Sail, Swab, Scurvy - Naval Combat for Block, Dodge, Parry & Cairn

Contains a pdf file (30 pages) and a handy HTML for mobile use. ~7000 words.

Sail, Swab, Scurvy is a naval supplement for Block, Dodge, Parry and Cairn that brings swashbuckling adventure to your tabletop. It maintains BDP's philosophy of meaningful choices and organic storytelling while adding ship-to-ship combat, boarding actions, and high-seas drama.

The main concepts behind its contents are:

• To create naval adventures that focus on drama over simulation
• To ensure every player has meaningful things to do aboard ship
• To turn potential party-killing situations into opportunities for adventure
• To make naval combat flow naturally between ship-scale and personal-scale action
• To adapt easily to other eras and settings, from ancient triremes to space galleons

Sail, Swab, Scurvy contains:

• Ship Combat System that makes ships stages for drama rather than just vehicles
• Three Ship Types (Sloops, Brigantines, Galleons) with distinct properties and roles
• Strategic Distance System tracking encounters from horizon to boarding, creating tension between safety, distance and information.
• Station Actions allowing PCs to contribute uniquely during ship combat
• Dramatic Boarding Rules that create swashbuckling action while tying into BDP's core combat
• Extensive Journey Rules with:
  • Three-axis classification for waters (Navigation/Sea Conditions/Domain Status)
  • Weather and events system
  • Provisions and supplies management
  • Watch-based travel mechanics
• 10 Detailed Ship Categories (Pirates, Navy, Merchants, etc.) each with:
  • Clear goals and tactics
  • Dramatic situations
  • Opportunities and risks
• Enhanced Encounter Tables for different water types (Secured, Contested, Lawless)
• Reaction System with modifiers based on reputation and circumstance
• Cargo System with:
  • Detailed trade goods tables
  • Impact on ship performance
  • Special cargo properties
• Rich Setting Tools including:
  • Sea shanties generation
  • Port rumors
  • Sailor superstitions
  • Ship characteristics

Whether you're running a dedicated naval campaign or just want rules for that inevitable sea voyage, Sail, Swab, Scurvy provides the tools you need while maintaining BDP's focus on player choice and organic storytelling.

Join the discussion on Discord!