Men, Privateers - By Bill Silvey
Frequency: Common
No. Appearing: 50-300
Armor Class: 10
Move: 12"
Hit Dice: 1
% In Lair: 10%
Treasure Type: Individuals c, In Lair A
No. Of Attacks: 1
Damage/Attack: By Weapon Type
Special Attacks: Leader Types
Special Defense: Leader Types
Magic Resistance: Standard
Intelligence: Low-Average
Alignment: Varies, but always Lawful in nature.
Size: M
Psionic Ability: Leader Types
Attack/Defense Modes: Leader Types
Level/XP Value: III/25 + 1 per HP
Privateers are the legally sanctioned counterparts to Pirates or Buccaneers.
When kingdoms war, they are given charter by a lord to attack and plunder enemy
ships and coastal towns, and do so under the flag of their patron noble.
Accolades are given to those who command these raiding parties, for the more
enemy trade and commerce that is disrupted, the more enemy naval forces must be
committed to finding the raiders. Thus, being a Privateer can be fraught with
greater peril than the life of a sailor of the line!
Privateers are organized much as regular military units are. Every band of
Privateers will be lead by a captain who fights as an 8th or 10th level fighter.
If the Privateers are Lawful Good in align, there is a 10% chance this leader
will be a Paladin. He will have a 5th level Lieutenant, and four shipmates at
4th level.
For every 60 Privateers, there will be 20% chance of a 10th level Cleric, and a
15% chance of a 7th level Magic User.
Buccaneers are usually armed with:
Chainmail, shield, sabre and/or short sword: 5%
Chainmail & sword 5%
Leather Armor & Shield & Sword: 5%
Leather Armor & Pole-arm (Glaive, etc.): 5%
Leather Armor & Spear: 30%
Leather Armor & axe: 20%
Leather Armor & Crossbow (light): 10%
Leather armor & Crossbow (heavy): 20%
Captains will wear chainmail; there is a 20% chance it will be magical. The
Dungeon Master will determine any bonuses at his or her discretion.