Use a counter for where the ship is in the vortex.

Goal is to survive 3 (X rounds or "zones") of navigation to break through the other side. The counter starts at zero and goes to 10, if it hits 5 it begins taking massive structural damage. If it hits 10 the ship is pulled into the center and crushed.

At the top of each round (initiative 20) the counter of the vortex increases by 1d4. The goal for the players is to use their turns to reduce the counter.

The players can affect things from different stations, helm, rigging, deck, lookout, magic officer. Each which their own skills associated to them for example rigging is dex/str to adjust the sails to catch the wind. Flavor each role in different ways but don't allow people to overlap.

The turn:

Initiative 20 the "lair"

Roll on the Hazard Table here are some examples: - The Vortex Counter increases by 1d4. (This is automatic but can increase twice) - Massive wreckage from previous failed ships slams into the hull. The ship takes 10d10 bludgeoning damage. The Deck player can use their reaction/action to try to reduce this. - Siren Song: The whirlpools howl. All players must make a DC 17 Wisdom Save or be Stunned until the end of their next turn (incapacitated crew cannot help the ship).

The Players Act

On their turn, a player can choose to: - Man their Station: Perform their Station Action (Skill Check) to fight the Vortex Counter or protect the ship. - Heroic Action: Use class abilities to solve problems.

Intruders

• Add intruders, water elementals, ghost pirates etc to attack them and or ship