Dungeons & Dragons ship stats define how vessels behave on the open sea, covering speed, maneuverability, and combat readiness. Understanding these numbers helps you navigate dangerous waters, chase trade winds, or flee from pursuing monstrosities.
Use this guide to translate abstract hull descriptions into concrete numbers your table can reference during tense naval encounters and long voyages.
| Ship Type | Size | Capacity | Speed (Squares) | AC & Hit Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galley | Medium | 50 passengers or 15 tons | 8 | 15 AC, 75 HP |
| Longship | Medium | 30 passengers or 8 tons | 6 | 14 AC, 50 HP |
| Merchant Galleon | Large | 200 passengers or 50 tons | 5 | 18 AC, 150 HP |
| Pirate Sloop | Small | 10 passengers or 3 tons | 10 | 13 AC, 40 HP |
| Warship | Huge | 400 passengers or 120 tons | 4 | 20 AC, 250 HP |
Navigation and Movement Rules
Overland to Sea Transition
Moving a ship from a riverbank to open water often requires an Overland check, while loading or unloading cargo can consume valuable downtime. Track distance in miles on the open sea and convert difficult weather or currents into additional travel time.
Wind, Current, and Tactical Positioning
Strong winds can grant a bonus to speed or impose penalties on certain maneuvers, while narrow straits may force ships into single-file columns. Positioning matters for ranged attacks, boarding actions, and avoiding environmental hazards like whirlpools.
Combat and Damage Systems
Weapon Mounts and Attack Rolls
Ships use weapon stats similar to characters, with attack rolls against AC and damage rolls scaled to vessel size. Tower-mounted ballistae and forward-facing rams allow distinct tactical options during naval battles.
Critical Hits and Structural Damage
A critical hit can disable a weapon, shred sails, or breach the hull. Track integrity by location, and apply escalating penalties as major components fail, potentially leading to sinking if hit points drop to zero.
Crew Management and Role Participation
Officers, Experts, and Labor
The captain, helmsman, and deck officers provide bonuses to checks and can issue orders that affect the entire vessel. Specialists such as navigators and engineers may unlock unique maneuvers unavailable to standard crews.
Morale, Mutiny, and Downtime
Severe damage, bad omens, or resource shortages can erode morale and invite mutiny. Use downtime between adventures to train sailors, shore up defenses, and plan long-term campaigns on the high seas.
Exploration, Travel Time, and Resources
Mapping Unknown Coastlines and Hazards
Exploration checks reveal hidden reefs, wreck sites, and friendly ports, while failed checks may lead to storms or getting lost. Maintain rations, fresh water, and spare parts to prevent resource-related crises.
Currency, Upgrades, and Market Access
Pricing for ships, repairs, and crew wages varies by region and rarity. Investing in enhancements such as reinforced hulls or improved sails can raise your stats but requires access to specialized markets and artisans.
Designing and Customizing Your Vessel
- Start by selecting a ship type that matches your campaign’s travel needs and tactical expectations.
- Assign crew roles and calculate modifiers to ensure reliable performance in both exploration and combat.
- Track damage, repairs, and upgrades to maintain a realistic sense of wear, cost, and availability.
- Integrate naval encounters into your storyline, using ship stats to raise tension during chases, blockades, and sea battles.
- Coordinate travel schedules with downtime, resource management, and long-term objectives for your party and your vessel.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do size and tonnage affect boarding actions and cargo value?
Larger ships present more difficult boarding challenges and can carry higher-value cargo, making them attractive targets for enemy crews and lucrative rewards for successful piracy.
What happens if my ship takes critical damage to the helm or sails?
Critical helm damage can cripple maneuverability, while torn sails reduce speed and may impose penalties to checks until repaired by the crew.
Can environmental hazards bypass a ship’s armor class and hit points?
Yes, hazards like storms, sea monsters, and geological events can deal direct damage to hull hit points or apply conditions that impair navigation and combat effectiveness.
How should I handle crew shortages during long campaigns?
Shortages lower the effectiveness of operations and may force the party to rely on less experienced members, increasing the risk of failure and delays in critical tasks.