Escalating Hostility: From Warning to War

When a player provokes a faction, the early signs are subtle. Ships bearing yellow or orange markers may issue warnings, shadow the player, or broadcast their discontent through dialogue or behavior. These signals are a chance to Skull and Bones Silver back down or attempt appeasement—if the player chooses to listen.

Ignore these warnings, and the hostility meter rises. Once it turns red, diplomacy vanishes. Faction ships will begin hunting the player proactively, employing faster, better-armed vessels and often traveling in coordinated squadrons. Ports allied with the hostile faction will close their harbors, denying players vital services such as repairs, trade, and recruitment.

At its highest level, hostility affects even neutral zones. Factions may offer bounties to other players or NPC hunters to bring the offender to justice. The hostile player may find themselves under siege no matter where they sail, creating a situation where even resupply and regrouping require strategic cunning.

Diplomacy as a Survival Strategy

While many players may be tempted to go full pirate and let their cannons do the talking, skilled captains quickly realize the power of diplomacy. Building and maintaining relationships with factions can provide access to powerful ships, unique upgrades, and protected trade routes. It also allows players to influence the balance of power in a region without skull and bones boosting lifting a sword.