Recomend A Game System?

[Spinachcat]

Use whatever system your group likes best. Whatever floats your boat.

However, the only RPG with good and easy rules for merchantile trading is Classic Traveller. There is a very easy to modify system in Book III (find it on eBay) that I converted over for D&D years ago so the PCs could own their own merchant caravan for the campaign.

 

[barbaraloqw]

savage world +1 here

 

[Imaro]

Another vote for Reign. Great system and the supplements are pretty much free... unless you want to contribute to their ransom (which you probably will once you get a taste of the game.).

 

[Ariosto]

Classic Traveller's Trade and Commerce rules are actually in the last three pages of Book 2. They may not be the most realistic, but they have served well for over 30 years in games with a strong emphasis on that topic! There's an expanded system in Book 7. No "Traveller" game (i.e., the GURPS, D20, etc. spinoffs) is complete without something similar.

Wooden Ships & Iron Men is a classic board game of battles in the Age of Sail. Online, http://www.grognard.com/ might have a link to the rules; and index - Freewargamesrules has assorted miniatures rules.

GURPS Swashbucklers has a pretty simple (more abstract than traditional war-game) naval combat system.

I have not seen it in ages, but fondly recall FGU's Flashing Blades RPG and its high seas supplement.

 

[Punnuendo]

I would give votes to Savage Worlds, HERO, and FATE for sure. Probably give a look at Burning Wheel as well though it might be a bit of work.

For naval tactical games, you can't go wrong with Uncharted Seas. It is Manowar for the new generation.

 

[jdrakeh]

I have not seen it in ages, but fondly recall FGU's Flashing Blades RPG and its high seas supplement.

It's sill in print!

 

[dm4hire]

I'll toss Ubiquity out there. Originally created for the back bone of Hollow Earth Expedition, but a fantasy version has been done called Desolation. You can find the links in my signature. Very freeform system that could be easily adapted to whatever you want.