Seasoned spelljammers have worked out a simple rating system for ports of call, to save space on sphere maps, which tend to get rather crowded with notation. Instead of a long description, a single-character notation next to a city's or world's name can indicate a wealth of information about that particular place, as far as the needs of spelljammers go. The rating system is as follows:
A: Fully equipped, with most (if not all) possible spelljamming services available. Such a port will certainly have Arcane and/or Dowhar available to sell major spelljamming materials such as helms, planetary locators, and so forth. Ports that make their livelhood from spelljamming fall into this category. The Rock of Bral is a good example, as is Ironport in the Astromundi Cluster.
B: Most services and facilities are available, catering to most crew needs, and for the repair and maintenance of a spelljamming ship. Also, such ports are likely to have an Arcane (or a representative) available to provide major spelljamming goods, such as helms. If an Arcane isn't available, there is probably a Dowhar around to provide the same service (though the Dowhar goods tend to be used and/or stolen). Worlds that have steady spelljamming traffic will have at least one port of this level. Waterdeep on Toril is a good example.
C: Most regular services are available, but the selection of spelljamming services is chancy. Regular services such as ship repair will be available, as long as the ship isn't made from an exotic material such as mitheral. The purchase of helms and other spelljamming equipment can be done, but special arrangements are usually needed, and waiting periods are common. Most fantasy worlds with little or no spelljamming activity generally fall into this category. Krynn (with the local exception of Palanthus) is an example.
D: While simple services for the crew are available (food, basic lodging), services for the spelljammer are very slim and far from satisfactory. Any repairs to a ship will be of poor quality, usually because the materials available are inferior to those from which the ship is constructed. Normal supplies such as rope, canvas, and provisions can be obtained with a little persistance. Backwater worlds with a low populations fall into this category.
E: Abysmal. There is little or nothing available for the crew (food, lodging, personal equipment), and absolutely nothing in the way of spelljamming services such as ship repair. An unexplored world would fall into this category.
*: Not applicable. The planet is a void world, or has a toxic atmosphere. No ports are available.
Written by Richard Pugh(RJPugh@ix.netcom.com)