River Travel: Navigating Valeria's Inland Passages
While the vast Galleons and mighty Warships rule the open seas, the intricate network of rivers that crisscross Valeria's islands and continental landmasses are the domain of smaller, more agile craft. Only Skiffs and Caravels possess the shallow draft and maneuverability required to venture into these winding, often perilous, inland passages.
The Caravel, in particular, stands out as the adventurer's choice, offering the strategic advantage of transitioning seamlessly from oceanic exploration to riverine expeditions, a versatility unmatched by larger vessels.
I. River Movement and Propulsion
River travel differs significantly from sailing on the open ocean, primarily due to the constant presence of currents and the limitations on sail usage.
- River Current Modifiers:
- Weak Current (0-1 mph): No significant speed penalty or bonus.
- Moderate Current (2-3 mph):
- Downstream (With Current): Add +1 to the ship's Speed Factor.
- Upstream (Against Current): Subtract -1 from the ship's Speed Factor (minimum 1).
- Strong Current (4+ mph):
- Downstream (With Current): Add +2 to the ship's Speed Factor.
- Upstream (Against Current): Subtract -2 from the ship's Speed Factor (minimum 1).
- Note: A ship cannot move upstream if its Speed Factor drops to 0 or less due to current.
- Sails vs. Oars/Poling:
- In many narrow, winding, or tree-lined river sections, sails are often ineffective due to lack of consistent wind or clear air. In such areas, the ship must rely primarily on its oars.
- Moving upstream against a current, oars (or even long poles in very shallow sections) become the primary means of propulsion, demanding physical exertion from the crew.
- The DM will determine when sails are unusable based on the river's characteristics.
II. Unique River Hazards
Valeria's rivers are not merely highways; they are dynamic environments fraught with their own dangers, often different from those faced on the open sea.
- Rapids and Falls: Stretches of turbulent water, rocky outcrops, or sudden drops can be extremely dangerous.
- Challenge: Navigating rapids often requires a high-stakes DC 15+ Dexterity (Water Vehicles) check by the helmsman each round to maneuver through the turmoil. Failure can result in the ship taking bludgeoning damage to its Hull (VP) or a component from hitting rocks, or losing control and being swept downstream.
- Crew Aid: The bosun can make a DC 13 Strength (Athletics) check to aid the helmsman, guiding crew with ropes or poles for advantage on the helmsman's check.
- Shallows and Sandbars: Rivers often have shifting depths. Running aground can lead to costly delays and potential damage.
- Spotting: A DC 14 Wisdom (Perception) check by the lookout or a DC 12 Intelligence (Navigator's Tools) check by the quartermaster can spot these hazards in advance.
- Avoiding: If spotted, a DC 13 Dexterity (Water Vehicles) check by the helmsman can steer clear.
- Grounding: On a failure to spot or avoid, the ship runs aground. The ship's Hull (VP) might take 2d6 bludgeoning damage, and it becomes stuck. Freeing a grounded ship typically requires a DC 15 Strength (Athletics) check by the crew over several rounds, possibly risking further damage.
- Narrow Passages and Obstructions: Tight turns, overhanging trees, fallen logs, or even low bridges can impede progress.
- Maneuvering: A DC 12 Dexterity (Water Vehicles) check by the helmsman is needed to navigate these areas without incident.
- Collision: Failure often results in the ship (or a specific component like a mast) taking bludgeoning damage.
- River Ambushes: The confined nature of rivers, with banks often shrouded in vegetation or rising sharply, provides ideal cover for ambushes from river pirates, monstrous beasts, or hostile tribes. Be wary of hidden coves and blind turns.
- River Monsters: From snapping River Drakes to cunning Grung tribes or territorial Giant Crocodiles, Valeria's rivers teem with threats adapted to freshwater environments. These encounters often happen at close quarters.
III. Officer Focus for River Travel
While all officers play a role, certain positions become even more critical during river navigation:
- Helmsman/Pilot: Their precision and quick reflexes are constantly tested. Dexterity (Water Vehicles) is their most vital skill.
- Lookout: More than just spotting other ships, the river lookout must scan banks for ambushers, spot submerged hazards, and watch for low-hanging branches or bridges. Wisdom (Perception) is key.
- Quartermaster: Understanding the river's flow, reading hydrographic charts, and identifying safe channels (or dangerous rapids) is paramount. Intelligence (Navigator's Tools) or Wisdom (Nature) skills shine here.
- Bosun: Directing the crew in poling, pushing off banks, securing lines in swift currents, and making immediate repairs from bumps and scrapes. Strength (Athletics) and tool proficiencies are highly valued.
By embracing these unique aspects of river travel, your Skiffs and Caravels will find exciting new adventures and challenges deep within the heart of Valeria.
