Child of the Sea racial ability

[Lothar the Fellhanded]

So I have a Skull & Shackles game in the works, and one possible player has a half elf character that took the Child of the Sea alt racial ability. It definitely seems useful and appropriate, but I'm confused on one part.

"They also have an innate sense of direction and can never get lost at sea."

The player thinks that means he's always aware of his position on the ocean, like he has a GPS in head. That seems to be rather overpowered for a racial ability, especially one that is not elaborated on at all. I think it means that when making Survival checks to navigate, he can't ever screw up enough to get himself lost and going in the wrong direction. I can't find those rules right now. Any insight or opinions.

[Detect Magic]

I agree with your interpretation.

[Lothar the Fellhanded]

Thanks! I don't think he's too familiar with getting lost environment rules.

[Dave Justus]

I wouldn't give it GPS level precision, but automatically knowing one's general position seems reasonable. Knowing you a a few dozen miles southwest of Port Peril for example.

That wouldn't necessarily tell you the best way to get there though...reefs, prevailing winds, etc could all make just going directly toward something the wrong choice.

[Tiny Coffee Golem]

Dave Justus wrote:

I wouldn't give it GPS level precision, but automatically knowing one's general position seems reasonable. Knowing you a a few dozen miles southwest of Port Peril for example.

That wouldn't necessarily tell you the best way to get there though...reefs, prevailing winds, etc could all make just going directly toward something the wrong choice.

This

[daimaru]

Or possibly he always knows what direction north is, and never goes the wrong way? If someone knocks him over the head and drags him off I'd be doubtful that he knew where they had taken him.