Ships need officers to oversee operations. A player character can fill only one role at a time, though multiple characters can be assigned to a single role. Some roles aboard a ship reflect the need for trained experts to direct a crew’s efforts. Others focus on keeping the crew’s health and morale in order. Each role is described below:
The captain issues orders. The best captains have high Intelligence and Charisma scores, as well as proficiency with water vehicles and the Intimidation and Persuasion skills.
This specialist keeps the crew’s morale up by providing close supervision, encouragement, and discipline. A first mate benefits from a high Charisma score, as well as proficiency with the Intimidation and Persuasion skills.
The bosun (or boatswain) provides technical advice to the captain and crew and leads repair and maintenance efforts. A good bosun has a high Strength score, as well as proficiency with
The quartermaster plots the ship’s course, relying on knowledge of nautical charts and a study of weather and sea conditions. A reliable quartermaster tends to have a high Wisdom score, as well as proficiency with navigator’s tools and the Nature skill.
Ships are made of a lot of wood and so is the mast. The carpenter would take care of the ship’s structural integrity and would often answer to the Boatswain. They may also double as the ship’s surgeon since they have access to saws that would be handy for removing limbs.
The Master Gunner is in charge of the gunners. The gunners handle the the magical cannons, balistas, and other projectile weapons. The Master Gunner makes sure that each of his gunners has the training they need to aim and fire the magical flame cannons on a ship. Since magic is rare, the Master Gunner is sometimes the Master Archer who helps the other archers choose when to use plain arrows, flaming arrows, and when the right time to loose them is.
The riggers are the sailors who are assigned the role of working the rigging and unfurling the sails.
The ship’s surgeon tends to injuries, keeps illnesses from spreading throughout the ship, and oversees sanitation. A capable surgeon benefits from a high Intelligence score, as well as proficiency with herbalism kits and the Medicine skill.
A ship’s cook works with the limited ingredients aboard a ship to make meals. A skilled cook keeps the crew’s morale in top shape, while a poor one drags down the entire crew’s performance. A talented cook has a high Constitution score, as well as proficiency with brewer’s supplies and cook’s utensils.
During an encounter, the captain, first mate, and bosun each have access to the special action options detailed below.
As an action, the captain. first mate, or bosun directs the crew's firing, aiding in aiming one of the ship's weapons. Select one of the ship's weapons that is within 10 feet of the officer. It gains advantage on the next attack roll it makes before the end of the ship's next turn.
As an action while on deck, the captain, first mate, or bosun can exhort the crew to work harder and drive the ship forward faster. Roll a d6 and multiply the result by 5. Apply the total as a bonus to the ship's speed until the end of the ship's next turn. If the ship is already benefiting from this action“s bonus, don't add the bonuses together; the higher bonus applies.