You need the crew to sail and fight efficiently - at least to a point. The numbers, which vary with the size of ship, are available elsewhere (in the manual and, more precisely, in Sashanon's guide (click on guide across the top banner if you haven't already checked out this invaluable resource. Below certain minimum crew, you get a message that your saling speed is diminshed. Above a certain point, I understand, you hit a maximum efficiency. At that stage the extras just mean that you have more to attack cities or Monty's fortress, and more reserve for those killed in battles whether on land or sea. All of this is balanced, of course, against the need to feed them and keep them happy - or at least no worse than unhappy. So, when you have enough money, more crew has value. When you don't, you must find the best balance for your strategy. |