Spelljammer Additions

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D&D 5e compatible

 

 

Section 1 - Character Options

1.1 - Races

Dracon

Relative newcomers to this corner of the Astral Sea, the dracons have quickly established themselves amongst the spacefaring peoples. Steady, prudent, and mighty in presence, their stature can only continue to grow.

Robust as an Asteroid

A dracon sets an imposing figure. Their heavy bodies of thick hide are grey in colour, standing on broad and flat elephantine feet and with an extra long and muscular tail. Their six fingered hands end in sharp claws, and their sleek heads are draconic in nature and topped with swept back horns. Despite their size they move with ease, and like a charging rhinoceros they can close the distance with surprising quickness. Dracons are vegetarian and live comparatively long lives.

All in Step

Traditional dracon society shares a strong herd instinct, organizing itself around huge family units commonly called a herd. This instinct is strong enough that a dracon that finds itself isolated often takes ill, its health deteriorating until they can reunite or find a substitute family, even a non-dracon one.

The head of herd is given the title of kaba. The method of choosing the kaba is completely opaque to most non-dracons, with a combination of genealogy, kinship, and relations that interact in intricate ways to determine the ‘eldest’ and thus the one who will guide the herd.

When two herds meet, their respective kabas compare lineages and exchange favours in order to set their position with respect to any interactions. Should the herds choose to merge, the whole process begins anew to appoint its kaba, which may result in neither of the existing kabas being reappointed.

There is little upset or shame if this happens; dracons consider being a kaba a duty to the herd, and it is in some ways a reward to be replaced so the weight of the position is no longer on your back.

Ritual complexity also extends to other all other aspects of herd life, with a series of formalities that forestalls friction and outward dissention.

Disagreements are handled by way of a strict and stylized dueling code. So accustomed to rituals are the dracon that if properly challenged by an outsider, unless there is some special circumstance, most will feel honour-bound to accept the challenge and abide by its results.

The kaba of a herd is always assisted by a shalla, who combines the role of advisor, healer, and priest. Larger herds often have multiple shallas, helping to oversee and maintain the many ritual traditions. In their priestly duties, the shalla mediates between the herd and the equally intricate dracon pantheon. With this life of community, consideration, and communion, dracons view themselves as highly civilized people, patient and willing to accommodate towards a solution rather than stubbornly (and needlessly) holding their ground.

Travelling the stars

Little is known about the dracon’s homeworld, other than it being described as dry and arid, with shallow seas and endless plains of grasslands and desert terrain. The reluctance of dracons to describe their home to others may arise from caution and distrust, possibly stemming from tragic interactions in the past. The dracon pantheon does contain references to a spiderlike dark spirit of malice, one that might hint at equally dark encounters with the neogi.

Despite their restraint and their deep-seated instincts however, there are many dracons who have left their traditional herds to become explorers and adventurers. Dracons maintain cordial relationships with most other spacefaring species for both benefit and out of curiosity. Spurred on by this curiosity, a dracon could bond with another family, such as a ship’s crew or an adventuring party, to discover what is out there. A dracon might also have found themselves stranded or separated from their herd though some manner of misfortune, and too bonded with their new companions. It is also not out of the realm of possibility that a more independently minded dracon could choose to leave their herd to commandeer their own future out in the Astral Sea and beyond.

Dracon Names

All Names: Aerlo, Ava, Ayzorph, Cherral, Chirp, Eirun, Imcet, Irath, Qatam, Quiph, Qusath, Raim, Raivn, Ridder, Ruuz, Saidru, Saiva, Suvar, Thaia, Trivit, Tyld, xiata, Zial PART 1 | CHARACTER OPTIONS

 

 

Dracon Traits

Dracon share certain racial traits.

Ability Score Increase. your Constitution score increases by 1.

Formal Puissance. Living with care and awareness within a large herd , dracons are as strong in spirit and discernment as they are in body. your choice of your Strength or Intelligence or Wisdom score increases by 2.

Age. Dracons mature at about the same rate as humans, reaching adulthood around the age of 20. They live to be around 180.

Size. Dracon generally stand around 8 feet tall, and on average they weigh around 2400 lbs. your size is Large (however, see Dracon Build).

Dracon Build. Because of your unique physiology:

• You are considered mounted, riding a mount of Medium size.
• You cannot ride most mounts.
• You have disadvantage to climb checks.
• You can serve as a mount for a humanoid of size Medium or smaller.
• You have advantage on Strength (Athletics) checks to move, lift, or break objects.
• Your humanoid torso is roughly the same size as that of a human. For the purposes of using weapons and other tools, your size is treated as Medium.

Speed. your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Natural Weapons. you are never unarmed. you are proficient with your claws and tail, which are simple melee weapons that deal 1d3 slashing (for claws) or 1d6 bludgeoning (for tail) damage. These weapons possess the Light and Finesse properties.

Powerful Blow. When you hit a creature with an attack roll, you can attempt a special shove against the target and each creature ad jacent to them (you are immune to this effect). Each affected creature must a Strength saving throw versus a DC of 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus. A creature is both pushed 5 feet and knocked prone on a failed save. After you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Ritual Challenge Specialty. Contests and challenges were a regular part growing up in the herd. As such, you honed yourself in a particular way to be successful. Choose one of the following options:

Tail Strike. your tail Natural Weapon has a reach of 10 feet.

Tough Hide. When you calculate your AC, add +1 to the total. If your calculated AC is less than 11 + your Constitution modifier, you may use that value instead.

 

 

1.2 - Classes

1.3 - Backgrounds

1.4 - Spells

Enhance Spelljamming

5th-level transmutation, ritual

Wizard

Casting Time:

10 minutes

Range:

0

Components:

V,S,M (a drop of mercury)

Duration:

Concentration, up to 8 hours

For the duration of the spell, you increase the Spelljamming rating of a ship you are on by .5 . This spell ends if you leave the air envelope of the ship you have affected.

Invisibility Cloak

5th-level illusion

Bard, Cleric, Wizard

Casting Time:

1 action

Range:

30 feet

Components:

V,S,M (a glass replica of the object worth at least 100 gp)

Duration:

Concentration, up to 1 hour

You render one non-living object of up to 50 cubic feet (50 ft. X 50 ft. X 50 ft., or 35 tons on a Spelljamming ship) invisible for the duration of the spell. If the spell cannot affect the entire object targeted due to size, the spell fails.

Objects and creatures on or inside the object at the time of casting are likewise rendered invisible, though they can see the object and others on or in the object as normal. To affected creatures, a slight shimmer covers the object or creatures affected by the spell, easily identifying anything that has been rendered invisible by the spell.

If an affected object or creature leaves the object, the invisibility is broken for that item or creature. Likewise, if a creature or object aboard the affected item attacks or casts a spell, the invisibility is broken for that object or creature. If the object itself attacks or casts a spell, the entire spell is terminated.

At Higher Levels. For every spell level above 5th, you can affect an additional 50 cubic feet.

Repair

3rd level Transmutation

Casting Time:

1 action

Range:

30 feet

Components:

V, S, M (an irregular piece of cloth)

Duration:

Instantaneous

You target an object in range, which begins to repair itself - dents buff out, broken items mend, missing components rebuild themselves and so on. The target regains 3d10 hit points, so long as the total exceeds the target’s Damage Threshhold. If the item was a permanent magical item or construct creature, it restores the magic or animating magic to the item or creature.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell at 4th level or higher, for every spell level above 3rd you repair an additional 1d10 hit points.

PART 1 | CHARACTER OPTIONS

 

 

Part 2 - Spelljamming

Spelljamming ships can reach incredible speeds - they need to, considering the vast distances between celestial bodies, let alone systems.

Speed and Distance

When cruising through Wildspace or in the Astral Sea, spelljamming ships are propelled by magical forces that allow them to move at an incredible pace of 1,000 miles per hour.

Luckily, unlike our own universe, in the fantasy realms of D&D objects in space are not the millions and billions of miles apart - a day’s journey at Spelljamming speed is usually sufficient to reach a realm’s closest moon, and few realms require more than a month to traverse from a central planet or sun to the edge of a wildspace’s system astral border.

The ebb and flow of the forces in Wildspace and Astral Sea allow vessels traveling at spelljamming speeds to easily avoid small pockets of “dead” space and objects that would prove fatal if collided with at such speeds.

However, this magical propulsion force dissipates near large bodies such as planets, moons or other phenomena - including certain creatures or spelljamming vesssels, such as the whale-like kinori. At the least, any substantial object of 1 ton or more that has its own air envelope can disrupt the ability to spelljam near it.

Travel

An individual pilot typically helms a spelljamming ship for 8 hours, but can handle up to 14 hours per day - allowing 8 hours for rest, and 2 hours for meals and breaks. At spelljamming speeds, this allows the pilot to move a spelljamming vessel 8,000 to 14,000 miles in a single day (i.e, 1,000 miles per hour).

It is possible for a pilot to push themselves for longer periods, but doing so is exhaustive - anything over 14 hours of piloting inflicts one level of exhaustion in the pilot from the magical stress of helming the vessel. Each additional 4 hours of piloting without a long rest will inflict an additional level of exhaustion. At 2 levels of exhaustion or more, a spelljamming vessel is reduced to half spelljamming speed - and possibly tactical speed will be affected as well. Once a pilot reaches 5 levels of exhaustion, they are incapable of piloting a spelljamming vessel at spelljamming or tactical speeds any further until they reduce their exhaustion level to 4 or less.

Interception

A spelljamming pilot can sense the oncoming approach of a “dead” area as far as an hour away and normally avoid it with ease. However, if for some reason the “dead” area is in motion or a small adjustment will not avoid intecepting the “dead” area, a Spelljamming Vessel (Int) check is required to avoid it. The DC will be based on the speed and size of the object. If it is another spelljamming vessel that is actively attempting to intercept another, an opposed check is made between the two vessels. Even if interception occurs, the two objects will slow from spelljamming speeds at a distance of ten keel lengths (using the larger vessel) between each other’s own air envelope. For example, if two space galleons were to intercept (with a keel length of 130 feet), they would drop out of spelljamming speeds no closer than 1,300 feet from each other.

Generally speaking, once an object has moved so there is at least ten times the keel length of another vessel of one ton or more away from any other vessel, a spelljamming ship may return to spelljamming speeds - though this does not preclude enemy ships from pursuing a fleeing vessel.

Celestial Bodies

Luckily there is a maximum distance that an object can draw a vessel out of spelljamming speeds. Objects over 1,000 tons - such as large asteroids like the Rock of Braal or planets like Toril - have a static distance to which they affect vessels. In such cases, a vessel drops out of spelljamming speeds at no more than 5 miles from the object. Most vessels can cover this distance to or from such an object at tactical speed in less than an hour.

Near such places of “dead” space, whose area of effect fluctuates just beyond their air envelope, spelljamming movement is greatly disrupted and other means of maneuver and motion are required. The most common method employs harnessing what is known as the celestial winds - an undulating, radiant breeze that emanates from the Astral Sea and permeates almost all of Wildspace. This phantom, starry breeze can fill the sails of a spacefaring ship like an earthbound wind, and many creatures native to Wildspace can glide through it as easily as one might fly or swim. Creatures moving along the celestial winds move at much slower speeds, known as “Tactical Speed”.

 

 

Space Sickness

Creatures unfamiliar to the slight undulations of spelljamming vessels might experience mild nausea or other ill effects. Beings that are not native to Wildspace or that do not have a background in space travel should make a DC 10 Constitution save after their first hour of travel. On a failure, the target is Nauseated (treat as Poisoned) for the duration of the trip, and 1d4 hours afterward. If the target succeeds the saving throw on a trip, they do not need to make saves on future trips, having gotten their “spacelegs”.

Repairing Ships

Nonmagical repairs to a damaged ship can be made while the vessel is berthed. Repairing 1 hit point of damage to a berthed ship takes 1 hour and costs 20 gp for materials and labor. Damage to shipboard weapons can be repaired just as quickly (1 hit point per hour), but at half the cost (10 gp per hit point).

You can’t repair a ship with the mend cantrip, or any spell whose ability to repair hit points fails to exceed the ship’s Damage Threshold.

Berths that have spellcasters with access to the repair spell charge 50 gp per hit point restored, and can perform castings as listed below.

Note that the listing belows are not necessarily the maximum capacity of the spellcasters, but their general willingness to dedicate resources to an individual customer. In unusual cases, such as emergencies, characters may be able to negotiate for extra castings.

	Example	Repair
Berthing	Berthing	Castings per day
Ad hoc	A pier outside a village	one 3rd (16 hp)
Small	Fishing Village	two 3rd (16 hp)
Medium	A coastal town	three 3rd (16 hp), one 4th (22 hp)
Large	Rock of Braal	three 3rd (16 hp), three 4th (22 hp), two 5th (27 hp)
Metropolian	Waterdeep	six 3rd (16 hp), six 4th (22 hp), four 5th (27 hp), two 6th (33 hp)
{{footnote PART 2	SPELLJAMMING}}

 

 

Part 3 - Ship to Ship Combat

The basic rules within the official Spelljammer book provide adequate information for handling a simple theater of the mind system where two ships are intent on closing to end up in a boarding action. However, a system is needed for those that want a more nuanced method of handling ship-to-ship combat, including tracking fleet and armada scale actions.

Tabletop Combat

The following rules assume the use of a battlemat with squares or hexes.

Encounter Distance

For the purposes of tabletop combat, assume ships slow to tactical speed once they come within one space mile (4,000 ft.) of each other. Because of the on-rushing speed of each vessel, the two ships begin manuevering within approximately 10 keel lengths of one another.

If one ship has surprised the other, the surprising vessel may choose to approach along the side or rear of the surprised ship, and the distance between vessels should be 5 times the keel length of the surprised vessel.

Example, for a flying fish, normal encounter distance would be 1,200 feet - or about 9 hexes, or if surprised at a range of 600 feet (4 hexes). Generally speaking, the two ships will be angled towards each other.

Scale

Using 1 inch hexes or squares, each division is 135 feet, and each tabletop turn is the equivilant of 3 rounds of normal D&D combat.

Ship hit points are divided by 5 for the purposes of tracking damage in this scale.

Ship weapons use the Ship Scale damage (see Weapons chapter).

Spell and hand-to-hand weapon damages are divided by 5 in this scale.

Movement

The tables below show some basic information for how far a ship can move, based on its current tactical speed.

Movement

Ship’s Current Speed	Hexes
.5 - 7.5 MPH	1
8 - 12.5 MPH	2
13 - 17.5 MPH	3
18 - 22.5 MPH	4
23 - 27.5 MPH	5
28 - 32.5 MPH	6
33 MPH - 37.5 MPH	7
38 MPH - 42.5 MPH	8
43 MPH - 47.5 MPH	9
48 MPH - 52.5 MPH	11

Manuevering

Each ship has a Manueverability Class (MC). This is a rating of how acrobatic and manueverable the ship is. The table below indicates how many hexsides a ship may turn.

Manuevering

Manuever	Turns
Class (MC)	Degrees	per Hex
7	180 degrees	3
6	135 degrees	2
5	90 degrees	1
4	45 degrees	1/2**
3	20 degrees	1/3**
2	5 degrees	1/5**
1	—	—

-** The ship must move the number of hexes indicated after the slash before it can turn one hexside. This turn can be split over multiple rounds of movement.

Dash

The ship moves up to twice the ship’s tactical speed and suffers disadvantage on any attacks it makes.

Bank

The ship moves in two dimensions, rolling into the turns it makes, allowing it to increase its Maneuvering Class by 1, up to 7. The ship can move up to its Tactical speed while banking. However, since the ship’s deck tends to be orientated somewhat perpendicular to its flight path, any ranged weapon attacks the ship makes are at disadvantage. PART 3 | SHIP COMBAT

 

 

Sheer Turn

The ship moves fast and turns hard. It increases it Manuevering Class by 1, up to 7. It can also move up to twice its Tactical speed. However, the stress damages the ship, causing it to take 5 (1d10) damage per 10 tons, ignoring Damage Thresholds.

Any ranged attacks the ship makes are at disadvantage. Also, any undermanned weapons cannot be loaded on a turn a ship evades, though any undermanned weapons that are already loaded can be fired - though at disadvantage.

Move

The ship can move up to it’s tactical speed.

Evade

The ship moves in an erratic pattern in an attempt to avoid being hit. The ship gains a bonus to its AC equal to 1 + 1/2 the pilot’s proficiency modifier. It also adds this bonus to its save when attempting to avoid a ram.

The ship cannot attempt a ram in the turn it evades. It moves at half speed, rounded down and its Manueverability Class (MC) is lowered to the next level for its turn.

Any shipborne attacks made while evading are done so at disadvantage. Also, any undermanned weapons cannot be loaded on turn a ship evades, though any undermanned weapon that is already loaded can be fired - though at disadvantage.

Push Past

A ship that contacted another vessel or obstacle can attempt to manuever around or through the obstacle. The pilot makes a DC 15 Space Vessel (Intelligence) check. If the opposing vessel is manned and likewise wishes to be clear, the check is made with advantage (as if the opposing vessel were aiding the action). On a failure, the vessel clears but takes 1/2 damage from colliding and scraping past the obstacle and can move up to its Tactical speed. If the check is failed by 4 or more, the vessel is brought to a halt and suffers damage as if it had fully collided with the opposing vessel.

Reverse Course

If a ship starts it turn at 0 speed (or is already moving in reverse), it can choose to move in reverse at a speed up to half its half its tactical speed. A ship cannot use sails to reverse course and must have some other form of propulsion, such as oars or a screw.

Stop

The ship makes no move this turn and its speed becomes 0. The ship cannot have dashed or performed a sheer turn in the prior turn.

A ship that does not move grants advantage to attacks made against it and automatically fails any attempt to evade obstacles or a ram.

Initiative

Each ship involved in the combat rolls for initiative seperately, rolling 1d20 + ship’s tactical speed in MPH. It is suggested initiative is rerolled each round and based on the ship’s current tactical speed. If you wish to speed up this step for large fleet battles, it is suggested you simply use each ship’s current speed for determining initiative.

 

 

Taking Actions

On it’s turn, a ship can take one move action and perform one action from below.

Aimed Attack

To use this action, the ship cannot be moving faster than tactical speed, the enemy ship must not be obscured by another enemy vessel or obstacle and the weapon must be at short range. The ship fires any or all of its fully-manned shipboard weapons, using 3 loads of ammunition. You roll two dice and take the lower result. On a hit, you deal normal damage and can choose one critical effect from the critical hit table below.

Attack

The ship fires any or all of its fully-manned shipboard weapons, using 3 loads of ammunition. You roll one attack for each weapon, or two dice and take the lower result if you have disadvantage. Each weapon deals damage or effects seperately.

Any undermanned weapons are loaded only. If an undermanned weapon is already loaded from the previous round, they can be fired, using up 1 load of ammunition. Each weapon is activated independantly.

Ship weapons are fired by using Seige Weapon (Int) and may be fired before, during or after moving. If the target is at long range, the attack is made with disadvantage. Likewise, if a ship is moving faster than its tactical speed, any attacks are made at disadvantage. If there is another ship or obstacle in the way the attack is made with disadvantage.

If a hit is a natural 20, a critical hit is scored. Roll on the table below for the effect.

Critical Hit Effects

1d10 Roll	Effect
1	Manuevering Hit The ship’s method of tactical manuevering is hit. The ship’s Manuevering Class is reduced by 1
2	Crew Hit If the crew deck is open or the ship has been Hulled, make a roll against a crew counter on the boarding action table using the number of d10’s for the weapons attack as it CrR*. If using role-playing rules 1d6 random crewmembers are struck by the weapon’s attack. If the crew deck is enclosed, treat this as Hulled.
3-5	Hulled The ship suffers double damage
6	Weapon Struck One of the ship’s weapons of the attacker’s choice takes damage. If using the tabletop helm display, mark the weapon as Damaged. If already Damaged, it is destroyed).
7	Compartment If the ship has been Hulled, the ship loses 1 ton of cargo or suffers damage to one of the target’s vessel modules (or destroys it, if already damaged), otherwise treat this as Hulled.
8	Spelljamming Helm Damage The ship cannot go to Spelljamming speed and cannot exceed its maximum Tactical Speed. The ship cannot Dash or make a Sheer Turn until after its next turn. If the pilot is in an exposed area, or the ship has previously suffered a Hulled critical hit, the pilot suffers the weapon’s damage (if using helm display, the Spelljammer helm is marked as Wounded, or if Wounded, it is destroyed and the ship is dead in space)

-* Example. A Magonel (5d10) hits a Neogi ship with an exposed Umber Hulk (CrR 5). The attacker would roll a 1:1 Ratio on the Boarding Action table, Wounding the Umber Hulk on a roll of 10-19, or Destroying it on a 20. If the crew had been a normal crew (CrR 1), the attacker would roll on the 5:1 Ratio column, wounding the crew on a roll of 2-4, and destroying it on a roll of 5+).

Boarding Action

If two vessels are in the same space and moving 0 MPH, or a spaceborne boarding party has reached the space of a vessel, they can attempt a boarding action. This can be conducted as 3 rounds of normal D&D scale combat. If you wish to expedite the resolution of the boarding action, you can use the ship’s two Crew Rating (CrR) values. to more swiftly resolve the action. See the boarding action section for more details.

 

 

Ram

A ship must be able to cross the path of an enemy vessel to perform a ram. The ramming ship’s crew braces for impact and can only fire one fully-manned weapon (consuming 1 load of ammunition) just prior to the first ram - though the attack is made at disadvantage. The ramming vessel makes a Space Vessel (Int) check against DC 8 + your Space Vessel (Int) skill to successfully ram. The check is made with disadvantage if the enemy’s vessel is more manueverable, or with advantage if the enemy vess is less manueverable.

If the ram is successful, the two vessels come to a dead stop, and boarding actions can begin. The two vessels suffer 2d10 damage, plus 1d10 per 10 tons of the enemy vessel - or damage from the vessel’s ram, whichever is greater. In addition, the rammed vessel takes an additional 1d10 damage for every 5 MPH the ramming vessel was moving. The pilot of each vessel can make a DC 15 Space Vessel (Int) check to half the damage from the ram.

If the ram is failed, the ramming vessel continues any remaining movement. This may allow it to swing about to ram another ship or possibly even a previous ship it attempted to ram.

Boarding Actions

If you want to resolve fleet-level boarding actions quickly, use the system below.

One by one, select a Crew Counter from each ship, and compare the Crew Rating (CrR) of each to find a ratio. Match the highest CrC untouched crew counters first, then Beaten and then finally Wounded.

If crew counters are remaining after all opposing crew counters have been matched, place the selected counter on an existing counter and add 1 to the stack’s ratio. Repeat this process until all additional crew counters have been added, or the side with additional crew counters wishes to cease adding to the ratios.

After all counters have been matched to find a ratio, each side rolls a d20 for each match and references the chart below for the results. Repeat for each opposing crew counter. All damage effects are applied after all die rolls have been made.

	Ratio
1d20 Roll	1:3+	1:2	1:1	2:1	3:1	4:1	5+:1
1	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2	—	—	—	—	—	B	W
3	—	—	—	—	B	W	W
4	—	—	—	B	W	D	W
5-9	—	—	B	W	D	D	D
10-19	—	B	W	D	D	D	D
20	B	W	D	D	D	D	D

Beaten (B)

The Crew Counter is repulsed by the enemy attack. Turn the counter 90 degrees to one side to indicate this condition. A Wounded counter can be Beaten. If a Beaten back Crew Counter is beaten back again, it is Wounded. If a Beaten Crew Counter is already Wounded, it is Destroyed instead.

Wounded (W)

The Crew Counter is wounded. Flip the crew counter to its Wounded side. The Wounded side should indicate that its Crew Rating (CrR) is halved. If a Wounded Crew Counter is Wounded again, it is Destroyed instead.

Destroyed (D)

The Crew Counter is Destroyed. Remove the Crew Counter. If you are playing a campaign and the vessel survives, there is a 25% chance that the Crew counter is recovered, though it starts any future engagements Wounded, unless the Crew is able to take an Extended Rest (1 week shipborn or 3 days at a stardock, spaceport or planetbound).

Retreat

If a crew counter is Wounded and not Beaten, you can choose to have it retreat from the boarding action if another non-beaten counter can replace it. The counter that is retreated gains the Beaten condition by retreating, however.

 

 

Range

For tabletop action, the basic ranges listed for various weapons is simply too short. Multiply all ranges - for siege weapons, crew ranged weapons and spells by 3 when fired outside of the air envelope of an object of an object of 100 tons or less.

For example, a Flying Fish is armed with Ballista with a range of 120 ft./480 ft. . When used in tabletop combat, this would instead be a range of 360 ft./1,440 ft. or 3 hexes/11 hexes.

Escaping

A ship that is beyond 4,000 feet (30 hexes) from any ship or object of 1 ton or more at the end of a round (not its turn) and is facing 120 degrees or more away from the closest such object can resume spelljamming away from the area.

Note that if a ship flees the area but is pursued by a ship or object, the chase rules should be used to see if the fleeing ship can get away or is caught up to by its pursuer. If the latter happens, assume the ships drop to tactical speed within a mere 5 times the keel length of the smaller ship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ad = Adamantine Drill

B = Ballista

Be = Beholder

Bo = Bombard

Bw = Breath Weapon

E = Eye Weapon

F = Fire projector

Gb = Spacesea Giant with Boulder

GC = Great Cannon

H = Harpoon

M = Magonel

Mi = Mines

MM = Magic Missile

Rb = Ram, Bludgeoning

Rp = Ram, Piercing

Rg = Ram, Grappling

T = Tentacles

Tl = Tangle Line

Ts = Tail Sting

Wc = Water Cannon

 

 

Section 3 - Ships

Standard Ship Positions

While a spelljamming vessel at the minimum requires a pilot to maneuver the vessel, on any sizable ship there are number of positions that characters might fulfill - other than as crew or passengers. The more notable positions are listed below, along with their duties and possible skills they need to perform those duties.

Pilot

Required

This is the individual responsible for maneuvering the vessel at spelljamming and tactical speeds. Spelljamming ships rarely turn on a dime, thus the pilot generally relies on Spelljammer Vessel (Wis) skill checks to deftly maneuver the vessel to a desired position.

Combat Action: You can use Spelljammer Vessel (Wis) to make initiative rolls.

Captain

Required

This individual is responsible for the efficient running of the ship, and has the final say in all matters regarding the ship’s disposition. The captain’s duty is to co-ordinate the actions of everyone else aboard the ship. On some ships, the pilot also acts as the Captain, but in stressful situations such as combat the demands of maneuvering and commanding is difficult, causing such an individual to suffer disadvantage on skill checks for both positions.

Combat Action: Make a DC 15 Persuasion (Cha) check. On a success one other position on the ship gains advantage on its next d20 roll.

Cook

Optional

This individual is responsible for feeding and watering the crew. Many are consummate rumormongers as well, and are charged with keeping up the morale of the crew along long voyages. Cooks need to be proficient with Cooking Utensils (Int), and it never hurts to be good at Performance (Cha) and Insight (Cha). Cooks tend to work hand-in-hand with the Quartermaster, and it may even be a position filled by the Quartermaster themselves.

Engineer

Optional This individual is resposible for co-ordinating and maintenence of the ship’s seconday power source. They must be able to quickly take orders from the pilot and initiate any course or speed changes. The engineer should be proficient in Smith’s Tools and Persuasion (or Intimidation) to get the best effort out a crew that powers the secondary power source. This position might be combined with the Pilot, Captain or First Mate’s position on some ships.

Combat Action: Make a DC 15 Arcana (Int) check. On a success, you can increase the ship’s Speed by 1.

First Mate

Optional

The first mate is generally only a position filled on large ships that have a significant number of crew on board. They are the assistant to the Captain, ensuring the orders given to them are filled out by the crew in an efficient fashion, allowing the Captain to tend to other duties. They should be skilled in Charisma (Persuasion), Wisdom (Insight) and Charisma (Intimidation) when the situation calls for it. On some ships, the First Mate may act as a Navigator, or may even be the spokesperson for the crew, relaying their mood and needs to the Captain. Combat Action: During Boarding Actions, you replace the d20 roll with a Persuasion (Cha) or Intimidation (Cha) check.

Navigator

Optional

This individual is responsible for tracking the course of the vessel. They must be able to juggle many facts at once to both know where they’ve been, where they are going and how long it will take them. They generally use Survival (Wis) to plot courses directly, though a dose of Intelligence (History) is often desired to know about the local inhabitants and hazards in an area. Military vessels and ships with valuable cargo generally have a dedicated individual as the navigator - who keeps the route secret from the general crew. Most other vessels regulate the navigator’s job to the Pilot, Captain, Master of the Tops or First Mate.

Combat Action: Make a DC 15 Insight (Wis) check. On a success, one enemy ship you select must truthfully tell you its speed and which direction it intends to turn for the round.

Tops

Optional

This individual is responsible for adjusting whatever means the vessel uses for maneuvering at tactical speeds - usually sails. The Master of the Tops generally isn’t actually maneuvering the ship, but instead adjusting and trimming the sails to catch the maximum amount of celestial winds to keep the vessel moving. This generally requires a Wisdom (Nature or Survival) skill check to get top speed. In a pinch, the Pilot can also acts as the Master of the Tops, but attempting to do both jobs at once inflicts disadvantage on both checks.

Combat Action: Make a DC 15 Spelljammer Vessel (Wis) check. On a success, the ship’s Manueverability Rating is increased by 1, up to 7.

 

 

Quartermaster

Optional

This individual is responsible for storing and doling out supplies on the vessel. Generally the quartermaster holds the money purse for the ship, doling out salaries as well as being in charge of purchasing supplies for the next voyage. The quartermaster’s duties requires a mix of Intelligence (Investigation) to locate hard-to-find items, Charisma (Persuasion) to barter deals and Intelligence (Survival) to properly plan purchases for upcoming voyages. During a voyage, the quartermaster may also act as the ship’s cook, since its food stores are their responsibility. On very small ships, the Captain or Pilot may act as the quartermaster.

Combat Action: Make a DC 15 Persuasion (Cha) check. On a success, a number of ship weapons equal to your proficiency bonus use one less load of ammuntion apiece when used.

Weapons Master

Optional

This individual is responsible for the co-ordination of a vessel’s weapons and armory. This individual is in charge of training the crew to fight and fight effectively. They also generally are in charge of the keys to the armory - a position not enviable for those on a ship nearing mutiny. A Weapon Master’s duties generally come on line in combat, but in-between combats their duties include training others in the use of personal and ship-board weapons, as well as keeping the crew discipline in line - usually through Charisma (Persuasion), but Charisma (Intimidation) if necessary.

Combat Action: Make a DC 15 Seige Weapon (Int) check. On a success, a number of ship weapons equal to half your proficiency bonus attacks with advantage.

Surgeon

Optional

This individual is responsible for the well-being of the crew. They monitor for diseases, such as scurvy, as well as treat any illnesses. They may also need to perform first aid or even surgery on members of the crew. Surgeons need to be proficient with Intelligence (Medicine), and it is helpful to have proficiency with Surgery Tools and Healer Kits.

Combat Action: Make a DC 15 Medicine (Wis) check. On a success, turn a Wounded crew counter to Beaten or prevent a Wounded crew counter from being Destroyed.

Shipsmith

Optional

This individual is in charge of repairs performed on the ship. They provide routine maintenance of the ship’s hull, as well as examining the ship for damage or wear. Shipsmiths need to be proficient with Smith’s tools and/or Carpentry tools, based on the ship’s materials. On smaller ships this may be a job assumed by the First Mate or Quartermaster.

Combat Action: When the ship is struck by an enemy weapon, make a DC 15 Carpentry (Str) check. On a success, half the damage from the attack. This can only be done once per turn.

 

 

Section 3.1 - Ship Building

The information below can be used to customize or otherwise use as a basis to create your own ship or to modify existing ones.

1. Select Tonnage

Select your ship’s tonnage, from 1 to 100 tons.

2. Determine Size

Using the tonnage, determine the width of the ship (beam), the length of the ship (keel) and the number of decks the ship has.

3. Material

Determine the material that the ship is made of. This will set the base AC for the ship, its raw cost and overall hit points.

4. Determine Cargo Tonnage

Cargo tonnage is equal to half the ship’s overall tonnage, but can be increased or decreased at a cost.

5. Select Modules

Based on the ship’s tonnage, this will provide space for weapons and any special locations or features of the ship. The modules you select will affect the final price of the ship.

6. Determine Power Source and Backup Power Source

In this step, you purchase the spelljamming power source and any backup power source to allow the ship to move at tactical speed.

7. Determine Speed and Manueverability

In this step, you use the ship’s tonnage, spelljamming helm, backup power source and any speed modification modules to calculate the ships’s spelljamming speed and its tactical speed.

8. Select Weapons

If you purchased any weapon mount modules, you can now place armaments on your ship. This will affect the minimum crew for the ship and overall cost.

9. Determine Crew

At this time, calculate the minimum crew, based on ship positions. A full crew is always equal to the tonnage of the ship. If you are outfitting the ship for use, you now select the training level of the crew, which will affect the ship’s final cost.

10. Determine Final Cost

Add all prices up from the previous steps to determine the cost of the ship.

Tonnage

Spelljamming ships under 5 tons are exceptionally difficult to control at spelljamming speeds, and quickly break down after only a few days at spelljamming speed. On the other end of the spectrum, normal spelljamming helms cannot move a vessel over 100 tons in weight.

A ship’s tonnage determines the ship’s base Manueverability Class (MC) and the speed modifier for its tactical speed power source.

Tonnage

	Ship	Base	Base
Tonnage	Class	MC	Speed	MPH
1-5	Shuttle	6	150 ft.	(17 MPH)
6-10	Light	5	130 ft.	(15 MPH)
11-25	Medium	4	120 ft.	(13.5 MPH)
26-50	Heavy	4	90 ft.	(10 MPH)
51-75	Ship of the Line	3	60 ft.	(6.5 MPH)
76-100	Dreadnought	3	30 ft.	(4.5 MPH)
100+	Starbase	2	15 ft.	(1.5 MPH)

 

 

Size

Spelljammer ship tonnage is not a weight measurement, but a dimensional measurement. One ton is approximately 100 cubic yards or a cube 15 feet on each side.

The table below give quick calculations for the keel length of a spelljamming ship, based on its beam width. The bolded column indicates the “perfect ratio” for a earth-based style ship where the ratio of beam, keel and tonnage match real world ships.

The table below assumes one deck. If you wish to have multiple decks, shorten the keel to “stack” the decks. For example, if you had a 10 ton ship with a beam 20 ft. wide, you might want split the ship into two decks, with one being 85 feet long and the second deck being 80 feet long. The split does not have to be even; for example, if you wanted a 40 ton galleon with a 30 ft. beam, you could give it two main decks each 165 feet long (330 ft.), with a fore and aft top deck 60 feet long (an additional 120 ft, for a total 450 ft.)

Keel Length

Tons	10 ft.	15 ft.	20 ft.	25 ft.	30 ft.	40 ft.	50 ft.
1	30	20	—	—	—	—	—
2	65	45	30	25	—	—	—
3	100	65	50	40	30	—	—
4	135	90	65	50	45	—	—
5	165	110	80	65	55	—	—
6	—	135	100	80	65	50	—
7	—	155	115	90	75	55	—
8	—	180	135	105	90	65	50
9	—	200	150	120	100	75	60
10	—	225	165	135	110	80	65
15	—	335	250	200	165	125	100
20	—	450	335	270	225	165	135
25	—	560	420	335	280	210	165
30	—	675	505	405	335	250	200
35	—	785	590	470	390	295	235
40	—	900	675	540	450	335	270
45	—	1010	755	605	505	375	300
50	—	1125	840	675	560	420	335
55	—	1235	925	740	615	460	370
60	—	1350	1010	810	675	505	405
65	—	1460	1095	875	730	545	435
70	—	1575	1180	945	785	590	470
75	—	1685	1265	1010	840	630	505
80	—	1800	1350	1080	900	675	540
85	—	1910	1430	1145	955	715	570
90	—	2025	1515	1215	1010	755	605
95	—	2135	1600	1280	1065	800	640
100	—	2250	1685	1350	1125	840	675

When determining your ship’s layout, consider one ship deck to be 10 feet tall.

Material

A ship’s basic material determines several things. See the material table below to determine hit points.

Material	Cost	AC	HP	DT
Leather/Canvas	50 gp	11	5	—
Bone	150 gp	12	5	5
Ceramic	600 gp	13	5	10
Crystal	5,000 gp	14	5	15
Stone	1,500 gp	17	5	15
Metal	2,700 gp	19	5	15
Wood	300 gp	15	5	15
Thin Wood	150 gp	14	5	7
Thick Wood	500 gp	16	5	15

Armor Class (AC)

The ship’s basic overall Armor Class. This can be modified by an Armor Plating module or magical items built into the ship. Mundane spells such as mage armor, shield, shield of faith and barkskin cannot be used on a vessel, and thus have no effect on its AC.

Hit Points (HP)

This is the number of hit points that the ship recieves base on its tonnage. A ship of at least 1 ton starts with 100 hit points, plus an additional 5 hit points per ton of the vessel’s mass.

Damage Threshold (DT)

Before a weapon attack can deal any damage to the vessel, the total damage of the attack must equal or exceed the Damage Threshold. When met or exceeded, the ship takes the full damage of the attack.

 

 

Modules (Optional)

The table below shows the amount of module space a spelljamming ship has available, based on its tonnage.

Total	Module
Tonnage	Tons
2-6	1
7-12	2
13-18	3
19-24	4
25-30	5
31-36	6
37-42	7
43-48	9
49-54	10
55-60	11
61-66	12
67-73	13
74-78	14
79-84	15
85-86	16
97-100	17

The following modules can be purchased for spelljamming ships

		Min
Module	Cost	Tons
Brig	200 gp	1
Bulwark	100 gp	1
Food Galley	750 gp	2
Quarters, Double Bunk	250 gp	1
Quarters, Passenger	1,000 gp	1
Quarters, Single Bunk	500 gp	1
Quarters, Triple Bunk	100 gp	2
Propulsion Bench	75 gp	*
Rigging	350 gp	1
Smuggling Hold	850 gp	1
Storage Locker	150 gp	1
Storage Tank	300 gp	1
Weapon Mount	250 gp	1
Work Area	200 gp	1

Modules are specialized areas of the ship that are cordoned off from the a ship’s cargo or other open areas. They have a specialized use that adds a small bit of overhead to a ship’s construction costs. You can purchase and combine multiple tons of a given module to create larger or multiple areas on the ship.

Unused Module tons can be converted to Cargo space, and vice versa. However, it is very rare for a ship to dip below half of its cargo tonnage, even for passenger liners.

Brig

A specialized storage locker, brigs are lockable cages for keeping live beasts, unruly crew or prisoners. They are generally made of metal and have a good lock on them (DC 15 Lock). A brig can be made into up to four seperate cells per ton. They normally are made to hold up to 2 medium-sized prisoners per cell, with a maximum capacity 18 medium-sized prisoners per ton.

Bulwark

This extra reinforcement of the ship, taking up space to give the ship an extra 25 hit points.

Food Galley

Generally only found on larger ships, a food galley is essentially a kitchen, complete with some sort of stove for cooking and preparing food. Due to the flammable nature of most ships, galleys are lined or treated with special materials or use special construction to keep from burning down the ship, hence their expensive nature.

One ton of food galley can accomodate 9 crewmembers at one time. Generally, a ship only needs a food galley for a crew of 30 or more, and is usually large enough to accomodate 1/3 of the crew at any given time. For example, a Flying Fish has a crew of 25, but decides it wants to add a food galley. One third of it’s crew is 8, so a single ton for a food galley module would be sufficient for the ship.

Quarters

Quarters contain isolating walls for some level of privacy and sepration from a ship’s cargo. It also containing one or more beds (or hammocks) and a storage locker or other way to secure the crew’s.

Passenger quarters tend to be the most flamboyant, to make guests comfortable on long voyages and attractive to draw paying customers. These quarters always have a bed and are usually large enough for additional furniture - with a wardrobe closet and table being common amenities. Passenger quarters can accomodate up to 2 passengers per ton. Multiple tons are often combined to create larger suites or multiple but seperate cabins.

Triple Bunk quarters are generally quite tight. They are usually reserved for bunking crew or soldiers for short duration trips. Hammocks are the common form of bed, but stacked cots are possible. There is rarely any room for personal gear other than a hook or peg to hang things upon. Triple Bunk quarters must be purchased in a minimum of two tons. Each ton actually contains enough space to hold 18 medium-sized individuals, or up to 27 medium-sized individuals on short trips.

Double Bunk quarters are the standard accomodation for crews on most ships. It consists of either two hammocks or a bunk bed with space underneath the lower bunk for a trunk or rucksack to store personal goods. Each ton contains enough space to comfortably fit 12 medium-sized individuals, and can support up to 18 medium-sized individuals for a short time.

 

 

Single bunk quarters are generally reserved for ship officers or the captain. They are actually a grade below passenger quarters, tending to be more utilitarian than roomy. More often than not, they have a bed instead of a hammock. However, they can be fairly spaceous and if consisting of several tons may have room for extra furniture or decorations such as wardrobes, tables or bookshelves. Each ton of a single bunk quarter supports up to 4 seperate rooms with a single bunk each. Often multiple tons are combined to create one room for a captain, admiral or other important crew member.

Rigging

This module covers rudders, fins and rigging lines and other features that enhance a ship’s maneuverability. A vessel using sails already has basic rigging included in its tonnage. Adding a rigging module is done to further increase a ship’s handling. If a certain amount of ship’s tonnage is dedicated to rigging, increase the ship’s manueverability as follows.

1/10th ship’s tonnage increase the ship’s manueverability class by 1, up to 7.

1/5th ship’s tonnage increase the ship’s manueverability class by 2, up to 7.

Propulsion Bench

This module must be bought in pairs if the ship has a beam wider than 15 feet. Each ton consists of enough benches to comfortably seat up to three medium sized individuals, or can seat up to six medium sized individuals in a confined space. One ton of propulsion benches accomodates 1 unit of power for Oars or a Propeller, or 2 units if confined quarters are used.

Smuggling Hold

This is a concealed section of the ship used to hide goods or even individuals. They may be false floors, a room accessed by a secret panel or door or even a false ceiling. Those searching in the immediate vicinity of a suspected smuggling hold can find it with a successful DC 15 Perception (Wisdom) check. Locating the mechanism of a discovered smuggling hold requires a successful DC 15 Investigate (Int) check for those who are not already familiar with how to access the area.

Storage Locker

This is an isolated, lockable room (DC 12 Lock) that is used to store valuables or other items that need to be isolated in some manner. They may be used to store and protect food, bombard powder or other ammunition, monetary goods, weapons or other items. They are required for furnace and boiler secondary power sources. In the latter two cases, they take up 1 ton per 10 power units.

Storage Tank

This is a sealed container for holding water or other liquids on-board with little risk of them being tipped over or otherwise spilled. They are required for boiler secondary power sources. The storage tank takes up 1 ton per 10 ship tons.

Weapon Mount

This sets aside space to mount weapons on the ship. This mount consists of a turntable to maneuver the weapon in 360 degrees, a means to attach the weapon on the turntable and space for 20 pieces of ammunition.

Work Area

This is a room or space set aside to hold specialized equipment and a work bench or table on which to perform tasks. This may range in items from a cartographer’s table, surgeon’s table, a cook’s prep area, a wizard’s lab, a cleric’s altar or a carpenter’s workbench. It is assumed to include basic tools and 20 uses of supplies for the individual to perform their duties or other sundry tasks.

 

 

Power Sources

There are a variety of methods by which a spelljamming ship can swiftly travel through Wildspace. The major known and widely used power sources are listed below. Their cost is not factored into the base cost of the ship, and must be purchased seperately.

Spelljamming Helms

			Ship
			Weight
Helm Type	Cost	SR(max)	Max
Minor Helm	7,500 gp	1	50 tons
Major Helm	17,000 gp	1 (2*)	100 tons
Series Helm	10,000 gp	1	50 tons
Pool Helm	12,000 gp	1	+50 tons
Orbus	30,000 gp	1	+20 tons
Forge	50,000 gp	1/2	700 tons
Gnomish Helm	5,000 gp	+1/2 (1)	+25 tons
Crown of Stars	Artifact	1	50 tons
Furnace	3,500 gp	+1/2 (2)	+25 tons
Artifurnace	Artifact	1	100 tons
Lifejammer	5,000 gp	+1/2 (2*)	+25 tons
Eldritch Engine	9,000 gp	+1/2 (1)	+20 tons

Spelljamming Rating (SR)

Use this modifier when calculating spelljamming speeds (normally 1,000 mph).

Ship Weight Max

Each spelljamming helm has a maximum ship tonnage that it can power. Multiple Pool helms, Orbi, Furnaces, Lifejammers and Eldritch Engines can be combined together to power heavier ships.

Minor Helm

Minor helms are the typical device used to control a spelljamming ship. It can take a variety of forms, from a simple wooden stool to a grand throne of any type. They must be physically affixed to the ship and attuned to the vessel via a ritual that takes one hour to complete. If the minor helm is ever removed from the ship it controls, its magic is lost.

Major Helm

Major helms are relatively rare and can usually be easily differentiated from minor helms by their superior craftsmanship and unusual appearance. A major helm is bound to a ship via a ritual that takes an hour to complete. It can be moved around the ship, but must be in contact with the hull to be used. However, if the helm is removed from the ship, or the ship is destroyed it can be bound to a new ship by placing it on the new vessel and performing the hour-long ritual to bind it to the new ship. When this is done, any connection to the old ship, if it still remains, is lost.

A Major helm can have a Spelljamming Rating (SR) of 2, but only for ships of 50 tons or less.

Series Helm

A series helm is a pool of two or more spelljamming helms slaved together. If one pilot is taken out, as long as there is at least one additional pilot in the pool, control of the ship is unaffected. Unfortunately with a series helm, the multiple pilots do not combine their abilities to enhance control of the ship as in a pool helm. Likewise, if the pilots do not agree on the ships course, each round the pilots must make a Charisma ability check, with the highest result taking control of the ship. While this generally causes no issues over a long voyage, it can create a lot of havoc in battle where split-second unison is required to be effective.

Pool Helm

A pool helm is similar to a series helm, consisting of two or more minor spelljamming helm. However, unlike a series helm the pilot’s ability creates a singular pool of power that creates a more powerful force the more members it contains. Unlike a series helm, in a pool helm one individual is in control of the ship and all other individuals contribute power to the primary pilots control of the ship.

Orbus

Orbus are special offshoots of the beholder race whose primary function is to provide power to a ship - primarily a beholder vessel. They can be used to power any vessel they attune to, but their difficult creation and general greed of beholders make them very difficult to acquire.

Forge

A forge is a magically induced fiery crucible that is used to propel vessels in space. A forge is powered by the act of a craftsman using the crucible to forge items of value. For every 10 gp value of items created in the forge, it provides one hour of power to the vessel. Forges are powerful enough that they are used to primarily move large objects such as asteroids or other such massive objects.

Gnomish Helm

These bizarre contraptions appear to be slapdash clockwork or steamwork spelljamming helms, powered by quasimagical means. They can be dangerous things, requiring frequent maintenance to keep some sort of semblance of functionality.

 

 

Crown of Stars

These magical artifacts take the appearance of a worn piece of jewelry, ranging from a ring, armband, necklace, torc or crown. Unlike a helm, they do not need to be affixed to a ship to function, though they can only be bound to a single ship and require one hour of attunement to power the vessel. Once attuned, the crown and its bearer can travel any distance from the attuned ship - as long as they remain on the same plane - and the bond is not broken. While they are best used while aboard the bonded vessel, they can be used to remote pilot a ship - though doing so is done at a disadvantage.

Furnace

An older form of spelljamming, furnaces were the precursors to forge helms. Using a magical crucible, they consume objects to provide spelljamming power.

If fed mundane items, the item is consumed and provide 1 hour of spelljamming power per 5 pounds of material that is burned. The material to be burned in this manner, of course, must be easily combustible - such as wood, paper, coal and the like.

If fed a magic item, the item is consumed and provides 12 hours worth of power per rarity of the item (common = 12 hours, uncommon = 24 hours, rare = 36 hours, very rare = 48 hours, legendary = 60 hours).

Artifurnace

A refined version of the furnace, this helm consists of a platform or other form of storage for an artifact or relic. It then uses the magic from this artifact or relic to power vessel. The item is not destroyed by the furnace, but instead provides unending power for the helm to operate on. Best of all, the item may still be used while providing power to the vessel - as long as the item remains within the confines of its seat of power.

Lifejammer

These evil devices are powered by the life force of other creatures. They take a variety of forms from torturous chairs to iron maidens or cruel cages. By draining the life force of those confined within the helm, it provides motive power to the vessel. Unlike other helms, the individuals attached to the helm have no power over the speed or course of the vessel. An independant throne, linked to the lifejammer allows an attuned pilot to control the direction and speed of the vessel. Like a pool helm, multiple lifejammers can be linked together to feed into the pilot’s chair to control larger or quicker vessels.

An individual lifejammer helm holds the victim in place (Escape DC 22). When initially placed in the helm and for each hour of use, the victim must make a DC 15 Constitution save. On a failure the helm drains one hit point from the victim and provides one hour of use. Victims cannot rest to regain hit points or use hit dice while restrained in a lifejammer helm.

A lifejammer can be used to obtain a Spelljamming Rating (SR) of 2, but only if the ship’s tonnage is 50 tons or less.

Eldritch Engine

This is a catch-all phrase used for exotic spelljamming helms. They vary widely in appearance and means of use, but provide the same function as a regular spelljamming helm. They can be used by any individual knowledgable about their use and do not require class levels in a spell-using class to function. Eldritch engines can be slaved together in a manner similar to a pool helm, with one engine in control and the remainder combining a pool to add their power to the primary.

Backup Power Sources

While a spelljamming helm provides the incredible speeds needed to move from world to world, ships need a secondary form of locomotion when slowed to tactical speed. Though in theory a spelljamming helm could perform this task, it does so clumbsily and imprecisely in jerking stops and starts.

Backup Power Sources

	Cost per
Source	Ship Ton
Astral Feathers	12 gp
Boiler	5 gp
Crystal Sails	15 gp
Furnace	15 gp
Night Sails	8 gp
Oars	2 gp
Propeller	7 gp
Solar Sails	10 gp

Each ship needs to be supplied with at least one backup power source to control the ship at non-spelljamming speeds.

A ship can have multiple backup power sources, or mixed forms of power sources - usually helpful if one or the other power source should break down or be destroyed. A ship that gains an advantage from a power source (such as being in the dark with Night Sails) must have at least 50% devoted to the power source that provides an advantage.

If you wish to increase or decrease the base speed of a ship, consult the table below. For every 5 ft. you wish to increase or decrease the ship’s speed, the back up power source takes up or gives back the tonnage space indicated on the table below. You can never gain back more than 1/2 the ship’s space by decreasing the ship’s speed.

 

 

Speed Increase/Decrease

Ship Tonnage	Space Used
1-5	1/4 tons
6-10	1/2 tons
11-25	1 tons
26-50	2 tons
51-75	3 tons
76-100	4 tons
101+	5 tons

Astral Feathers

Woven into sails, these multicolored feathers works like solar sails in Wildspace, but provide additional power when brought into the Astral Sea, increasing ship speed by 10 ft. per round in the Astral Sea. Likewise, in the Astral Sea, the ship’s Manueverability Class is improved by 1, up to 7 when it is exclusively powered by Astral Feathers. Astral Feathers can be adjusted and controlled by the spelljammer pilot.

Crystal Sails

While crystal sails harness celestial winds to move similarly to solar sails, they are also living structures that produce air, slowly refreshing a vessel’s air as it moves. Crystal sails replenish 1 ton of air an hour per 10 ship tons. Crystal Sails function in the Astral Sea, but produce no air in that realm. Crystal Sails can be adjusted and controlled by the spelljammer pilot or adjusted by the crew on a ship.

Night Sails

While solar sails use celestial winds to power them, night sails use the cold of deep space to provide motive power. The further the vessel is from a radiant celestial object, the better they work.

When more than 70,000 miles from a radiant celestial body or in the shadow of a celestial object when within 70,000 miles, they increase the Manueverability Class of the vessel by 1, up to 7. Also, Perception (Wis) checks to spot a vessel bedecked with night sails is made at a disadvantage.

Night sails work normally in the Astral Sea, but provide no Manueverability Class bonus. They do still cause Perception (Wis) checks to be made at disadvantage.

Night sails can be adjusted and controlled by the spelljammer pilot or adjusted by the crew on a ship.

Solar Sails

The most common form of providing spelljamming ships with a tactical speed, these gossamer sails run on celetial winds that move through a Wildspace system. Solar sails are the default method of propulsion of most spelljamming races. They work in both the Astral Sea and Wildspace. Solar sails can be adjusted and controlled by the spelljammer pilot or crew aboard the ship.

Oars

Perhaps the second most common form of tactical locomotion, these special oars are treated so that they act like seaborne oars in areas of astral rivers, seas or lakes in Wildspace or anywhere in the Astral Sea. Oars require the installation of propulsion bench modules to be powered. Oars are favored by mind flayers and their allies. Oars are controlled by a crew member seperate from the spelljammer pilot.

Boiler

This strange invention consists of an iron or brass cylinder filled with heated water. As the water turns to steam it turns gears that provide a magical force to propel the vessel through Wildspace. A boiler requires a storage locker module to store the fuel for the boiler, and a tank module to contain the water. Boilers are favored by gnomes and their allies. Generally, an engineer controls the boiler, but it is possible to place the control panel at the spelljammer’s helm.

Furnace

Similar to the Spelljamming furnace, this lesser furnace burns fuel to produce a motive force to propel a vessel through Wildspace. Dwarves jealously guard the secret to combine spelljamming furnace and a tactical furnace in one object, reducing the space taken up for two seperate forms of movement. A furnace requires a storage locker module to store the fuel for the furnace. Furnaces are favored by dwarves and their allies. An engineer controls the furnace instead of the spelljammer pilot.

Propeller

Another odd invention, this power source uses a series of pedals connected to chains to turn a propeller at the sides or rear of the vessel. Propellers require the installation of propulsion bench modules to be powered. Propellers are favored by giff and their subjects. Like oars, they are controlled by a crew member seperate from the spelljammer pilot.

 

 

Weapons

Ram, Blunt & Piercing

When the vessel successfully performs a ram, it deals 2d10 bludgeoning or piercing damage, plus 1d10 bludgeoning or piercing damage per 5 tons of the vessel (minimum 3d10 total). Thus, a flying fish (25 tons) with a blunt ram would deal 7d10 bludgeoning damage and with a piercing ram would deal 7d10 piercing damage.

Ram, Grappling

When the vessel successfully performs a ram, it deals damage and initiates a grapple. Normally, this is 2d10 bludgeoning damage, plus 1d10 per 5 tons of the vessel (minimum of 3d10 total). Thus, a flying fish (25 tons) with a grappling ram would deal 7d10 piercing damage, and the two vessels would be grappled. To escape the grapple, the grappled ship must use its action to make a DC 15 Space Vessel (Int) check, freeing itself on a success. The ship that initiated the grapple can choose to end the grapple with a single action.

If the grappled vessel is twice the tonnage or more of the grappling vessel, the grappled vessel can continue moving, though its Manueverability Class is reduced by 1, down to 0. The converse is also true of the grappling vessel.

 

 

Crew

A spelljamming ship can safely host a crew equal to its tonnage. It can hold double that for short trips, and up to triple its tonnage in crew in emergencies.

The minimum crew for a ship to fully function is equal to 1/10th the ship’s tonnage, plus the crewmembers for each weapon (normally, one per load, aim and fire action), plus one for the pilot. For every ten crew members, one officer is needed.

Crew Rating

If you intend to use the tabletop rules for combat, you should precalculate the CR rating of the crew. A crew’s rating starts with a base of 1.

Take the full ship’s complement and subtract the weapon’s crew. Divide the result by the Counter value below to determine the number of crew counters the ship will recieve. If you have a remainder left over, round up to the nearest whole number if you are left with 6 crewmembers or more. If you have 5 crewmembers down to 2 crewmembers remaining, round up, but one of the crew counters starts as Wounded. If have 1 crew member remaining, discard the remainder.

Crew Size Base Rating

Size	Counts As	CrR
Small	1	1
Medium	1	1
Large	4	1
Huge	9	1
Colossal	16	1

For example, flying fish has a full crew complement of 25, with 8 weapon crew, leaving 17 crewmembers. If staffed by Medium creatures, it would have 2 Crew Counters with a Crew Rating (CrR) of 1.

Crew Rating Modifiers

Modifiers	Mod
Green Crew	-1
Skilled Crew	+0
Veteran Crew*	+1
Crack Crew*	+2
Martial Pro.	+1
CR above 1/2	+CR
AC 14 - 18	+1
AC 19 - 22	+2
AC 23+	+3
Damage Resist**	+1
Damage Immune**	+3

-* If the crew has a CR of 1 or greater ignore this modifier and use the CR instead -** Do not count if the enemy team can bypass the Damage Resistance or Immunity

From our example above, if the crew were veterans (+1), all proficient with martial weapons (+1) and wearing scale mail (AC 14, adding +1), they would have 2 Crew Counters with a Crew Rating (CrC) of 4.

Cargo

Generally speaking, a spelljamming ship has cargo space equal to half its tonnage. Ships devoted to transporting goods sometimes expand up to three-quarters of a ship’s tonnage for holding cargo. A ship can also reduce its cargo tonnage to increase space for modules to hold additional crew, weapons or purposes. Note that spelljamming ship tonnage is volume, not weight - a single ton accounts for a 15 foot by 15 foot by 15 foot (15 cubic feet) area.

 

 

Section 3.2 - Ships

This section gives complete stat blocks for the various ships, as well as any special rules or details. The hit points noted in brackets are used for the tabletop battle system.

Aerochariot

The is a one or two-person fighter designed to harrass the crew of enemy vessels. Normally, they can only operate within the confines of an air envelope, thus they are often used to protect space ports, asteroids or planets.

An aerochariot that can also operate outside of an air envelope (referred to as an aerospacechariot) costs 10x as much as a regular aerochariot.

Single person aerochariots can only fire once every three rounds, while a two-person fighter can fire once every other round.

Many aerochariots carry hand bombs, which are dropped by either the pilot or the second crewman. A fully loaded aerochariot can carry approximately 25 hand bombs.

Arrowship

The is a one or two-person fighter designed to harrass the crew of enemy vessels. They are often launched from larger ships to swarm and disable an enemy vessel. Their range is extremely limited due to the fact the pilot is encased in a lifejammer helm, so the trip is usually one-way if any spelljamming is required. In emergency situations, they can be used as lifeboats to reach nearby safe havens.

 

 

Angelship

These wide-winged ships are often colorfully decorated. They are surprisingly agile and swift for their size. A popular variant of the Angelship is the Night Flyer variant, with the Solar Sails replaced with Night Sails.

Anglership

This unusual ship is used for deep Wildspace exploration or by stealthy pirate crews. Its unusual main weapon gives off a glow that can be seen from great distances, luring curious ships to it. Pirates tend to paint the ship itself black, allowing them to slip close to an enemy before they can make out the source of the glow.

 

 

Antlership, Tripoint

Antlerships are grown entities, believed to be created from the antler horns of some great spacefaring creature. These ships are almost exclusively manned by ghoulish undead and piloted by a powerful lich who hail from an unnamed chain of Wildspace worlds overrun by their kind.

Tripoint antlerships appear to be scouts sent to seek out and report Wildspace realms yet unclaimed by the unnamed empire of the dead.

Antlership, Quadpoint

Like its cousin, the tripoint antlership, the quadpoint antership is made of some sort of bony antler structure harvested by the legions of a mysterious undead empire.

Once the spacefarers of the undying empire locate a Wildspace realm worthy of conquering, a Pentapoint “base” is sent to the system with a host of quadpoint antlerships warships to subdue the local populace. The ships begin their campaign by passing low over the world to be conquered and dropping ghoulish marines and mindless zombies onto the world.

In these cases, the quadpoint’s cargo space is loaded with such undead, being able to carry up to 1,000 such undead per ship for the assault.

 

 

Antlership, Pentapoint

Like its brethren, the pentapoint antlership is made of some sort of bone-like antler shaped into a ship and piloted by a lich from an unnamed undead empire. The pentapoint is a command ship that acts as a base and operation center for lesser antlerships.

Unlike the quadpoint and tripoint, the pentapoint is rarely stuffed with undead for a world assault. Instead, it tends to contain the “nobility” of the undead empire - a collection of ghoul lords, vampires and their entourage who are masters over the myriad fleets of quadpoints in the assault.

However, that does not mean these ships are lightly defended - besides the crew and nobility a large contingent of powerful undead are kept on hand to repel boarders or reinforce nearby quadpoints.

Argosy

Used generally by the dwarf-like race known as the grav, this “ship” is a slow-moving asteroid that slowly traverses asteroid-laden systems in search of resources to mine. Access to the ships interior is hidden by cleverly crafted craters that conceal entrances or portholes to the exterior. Likewise, the ships weapons are hidden behind false rocky craters or outcroppings, which can be moved aside and extended to provide covering fields of fire.

 

 

Arkenaught

An arkenaught is a strange vessel used to transfer large numbers of individuals from one location to another - sometimes as troop transports or as trade or colonizing ships. They are usually oviod in shape, but can take a wide variety of forms, including that of massive sea-going passenger liners.

Most are unarmed, but those expecting the possibility of attack may reduce the crew quarters to mount a weapon or two - usually one 360 degree turret on top and one on the underside.

 

 

Armada, Elvin

These gossamer monstrosities are used both as fortresses and communities by astral elves. Like most of their ships, elvin armadas are grown from living crystal.

Armadas are usually “anchored” at a single location and only moved during times of war.

 

 

Balloon

A balloon is a canvas bag filled a lifting gas. They are incapable of spelljamming on their own, but are used to travel to or from vessels in orbit or used as observation platforms.

Batship

The batship is a unique vessel found in Realmspace. Its pilot bonds with the ship, and the ship in turns becomes an extension of the pilot.

While the ballistas aboard the ship have their own crew, the pilot operates most of the other weapons and can only use one attack a turn.

 

 

Battlesteamer

The battlesteamer is the pinnacle of Giff shipcraft. These massive, unique ships are used to project a terrifying force against enemy fleets and bases.

Battlewagon

 

 

Battle Barge

Battle Dolphin

A battle dolphin has a sloop integrated into its upper hull. The sloop can be disengaged from the battle dolphin, but it leaves the hull of the battle dolphin unpowered.

 

 

Bloatfly

Bolaship

 

 

Bombard

Boneship

 

 

Caravel

Cargo Barge

 

 

Catamaran

Citadel, Heavy

 

 

Citadel, Light

Clipper

 

 

Coaster

Cog

 

 

Corbina

Crystal Ship

 

 

Cuttle Command

Damselfly

 

 

Darkstar

The darkstar is a sleek, cigar-shaped vessel made of enclosed metal. The bridge of the vessel protrudes slightly from the top for better viewing. The ship has a special invisibility cloak, used to move undetected or attack enemy vessels unseen.

Darkviper

 

 

Deathglory

Deathspider

 

 

Dirigible

Doombat

 

 

Dragonfly

Dragonship

 

 

Drakkar

Dreadnought

 

 

Dromond

Eagle Ship

 

 

Eel Ship

Flitter