Ratings are based on a 1 to 5 scale 1 being the worst.
3 ... average. 5 is the highest rating.
Date Reviewed - 11.28.07
Cadet-Captain Mike
Name: HMS Rose
Card: PotC #032 (Uncommon)
Points: 14
Faction: English
Masts: 3
Cargo: 4
Moves: L
Guns : 3S, 3L, 3S
Hit %: 150 (S), 50 (L)
Ability: This ship’s cannons can’t be eliminated
(masts still can be).
If derelict, she can’t shoot.
HMS Rose, with her pastel hull and a red rose on
each sail, is what I call a chick ship. Like many
such ships, though, it's not wise to underestimate
her. She's too slow for gold unless you add a
Helmsman crew, and too expensive for gold
regardless. Her cannons aren't bad, but they aren't
great, either. Still, fighting is her game, so a
Captain crew should be mandatory. You'll also need a
Helmsman for speed, and I highly recommend a
Shipwright to keep her in the game.
Her special ability is an old one, it's an expensive
one, and its effectiveness depends entirely on how
many masts the ship carries. Too few, and it's easy
to knock them all down at once and make the ability
useless. Too many, and the ship's point price rises
into the ionosphere; if you don't believe me, look
up the cost of HMS Dreadnought. HMS Rose's three
masts are probably the sweet spot for this ability.
A typical three-masted ship, or a very lucky two-masted
ship, will score two hits in a turn, which is enough
to send most ships scurrying for safety. The Rose
can stand her ground and fire all three of her
cannons back in the enemy's face the next turn.
Personally, I think HMS Rose is overpriced. 14
points could buy you HMS Interceptor (4 masts), HMS
Victoria (5 masts), or many other ships that will
fight better with less crew. But if this is the ship
you've got, then keep her away from big ships and
she may do well for you.
