The Wraith Coast’s mainland teems with monsters and wonders of all shapes and sizes, and its seas are no different. The many beasts that live in the ocean have long fascinated those who dwell on land, and for nearly as long as people have sailed the seas, others have financed their expeditions for one reason or another. Many academics at institutions of learning put great value on the ability to research lesser-known creatures or to plumb the depths in search of previously unknown species. Although these scholars are often content to have the corpse of a creature brought back to them, they will usually pay quite a bit more for a living specimen. Sometimes, a would-be Professor will pay a lucky crew for the privilege of tagging along on an excursion in order to observe dangerous beasts in their native habitat.
But scientific inquiries are not the only lure that entices sailors out to sea in pursuit of the ocean’s denizens; a desire for coin and a sense of adventure are more common motivators. Many large sea creatures are harvested for valuable parts that can fetch a high price at mainland markets. Slaughtering whales for their oil has been an integral part of the economy for centuries, and items such as hull grinder roe and the ink sacs of sea drakes are highly valued for their flavor or practical properties.
Whether they ply the waves for profit, for knowledge, or for the sheer thrill of the hunt, countless sailors make their living engaging in such pursuits. The boldest of these adventurers are known as seahunters, and they are skilled in tracking the beasts of the oceans and hunting down even the mightiest of them if needed.
Downtime: Gone Fishin’
The company can turn a decent profit between hunts for larger beasts by engaging in mundane fishing as a downtime activity. This activity requires spending 1 gp per day on procuring bait, setting lures, replacing fishing lines, mending nets, and so forth. After 5 consecutive days of effort, make three checks—Strength (Athletics), Wisdom (Nature), and Wisdom (Survival)—to determine the result of the activity. Consult the Fishing Results table to determine the outcome.
| Successes | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 0 | No luck! The company doesn’t catch anything |
| 1 | The company harvests 200 lb. of fish worth 50 gp. |
| 2 | The company harvests 400 lb. of fish worth 100 gp. |
| 3 | The company harvests 800 lb. of fish worth 200 gp. |
Company Accomplishments
Your company’s prestige increases whenever you carve out your hunting territory and prove your ability through acts such as the following:
- Killing a particularly large or fierce specimen of a creature
- Capturing a rare creature alive and selling it to a noted scholar or collector
- Killing or driving away a creature that is threatening shipping routes or sea-lanes
- Safely transporting (and returning) a scholar who wants to study a rare creature in its natural habitat
- Capturing the one that got away
Prerequisites
Any character can belong to a Seahunters company, but it must include at least one character with the Seafarer background.
Tier 1 : Local Fishers
At this tier, your company is a collection of hunters seeking small or less dangerous prey, perhaps as ingredients for spell components for yourself or on behalf of a patron.
Benefits
Starter Vessel. Your company has a small keelboat crewed by three loyal but fairly unskilled sailors. These sailors handle the ship’s day-to-day operations but do not participate in combat. They use the commoner stat block. If the keelboat is lost or destroyed, you will need to purchase a replacement.
Sea Lore. Each member of your company gains proficiency in the Animal Handling or Nature skill.
Tier 2 : Expert Anglers
At this tier, your company has acquired a bit of experience as hunters, and you’ve learned a few tricks to help you succeed on the sea.
Benefits
Good Eating. Your company knows how to acquire the choicest cuts of any slaughtered creature. When a member of the company kills a creature of the beast type, the company can harvest a number of rations (supply) from the corpse equal to the creature’s Constitution modifier (minimum of 1 ration).
The Twelfth Commandment. The ability to catch a bit of shut-eye at any time is a vital skill for any seahunter. Any member of the company who is interrupted during a long rest can gain the benefits of the rest without beginning it again, but only if that character continues the rest within 4 hours of the interruption.
Tier 3 : Sea Slayers
At this tier, your company has become skilled at felling even large sea creatures, and your reputation entices would-be seahunters to sign up with the crew.
Benefits
From Hell’s Heart. Company members are skilled at slaughtering the beasts of the sea. When a member of the company rolls damage for an attack against a creature of the abomination or beast type that has a swimming speed, that character can reroll one of the damage dice but must use the new roll.
Skilled Whalers. Your company begins attracting new recruits eager to join the hunt. You gain 1d4 hirelings with a challenge rating of 1 or lower.
Tier 4 : Master Hunters
At this tier, your company has become widely known and respected among those who hunt creatures of the sea, and you begin to attract experienced hunters who are eager to hunt by your side.
Benefits
For Hate’s Sake. As seasoned hunters of the sea’s most dangerous beasts, you no longer have any fear of such creatures. Members of the company are immune to being frightened by any creature that lives in the ocean.
Premier Recruits. Top-level sailors seek out your company. The number of hirelings you can have increases by 2d4, and these NPCs can have a challenge rating of 2 or lower.