Plunder points
allow us to generalize the valuable bulk goods that pirate characters would be
interested in, but pirate players would find boring to manage. It allows PCs to
monetize bulk cargo by a) selling it for gold, b) gaining Notoriety points, and
c) paying the crew.
One plunder point is the equivalent of ten tons of cargo and is worth 1,000 gp. For instance, a prize ship carrying rolls of linen, exotic dyes and spices, construction lumber, and furs might be worth 3 plunder points. 1 plunder point is a minor reward, while 5 plunder points is a major score.
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| Plunder mixed with treasure |
To exchange plunder for gold, the PCs must spend one day at port and make a skill check. The size of the port determines how much they’ll receive for the plunder; a small backwater port will only be able to pay 50% of the value of the cargo unless the PC makes an exceptional skill check. Applicable skill checks include Intimidation, Persuasion, Deception, etc. A poor result on the skill check indicates a lower offer price for the goods.
Plunder is also the means by which the ships’ crew is paid. The PCs deduct one plunder point from their total every time they sell goods in port, which represents the share of the booty paid out to the crew instead of a daily wage.
The PCs may also spend plunder points to influence their attempt to gain Notoriety (see Notoriety blog post, coming soon!)