The results of the recent focus poll from the Fan and Backer tier supporters were pretty clear, they want me to focus on building out the alternate mutiny ending of the game, which means that I need to focus on Black Bertie and her associated quest line.
This release is going to be heading in that direction - one of the requirements for getting in good with Bertie is that she won't "associate" with just anyone, only high class ladies are fit for her company. So in order for the player to progress, you will need to join the Courtesan's Guild in Port Royale.
This will unlock a new skill (Courtesan) and a new currency (tokens). Tokens will be granted based on your current Courtesan skill for completing various jobs. These tokens can be turned in for training and special loot, of particular note will be the Gift Exchange, where tokens can be traded in for loot boxes of various ranks and styles to help you pad out your collection of items that cannot normally be found in shops.
As with all things that require a new system implemented, this release will take a little time (no where in the same neighborhood as 0.10), so Backer tier and higher supporters can expect to see the first development build drop in a few days.
Cheers,
Mal