Advanced Options: Fight Like A Pirate

Damn ye, you are a sneaking puppy, and so are all those who will submit to be governed by laws which rich men have made for their own security. Black Sam Bellamy, Pirate

Sometimes you just want, to paraphrase H.L. Mencken, to spit upon your hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats. Of course, thats frowned upon in polite society. But theres nothing wrong with having a fantasy campaign where its a way of life, and characters spend a lot of time acting like pirates (or hunting pirates, or desperately trying to explain the differences between what they do and the activities of pirates). To help make such characters more interesting, here are ten archetypes to give a nautical flair to fighting classes ranging from barbarians to rogues. Also includes new equipment that could be of particular use to pirate-themed characters.

The Archetypes

The following archetypes are designed for fighting characters in campaigns with strong emphases on pirates, swashbuckling, and seaborne adventures.

• Barbarian Archetype: Ex-conscript
• Cavalier Archetype: Ships Officer
• Fighter Archetype: The Marine
• Gunslinger Archetype: Sea Dog
• Inquisitor Archetype: Ship Hunter
• Magus Archetype: Picaroon
• Monk Archetype: Seaswain
• Paladin Archetype: Crown Privateer
• Ranger Archetype: Navigator
• Rogue Archetype: Lookout