My group is playing skull and shackles and I was wondering what your guys' thoughts are on how far away a ship would be able to be seen on the open sea on a clear day? With or without a spyglass.
About 3 miles out is how far someone can see at sea level, according to the game mechanics. About 12 miles from the crows-nest of a 60ft mast (like most sailing ships have). I don't see any reason why someone actively searching for a ship wouldn't see it out on open waters at these ranges.
Assuming the world you're on is roughly the same size and shape as the Earth: this website might help you calculate it.
If your world has different geometry, or different laws of physics, all bets are off.
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Assuming the world you're on is roughly the same size and shape as the Earth: this website might help you calculate it.
If your world has different geometry, or different laws of physics, all bets are off.
This is like, the best thing ever! :D Thanks for the quick responses guys. I appreciate the help. :)
Now actually determining things about the ship would require you to be much closer. Here's how I would handle it. For instance:
Make of the Ship: Perception DC= (size mod of the ship) +1 per 10ft. So a sailing ship (Colossal: -16 size mod) could be identified by a sailor at a range of 260ft(+26 for range) by a sailor taking 10.
Ensign (flag) of the Ship: Perception DC= (size of the flag) +1 per 10ft. A War Ensign is very large, often over 20ft long (Huge: -8 size mod) and so could be identified by a sailor at a range of 180ft (+18 for range) taking 10.
I'd give a +1 perception bonus for every 10ft up the character is, so +6 in the crows-nest. Don't forget that a spyglass cuts the range penalties on perception in half.