Credits

D&D Lead Designers: Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford
Made with: Homebrewery & u/AeronDrake's Formatting Guide to Homebrewery
Merid Isles Guide Book Lead: u/SwiftHomebrew
Subclass Development: u/SwiftHomebrew, Caleb Miller,
King Fisher: u/supreme_slayer1 & u/iamasecretwizard,
College of Seduction: Wizards of the Coast
Sea Domain: The Finger & Caleb Miller
Circle of the Tides:Tyler Magruder, u/PaganGoldfish & Caleb Miller
Martial Archetype: Privateer: M. H. Sherman
Monk Tradition: Way of Flux: Wizards of the Coast
Ranger Archetype: Mariner: Caleb Miller
Rogue Archetype: Swashbuckler: Wizards of the Coast
Sorcerous Origin: Marid Bloodline Wizards of the Coast
Otherworldly Patron: The Deep One: u/Rendingthorne
Naval Adventuring: Naval Combat Tribality
Monsters: "Portcaller" by u/subjectivesloth
Cover Illustrator: YouTrazzy
Interior Illustrators:
Shore Dwarf: "Party Dwarf" by capprotti
Drifter Gnome "Prison Ship" Sketchshido
King Fisher: "Boarding Hook" by Unknown
College of Seduction: "Mermaid City" by dws4.me
Sea Domain: "Potion Series-Water (Thurisaz)" by capricorn-arts
Circle of the Tides: Bull Shark by DeanSpencerArt, Leafy Sea Dragon by Jayne Persch
Monk Tradition: Way of Flux: "Dragon Monk" by Smirtouille
Ranger Archetype: Mariner: "Gar" by DeanSpencer
Rogue Archetype: Swashbuckler: waronmars
Sorcerous Origin: Marid Bloodline: "Ourora Comm" by YamaOrce
Warlock Other Worldly Patron: The Deep One: "Tentacles" by Toramarusama & "Tentacled Disciple" by 000Fesbra000
School of Fluid Dynamics: "Alchim" by armandeo64
Equipment: "Blunderbuss" by ComannderrX
Firearms: "Female Gunslinger" by macarious
Adventuring Gear: "The Astrolabe" by Maiamimo
Naval Adventuring: "The Wyrmwood" by Unknown
Naval Adventuring: "Pirate" by laura-csajagi

Spells: "Rod of Wonders" by CarlosTorreblanca
Spells: "Kuo-Toa Priest" by Vincent-Covielloart
Monsters: "White Axolotl" by Slice-Wolf
Monsters "Iguana" by Milee-Design
Monsters: "Portcaller" by WarrenPhotography
Monsters "Undead Pirate" by Liarath

Special Thanks to: u/Roflcopterswosh, u/Nemisis_the_2nd, and u/subjectivesloth

Character Options

There are hundreds of archetypes to be found upon lonely islands and the open sea all of which derive from pre-existing tropes. The search for new and original idealisms and destined paths was an adventure in itself. Within this chapter, you will find Cleric with the power of the waves at their fingertips, Sorcerers with elemental bloodlines, barbarians who have learned the ways of seafaring and druids who have expanded their Wildshape to include aspects of the sea.

Some classes are lacking in the area of an archetype strictly due to already having been discovered. With this in mind, look to the College of Glamour for bards with a siren's voice and thirst for attention. Monks found upon the islands turn to the Way of the Four Elements fashioning their physical studies around water itself among the other elements. Dedicating themselves to being as calm as a puddle and as roiling as a maelstrom. Rogues, naturally take on a swashbuckling archetype, learning to drink and curse as fluently as they wield a blade.

Shore Dwarf

A foreign dwarf to their own kind outside of the islands, the Shore Dwarves find themselves at home in port cities and on various types of islands. They make a living on the surface with their innate knowledge of precious metals and gems and their keen business skills including, but not limited to their dashing looks. They often become merchants, treasure hunters, or even sailors. Often embarking on quests to find the rarest of treasure or seeking out the toughest of customers.

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score   increases by 1.

Merchant's Glib. You gain proficiency in both Persuasion and Deception.

Iron Lungs. You can hold your breath for a number of minutes equal to 5 + your Constitution modifier. In comparison to the normal 1 + Constitution Modifier.

Shore Dwarf Variants

In addition to the above subraces features, you may consult your DM to alter the following Dwarf race features:

• Dwarven Combat Training. You have proficiency with the dagger (dirk), handaxe (boarding ax), net, and scimitar (cutlass)

• Tool Proficiency. You gain proficiency with the artisan's tool of your choice: jeweler's tools or cartographer's tools.

Drift Gnome

Often the butt-end of long-winded gypsy jokes, these gnomes delight in taking various caravans from place to place or island to island. They are excellent shipwrights, the ships they build are often designed to traverse all types of terrain. They have conquered the air and the sea with their various movable villages, though there have also been tales of large land-based vehicles that can carry whole villages as it travels the plains.

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score   increases by 1.

Drivemaster. You have proficiency with vehicles. Additionally, if you are given one hour to study a foreign vehicle or vehicle otherwise unknown you may gain proficiency with that vehicle.

Experienced Traveller. You have advantage on Wisdom (survival) checks to navigate.

Fast Travel. When traveling in a vehicle you are driving the speed of the vehicle gains an additional 10 feet of movement and you do not suffer the disadvantages of faster travel.

CHAPTER 1|CHARACTER OPTIONS

Barbarian Primal Path:
The Path of the Totem Warrior

Hailing from a tribe of excellent seafarers who pride themselves on their unparalleled skills of hunting large aquatic creatures for food, fun, and protection on the waves they have claimed. These barbarians have watched and learned their ways from their totem spirit of the Kingfisher, a huge bird of legend that is capable of picking sharks from the sea below in one fell swoop. Those who follow the path of the Kingfisher are proficient seafarers. To mimic their totem spirit without growing a beak, these barbarians have learned to wield a large hook-shaped weapon they refer to metaphorically and literally as an anchor or jilg.

Totemic Attunement

At 14th level, you gain a magical benefit based on a totem animal of your choice. You can choose the same animal you selected previously or a different one.

King Fisher. While you're raging, when you hit a target with an attack from your anchor, you may use your bonus action to grapple it.

Additionally, you may now grapple creatures up to one size larger than you normally.

Jilg

A large, nasty hook attached to the end of a long, thick chain. The wielder essentially hurls the anchor at their foe, then instantly retracts it to hook the foe and deal damage.

Cost: 15 gp

Weight: 18 lbs.

Damage: 1d10 piercing

Properties: Reach, Special, Heavy

Special: You can also treat this weapon as a grappling hook with a 10-foot long chain. On a successful attack, you may use your bonus action to move 5 feet closer to the target or the target 5 feet closer to you.

CHAPTER 1|CHARACTER OPTIONS

Bard College of Seduction

The merpeople as compared to their darker brethren, the merrow, tend to save worthy people from a watery grave. Some of the people saved by the Mer are given an unprecedented opportunity to learn their ways. From developing knowledge of the deep to honing their skills as vocalists these individuals were given the gift of talented teachers found within a culture based on the charm.

At a point, a gifted student will find their way back into the world and bring with them the talent and beauty of the depths. They have excellent singing voices and often return having learned the language of the Mer. These Bards belong to the College of Seduction. As a less than prestige college, these bards are often overlooked, but this is just the way many of them like it. Using their talents to charm and control many aspects of their everyday lives while remaining unnoticed by the general population.

As time carries on there are differences between the personalities of these bards that become pronounced. An evil bard may use her talents to control an entire royal family as though they are pawns in a chess game. A good bard may take to the seas keeping the spirits high on work-ridden trade ships. Either way, these bards offer much to the world and can be a cornerstone to any crew.

Use the College of Glamour found in Xanathur's Guide to Everything for this subclass's features.

Cleric Divine Domain: Sea

The Divine Domain of the Sea is founded under countless deities from Eldath and Umberlee to Brilen and Poseidon. Clerics focus on dedicating their lives to removing threats from both the deep dark recesses of the sea floor to the endless expanse that they see from the crow's nest. These clerics often accompany ships specializing in healing the diseases that are part of the natural order of sailing such as scurvy. They are also capable of assisting in various aspects of the sailing lifestyle from changing the direction and speed of the winds to deterring souls returning from their watery graves.

Compared to other clerics, Sea Domain clerics recognize the natural order to most things and will not openly contest that which they know must happen. Like water, they follow the path of least resistance when they come in contact with destiny.

Druid Circle of the Tides

Tasked with protecting the ocean and all things that live within it, these druids excel in treating pollutions, poisons, and diseases, particularly when dealing with those spread by water. These druids often live on the coast overlooking the waves and using their wisdom to assist those passing by. Many of the Circle of the Tides may find themselves at home on a lonely isle where they help control marine populations and create safeguards that keep the ocean fully functioning in its endless natural cycles.

Fighter Martial Archetype: Privateer

As these strong souls brave the rough and tumble of a life at sea they spend much of their time on high alert. Tasked with removing enemies from the seas at whatever cost while maintaining their ships original duties, these fighters are often scarred and broken before they ever begin their adventuring lifestyles. Their experiences of a life at sea also and the slow-paced combat between ships grants them extensive patience even in combat, taking their time to outlast and outmaneuver opponents on land or even in water.

Monastic Tradition

The Way of the Four Elements is a tradition that many monks use to separate themselves from their brethren both in combat and in the peace of mind. Channeling their physical energies to alter the elements around them at-will. Upon an uncharted isle found within the archipelago that is the Merid Isles, there was built a monastery. Here many men and women made their pilgrimage to this uncharted isle. Dealing with the many threats that fill the seas and various wild islands on the way. This monastery welcomed all who found it and shared its wisdom with whoever wanted to learn.

Eventually, its many students became masters and the Way of the Four Elements began to undergo change straying from control over all of the elements to a focus specifically on their abilities dealing with water in its most basic form. Though these monks are still capable of using their ki to manipulate all elements, those who follow the Way of Flux were taught that water is both chaos and law and is the easiest element to alter. Water comes in many forms, solid as ice, liquid as water, and even a vapor if the student can focus. As such, these monks prefer to utilize their abilities to control water in almost every situation, however, they are not incapable and will manipulate the energies of the other three elements if and when necessary.

Use the Way of the Four Elements found in the Player's Handbook for this subclass's features.

Oath of Salvation

Paladins that follow the Oath of Salvation spend their time typically alone wandering the sea saving people and asking for nothing in return except for payment forward. Be it slaying sea serpents and other monsters, intimidating pirates, or even assisting those who took on the full power of the sea during a storm and lost. In the event that these paladins find themselves in a crew, they often rise through the ranks quickly becoming very capable captains.

Many refer to these Paladins as Sirens, a name bestowed due to the beauty and light shed in the tales survivors tell during their nights in coastal taverns.

Ranger Archetype: Mariner

Rangers that roam the seas learning all they can about the various terrains found above and below the surface of the sea as well as the plethora of creatures that call the waters home.

The lifestyle of a Mariner is often one that follows the hunt. Be it racing to new fishing spots or chasing a rare and monstrous fish for days at a time, these rangers excel at the long game hunts and are more than capable of fighting creatures much larger than themselves.

...The Harder They Fall

At 15th level, your whaler feature can now be used on creatures one size larger than you and larger.

Additionally, whenever you make an attack roll against a creature you have grappled that is larger than you, you may treat the creature as though it is prone.

CHAPTER 1|CHARACTER OPTIONS

Roguish Archetype: Swashbuckler

The rogues that primarily inhabit the Merid Isles are those who have gained the name Swashbucklers as they often begin a battle by swashing, or striking, their buckler, both taunting and intimidating those who dare to oppose their expertise with a blade.

Found typically on a ship, but also sometimes skulking about coastal taverns, these rogues tend to have one thing in mind, fame. They want their name to be heard across every island and wave. They want their reputation to precede them in every way possible. A swashbuckler is all about his image be it good or evil, they use their talents as both sailors and swordsmen as a way to reach the top through word-of-mouth.

Use the Swashbuckler archetype from Xanathur's Guide to Everything for this subclass's features.

Sorcerous Origin:
Marid Bloodline

Born with elemental ancestors or set adrift to sea by an unwed mother, a sorcerer under the Marid bloodline often consider themselves the pinnacle of elemental water. Being, in essence, water they learn to harness their physical bodies and use it to their advantage in both the spells by adding the power of the seas and the way they move by becoming a fluid creature when necessary.

Warlock Patron:
The Deep One

Deep in the seas like many creatures, some are extremely dangerous, others merely extremely powerful. Few of them possess the ability to confide in creatures on the surface among these creatures there is one that haunts the minds of many with the various folktales its name is brought up in. The Leviathan, as many refer to it, is a powerful elemental aberration slipped through a portal and laid to rest at the bottom of the seas awaiting a chance to rise to power, but for now, dreaming and shaping the world for his coming from beneath the waves.

Additional Eldtrich Invocations

In your study of occult lore, you have unearthed eldritch invocations, fragments of forbidden knowledge that imbue with an abiding magical ability.

At 2nd level, you gain two eldritch invocations of your choice. Your invocation options are detailed in the Player's Handbook on pages 110 and 111, in Xanathur's Guide to Everything on pages 56 and 57, and at here. When you gain certain warlock levels you gain additional invocations of your choice as shown in the Invocations Known column of the Warlock table.

Additionally, when you gain a level in this class you can choose one of the invocations you know and replace it with another invocation you could learn at that level.

If an eldritch invocation has prerequisites, you must meet them to learn it. You can learn the invocation at the same time that you meet its prerequisites. A level prerequisite refers to your level in this class.

Wizard School of
Fluid Dynamics

Aside from the normal schools of magic, there are a few wizards who choose to delve into understanding how magic works rather than just learning magic. One of these teachings focuses on the science of fluids and how they interact both with magic and the physical world. These wizards find ways to alter their own magic to better suit their own interest, they can use osmosis to move poisons, effects, and diseases to other creatures or even objects or change the physical structure of a liquid to a solid at-will.

Equipment

Weapons

Unusual weapons found upon the open sea and amid ship to ship combat. You may consult your DM for various proficiencies. For example, a character proficient in a longsword or scimitar may be proficient with a cutlass and vice versa.

Weapon Properties

Many weapons have special properties related to their use as shown in the Weapons table.

Piracy Weapon. The damage this weapon deals is doubled against objects and structures made of plant fibers or wood.

Special Weapons

Weapons with special rules are described here.

Jilg. You can treat this weapon as a grappling hook with a 10-foot long chain. On a successful attack, you may use your bonus action to move 5 feet closer to the target or the target 5 feet closer to you.

Harpoon. On a successful attack, you may use your bonus action to move 5 feet closer to the target or the target 5 feet closer to you.

Weapons

Name	Cost	Damage	Weight	Properties
Simple Melee Weapons
Boarding Axe	8 gp	1d6 slashing	3 lb.	Light, thrown (range 20/60), piracy weapon
Cat O' Nine Tails	10 gp	1d8 slashing	5 lb.	Reach
Dirk	2 gp	1d4 piercing	2 lb.	Finesse, light, thrown (range 20/60), piracy weapon
Belaying Pins
Hand Fid (Wood)	1 gp	1d4 piercing or bludgeoning	1 lb.	Finesse, light, thrown (range 20/60)
Marlin Spike (Metal)	1 gp	1d4 piercing or bludgeoning	1 lb.	Finesse, light, thrown (range 30/120)
Martial Melee Weapons
Boarding Pike	10 gp	1d8 piercing	6 lb.	Heavy, reach two-handed, thrown (range 20/60)
Broadsword	15 gp	1d8 slashing	4 lb.	Versatile (1d10)
Cutlass	15 gp	1d8 slashing	4 lb.	Piracy weapon
Saber	20 gp	1d8 slashing	3 lb.	Finesse
Spadroon	10 gp	1d6 piercing or slashing	3 lb.	Finesse, light
Martial Ranged Weapons
Harpoon	60 gp	1d8 piercing	5 lb.	Ammunition (range 20/60), loading, special, two-handed
Special Melee Weapons
Jilg	25 gp	1d10 piercing	15 lb.	Heavy, reach, special, two-handed

CHAPTER 2|EQUIPMENT

Armor

The usual forms of physical protection found among seafarers and pirates alike. The close combat aboard enemy ships and the battles between ships on a rough sea happen with little notice. A crew needs to be dynamic in response to these threats to their survival. Any good sailor knows that gaining an edge whenever possible can save your skin in the long run.

Buckler. A small shield that only requires armor proficiency to wield. When equipped the buckler is great for deflecting light blows and turning the fight in your favor. You may use your reaction to your proficiency bonus to your AC when targeted by a melee weapon attack.

Firearms

An exotic weapon type not typically found in campaigns, however, here you will find a foundation of rules that assist in implementing firearms in your own desired way.

Explosives

Genadoe. As an action, a character may light the fuse and lob a grenadoe to a point up to 60 feet away. Creatures within 10 feet of that point must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or take 3d6 fire damage.

Petard. A bucket filled with a flammable powder can be ignited from a distance and leaves an explosion in its wake. Creatures within 10 feet of the petard upon explosion must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity or take 4d6 fire damage.

Powder Keg. A keg filled with a flammable powder that can be ignited to cause an explosion. Creatures within 10 feet of the keg when it explodes must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or take 10d6 fire damage, taking half as much damage on a success. When ignited the keg burns brightly for 1 round shedding bright light in a 30-foot radius and dim light for an additional 30 feet.

Adventuring Gear

Gear used to explore and adventure upon the high seas.

Bar Shot. Two halves of a dense ball of iron connected together by an iron rod and used as ammunition in cannons. When fired this ammunition deals 2d6 bludgeoning damage to anything within the cannon's line of fire. This ammunition halves the range of the cannon it is fire from.

Shot. Small, dense iron cones used in various flintlock firearms.

Chain Shot. Two halves of a dense ball of iron connected together by an iron chain and used as ammunition in cannons. When fired this ammunition deals 2d6 bludgeoning damage to anything within the cannon's line of fire. This shot halves the range of the cannon it is fired from

Grape Shot. A bunch of small iron balls grouped together in a thin shell. When fired this ammunition deals 2d6 bludgeoning damage to anything within the cannon's line of fire. This shot halves the range of the cannon it is fired from and changes the area of effect from a line to a cone.

Hot Shot. A magical shot that when fired absorbs the heat from the blast and becomes extremely hot. When fired this shot deals 1d10 fire damage and burn through wood and plant fibers wherever it lands.

Astrolabe. A flat, circular device that can be used to determine the bearer's location by measuring the location of celestial bodies in the sky and comparing it to the current time. Best used on land or on a calm sea. Proficiency with this tool grants advantage on Intelligence checks to pinpoint the current location on a map.

Chip Log. A triangular piece of floatable wood that is attached to a large spool of thin rope. Used to determine the speed of any water vessel while remaining aboard. Used in conjunction with an hourglass and floating the triangular piece of wood in the water behind the vessel and timing how fast the spool runs across each knot tied in the string. Proficiency with this item grants advantage on Intelligence checks made to determine travel time or to estimate arrival time.

Cross Staff. A T-shaped device made of wood for measuring altitudes of heavenly bodies, also called a fore-staff. The vertical wooden arm is moved up and down a marked horizontal wooden arm to determine altitudes using the horizon. Proficiency with this tool grants advantage to Intelligence checks to determine the current time.

Lodestone. A magnetic stone that can be used to magnetize small pieces of metal. The small pieces of metal can then be floated to find true north.

Round Shot. A dense ball of iron used as ammunition in cannons. When fired this ammunition deals 1d10 bludgeoning damage to anything within the cannon's line of fire.

Sea Astrolabe. Just like its counterpart, the astrolabe, this item is used to determine location by measuring the location of heavenly bodies. This variation is designed to be on rough seas and other unsteady ground.

Equipment Packs

A collection of starting equipment for those who wish to sail or map the high seas.

Navigator's Pack. 5 days rations, a waterskin, a bottle of ink, an ink pen, 10 pieces of parchment, 2 scroll cases, and a chip log.

Seafarer's Pack. 10 hand fids, 2 fishing tackle, 3 days rations, a waterskin, a hooded lantern, 2 flasks of oil, and a signal whistle.

Naval Adventuring

During travels upon the open sea many different aspects of mundane travel take on a new form. This includes, but is not limited to combat, traps, diseases, and whether specific to sea and its various islands. Many of the following options are of a specific background and are not by any means the only dangers present at sea.

Using a Battlemat

Though theatre-of the mind is perfect for traveling on a ship. Naval combat is best created on a battlemat where the PCs and DM can all gauge their situation without confusion. Ship-to-ship combat is more complex than the typical fight, as not only is each ship constantly moving, but there are typically 10-20+ crew members on each ship to take into account.

It is recommended that the battlemat squares be adjusted from 5-foot squares to 10-foot squares to accommodate for larger ship's sizes. If you desire you can adjust the number even higher for gargantuan ships, but any higher than 30-foot squares makes finding large and smaller creatures difficult to find on the battlemat.

Statistics of a Ship

Similar to monster stat blocks, ship stat blocks consist of traits from Hit points to attacks there does not seem to be much of a difference. Although, ship stat blocks introduce a couple concepts not seen in monster stat blocks such as Hardness and Crew Size.

Ship Type and Crew Size

The ship type noted in the stat block details not only the typical use of the ship but also the size and carrying capacity. For example: Huge (160x60) War Galleon, 550 tons would be a 160' long x 60' wide ship used for warfare and can carry up to 550 tons without sinking. An experienced sailor would be capable of a Wisdom (perception) check to discern the type of ship they are encountering. Other skills can be used to discern more information about ships at the DM's discretion.

Crew size shows the minimum amount of sapient creatures it takes to efficiently operate the vessel and the maximum amount of creatures that can comfortably fit on the vessel. A huge war galleon would easily require a crew of 100 people a small fishing boat may need only 2-3. Crew Members can often be recruited through adventures or hired for 1-5 gp per crew member, per day. The cost of hiring is altered by many traits such as experience, local rate, and skill level.

Speed and Propulsion

Before setting out on a naval adventure, as a DM you need to decide how boats move. Does your world have steam or internal combustion engines? Do all the ships run on manpower and wind? Is there a special spot on board ships for a wizard who controls the movement of the ship? Or is it driven by a futuristic power source?

The way most ships are propelled can make a difference in how ships approach each other in addition to how ships target each other with their attacks.

The speed of a vessel is listed in 3 numbers Full Power/Half Power/Low Power. To compare this it would be the equivalent of full sails on a windy day, Half power is, of course, half-sails on a mild day, and low power is closed sails, just riding the waves. For example, Wind 20/10/5. This may seem slow, but remember that during travel ships do not have to stop to afford the crew time to eat, sleep or deal with injuries.

While moving, the crew must act prematurely when steering a ship as there is always a delay in the ship's direction. Whenever a ship is turned it continues moving in the direction it was on its previous turn, for half the amount of its movement speed. On a battlemat, this is represented by moving diagonally, as the ship makes its wide turn.

For example, if a pilot decided to turn a ship west that was previously heading north at full power and the vessel had a speed of Wind 30/20/10. On a battle mat with 10-foot squares, the ship moves diagonally to a point on the mat that is 1.5 squares north and 1.5 square west of its starting position.

Initiative

Very few ships have an initiative bonus unless crafted by a master shipwright. Most fishing boats and trade ships sit at +0. Warships and ships designed for sharp turns (not fast travel) may have as much as a +3 to initiative. An ship may also benefit from an expert pilot that grants a bonus to initiative.

After the ships initiative is decided, the PCs may roll individual initiative if desired.

Hardness and Hit Points

Hit points, just like a creature's, is the amount of damage the ship can take before it ceases to function. The biggest difference between a ship's hit points and a creature's hit points is that non-lethal damage is not an option against a ship. Once a ship reaches half of maximum hit points it is considered damaged instead of bloodied and once it hits 0 it is unsalvageable and begins to sink. Larger ships naturally, take longer to sink than small ships, but they all end up at the bottom of the sea unless aided by strong magic such as the Fabricate spell.

Hardness, like AC, is the difficulty rating of landing a damaging blow to the ship. Most ships have a Hardness rating ranging from 10-20 similar to creatures, however, unlike creatures, a ship is a structure meaning they are vulnerable to seige weapons like cannons.

Attacks and Range

Last but not least is how a ship fights back. A ship's various weapons mounted to the deck are often the pride and joy of a captain who has spent most of his treasure upgrading the defenses to sheer perfection. Attacks come in many shapes and sizes anything from hot shot to ramming can be included in the attack description or actions portion of the ship's stat block. Feel free to get creative their are few limits to weapons in a high fantasy setting.

Also, before the actions section, you will find the location of various armaments on the ship. For instance, a War Galleon may have 3 cannons on the port side, but only 2 cannons on the starboard side this is notated after the attack description and reads: Cannons:(3 Port, 2 Starboard).

Additionally, some ships have a weapons mounted to the stern (rear end of ship) and bow (front end of ship) that are situational weapons.

The range, of course, is another important part of attacks, cannon fire is considered ammunition and has range notation just like a bow or sling. Other attacks may require 5-foot reach such as ramming.

Challenge Rating and Experience

Just like any other confrontation, the winning party walks away with loot and experience. Establishing a CR rating for boats is a bit tricky as taking out an entire crew of pirates would easily be enough to level, especially at lower character levels. Now taking into account that your PCs have a boat, makes this more of a fair fight and as such unless the party is sneaking on board the opponent's ship and taking out the pirates one-by-one, it is easier to compile the crew and ship into one Challenge Rating and one amount of experience.

If you so desire to place an important NPC as captain to a ship you can roll initiative for the captain, thus making him his own entity on the battlefield and awarding experience to the PCs for his defeat separate from the ship he sails and the crew he commands.

Sample Ship Stat Blocks

Below are some examples of ship stat blocks, feel free to use the format to create your own special sailing vessels.

Warship

Huge (160x90) War Galleon, 100 tons

---

• Crew Size 20-80
• Hardness 18
• Hit Points 250
• Speed Wind 25/15/5 ft.
• Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)

---

Board After a successful grappling hook attack a member of crew may use their action to board the enemy ship. This creature acts after its ship in initiative if it did not already have an initiative.

Chain Shot. The War Galleon may choose to fire Chain Shot on when taking the Cannon attack action. This attack deals 2d6 bludgeoning damage instead and reduce the speed of the target by 10 fee.t

Actions

Cannons. 3 port, 3 starboard.

Multiattack. The ship can make up to 3 cannon attacks or 3 grappling hooks on its turn, once the ship is damaged this number drops to 2.

Cannon. Ranged Siege Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 100/400, one target. Hit 8 (1d10 + 2) bludgeoning damage.

Grappling Hook. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 30/90, one target. Hit 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.

Ram. Melee Siege Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, 5 ft. reach, one target. Hit 31 (4d12 + 5) bludgeoning damage. This ship takes half of the amount of the damage dealt

The Cornucopia

Gargantuan (200x90) War Galleon, 150 tons

---

• Crew Size 50-200
• Hardness 18
• Hit Points 300
• Speed Wind 25/15/5 ft.
• Challenge 11 (7,200 XP)

---

Board After a successful grappling hook attack a member of the crew may use their action to board the enemy ship. This creature acts after its ship in initiative if it did not already have an initiative.

Grape Shot. The Cornucopia may choose to fire Grape Shot on when taking the Cannon attack action. This attack is a 50-foot cone, creatures in the line of fire must make a Dexterity saving throw taking 2d6 bludgeoning damage on a failed save or half as much on a successful save.

Devour. When The Cornucopia takes the Ram attack action its bow opens up into a mechanical circular mouth. If the attack successfully hits the target is grappled by The Cornucopia. The mouth continues to grind into the target at the beginning of its turn dealing 2d8 slashing damage as a siege weapon to the target.

Actions

Cannons. 3 port, 3 starboard, 2 stern.

Multiattack. The ship can make up to 3 cannon attacks or 3 grappling hooks on its turn, once the ship is damaged this number drops to 2.

Cannon. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 100/400, one target. Hit 8 (1d10 + 2) bludgeoning damage.

Grappling Hook. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 30/90, one target. Hit 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.

Ram. Melee Siege Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, 5 ft. reach, one target. Hit 31 (6d12 + 5) bludgeoning damage. The target of this attack suffers the effects of the Devour action.

Spells

Aqua Bolt

Evocation cantrip

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 120 feet
• Components: V, S
• Duration: Instantaneous

You conjure a sphere of turbulent water and throw it at your foes. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d8 force damage and if it is large or smaller it is pushed back 5 feet.

The spell's damage increases by 1d8 when you reach 5th level (2d8), 11th level (3d8), and 17th level (4d8).

Bigby's Boisterous Bubble

2nd-level conjuration

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: Self (10-foot sphere)
• Components: V, S, M (A bar of soap and a flask of water)
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour

A bubble of air expands into existence centered on you for the duration. Creatures and inanimate objects pass through the bubble without hindrance. The air inside the bubble is fresh and breathable despite the conditions outside of the bubble. Creatures within the bubble other than yourself cannot move the bubble but move with the bubble as you move it. Creatures within can also use their movement to enter and exit the bubble.

You may use your movement to move the bubble in any direction, including ascending or descending, but you count each foot of movement as two. If the bubble is set on a liquid the bubble floats along the surface unless you choose to descend with your movement. Creatures in the bubble do not use their swimming speed if the bubble is submerged until they exit the bubble.

While the bubble is submerged in a harmful liquid, the creatures inside have resistance to the damage the liquid deals.

Bless Vessel

5th-level abjuration

• Casting Time: 1 minute
• Range: Touch
• Components: S, M (a bottle of wine or other spirits worth at least 10 gp and a jar of animal fat, which this spell consumes
• Duration: 24 hours

As a part of this spell, you may touch a vehicle. For the duration of this spell, the vehicle's speed is doubled and it ignores movement reduction from difficult terrain.

Once before the end of this spell, a character may choose to gain advantage on a check or saving throw to keep the vehicle from harm. A vehicle may only benefit from one casting of this spell at any time.

Detect Depth

1st-level divination (ritual)

• Casting Time: 1 minute
• Range: 60 feet
• Components: V, S, M (a piece of string wit a small rock tied to one end)
• Duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes

You reach your spirit into the liquid around you and learn about its features in the area of a 100-foot cube centered on a point within range of your choosing if the point you choose is an object the effects of this spell moves with the object for the duration. Over the course of the minute you can select pools of liquid around you and reveals the following information:

• The exact depth of the liquid within the cube.

• A basic description of the liquid (i. e. saltwater, freshwater, lava, acid, etc.)

• The number of living creatures touching the liquid.

Depthsurge

4th-level evocation

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 60 feet
• Components: V, S, M (a smashed flask of water, which the spell consumes)
• Duration: Instantaneous

An explosion of pressurized water erupts from the ground and sends foes flying. Choose a point within range. Creatures within a 10-foot radius sphere centered on that point must make a Strength saving throw taking 4d10 bludgeoning damage and if it is huge or smaller being pushed back 15 feet away from the center of this spell and rendered prone on a failed save or half as much damage on a success.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the damage done by this spell increases by 1d10 and the distance pushed increases by 5 feet, for each slot level above 4th.

Geyser

2nd-level evocation

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 120 feet
• Components: V, S
• Duration: Instantaneous

Choose a point on the ground within range. A 10-foot cylinder spout of water erupts 10 feet into the air. Any creature within the area of the cylinder must make a Dexterity saving throw taking 3d6 bludgeoning damage and, if the creature is large or smaller, be knocked prone and carried into the air on a failed save or half as much damage on a success.

The geyser is considered difficult terrain and creatures moving through it use their swimming speed. The geyser lasts until the end of your next turn at which point any creature on top of the geyser falls and takes falling damage as normal.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the damage done by this spell increases by 1d6 and the height of the geyser increases by 10 feet for each slot level above 3rd.

Glare

1st-level enchantment

• Casting Time: 1 bonus action
• Range: 30 feet
• Components: V, S
• Duration: 1 minute

You give a creature within range that can see you a mean look. The target must make a Wisdom saving throw or take 1d8 psychic damage and be frightened of you. Taking half damage on a successful save.

At Higher Levels. You can target an additional creature you can see within 5 feet of the original target per spell slot level above 1st.

Luck of the Sea

1st-level enchantment

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: Touch
• Components: V, S, M (an large insect or worm)
• Duration: Instantaneous

As a part of this spell, you must touch a piece of equipment used for fishing or foraging on the seas such as a fishing pole, harpoon, net, spear, or trident. The item catches an additional 1d10 mackerel or other similarly rationable, local sea-life in addition to 1d4-2 trinkets from the Trinket table on page 160 of the Player's Handbook (minimum of 0). Eating one of the rations caught by the blessed fishing tool restores 1 hit point, and the ration provides enough nourishment to sustain a creature for one day.

The rations lose their potency if they have not been consumed within 24 hours of the casting of this spell.

Mordenkainen's Capable Caravel

6th-level conjuration (ritual)

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 200 feet
• Components: V, S, M (a model ship worth 2,500 gp stored entirely in a bottle)
• Duration: 24 hours

You fashion into existence a keelboat at any point within range on top of a body of water large enough to accommodate it. You decide the general appearance of this keelboat (page 157 of the Player's Handbook) when you cast this spell, but it is always made of wood and has the similar proportions. This ship can host up to 20 creatures, requiring at least 4 to be proficient in water vehicles and carry up to 250,000 lbs of cargo to retain its max speed of 4 mph.

At the end of this spell's duration, the ship begins to vanish over the course of one minute unless you cast this spell again. The ship must be within range to cast this spell in this fashion.

If you cast this spell continuously on the same keelboat for one month the spell consumes the materials for the final spell and the keelboat becomes permanent.

Pressure Sphere

7th-level conjuration

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 120 feet
• Components: S, M (a small, hollow crystal globe filled with pure water)
• Duration: Concentration up to 10 minutes

A sphere of crushing water forms around the head, or similar body part, of a creature you can see within range. This sphere exerts an incredible amount of force on it forcing it to make a Constitution saving throw taking 6d10 bludgeoning damage and must begin holding its breath unless it is amphibious on a failed save or half as much damage on a success.

The creature may make another Consitution saving throw at the end of each of its turns to break free of the spell.

A creature that dies while under the effects of this spell succumbs to the pressure in the globe and its head implodes. The creature can be restored to life only by means of a true resurrection or wish spell.

Red Tide

6th-level conjuration

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 120 feet
• Components: S, M (a flask of water and a brine)
• Duration: Instantaneous

Choose a location within range that you can that see. A 5-foot tall, 20-foot wide torrent of blood-red water explodes forth surrounding the area in a frothing chaos. Creatures in the area must make a Constitution saving throw, taking 2d10 bludgeoning and 2d10 poison damage and becoming poisoned on a failed save, or half as much on a success.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 7th level or higher, the bludgeoning or poison damage (your choice) done by this spell increases by 1d10.

Riptide

2nd-level evocation

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 200 feet
• Components: V, S
• Duration: Instantaneous

You conjure a large, watery undertow that attempts to drag down and pull a creature to you. Choose a target with range that you can see that is no more than one size larger than you. The creature makes a Strength saving throw taking 2d8 bludgeoning damage, be knocked prone and pulled up to 20 feet closer to you in a straight line on a failed save or half as much damage on a success.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increase by 1d8 for each slot level above 2nd.

Sink

3rd-level transmutation

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 120 feet
• Components: S, M (a bag of pebbles)
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

You choose a creature within range that you can see, it makes Constitution saving throw losing all natural buoyancy it has for the spell's duration on a failed save.

If the creature under the effects of this spell ends its turn in water it sinks 20 feet until it reaches a solid surface. If the creature would fall faster naturally it does so instead. The creature may make a Strength saving throw at the beginning of each of its turns to avoid sinking, a creature without a swimming speed makes this check with disadvantage.

Spout

1st-level conjuration

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 60 feet
• Components: V, S, M
• Duration: Instantaneous

You summon a wave of water that crashes into a foe. The target must make Strength saving throw, taking 2d6 force damage and being and if it is huge or smaller pushed back 10 feet on a failed save, or half as much damage on a success.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a 2nd level spell slot or higher the amount of damage this spell deals increases by 1d6 and the distance the target is pushed increases by 5 feet for each spell slot above 1st.

Swell

Conjuration cantrip

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 5 feet
• Components: V, S
• Duration: Instantaneous

You pull a circular and ever-moving ribbon of water from the air that wraps around you and expands outward removing the threats from your immediate vicinity. Each creature with 5 feet of you must make a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d4 bludgeoning damage and have disadvantage on opportunity attacks against you until the start of your next turn.

Swim

1st-level transmutation

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: Touch
• Components: S, M (a fin or scale from a fish)
• Duration: 1 hour

You touch a creature, granting it a 40-foot swimming speed for the spell's duration. If the creature already has a swimming speed greater than 40 feet, instead increase its swimming speed by 10 feet.

You may choose this spell to be a non-visible effect, or you may choose to have the creature grow webbing or scales as it takes on a more sea-worthy swimming ability.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, it can affect one additional creature within range for each spell slot above 1st.

Tentacle

3rd-level conjuration

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 30 feet
• Components: S, M (A tentacle from a sea creature)
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

Choose a point within range that you can see, a large tentacle erupts from the ground. The tentacle has an AC of 13 and 30 hit points, has resistance to fire damage and to slashing, piercing, and bludgeoning damage from non-magical sources, but is vulnerable to cold damage. The tentacle uses your abilities for its saving throws but has a Strength of 18 (+4). This tentacle disappears when it drops to 0 hit points, or when the spell ends.

When you first cast this spell, you can use your bonus action to move the tentacle up to 15 feet and make a melee spell attack with your spell attack bonus against a creature within 10 feet of the tentacle. On a hit, the target takes 2d6 bludgeoning plus your spellcasting modifier damage and must make a Strength saving through against your Spell Save DC or be grappled on a fail.

This tentacle can also mirror your somatic gestures if it does not have a creature grappled.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 4th.

Urchin Spines

2nd-level transmutation

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: Touch
• Components: S, M (a spine from a sea creature, a needle, or other similarly sharp and small spike)
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

You may touch a willing creature and cause it to sprout clusters of 3-inch long purple or black spines along its entire body. Any time a spined creature is the target of a melee attack or melee spell attack the targeting creature takes 1d6 piercing and 1d6 poison damage and becomes poisoned for 1 hour on a failed save or half as much damage on a success.

Creatures affected by this spell have disadvantage on all Charisma checks besides Charisma (Intimidation) checks.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the piercing or poison (your choice) damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 2nd.

Water Coat

1st-level conjuration

• Casting Time: Special
• Range: Self
• Components: V, S
• Duration: 1 round

Reaction when you or a creature you can see within 30 feet of you take fire damage.

You coat the creature thoroughly with water putting out any fire on the creature and granting it resistance to fire damage.

Wave

1st-level conjuration

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 60 feet
• Components: V, S, M
• Duration: Instantaneous

You summon a 10-foot wide wave of water that crashes into a group of foes. Creatures hit by the wave must make a Strength saving throw, taking 2d6 force damage and being pushed back 10 feet if it is huge or smaller pushed back on a failed save, or half as much damage on a success.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a 2nd level spell slot or higher the wave becomes 5 feet wider and the number of damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 1st.

Waveguard

3rd-level abjuration

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: Self
• Components: V
• Duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes

A strong current of water whips up around you in a 5-foot radius and moves with you, remaining centered on you. The water remains for the spell’s duration. The water has the following effects:

• It deafens you and other creatures in its area.

• It extinguishes unprotected flames in its area.

• The area is difficult terrain for creatures other than you without an innate swimming speed.

• The attack rolls of ranged weapon attacks have missed if they pass in or out of the water.

• You have resistance to bludgeoning and fire damage.

Monsters

The following collection of creatures have been compiled here not only as a way for other sailors and adventurers to safeguard themselves with knowledge, but also to entertain those who do not have the opportunity to adventure. From tiny axolotls that may look like a dragon, but are nearly as harmless as a lizard, to the undead sailors that stalk the ocean floor until they find other ships to drag down with them; I hope that you find this list both filling in imagination and memory. Have fun and happy adventuring!

Portcaller

The Quellan Four-Winged Tropitross, or as it is more commonly known, the portcaller, is a large, artificially bred seabird with four wings. Its colloquial name stems from its intended purpose: to relay messages between ports and ships at sea.

Specialized Solutions. Portcallers were originally bred in Quella as messenger birds capable of delivering news to and from boats at sea. The proposal for breeding the birds was brought about by an increased need for quicker correspondence at sea, along with a shortage of Stonsingers capable of long-distance teleportation or communication.

Avian Amalgamates. The portcaller was bred from several known kinds of birds, including the largest known albatross species in Pulmara, and one of the fastest tropicbirds, resulting in its name, the Tropitross. The portcaller grows up to 3 feet long and has two wingspans. Its larger, fore-wings are used for gliding long distances, and can have a wingspan of up to a massive 6'6". Its smaller rear wings are used to help it take off and accelerate while in the air by flapping quickly, and can have a wingspan from 2'6" to 3'. Both sets of wings can tuck into the bird's body, making it extremely aerodynamic. Finally, the portcaller has two extended tailfeathers that assist it in keeping its balance at high speeds.

Distant Voyagers. True to their intended purpose, portcallers are excellent messenger birds. They have an incredible well of stamina and a set of biological techniques that allow them to endure months-long journeys at sea. Their large wings allow them to glide with little to no exertion over long distances, carried only by the wind. They have been given the ability to sleep while in flight by using only one half of their brain to stay aloft while the other half rests. Under heavy winds, the portcaller's small rear wings help them keep the course, and their enhanced intelligence combined with instinct helps them navigate masterfully.

Surface Hunters. While on long journeys, the portcaller normally sustains itself on fish and other creatures that dwell on the surface of the ocean. Their white coloring, inherited from their seabird ancestors, acts to blend them into the sky from a fish's perspective making their diving strikes hard to avoid. Their long beaks allow them to grab whole fish without touching the water or slowing down.

Victims of Science. Despite their achievements, Quella's masterful breeders and stone singers could not quell the complications involved in complex cross-breeding. The Portcaller is not biologically prepared to survive in the wild and those who attempt to do so almost always perish within a year of their attempt. Even in captivity, a well-kept portcaller only lives for roughly 10 years, and most begin to develop debilitating health complications by their 8th year, disabling them from making their normal flights. Additionally, portcallers have an extremely low healthy birth rate, making them hard to breed continually.

Zombie Sailor

An unfortunate creature that met its end in the dark and cold seafloor. Brought back o finish its mortal business, these zombies often roam the seafloor for months searching for a way to climb out of the sea and onto dry land often falling apart on their vain quest.

Common Monsters by Challenge Rating

A compilation of creatures found more often in coastal or oceanic areas.

CR 0

Crab (MM)

Frog (MM)

Lizard (MM)

Octopus (MM)

Quipper (MM)

Sea Horse (MM)

CR 4

Black Pudding (MM)

Chull (MM)

Deep One Hybrid Priest (ToB)

Ghost (MM)

Lizardfolk King/Queen (MM)

Sea Hag Coven (MM)

Stegosaurus (VGtM)

Water Leaper (ToB)

Yuan-Ti Mind Whisperer (VGtM)

Yuan-Ti Nightmare Speaker (VGtM)

CR 16

Adult Blue Dragon (MM)

Adult Sea Dragon (ToB)