Pirates
Pirate
- Size: Medium or Small
- Type: Humanoid
- Alignment: Neutral
- AC: 14
- Initiative: +5 (15)
- HP: 33 (6d8+6)
- Speed: 30 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| DEX | 16 | +3 | +5 |
| CON | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| INT | 8 | -1 | -1 |
| WIS | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| CHA | 14 | +2 | +2 |
- Skills: Athletics +5, Deception +4
- Gear: Scimitar, Dagger
- Senses: Passive Perception 11
- Languages: Common
- CR: 1/2 (XP 100; PB +2)
Actions
Scimitar. Melee Attack Roll: +5, reach 5 ft. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) Slashing damage.
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Attack Roll: +5, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 5 (1d4+3) Piercing damage.
Enthralling Panache. Wisdom Saving Throw: DC 12, one creature the pirate can see within 30 feet. Failure: The target has the Charmed condition until the start of the pirate's next turn.
Pirate Captain
- Size: Medium or Small
- Type: Humanoid
- Alignment: Neutral
- AC: 17
- Initiative: +7 (17)
- HP: 84 (13d8+26)
- Speed: 30 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 10 | +0 | +3 |
| DEX | 18 | +4 | +7 |
| CON | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| INT | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| WIS | 14 | +2 | +5 |
| CHA | 17 | +3 | +3 |
- Skills: Athletics +6, Deception +6, Intimidation +6, Perception +5
- Gear: Studded Leather, Rapier, Pistol
- Senses: Passive Perception 15
- Languages: Common plus one other language
- CR: 4 (XP 1,100; PB +2)
Actions
Multiattack. The pirate makes two attacks, using Rapier or Pistol in any combination.
Rapier. Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 5 ft. Hit: 13 (2d8+4) Piercing damage, and the pirate has Advantage on the next attack roll it makes before the end of this turn.
Pistol. Ranged Attack Roll: +7, range 30/90 ft. Hit: 15 (2d10+4) Piercing damage.
Bonus Actions
Captain's Charm. Wisdom Saving Throw: DC 14, one creature the pirate can see within 30 feet. Failure: The target has the Charmed condition until the start of the pirate's next turn.
Reactions
Riposte. Trigger: The pirate is hit by a melee attack roll while holding a weapon. Response: The pirate adds 3 to its AC against that attack, possibly causing it to miss. On a miss, the pirate makes one Rapier attack against the triggering creature if within range.
Lore & Background
Pirates are seafaring outlaws who live by plundering ships, raiding coastal settlements, and operating outside the bounds of civilized law. These maritime criminals come from all walks of life - some are former sailors who turned to piracy for profit, others are desperate individuals seeking freedom from oppressive circumstances, and still others are simply drawn to the lawless life of adventure on the high seas.
Pirate crews operate under their own codes of conduct, with leadership typically determined by strength, cunning, or charisma. They establish bases on remote islands, hidden coves, or floating strongholds where they can repair their ships, divide their plunder, and plan their next raids.
Combat Tactics
Pirates excel in naval combat and boarding actions, using their knowledge of ships and the sea to their advantage. They prefer hit-and-run tactics, overwhelming merchant vessels with superior numbers while avoiding prolonged engagements with well-armed warships.
Encounter Ideas
Ship Raiders: Pirates attack a merchant vessel the heroes are traveling on. Island Stronghold: Heroes must assault a pirate base to rescue captives or recover stolen goods. Pirate Politics: Different pirate crews compete for control of lucrative shipping lanes. Redemption Story: A reformed pirate seeks to make amends for their past crimes.
Environmental Effects
Pirate presence brings lawlessness and danger to coastal areas and shipping lanes. Honest merchants avoid pirate-controlled waters, while smugglers and other criminals are drawn to these anarchic regions.
Treasure
Pirates accumulate wealth from their raids, including coins, jewelry, trade goods, and occasionally magical items taken from their victims. Their hoards are often hidden on remote islands or secret locations.
Plot Hooks
The Pirate Code: Pirates follow an ancient code that forbids certain actions, creating moral dilemmas. Mutiny at Sea: A pirate crew rebels against their captain, creating chaos on the high seas. Lost Treasure: Pirates possess a map to legendary treasure that many factions desire. Naval War: Pirates become involved in a conflict between maritime nations.