Top 10 Magic Items for a Pirate-Themed D&D Campaign

SaltmarshPiratesItems
Written By Joe Marino

What a tall drink of salt-water

Inspired by Saltmarsh & salty memories

I’ve been reflecting a lot on my old Ghosts of Saltmarsh campaign lately—one of my favorite arcs we’ve ever played. I spoke about our pirate themed arc here. It was haunted, campy, full of action, and everything I love about D&D.

Thinking back on those sessions—especially the pirate-heavy chapters—I started brainstorming all the magic items I’d want to see if and when we revisited the sea. Whether you’re running a high-seas adventure, diving into ship-to-ship combat, or just chasing cursed treasure through foggy coves, here are my Top 10 Magic Items for a Pirate-Themed Campaign.




⚓ 10. The Compass of the Depths

Which way is Murder?

A brass compass that never points north—only to the nearest shipwreck or lost treasure hoard.

  • Great for players who like to explore, and DMs that need to add some extra flavor.

  • Could lead to lost loot, undead sailors… or worse - nothing…. but seriously, could be fun to make it malfunction at first until the group performs a specific action.

  • Could be a nice hook to get the players to head to a specified location. Its DnD, and they are playing pirates - its never going to go as planned.

9. Barnacle-Crusted Boots

These enchanted sea boots grant water walking—but only when moving toward danger.

  • Adds tension when running across rough seas or onto a sinking ship.

  • Pairs great with rogues or monks making daring leaps between ships.

8. Inkheart Blade

A cutlass that leaks spectral ink on hit, blinding enemies in a 5-foot cloud for 1 round.

  • Stylish and thematic—perfect for a swashbuckler.

  • Great low-to-mid-tier magic item to give a rogue that pirate flair.

  • Could scale through upgrades or enhancements based on the campaign style.

7. Captain’s Ghostly Eyepatch

I can “sea” everything, still guys.

While wearing this tattered black patch, you can see through magical darkness and spot undead through walls (30 ft).

  • Ideal for haunted ship arcs or creepy underwater dungeons.

  • Plus, your players will fight over who gets to wear it.

6. Wyrmsalt Cannonballs

Once per long rest, these blackened cannonballs burst with radiant fire, dealing 6d6 to undead, fiends, or constructs in a 10-ft blast.

  • Great ship upgrade or single-use treasure reward.

  • Also a dramatic ace-in-the-hole against a sea monster or cursed fleet.

  • I love a good kaiju battle, and this would be a fun way for the players to combat high level monsters they might not be able too. A ship full of these just before a kraken battle smells nice and salty…

5. Stormcaller’s Amulet

Worn by an ancient sea druid, this talisman lets the wearer cast control water once per day, and call lightning during a storm.

  • Great for giving druids or casters a terrifying sea-weather edge.

  • Makes naval combat way more chaotic—and cinematic.

  • Call lightning is bad ass

4. Songscale Conch

Blow this magically etched conch to charm sea creatures (like merfolk, sharks, or even krakens if you dare).

  • Once per long rest, DC 15 Charisma save in 60 ft.

  • Works as a negotiation tool or an escape mechanism.

  • Players love talking to intelligent aquatic creatures.

3. Corsair’s Bracers

While dual-wielding finesse weapons, you gain +1 AC and +2 to damage rolls on opportunity attacks.

  • Tailor-made for swashbucklers and dex-fighter builds.

  • Reward aggressive, mobile playstyles on cramped ships or docks.

2. The Black Coral Ring

A cursed-but-powerful ring that lets the wearer breathe underwater and resist cold—but slowly turns their skin translucent and fishlike.

  • A great temptation/reward combo.

  • Opens the door to deep-sea quests, sahuagin encounters, or eventual transformation if worn too long.

1. The Siren’s Veil

No one will smell you coming.

A flowing cloak made from woven kelp and silver strands. Grants advantage on Deception and Performance checks while near water, and lets you cast disguise self at will.

  • Fantastic for pirate captains, changelings, or mysterious NPCs.

  • Makes infiltration, trickery, and bardic antics even better.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sea-bound adventures in D&D. Everything feels more dangerous, more dramatic, more alive. As I continue to plan for our return to pillaging, looting, and murdering..., I will be planning how to add a few of these in my session. Our group loves magical items, and these are unique enough to ensure a good time.

Have a favorite pirate-themed item? Made your own? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to steal it for next time. 😉

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Joe Marino
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