According to the last couple dev blogs on the Pirates of the Burning Sea Web site, patch 1.16 will include improvements to combat mechanics and will introduce roleplay rooms that you can use purely for your RP events. The patch should be hitting the testbed soon, so you'll get the chance to try these updates out yourself before they go live.

For the combat changes, Taelorn provides all sorts of technical information in his blog entry, but here's the main point: "We are improving the underpowered brawling skill chain, changing the debuff stacking mechanic in ship combat and adjusting round shot damage." Check out the entry for all the intricate details on the changes.

As for the roleplaying rooms, Xenobia said they came about in response to the wishes of the RP community. You can find them in your nation's capital. The colors and textures of existing rooms have been redesigned, and before-and-after pictures are provided in the entry. Don't be surprised if Xenobia happens to make some color variations to interiors in older missions that are used a lot, as well.