the latter case report to the Governor. If you have managed to save some part of the money it is possible to return it back to the mayor: he shall give a part of it + your reputation is improved. It is possible to hide it... the reputation is not improved in this case. ATTENTION! A attempt to reach the map shall be considered by the defending nation as an attempt to go away with its money and to violate an agreement. If you return back prior to the siege end and return money and agree to sink the fleet you will be forgiven. Not otherwise. If you want to avoid the situation – return back to the Governor not shifting into the map.

How is it possible to assist the fleet of the other nation to capture a colony? When anybody’s fleet attacks a colony and you want to assist to capture it you must approach the flag ship of the attacking fleet, send a boat to it and come to agreement about the conditions with the admiral.
How is it possible to capture a colony and to present it to my favorite state? Very simple – just have its letter of marque and in that case after the assault during the final dialogue with the governor of the captured colony there will be an additional line. After that it is necessary to report to the Governor (not the mayor!) of the nation you are on service for and he shall give you some money. IMPORTANT! Beginning from version 1.05.1002, because of adding several quest lines for various nations there “a pause of a live world”. It means that until you complete one (any) quest line for nations (today it is English and Spanish ones), you can not capture a colony. You can only rob them. After one of the quest lines is completed there is a chance to capture a colony and either make it your own or to pass it over to your nation.
There are no forts of towns Des-Moines (Дес Мойнес), Fort Orange (Форт Оранж) and San-Damaso how is it possible to capture them? Get outside the town select the necessary command from the journal – “other business” (“другие дела”) there find the command: “attack the closest town” (напасть на ближайший город”) (quite a great number of sailors are required to start (800). There is one more method (it does not work always, but it requires a minimum number of sailors) – but find it yourself!
Had anybody tried to move all nations from the archipelago? Is it possible or not? It will not work. Any way they would be there even if their colonies are occupied – they shall use pirate and allied ports to procure foodstuff and ammunition.
Is it necessary to guard the captured colony? As literally as “to guard” ("охранять") (to be constantly in its water) – it is not. The former hosts, definitely, shall try to fight it back, but not immediately (usually from 2 weeks up to 2 months are passed), plus, they would need to consume a month for the siege. In the course of the month from the moment of the siege beginning it is possible to arrive and sink the attackers – but if you are late – the colony surrenders (it could not stand starvation). The colony may be bought out from a diplomat (for a few millions) and after the former hosts calm down. IMPORTANT! After the colony was bought out anyway it could be attacked but it would be on general grounds: i.e. extremely seldom and nobody shall be involved in a scheduled extended siege (i.e. there is a chance for the fort to repel the attack on its own).
Why there are no guarding ships near my colony as with the others? Because do not ask – they will not be there, anyway. By the way, if they were there the profits from the colony would be much less (it would be necessary to feed the sailors on the guarding ships by all means).
If I capture all colonies shall the game be over? No, it will not be. The hostile ships shall continue sailing trying to make a foot on the archipelago again, and in general, the life shall go on. There is no a special plotline in the Add-on – there is just a pirate style of life. Capture of the archipelago is considered as informal end of the game for the tournaments for a time being.

7. TRADE, SHIPS, ARTICLES, GOODS, GAMES

I wanted to sell a ship at a shipyard and I am proposed 0 piasters… It’s a robbery!!! It is not a robbery at all. First, the owner of the ship yard buys the ships cheap so to sell ships effectively it is necessary to have an enhanced skill “Trade” and trade perks or to hire a quartermaster with these skills. Second, the purse of the owner of the ship yard is not unlimited and may happen so that his money is expired. The sum available at the ship yard is displayed in the form of selling/repair of the ships (in the bottom right part). And, after all, the most frequent cause is constituted by the fact that trade skill of the Main Character is equal to 1 because of present minuses due to the reduced health or lack of Navigation skills.

How is it possible to procure/sell a lot of goods at the same time? When buying/selling goods at the side of the buttons there are diagonal arrows (selling – blue arrow, buying – red one). When pressing a corresponding button the goods of the selected type are bought/sold. IMPORTANT! This method is applicable for the goods in the lower holds it is not applicable for personal articles! With the help of a rectangular button “Sell it all” ("Продать все"), ALL GOODS placed on the ship are sold out but not any certain goods. As a rule, this button is used prior to the ship selling. Pressing button +<right>, +<left> it is possible to move by the goods list to the right or left sides.
Is there any difference of prices of various things (cameos, diamonds etc.) at various shops, i.e. is it possible to make money using them as goods or to sell the discovered ones, only? There is no differenced – it is possible to sell the, anywhere.
What is a “rat god” (крысиный бог) and how is it possible to get it? It is an amulet which protects goods on one ship against rats spoiling (if there are several ships in the fleet then each of the skippers must have this amulet). It is impossible to by it at a shop it is obtainable in the buried treasures and during combats. It is possible to retrieve it anywhere but there are better chances to find them on “killed” skeletons. Also it is possible to find them in the buried treasures of the second level ("второй ступени") (by the maps developed from the halves from the other buried treasures).
How rats can scoff arms? Why do they scoff planks, when a foodstuff is near? That’s the kind of malicious rats we have here... And who does not face problems today? Request: do not raise the problems relevant to reality. The rats are developed to create some extra problems for the player. If it was known before what the rats were going to scoff it would be possible to feed and ignore them. And now they are an accidental naughty and unpredictable factor to be taken into account. And again – who would be interested to find a rat god if it was possible to ignore the rats?
In a buried treasure I found an idol which brought all my statistics down and it is impossible to throw it away! What shall I do??? It is a quest article. Sail for Isla-de-Muerto – there find an Inca’s temple. Using arrows in the shape of sculls on the floor with a plinth in the middle and place the idol onto it – a pass to the alcove shall be opened – there mummies are guarding a shotgun. The idol works continuously – it is possible to get the idol, to install it, improve the statistics, come back and the pass shall still be open.
I have a sword with block piercing ability equal to 100 % - but I can’t pierce through all times! The block equal to 100 % - but anyway I get killed anyway! Is it an error? No, it is not. A bonus for the arms is just a bonus, but not an absolute value. If the enemy is provided with a block equal to 100 %, and your blow is equal to 100 % - then these bonuses shall “eat” each other and only basic chance are remaining (the function of statistics of the level/statistics/perks etc.).
What sword is the best in the game and where can I get it? There is no such a thing “a best sword”. If it was there then everyone would have it, everybody would be alike and it would have been uninteresting. As a matter of fact the re are a few pretty good blades provided with bonuses in one or the other field – attack, defense, loss. All of them could be discovered in the buried treasures, only. There is on more blade – a legendary Morgan’s backsword but it is only one for the entire archipelago (it is impossible to equip all officers with it), and it is possible to get it in the course of an independent quest. It features 99 blow and block, but the damage is not the greatest (in the buried treasure there are some type of weapons with the greater damage).
I have 22 rings +10 for the luck (к везению) and an artifact with -20 for the luck (к везению), but all in all as a sum instead of 200, I get -10! Why? The bonus of identical article is applicable only once, so, -20 + 10 = -10. The aggregate sum of skills and bonuses for them cannot be less 1 or exceed 100.
How is it possible to get a letter of marque? There are two main methods to obtain a letter of marque: either executing mayors’ assignments or to buy it off from an agent at tavern and the latter is possible only in case of high level of luck. To obtain the letters of marque from the mayors it is necessary to accomplish an “n” number of assignments (bring jungles to an order, kill smugglers, sink a pirate ship). The number of the assignments is variable, it can not be less than 5, but not exceeding 10. IMPORTANT! The assignments are counted when executing an assignment of every mayor, separately! Refusal to accomplish an assignment reduces the number of the accomplished ones. The other assignments which may be obtained in the town have nothing to do with getting the letter of marque and there is no sense to complain that “I have killed” 500 skeletons and there is no a letter of marque”.
Why in the game "21" two aces correspond to “overshoot” (перебором)? Two aces correspond to “twenty-one” exactly! There is quite a number of versions of rules for the game "21" aka " pontoon". There is the type "blackjack", where a jack, queen and king bring 10 points each... and so on. THESE ARE OUR rules and try to find a proof that in the Caribbean of the 17-th century the rules were different! Do not raise the questions relevant to modern realities… the rules are what they are and nobody shall change them.
I found a locked chest in the buried treasure…and collected a lot of cursed coins. May I sell them or I shall need them later? There are a lot of articles in the game which are used during the quests, but at the same time they may be valuable on their own to use them outside the quests too – or just to sell them. Add-on RSL is not the “Lands of Lore”: it is impossible to make a fatal mistake here which shall lead to loosing a quest article making continuation of the game impossible. If you need any found article which you discovered before for a quest – you shall always have another chance to get it.
I keep trying to have a drink with a drunkard at a tavern and he keeps singing, only... A drunkard at a tavern shall offer to have a drink with him providing, that there is 100 coins in the main character’s pocket, only.

8. COLONIES, TOWNS, FORTRESSES

How shall I build my own town? In some taverns along entire archipelago it is possible to meet one of architects (all in all there are 4 of them, counting one per nation) who shall agree to erect a town for you for a certain fee. To hire an architect you must have either a positive reputation or perk “Truswarthy”. Take him to one of uninhabited islands (there two of them: Terks and Cayman) and land in harbors. When you find a good one you will be informed about it by the architect. It will be the place where a fort and town shall be erected.
After erection of the basic village and appointing a mayor you enable yourself to open a store and a tavern and to repair your ships free of charge. For this purpose it is necessary to speak to the appointed mayor of the colony about the colony improvement and transfer a certain sum of money to search appropriate personnel for the key positions in the town (a tavern owner, store keeper etc.) After some time ordinary population shall be formed up in the newly erected town. After erection of the first village is accomplished there will be a chance to order its “further upgrade” with the architect. All in all you are able top upgrade your town not more than three times. After each upgrade the colony shall grow it will be featured with new possibilities and its exterior shall get changed too (the exterior of the town is dependent upon the island you have chosen too). Below are the colonies properties depending upon their upgrade level and the island.

· Terks:
1. Basic settlement (a tavern, a residence, a store, a shipyard); basic fortress (20 cannons);
2. upgraded fortress (31 cannons);
3. exterior is getting changed, there is a church; an upgraded fortress (37 cannons);
4. exterior is getting changed, there is a church; an upgraded fortress (45 cannons);

· Cayman:
1. Basic settlement (a tavern, a residence, a store); basic fortress (15 cannons);
2. upgraded fortress (21 cannons);
3. exterior is getting changed, there is a church; an upgraded fortress (32 cannons);
4. exterior is getting changed, there is a church; an upgraded fortress (45 cannons); besides, apart from Terks there is a possibility tp select any level of taxation).
IMPORTANT! Be aware to erect two colonies at the same time employing two architect simultaneously. The architects are extremely jealous and touchy! If they encounter each other there shall be a fatal error which shall lead to the situation when it is impossible to proceed with erection of the colony (the architect will refuse to work after the subsequent stage).

There are 4 architects in the archipelago, all of them have different competence level, all of them demand different sums. Does it all influence “quality” of the colony or they build all the same? They build with the same good quality but for a different time period. The one who asks a higher fee erects faster.
How shall I appoint a mayor in my own town? What statistics he must have? Choose an officer with authority not lower 40. When in the town (not in a shop or any other building) initiate a dialogue with the officer. There will be a line: I want to speak about your promotion. You trust at the highest level and promote him up to a mayor. The shop owners and other personnel you shall employ with his help at his residence. The higher is the officer’s authority, trade and reputation – the more taxes he shall collect. You cannot appoint Dankas as mayors. If you appoint a mayor right after capturing a colony then he, as the other citizens, shall arrive and begin execution of his duties after a certain period of time, when everything calms down and marauder sailors are driven away from the town (for the game it means to shift to a map and wait for a day).
What officer shall I appoint to command the fortress? A commandant of the fortress may be appointed for the erected colonies, only, and there will be another line in the dialogue – about the colony defense. The officer must have artillery skills: 50 accuracy and cannons is sufficient. It is impossible to replace the commandant so, choose the best as possible from the very beginning!
The stores of the architect and mayor of my town – are they the same? No, they are not. They are completely independent warehouses. The warehouse of the architect is filled by you and these goods are used in the erection process, after the construction is completed excessive stocks shall vanish. The mayor’s warehouse shall be in case the Main Character (not the mayor!) has perk “Customs” ("Таможня"); these goods are stocked by the mayor (he collects taxes this way) and these goods completely belong to the player – it is possible to pick them up completely and sell, if you wish. Also, it is possible to use it as a store for the loot (especially related to the food stuff, powder and bombs). Neither the one or the other has anything to do with ammunition store of the fort (it is invisible and filled by the commandant), or a warehouse of the merchant of your island (if there is such a person) – the merchant shall maintain his own warehouse and he shall get his own profit.
Why are there rebellions in the colonies? Because of too great taxation. With the highest taxes they shall be often, not as often in case of the increased ones and under normal taxation they shall never be there.

9. QUESTS

Quests generated in the course of the game.

Deliver of a cargo to a shop. To be taken at any shop of a friendly nation.
Ship a passenger. To be taken from a tavern owner at any tavern.
Escort a merchant. To be taken from a tavern owner at any tavern.
Sink a pirate. To be taken from a mayor of a friendly nation.
Bring the jungles to an order. To be taken from a mayor of a friendly nation.
Kill smugglers. To be taken from a mayor of a friendly nation.
Beat a debt out for a money lender. To be taken from any money lender.
Delivery of gold. To be taken from any money lender.
BURIED TREASURE. To be taken from “scum” at a tavern (could be met pretty seldom) – a map id bought for 5 - 40 thousand in gold.
Information about a merchant. To be taken from some drunkards at taverns.
To pacify the unholy ones. To be taken from a priest at any church.

Quest “Samsa’s buried treasure” ("Клад Самсы").

How to initiate: at the port of San Juan on Puerto Rico speak to a person who looks like Barbossa; find and give him a rat god "крысобога". Among the offered options of the conversation choose “drink rum at a tavern” "выпить рома в таверне".
Requirements: an artifact “rat god” "крысиный бог", 50 000 money.
Gain: a ship of the line “Black Shark” ("Черная Акула"), a golden cuirass, a battle ship, money and treasures, expensive cuirass, musketoon, excellent map, a pink crystal scull.

IMPORTANT! The buries treasure is preserved for a limited period of time. You must take it in the course of ten days after crossing the “Black Shark”.

Quest “Helping the church”

How to initiate: reputation not below “Defender Of Dejected Ones” ("Защитника Угнетенных").
Gain: a small sum of money and positive reputation.

Quest “Strange things are going on in the archipelago” ("Странные вещи творятся в архипелаге").

How to initiate: near the residence of the Mayor of Curacao speak to poor ladies. To carry out this quest either prior to it or in its course it is necessary to accomplish a quest “Helping the church” ("Помощь церкви") (at the church of Port Royal); for the latter one it is necessary to have a reputation not below “Защитника Угнетенных”.
Requirements: an alive Chief of jail of Bridgetown, as minimum one Dutch colony (i.e. not captured by other nations); a passed quest “Helping the church.
Gain: corvette “Dark Angel”, frigate “Mefisto”, money, blade “Combat Claws”, improvement of reputation).

Quest “The book of the dead ones” ("Книга Мертвых") (Necronomicon).

How to initiate: speak to the tavern owner on Nevis about the monk sitting in the corner of the tavern. Speak to the monk in black robes.
Gain: 30 000 money

Quest “Pirate line” ("Пиратская линейка").

How to initiate: speak to any pirate on Nevis and after that go and speak to the Leader of pirates Yurksen.
Requirement: availability of a ship.
Gain: money and negative reputation.

Quest “Rescuing Toff Oremas’ daughter” ("Спасение дочери Тоффа Ореманса")

How to initiate: At the tavern of Curacao speak to Toff Oremans (in the right corner at the closest table).
Requirements: reputation not below “Honest skipper” ("Честного капитана").
Gain: a bit of money, pluses for reputation, “Nicholas Sharp’s fire iron”.

Quest “A girl won during the dice game”

Requirements: 20 dice wins.
Gain: money and positive reputation. Or money and negative reputation – it all depends...

Quest “Black Pearl” ("Черная Жемчужина")

How to initiate: drink at a tavern until any elbow-bender tells you about a black ship the crew of which consists of alive dead men.
Gain: a quest war ship “Black Pearl” "Черная Жемчужина".

Ascold’s quest.

How to initiate: speak to store keeper on Nevis.
Gain: extremely surprising... ATTENTION! If option “Nations Quests” is witched on then this quest may be accomplished ONLY AFTER accomplishment of one quest lines for the nations. Before any quest line is accomplished the quest is temporarily not accomplishable after the second assignment is accomplished (Ascold shall ask to come one month later but he will not assign a new mission after the month is expired.)

Quest “An enigmatic story of a lady” ("Таинственная история мадам").

How to initiate: speak to the brothel owner on Nevis.
ATTENTION! Under the present version of Add-on (1.05.1002) the quest cannot be passed.

Quest “Isabella’s treasure” ("Сокровища Изабеллы").

How to initiate: Speak to a pirate at Port Royal.

ВНИМАНИЕ! Under the present version of Add-on (1.05.1002) the quest cannot be accomplished.

Quest lines for the nations.
ATTENTION! To be able to accomplish quest lines for different nations in the adjustments of the game IT IS NECESSARY TO CHECK option “Nations Quests”

Quest “At a Spanish service” ("На службе Испании") (a Spanish line).

Requirements: a Spanish letter of marque.
How to initiate: find the Governor of Spanish colonies and speak to him.
Gain: a French quest Man-of-War (the strongest ship in the game), and one more heavy Man-of-War, 30 000 (?) money.

In the present version of SLIB the Spanish line is considered as the temporary one and later it is subject to complete transformation.

A quest line for Britain.

Requirements: a British letter of marque.
How to initiate: Speak to British Governor Madiford (do not mix up with a mayor!).

IMPORTANT! If you want to complete the quest on your own do not enter through the link below: there is the description of completion the quests. And if you entered and read them do not complain about the spoilers (it was your personal choice)!

Accomplishment of the quests. TAHAT 23.05.2006