Ghost Pirate Captain

Ghost Pirate Captain Creature8

CE Medium Ghost Incorporeal Spirit Undead

Perception +17; darkvision

Languages Common, Necril

Skills Acrobatics +18, Diplomacy +15, Intimidation +17, Sailing Lore +16

Str -5, Dex +6, Con +0, Int +2, Wis +3, Cha +5

Ship Bound The ghost is typically bound to a vessel, even one damaged beyond repair. They can’t venture more than 120 feet away from the ship or site of its wreckage.

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AC 26; Fort +14, Ref +18, Will +15

HP 100, negative healing, rejuvenation; Immunities death effects, disease, paralyzed, poison, precision, unconscious; Resistances all damage 10 (except force, ghost touch, or positive; double resistance vs. non-magical)

Curse Ye Scallywags! (curse, divine, necromancy) When the ghost pirate captain is reduced to 0 HP, all creatures within 60 feet are subjected to a DC 25 mariner’s curse spell. The locations of those that critically fail are known to the ghost until the curse is removed. This curse ends if the ghost is permanently destroyed.

Rejuvenation (divine, necromancy) When the ghost pirate captain is destroyed, they re-form after 2d4 days within the ship or location they’re bound to, fully healed. They can be permanently destroyed if their desires are fulfilled, which could involve being defeated in a great battle or ensuring their treasure has been hidden.

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Speed fly 25 feet

Melee [one-action] ghostly cutlass +20 (forceful, magical, sweep), Damage 2d6+11 negative

Ranged [one-action] ghostly hand crossbow +20 (magical, range increment 60 feet), Damage 2d6+8 negative

Combat Current [two-actions] The ghost makes a Strike with its cutlass or hand crossbow, then Flies up to half their Speed and makes a Strike with the other attack. If they moved through an enemy when they Flew, that enemy is flat-footed against the second Strike.

Savvy Joinin’ Me Crew? [reaction] (divine, necromancy) Trigger The ghost reduces a living creature to 0 Hit Points with a melee Strike; Effect The creature attempts a DC 25 Fortitude save. If the creature fails its save, it remains conscious but is controlled by the ghost until it loses its dying condition. It continues to attempt recovery checks as normal for the dying condition. The effect ends if the creature loses the dying condition. If the creature dies while under this effect, it joins the ghost’s undead crew in 1d4 days. If the ghost is destroyed before the creature dies, the creature is spared this terrible fate.

About

Undead prowling the ocean on derelict ships have long been threats sailors keep an eye out for. Other than corporeal undead, some undead pirates take on an incorporeal form, especially if their bodies have been lost to the fishes. Captains of crews in particular are likely to return from the dead, perhaps on account of their strong personalities.