Fire Ships

[ithuriel2]

It struck me while watching my ships ablaze that the game does not include the use of fire-ships, in detailed naval combat.

They would work very well against the Spanish navies , (as they did historically), which in the game set up a defensive line and sit and wait. Fire-ships would certainly force them to break formation.


Notable fire ship attacks include:

Francis Drake's attack on the Spanish Armada moored at Gravelines in 1588. The fire ships did no damage, but the Spanish scattered in panic and were easy prey for English ships.

Maarten Tromp's attack on the Spanish fleet moored off the Kent coast in the Battle of the Downs in 1639. The Spanish fleet was destroyed.

Michiel de Ruyter's attack on the anchored English fleet at the battle of Solebay in 1672 in which HMS Royal James was burned and her captain Edward Montagu killed.

The destruction of 15 French ships of the line, including Soleil Royal, Admirable and Triomphant in 1692, after the Battle of La Hougue.

The Russian attack on the Turkish fleet at the Battle of Chesma, 1770.

Thomas Cochrane's attack on the French in the Battle of the Basque Roads, 1809.

Many Greek attacks on large Turkish ships during the Greek War of Independence, 1821-1832.

(from Wikipedia)

[ericbabe]

Yes, this would have been a fun addition to the game.  It was on the list of things for consideration, and just barely didn't make the cut.

[ithuriel2]

Yes - really wicked fun, It would help to prevent the naval battles getting repetitive by adding a touch of chaos.

Wouldn't be so nice if the wind changed direction and one had to avoid one's own fire-ships.