So, you have navigated the treacherous waters of Skull and Bones, successfully raided your initial merchant vessel, and are now eager to accumulate a wealth befitting a genuine pirate king? In that case, you require Pieces of Eight, the essential currency for achieving dominance in the Indian Ocean. This guide will provide you with insights on how to acquire those valuable Pieces of Eight and how to judiciously invest them in vital Skull and Bones Items.

Obtaining cheap Skull and Bones Items is crucial for your advancement, and Pieces of Eight serve as the gateway to unlocking the finest blueprints, upgrades, and resources. Let us explore the most profitable methods to amass your fortune:

1. Kingpin Contracts: The Royal Road to Riches

The cornerstone of any aspiring kingpin's income is the Kingpin Contract system. These contracts, offered by various factions and individuals throughout the world of Skull and Bones, provide consistent and substantial rewards in the form of Pieces of Eight.

Strategic Selection: Not all contracts are created equal. Pay close attention to the risk level, difficulty, and most importantly, the Piece of Eight payout. Prioritize contracts that offer the highest reward for the effort required. Early on, focus on contracts within your ship's combat rating range.

Contract Syndicates: Joining a Contract Syndicate amplifies your earning potential! These syndicates allow you to complete contracts collaboratively, increasing your success rate and potentially unlocking bonus rewards. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Maximize Efficiency: Optimize your ship build for specific contract types. If the contract requires sinking heavily armored ships, equip your vessel with armor-piercing weaponry. If it involves long-distance travel, invest in ship upgrades that increase speed and stamina.

2. Refining Black Market Goods: The Alchemist's Approach

Although plundering and looting are fundamental aspects of a pirate's existence, astutely investing in the Black Market can significantly enhance your Piece of Eight earnings. The essential strategy involves transforming raw materials obtained through your piratical endeavors into high-value trade commodities.

Strategic Smelting and Distilling: Collect raw materials such as Sugar Cane, Opium, and Ironwood from plantations and outposts. Process these materials at distilleries and smelters to create Rum, Opium, and Steel Ingots. These processed items command a considerably higher price compared to their unrefined forms.

Route Optimization: Determine the most lucrative trade routes. Research which outposts provide the best prices for your processed goods. Monitor global market trends, as prices may vary due to supply and demand dynamics. Use your spyglass to locate merchant vessels carrying precious cargo and intercept them!

Defense is Key: Be ready to protect your convoys from competing pirates and rogue ships while transporting valuable trade items. Enhancing your ship's armor and weaponry is crucial for ensuring successful deliveries.

3. Governing Manufactories: The Kingpin's Empire

Claiming and managing manufactories is a more advanced way to earn Pieces of Eight, but it's essential for building a lasting empire. These manufactories produce a variety of Skull and Bones Items that can be sold for profit, and more importantly, contribute to your overall underworld influence.

Contested Territory: Be prepared for fierce competition over manufactory control. Other players and factions will undoubtedly challenge your claim. Form alliances, build a strong fleet, and defend your territory with vigor.

Efficient Distribution: Efficiently managing the flow of resources and goods between your manufactories is crucial. Invest in upgrades that increase production speed and storage capacity. Establish secure trade routes to transport goods safely to market.

Strategic Investments: Utilize your Pieces of Eight to upgrade your manufactories, increasing their production capacity and unlocking new crafting recipes. The more you invest, the greater the rewards.