D&D ship stats define how vessels behave on the open sea, covering speed, maneuverability, and resilience. Understanding these numbers helps DMs describe dramatic chases, tense boarding actions, and tense weather encounters.
Use this guide to interpret core ship statistics, compare classic hulls, and build memorable naval encounters across your campaign.
| Ship Type | Size | Speed (mph) | AC & Hit Points | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galley | Medium | 3 | 14 AC, 75 HP | Oars + ram, crew-heavy |
| Longship | Medium | 2.5 | 13 AC, 60 HP | Versatile, good in rivers |
| Caravel | Large | 2 | 16 AC, 100 HP | Square sails, sturdy |
| Cog | Large | 1.5 | 15 AC, 120 HP | Castle stern structure|
| Frigate | Huge | 1.5 | 17 AC, 150 HP | Powered largely by sails, strong forecastle |
Naval Hull Design and Purpose
Warships versus Merchant Hulls
Warships emphasize armor, crew capacity, and weapon mounts, while merchant hulls focus on cargo volume and seaworthiness in varied conditions. A DMed naval battle often rewards players who understand hull roles and can exploit them tactically.
Speed, Maneuverability, and Wind Dependencies
How Sailing Mechanics Shape Chases
Ship speed in mph determines how quickly vessels close distance, but tacking against the wind and choosing favorable currents can swing a chase outcome. Use maneuverability scores to decide how sharply a ship can turn under full sail or when grappling.
Hull Integrity, Damage, and Siege Tactics
Ramming, Boarding, and Siege Weapons
AC and hit points together represent a ship’s ability to soak punishment from waves and enemy fire. When calculating ramming damage or the impact of a trebuster bolt, consider both structural integrity and crew resilience to keep naval combats tense and tactical.
Crew Roles and Action Economy
Officers, Sailors, and Specialists
Every ship needs officers to coordinate maneuvers, sailors to handle lines and oars, and specialists such as navigators or helmsmen to avoid disasters. Clearly assigning responsibilities streamlines naval encounters and prevents confusion when multiple actions happen on the same initiative count.
Designing Memorable Naval Campaigns
- Define the role of each hull in your world, from nimble pirate cutters to lumbering trade cog.
- Use speed and maneuverability to create tense chase sequences and strategic positioning puzzles.
- Integrate crew morale, weather, and sea state to make every voyage feel dynamic.
- Reward creative play by allowing spellcasters and officers to reshape the battlefield.
- Keep tables and reference sheets concise so players can quickly recall core ship stats during combat.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do boarding actions interact with ship stats?
Boarding depends on the attacker’s maneuverability, the target’s AC, and the relative speeds of the two vessels. Once grappled, crew stats determine how quickly each side can push across the planks or break free from entanglement.
What happens if critical damage is dealt to a ship?
A critical hit on a ship can disable masts, shred hull planks, or knock out key officers, triggering immediate consequences such as reduced speed, impaired steering, or cascading morale checks among the crew.
Can environmental conditions override normal ship stats?
Severe weather, difficult terrain like reefs, or cursed waters can impose additional penalties or advantages that temporarily override standard movement, AC, and hit point calculations, creating memorable set pieces.
How should magic items and custom modifications be balanced?
Treat enhancements as bounded upgrades that improve AC, speed, or special traits, but avoid stacking multiple high-end modifications on a single hull to maintain fairness in long naval campaigns.