Need Help Always getting 1 shot after boarding?

[Glow]

I've been getting attacked by pirates/hostiles, and after lowering the enemy crew etc, I attempt to board, only to be instantly 1-shot by anything and everything...
Is this normal?

 

[Pieter Boelen]

That depends on a lot of factors, such as your own crew number and Morale and that of your enemy.
Difficulty level and your stats, personal equipment and crew weapons all play a role as well, of course.

 

[Glow]

That depends on a lot of factors, such as your own crew number and Morale and that of your enemy.
Difficulty level and your stats, personal equipment and crew weapons all play a role as well, of course.

Well, I just started out, am running trade routes and get randomly attacked.
Starter boat, haven't bought any upgrades, 46 crew members, high morale, 3 officers.
Would board, draw sword, die. Even if I block the incoming swing, instant death.

 

[Grey Roger]

At that point in the game, you are indeed very vulnerable. Your personal Melee skill won't be all that high and neither will those of any of your officers. You'll probably only have a very basic sword. Whatever is attacking you is probably either a pirate or a navy ship from an enemy nation, with a much larger crew than 46, good Melee skill and better weapons. Avoid them! If you're on World Map and you see an enemy ship marker heading towards you, switch to 3D sailing before it gets to you. If you're lucky, you get to sailing mode before the enemy is upon you; failing that, the encounter may start at long enough range that you can go straight back to World Map. Otherwise try to run away. If you're in something like a lugger or sloop, and the enemy is in something like a brig or larger, than you can probably make better speed across the wind.

Meanwhile, practice your Melee. There are several dungeons around the Caribbean, e.g. one in Speightstown, one in a cave somewhere between Speightstown and Bridgetown, one in Port Royale and one in Kralendijk. These are filled with bandits which are relatively weak compared to most other opponents you're likely to find, and there's a nice sword to be found in each of them, especially the cave. Or, keep doing cargo runs, build up your reputation, then there's a man in the Kralendijk tavern who has a problem and who will confide in you if he thinks he can trust you. If you can help him, you get a very nice sword as a reward.