I have an idea how to replace units like Pirate ships, Barbary Corsairs, Privateers etc. As far as I know, there is a very long gap between Privateers and more advanced pirate ships (I have found such ships in the Sevopedia but I do not know if they may be built). This is historically accurate but the history could be different.
IMVHO there could be some kind of a special unit (e.g. a Pirate) which could be attached to any war ship (including Caravels). It would cause e.g. 20% strength penalty but the unit would be Hidden Nationality, could attack without triggering war etc. It should be available under any government and it should be relatively expensive but some civics like Monarchy or Feudalism could give a high bonus (like 300%) to their production. In order to limit the number of such units, they could be produced in a city with some Special Wonder (it should have some penalties like -15 to local stability everywhere and some Crime). These units could upgrade to more expensive but perhaps a bit improved versions.
Similar units (with a proper Small Wonder) could be produced for land units. They may be National units and perhaps one could build e.g. 15 of them.
S.
IMVHO there could be some kind of a special unit (e.g. a Pirate) which could be attached to any war ship (including Caravels). It would cause e.g. 20% strength penalty but the unit would be Hidden Nationality, could attack without triggering war etc. It should be available under any government and it should be relatively expensive but some civics like Monarchy or Feudalism could give a high bonus (like 300%) to their production. In order to limit the number of such units, they could be produced in a city with some Special Wonder (it should have some penalties like -15 to local stability everywhere and some Crime). These units could upgrade to more expensive but perhaps a bit improved versions.
Similar units (with a proper Small Wonder) could be produced for land units. They may be National units and perhaps one could build e.g. 15 of them.
S.