PoE Navigating Ship Risks in the Settlers of Kalguur League 3.25 – Path of Exile

The "Settlers of Kalguur" expansion in Path of Exile introduces a robust city-building and resource management system, with shipping being a crucial component. Establishing trade routes and transporting goods across the dangerous waters of Wraeclast comes with its own set of risks and rewards. This article explores the risks associated with shipping in the Settlers of Kalguur league, how to manage and mitigate these risks, and strategies for maximizing the benefits of your shipping operations.

The Importance of Shipping

Shipping in the Settlers of Kalguur league is vital for transporting resources between Kingsmarch and various ports. Successful shipping operations are essential for acquiring rare materials, earning gold, and supporting the overall growth of your settlement. However, the journey across the seas is fraught with dangers that can jeopardize your shipments and affect your city’s prosperity.

How to reduce risks

Recruit higher rank workers. Recruit workers to delegate other tasks in Kingsmarch. Workers can be hired for an initial Gold cost as well as an hourly wage. Each worker can have one or more specializations, but their wage is based on their highest-paying job. For jobs of the same tier, wages increase in order with Mining being the lowest, then Smelting, Shipping, Farming, Disenchanting, and finally Mapping. The Recruitment interface accessed through Raulf, the Recruiter also allows players to reroll the current listing of hireable recruits, and your current roster of workers. Each job rank provides an approximate 30-50% more multiplier to their job's perk (e.g. job speed) or provides additional risk reduction from the previous rank, in the case of Shipping or Mapping.

Negative risk outcomes

Text	Effect
Our ship was seized by a pirate fleet on the way to the port. The entire shipment has been lost.	Lose 100% of rewards
A mysterious green light surrounded the ship on its voyage home. When it passed, everything was gone.	Lose 100% of rewards
The King decided to institute a one-time tax of three-quarters of our entire outgoing shipment!	Lose 75% of rewards
Corrupt customs officials demanded half of our entire shipment!	Lose 50% of rewards
A Karui raiding party waiting outside Kingsmarch demand half of our entire shipment!	Lose 50% of rewards
A quarter of our entire shipment was somehow misplaced at port!	Lose 25% of rewards
The crew became stuck in a calm sea and had to eat our shipment of crops!	Lose 100% of crop rewards
A wasting disease destroyed half of our shipment of crops!	Lose 50% of crop rewards

Negative outcomes regardless of risk

Text	Effect
Unfortunately, a crew member was killed in a tavern brawl.	Lose a random worker
One of our crew decided to stay at port and start a new life.	Lose a random worker
A storm knocked a crewmember overboard on the voyage out.	Lose a random worker
Pirates have commandeered the Ship! They will execute the Crew and steal the Shipment unless you Intervene.	Rescue (Fight Admiral Valerius) Ransom (Lose 50,000 Gold, recover workers and shipment) Abandon (Lose workers and shipment)

Note that the Admiral Valerius encounter occurs in the middle of a shipping run, and defeating him will cause the shipping run to resume. This encounter can occur even if a ship has 0 risk.

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Types of Ship Risks

Shipping routes in the Settlers of Kalguur league are exposed to several types of risks, each requiring careful management and strategic planning to mitigate.

Pirate Attacks

Pirates pose a significant threat to your shipping operations. These marauders seek to intercept and plunder your ships, stealing valuable cargo and resources.

Key Characteristics:

• Swift and Agile: Pirates often attack quickly, aiming to overpower your defenses and seize your goods.
• Resourceful: They are well-equipped and can be difficult to fend off without proper preparation.

Tips for Handling Pirate Attacks:

• Hire Defensive Crew: Employ crew members skilled in combat to defend your ships.
• Upgrade Ship Defenses: Invest in defensive upgrades such as reinforced hulls and onboard weaponry.
• Use Escorts: Send additional ships or escorts to accompany valuable shipments and provide protection.

Sea Monsters

Mythical sea creatures pose another significant risk to your shipping operations. These monsters can cause severe damage to your ships and endanger the lives of your crew.

Key Characteristics:

• Powerful and Dangerous: Sea monsters are capable of inflicting substantial damage to your ships.
• Unpredictable: Their appearances are often sudden and unexpected, requiring constant vigilance.

Tips for Handling Sea Monsters:

• Equip Ships with Weapons: Ensure your ships are equipped with powerful weapons to fend off sea monsters.
• Hire Skilled Crew: Employ crew members experienced in dealing with sea monsters and other maritime threats.
• Prepare for Emergencies: Keep emergency supplies and repair kits on board to handle damage from monster attacks.

Environmental Hazards

Natural hazards such as storms, rough seas, and other environmental conditions can also threaten your shipping operations. These hazards can delay voyages, damage ships, and result in lost cargo.

Key Characteristics:

• Unpredictable Weather: Storms and rough seas can arise unexpectedly, affecting the safety and speed of your ships.
• Navigation Challenges: Navigating through treacherous waters requires skilled navigation and preparation.

Tips for Handling Environmental Hazards:

• Monitor Weather Conditions: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and adjust shipping routes to avoid storms.
• Upgrade Navigation Systems: Invest in advanced navigation equipment to help your ships navigate through rough waters safely.
• Train Crew in Navigation: Ensure your crew is well-trained in handling and navigating through environmental hazards.

Strategies for Managing Ship Risks

To maximize the success of your shipping operations in the Settlers of Kalguur league, players need to adopt strategic approaches to risk management and resource allocation.

Efficient Risk Assessment

• Evaluate Risk Levels: Regularly assess the risk levels of each trade route and adjust your strategies accordingly.
• Balance Risk and Reward: Choose routes that provide significant rewards while minimizing potential risks.

Optimize Ship Preparation

• Hire Skilled Crew: Employ crew members with expertise in navigation, combat, and resource management to ensure successful voyages.
• Upgrade Ships: Invest in ship upgrades to improve durability, speed, and defense capabilities.
• Prepare for Threats: Equip ships with defensive measures and prepare for potential encounters with pirates, sea monsters, and environmental hazards.

Diversify Trade Routes

• Use Multiple Routes: Spread your shipments across multiple routes to minimize the impact of any single failure.
• Adjust Routes Based on Conditions: Be flexible and adjust your shipping routes based on current risk assessments and conditions.

Strategic Resource Allocation

• Balance Resource Use: Allocate resources wisely between ship upgrades, crew hiring, and other critical areas.
• Maintain a Reserve: Keep a buffer of critical resources and supplies to handle unexpected emergencies and repairs.

Utilizing Rewards from Successful Shipments

Successful shipping operations yield valuable rewards that are essential for the growth and prosperity of Kingsmarch. These rewards can include rare resources, gold, and unique items.

Key Uses of Rewards:

• Construction and Upgrades: Use acquired resources to construct new buildings and upgrade existing structures in Kingsmarch.
• Crafting and Enchanting: Utilize rare materials and unique items to craft powerful equipment and enhance existing gear.
• Economic Growth: Invest gold and other rewards into the economy of Kingsmarch to support continued growth and prosperity.

Tips for Utilizing Rewards:

• Prioritize Key Projects: Focus on using rewards for projects that provide the most significant benefits to your settlement.
• Balance Immediate and Long-Term Goals: Allocate resources between immediate needs and long-term development plans.
• Reinvest in Shipping: Use part of the rewards to upgrade ships and crew, ensuring continued success in future shipping operations.

Conclusion

Shipping is a vital component of the Settlers of Kalguur league in Path of Exile, offering significant rewards but also posing substantial risks. By understanding the various types of ship risks and adopting effective strategies for managing and mitigating these risks, players can ensure the success of their shipping operations and secure the growth and prosperity of Kingsmarch. Embrace the challenges of maritime trade, and harness the power of strategic planning and resource management to build a thriving, resilient city in the perilous world of Wraeclast. With careful preparation and efficient risk management, players can maximize their shipping potential and thrive in the Settlers of Kalguur league.