It’s up to players to support the crew, navigate uncharted waters, and claim untold riches from the far edges of the world. There’s more to this journey than just glory, though, as Maritime Calling tasks players with managing all aspects of a fully-fledged ship, ensuring the crew stays happy and healthy, while the ship itself stays in tip-top sailing shape, all while choosing the best course to set for finding resources and avoiding hazards.

Maritime Calling is set in a thriving archipelago during the Age of Sail, a perilous time for would-be adventurers attempting to make names for themselves on the high seas. After hearing whispers of mysterious lands beyond the boundaries of any known map, a fleet of ships full of accomplished sailors assemble and set out on an expedition to see if there’s even a hint of truth to these tall-tales. Unfortunately, a deadly ambush sinks every vessel save but one with a steel-hearted captain at the helm — that’s where the player comes in. Being the only ship around for as far as the eye can see means captains must earn their stripes by supporting the crew at all times, even while the boat is frequently under the threat of storms, reef-packed shallows, or other navigational hazards! If players survive these dangers and keep the crew happy, it won’t be long before they discover new lands and exquisite treasures! Remember, for all the sea’s perils, its rewards are bountiful. It’s time to carve out a place in the annals of maritime history!

In Maritime Calling, each game begins with players setting out to claim unexplored, resource-rich lands for the crown. Captains must utilize special masteries and skills to ensure the ship is properly maintained at all times — even if that means ordering members of the crew to take on dangerous and decidedly un-glamorous tasks. Everyone aboard relies on the captain to steer the ship clear of environmental hazards, while simultaneously preparing for unexpected attacks from rival nations. Taking these threats seriously is crucial, as a sinking ship means it’s “game over” for the player! Thanks to procedural generation, though, no two excursions are the same, so players don’t have to sweat not being Blackbeard from the get-go. 

Work-life balance is important too! Being captain means that players will need to speak with crewmates to get a feel for their personalities while taking advantage of their strengths and weaknesses. A crewmate that’s adept at navigation probably should not be on the front lines of a battle as their death could mean that the ship becomes lost at sea forever. Work through it all, and maybe the crew will be lucky enough to find islands with specialized quests that will lead to rewards like forgotten treasures. This is far from a pleasure cruise, but gaining glory was never a relaxing nor easy pursuit.

Tiamat Games is currently running a Maritime Calling crowdfunding campaign, looking to raise a modest €18,000.

We were driftin’ aimlessly, half a world away from nowhere after a tropical storm left the ship in rough shape and crew morale in tatters. All seemed lost. That is, until the captain took the time to lend each and every one of us his ear — it was time to figure out who was best at what. I always felt at home in the crow’s nest, even as the waves quagswag the boat to and fro. So he sent me up there, with eyes peeled for a spot of land from sunrise to sunset. Meanwhile, the lads still full of vigor were busy hoistin’ sails, listenin’ for whatever instructions the ship’s navigation expert had for them whilst everyone else patched holes in the hull. After days of agony, I finally saw a rocky crag not far off. “Land ho!” I belted out to thunderous applause from my crewmates below. The captain nodded at his first mate to make ready the landing crafts, fingers runnin’ through his beard in quiet celebration. We all came to trust the captain with our lives after that one, and finally knew why he works us until we can’t move no more — cuz it’s just what needs be done for survival.

Key Features:

• Take the Helm, Captain: Steering a ship back in the day was a smidge more involved than it is compared to motorboats of today. It’s the player’s job to prep the sails, measure for wind direction, and steer clear of any rocky crags sticking out of the water — there’s a lot of authenticity to ship control here. 
• It’s a Sailor's Life For Me: Set day-to-day shifts for the crew, order them to plug any leaky holes in the hull, resolve quarrels among them, and make sure everyone gets their fair share of provisions (and booty!). Life at sea can be exhausting, so managing the crew’s mood is essential to survival. Don’t feel bad about bossing everyone around, either —  it’s the captain’s job after all!
• Master and Roleplayer: The more players sail the seven seas, the easier it gets. With successful voyages comes the opportunity to sink experience points into the crew’s attributes, building on specific traits that could help with land expeditions! 
• The World is An Oyster, so Pry it Open: These undiscovered countries are just waiting for players to explore them and exploit their riches!
• An Ever-Changing World: The map shifts with each playthrough thanks to procedural map and terrain creation engine. There could be a beautiful coral reef in a region on one playthrough, and the next, a violent tropical storm!

Maritime Calling will be available for PC (Steam) in September 2021.