Bobitron
Explorer
I'm considering running a game set in the height of England's naval might (mid-1700's) using a modified d20 Modern or Grim Tales ruleset. I'm not concerned about the rules generally, but I am curious how you feel minor spellcasting would change life about a military sailing ship during the Age of Sail.
One low level spellcaster on board each significant ship is likely. I have visions of a Royal Academy of Naval Magics that produces Lt. grade officers to serve on each ship of the line. What sort of spells (level 1-2 or so) would be useful in daily life aboard a ship? I'm not looking for the effect of combat spells, which are pretty easy to imagine (Flaming Sphere or Scorching Ray on board a ship? It gives me chills...). I'm more looking for the little spells that would really make dramatic changes to how life would go aboard ship logistically. Things like communication, weather, food, moving ammo and supplies about, that sort of thing.
What are some of the obstacles to life on a ship that minor magic could simplify or eliminate?
One low level spellcaster on board each significant ship is likely. I have visions of a Royal Academy of Naval Magics that produces Lt. grade officers to serve on each ship of the line. What sort of spells (level 1-2 or so) would be useful in daily life aboard a ship? I'm not looking for the effect of combat spells, which are pretty easy to imagine (Flaming Sphere or Scorching Ray on board a ship? It gives me chills...). I'm more looking for the little spells that would really make dramatic changes to how life would go aboard ship logistically. Things like communication, weather, food, moving ammo and supplies about, that sort of thing.
What are some of the obstacles to life on a ship that minor magic could simplify or eliminate?