Duel - 1720 - October 17 - Dueling the French Privateer, Swann Capitaine

Ships in Action:
Officers & Allies:

Captain James Maddox HMS Adversary, Conquistador-class sleek frigate

Enemies:

Swann Capitaine, Level 50 Privateer, Minerva MC

Action Setup:
After having an uneventful cruise around cuba the night previous, I docked my ship at Havana. It was in contention at the time, but the waters were clear. We beat to quarters to meet the rising sun and I set off. It was my intention to get well clear of the red, swearing to never meet a pirate in a duel again, for many months, when spotters saw a privateer ship flying french colors.

The privateer was moving away, exiting the all-ships pvp zone, and about to exit the pirate pvp zone. I made no move to pursue, nor to avoid him. I assumed he was not interested in a fight but he suddenly turned to intercept. Apparently he had lazier spotters than I.

I exited the all-ships pvp and sailed at a gingerly pace. He caught up quickly, with the wind. I don't recall slipping back into the deep red, but it's possible I did. Or perhaps privateers can engage ships in Pirate PVP zones. Regardless, I was in battle.

The Action Itself:
I knew he would have the speed advantage, so running was no option. However, it never hurts to be fast an maneuverable, so I increased my speed and loaded star shot. I curse myself for not loading bar, however, as I was only at extreme range for star. I got in some good licks with the star shot, but the privateer proved better at that game. Luckly I ended up getting behind him, and loaded canister.

Using good maneuverability, I was able to reduce his crew extremely, but he was just as, if not more maneuverable than I. After some back and forth I was dismasted, and he was perfectly restored, even his crew. It was looking gloomy.

Enough of this dandified French fighting, I thought, and ordered good, old-fashioned English bronze shot loaded into the guns.

The frenchman showed his lack of awareness, sitting well within the reach of my broadside, as I fired into him over and over again, while sending the men to fix the masts. I'd have no speed, but I needed maneuverability, damn it! I'd give my first officer for some kedge anchors. Well... maybe my third officer.

I was able to turn enough to keep him in my sights. I had eliminated his armor, and when he had switched sides, I eliminated that too. It was a clever combination of tracking shot, focused fire, vital strike, and Ultima. Might as well start leaning on the Navy's strengths, eh?

I also set my Boading on autofire, thinking that might be the only way to win.

Eventually I was entirely dismasted again with no hope of repair. His structure was very weak. I knew a vital strike would send him to the bottom of the drink. It would only be a matter of if I could turn fast enough before he was smart enough to flee.

Suddenly, he boarded me!

I didn't know what to expect, but I set my men on Push, and autofired my debuffs. We stormed into battle. It soon became apparent that he didn't have a lot of boarding experience or skill. He came right too me, but I dodged his gunfire. My men soon cut through his, and after four waves it was over. I didn't have a scratch on me.

I exited the fight hoping I could either board him immediately, or swing around to blast him, but I suddenly noticed the fight was over. He didn't board me, I boarded him with my autofire!

The Result:
Victory! Among some scraps the booty included 6 marks of trade/victory!

Lessons Learned:
I think if I could pick out my biggest battle flaw, it's indecisiveness. I should pick a strategy and go for that strategy intensely. Had I picked one course and given it my all, the fight could have been over much quicker. However, having so varied a fight, I think I learned a lot more. Including when to use buffs and debuffs, the pluses and minuses of autofire, and to play to my strengths instead of limping along, mimicking the tactics of others who can do them better.

I also decided that with more outfits for armor and turning, I may find a niche for Adversary as a solo pvper for lighter ship engagements.