Seafaring Campaign - Stormwrack [Archive] - Wizards Community

Seafaring Campaign - Stormwrack [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Lorax
04-03-07, 09:54 AM I was thinking of starting a seafaring campaign and was looking for good resources. I've looked in the product section, and all I've been able to find is "Stormwrack." Has anyone out there used this book? If they did, was it useful? Are there any other good resources for aquatic and marine adventures and campaigns?

Thanks in advance.
Jayne
04-03-07, 11:33 AM I was never particulary fond of Stormwrack. Granted, it was certainly detailed, and had a lot of good tips and advice, but, as with the system presented in the Arms & Equipment Guide, the method they presented for dealing with ship damage was too unwieldly for casual usage.

One particulary good book that I found was the d20 Broadsides!, which did an excellent job of describing sea voyages (navigation, positional instruments, wind deflection, sea-sickness, etc.) and also featued several dozen vessel stats. The system used for the vessels was remarkably straight forward, and so far I have not had any problems.

Granted, many of the vessels are Gunpowder Age or later (a handful of the largest ones are vessels you would expect in the early 1800's), but it also features a multitude of variations on the traditional "war galley" type vessel mentioned in the DM Guide, so any time period is playable. It also features a variety of prestige classes that could come in handy (Anyone want to play a surgeon?). All an all, I would recommend it if you are playing a seafaring campaign.
Quade
04-03-07, 02:48 PM It's OGL stuff but try the Freeport Campaign Setting from Green Ronin. Great place for pirate adventures and sea-going fun.
Lorax
04-03-07, 07:02 PM Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look into those.
krichaiushii
04-03-07, 07:08 PM Corsair (http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=3755&) isn't too bad. And its easy to get, being a pdf.

You might also steal an idea or three from the adventure Maiden Voyage. (http://www.atlas-games.com/product_tables/AG3206.php)
Lorax
04-05-07, 07:55 AM Through my searches I also came across the Seafarer's Handbook from the Legends and Lair series from Fantasy Flight Games. Does anyone know if that book is a good resource for aquatic and marine oriented campaigns?
krichaiushii
04-05-07, 06:32 PM Through my searches I also came across the Seafarer's Handbook from the Legends and Lair series from Fantasy Flight Games. Does anyone know if that book is a good resource for aquatic and marine oriented campaigns?
Color me foolish. I have this on my shelf and didn't even mention it.

I like it. It arrived to rave reviews, but other items have since arrived. Its biggest draw is that FFG sometimes holds $5 clearance sales; if Seafarer's Handbook is still in the warehouse, its yours for $5. A VERY nice deal.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Lorax 04-03-07, 09:54 AM	I was thinking of starting a seafaring campaign and was looking for good resources. I've looked in the product section, and all I've been able to find is "Stormwrack." Has anyone out there used this book? If they did, was it useful? Are there any other good resources for aquatic and marine adventures and campaigns? Thanks in advance.
Jayne 04-03-07, 11:33 AM	I was never particulary fond of Stormwrack. Granted, it was certainly detailed, and had a lot of good tips and advice, but, as with the system presented in the Arms & Equipment Guide, the method they presented for dealing with ship damage was too unwieldly for casual usage. One particulary good book that I found was the d20 Broadsides!, which did an excellent job of describing sea voyages (navigation, positional instruments, wind deflection, sea-sickness, etc.) and also featued several dozen vessel stats. The system used for the vessels was remarkably straight forward, and so far I have not had any problems. Granted, many of the vessels are Gunpowder Age or later (a handful of the largest ones are vessels you would expect in the early 1800's), but it also features a multitude of variations on the traditional "war galley" type vessel mentioned in the DM Guide, so any time period is playable. It also features a variety of prestige classes that could come in handy (Anyone want to play a surgeon?). All an all, I would recommend it if you are playing a seafaring campaign.
Quade 04-03-07, 02:48 PM	It's OGL stuff but try the Freeport Campaign Setting from Green Ronin. Great place for pirate adventures and sea-going fun.
Lorax 04-03-07, 07:02 PM	Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look into those.
krichaiushii 04-03-07, 07:08 PM	Corsair (http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=3755&) isn't too bad. And its easy to get, being a pdf. You might also steal an idea or three from the adventure Maiden Voyage. (http://www.atlas-games.com/product_tables/AG3206.php)
Lorax 04-05-07, 07:55 AM	Through my searches I also came across the Seafarer's Handbook from the Legends and Lair series from Fantasy Flight Games. Does anyone know if that book is a good resource for aquatic and marine oriented campaigns?
krichaiushii 04-05-07, 06:32 PM	Through my searches I also came across the Seafarer's Handbook from the Legends and Lair series from Fantasy Flight Games. Does anyone know if that book is a good resource for aquatic and marine oriented campaigns? Color me foolish. I have this on my shelf and didn't even mention it. I like it. It arrived to rave reviews, but other items have since arrived. Its biggest draw is that FFG sometimes holds $5 clearance sales; if Seafarer's Handbook is still in the warehouse, its yours for $5. A VERY nice deal.