Right now, Corsair Frigates are the best enemy in the game, because unlike other enemies, they’re guaranteed to provide fuel and supplies on top of any other loot.
And really, I think this should be true of all ships, with a tweak.
All ships should have a chance to provide fuel and supplies, provide one, or provide neither. This should be awarded before the player chooses to loot and scuttle her or send back a crew. The maximum amount of fuel or supplies a ship provides would be determined by its class. (Pirate steamer max 1, Corsair Frigate, max 3.)
I think this change would make combat with ships more attractive for everyone, and help out newer players who need all the extra supplies and fuel they can get.
I’d rationalize it in game terms that what’s gotten from combat immediately is the detritus left from the fight, the odd couple unexploded fuel or food barrels. Anything else is what you actively go into the ship to find.
edited by Nenjin on 7/6/2014