User blog comment:The Crimson Eagle/Run-down of AC3/@comment-4631135-20121203035845

Thw tomahawk is probably the best melee weapon, along with muskets. You can get swords from shops later in the game, as well as guns. And if your interested, go into Achillies basement after assassinating the main targets (check the table by the paintings). Plus you can get new outfits for completing sidequests.

The naval missions have their own little storyline as well.