Your main duty was navigation, taking the ship’s position at least daily and setting the sails as appropriate for the required course and conditions. You were also was in charge of stowing the hold and ensuring the ship was not too weighted down to sail effectively. You, through your subordinates, hoisted and lowered the anchor, docked and undocked the ship, and inspected the ship daily for problems with the anchors, sails, masts, ropes, or pulleys. Issues were brought to your attention, so you would notify the captain. You were in charge of the entry of parts of the official log such as weather, position, and expenditures, as well as signing all important documents such as the Muster Books, Pay Books, Tickets, etc.
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from among Athletics, Acrobatics, Perception, Persuasion, or Survival
- Tool Proficiencies: Navigator's tools, vehicles (water)
- Equipment: A belaying pin, silk rope (50ft), navigator's tools, a set of common clothes, a lucky charm (choose one or roll on the Trinkets table), and a belt pouch containing 10 gp.
When you need to, you can secure free passage on a sailing ship for yourself and your adventuring companions. You might sail on the ship you served on, or another ship you have good relations with (perhaps one captained by a former crewmate). Because you're calling in a favor, you can't be certain of a schedule or route that will meet your every need. Your Dungeon Master will determine how long it takes to get where you need to go. In return for your free passage, you and your companions are expected to assist the crew during the voyage.
Suggested Characteristics
Sailors can be a rough lot, but the responsibilities of life on a ship make them generally reliable as well. Life aboard a ship shapes their outlook and forms their most important attachments.
Use the tables for the sailor's background in the Player's Handbook as the basis for your traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to suit your identity as a sailing master.
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