By Anvil N Ink Publishing · Updated October 2026 · 6 min read
A ship battle map needs the main deck with masts and cargo for cover, a raised forecastle and quarterdeck for height, hatches leading to a lower deck, and open water around the hull so falling overboard is a real threat. For boarding actions, put two ships side by side with a gap players have to cross.
What to include in a ship battle map
- Main deck: masts, crates, barrels and coiled rope for cover and difficult terrain.
- Quarterdeck and forecastle: raised platforms with stairs, giving ranged attackers height.
- The wheel: the objective in a mutiny or boarding fight.
- Hatches and a lower deck: cannons, hammocks and cargo below.
- Rails and open water: a shove over the side matters.
- Rigging: climbable, and a fun way to drop onto enemies.
Scale and orientation
A small sailing ship is around 60 to 80 feet long, so roughly 12 to 16 squares by 4 to 5 squares wide. Lay it diagonally or horizontally across a map with plenty of water around it. For boarding actions, leave a gap of one to three squares between hulls.
Decks as linked levels
A ship has at least two levels, and fights move between them. In Ink Hammer each deck can be its own level, linked so they line up and open as one map set. Hatches and stairs then work like they do in a building.
The sea around it
Water sells a ship map. Ink Hammer’s ocean and coast plugin paints open sea with surf, and you can light the scene with a low sun, a storm, or lanterns on deck at night. Rain is a plugin too, which makes a storm fight easy to set up.
Five ship encounter ideas
- Boarding action: pirates grapple alongside and swing across.
- Mutiny: half the crew turns on the captain at the wheel.
- Something below: a creature has got into the cargo hold.
- The storm: fight while the deck tilts and waves sweep across it.
- Sea monster: tentacles grab the rails and drag the ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a ship on a battle map? A typical sailing ship is about 12 to 16 squares long and 4 to 5 wide at five feet per square.
How do I handle falling overboard? Have the creature land in the water next to the hull, with a Strength (Athletics) check to climb back aboard or reach a rope.
Can I make ship maps for Roll20 or Foundry? Yes; export walls for the hull and cabins so line of sight works. See VTT-ready battle maps.
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