Way back in Vodari Voyages #4 - Naval Combat we provided Shipboard Roles for D&D 5e. Here is my first draft to create a set of similar rules for Daggerheart. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Campaign Mechanics

The following mechanics are unique to this campaign.

Officer Roles

As seafaring heroes, PCs must choose an officer role. The following officer roles are typically found on most ships. Each officer role has Shipboard Features granted to the PC that can be utilized in play while on a ship. 

In addition, while on a ship, some situations require special types of action rolls. The following new action is available to officers.

Take Aim: You can command the crew operating a ship’s weapon within Close range to attack. When you do, you can mark a Stress to have the attack roll gain a bonus equal to 1d4 + your tier.

Captain

Captains command the ship in battle and crisis, but their authority depends on the crew’s trust and loyalty.

SHIPBOARD FEATURES

Captain’s Orders: Once per long rest, you can mark a Stress to summon a Pirate Raiders Horde, which appears within Close range.

Commanding Presence: When you make a Presence Roll to intimidate, you have advantage on the roll.

Quartermaster

Quartermasters serve as second-in-command, enforcing rules, managing supplies, and representing the crew.

SHIPBOARD FEATURES

No Quarter: When you make an attack against a Vulnerable target, you may mark a Stress to deal an extra 1d4 + your tier damage.  

Check the Manifest:  When you make a Knowledge Roll to identify goods, supplies, cargo, or contraband, you have advantage on the roll. 

Sailing Master

Sailing masters navigate and handle the ship, pushing it beyond its limits at sea.

SHIPBOARD FEATURES

Evasive Maneuver: When your ship is targeted by an attack made from beyond Close range, you can mark a Stress to have your ship gain a bonus to its Evasion equal to your tier.

By Sun & Stars: When you can see the sun or stars and make an Instinct Roll to navigate, you have advantage on the roll.

Bosun

Bosuns oversees the ship’s repair and maintenance efforts.

SHIPBOARD FEATURES

Bolster Defence: When your ship takes damage, you can mark a Stress to reduce the damage by 1d4 + your tier.

Emergency Repairs: Once per session as an additional downtime move you can choose, you can have your ship clear a number of Hit Points equal to 1d4 + your tier.

Chaplain

Chaplains provide spiritual guidance and support morale.

SHIPBOARD FEATURES

Hopeful Presence: Once per rest, when an Ally rolls a failure with Fear while within Very Close range of you, the ally gains a Hope.

Shared Burden: Once per rest, when you choose a downtime move that clears Stress on yourself, you can choose an ally who clears an equal number of Stress.

Cook

Cooks feed the crew and manage the ship’s provisions.

SHIPBOARD FEATURES

Galley’s Blessing: Once per rest, when an ally within Far range makes a reaction roll, you mark a Stress to add 1d4 + your tier bonus to the result.

Hearty Meal: Once per session as an additional downtime move you can choose, you can prepare a meal to feed the crew. When you do so, everyone in your party gains a Hope.  

Gunner

Gunners oversee the ship’s weapons in and out of battle.

SHIPBOARD FEATURES

Bolster Weapon: When you use the Take Aim action, you can quickly tinker with the weapon to have it deal an extra 1d4 + your tier damage.

Careful Calibration: Once per rest as an additional downtime move, you can inspect and prepare the ship’s weapons. Until your next rest, the first attack made with a ship weapon is made with advantage.

Lookout

Lookouts watch for dangers at sea and warn of approaching threats.

SHIPBOARD FEATURES

Sharpshooter: If you attack a target that is Far or Very Far, you can mark a Stress to deal an extra 1d4 + your tier damage.

Trusted Observer: When you make an Instinct Roll to perceive, you have advantage on the roll. 

Surgeon

The ship’s surgeon treats wounds, illness, and injuries across the crew.

SHIPBOARD FEATURES

First Aid: Once per rest, when an ally within Very Close range takes damage from an attack, you can mark a Stress to reduce the damage by 1d4 + your tier.

Stitch & Splint: Once per rest, when you use the Tend to Wounds downtime move on an ally, clear additional Hit Points equal to your tier. When you do, you also clear Hit Points equal to your tier.