The Azure Zephyr

[BlueWizard]

AZURE ZEPHYR
Welcome to the Spelljammer-class cruiser known as the 'Azure Zephyr'. Swirled, red and blue sails are the trademark of this very modern spelljammer.
The sides of this standard spelljammer are built of cobalt blue iron, and has artistic red swirls, freshly painted and designed by the on-ship painter (also a professional artist-- Zhako). This ship looks exactly as an imperial cruiser only larger, with 5 masts and made of metal not wood.

There are now 6 full officer quarters on this mid-deck cabin. The Captain's Cabin region as usual is to the rear of this cabin. Everything including the specialist bunks below are larger than the old cruiser ships. The sleeker design, and larger frame of the metal ship lends to more room, with less crew needed to run the whole thing.

The lower regions of the ship (rear Hold) are arranged so that 'specialists' are separated from the crew's main bunk-room and into small sleeping chambers, enough for gear, and a small padded bunk to stretch out on. Your things should be safe here.

'Officers or Nobles' receive special, slightly larger quarters.
A new 'guest' named Liam will stay near the Captain's quarters in a special room with his wife, Shrike. Liam is rumored to be a lesser known noble, which makes some in the crew even more paranoid of him. Near Liam's room are other ship 'officer/noble-types': Arha and Kerri. Kerri's officer room, has a small shrine dedicated to Isis and the goddesses. Arha is across the tiny hall from Kerri. Not all 6 of the officer rooms are occupied. Zhako and Bruug opted for specialist bunks.

Currently, there is no captain. Right now the trust of the crew has been put into the hands a future captain pro-tempore and noble-woman: Baroness Merie McAllister. As of Sunday, the day you saw the ship for the first time, Merie has yet to step foot on this thing. The wizard in blue has been showing you the ropes for a couple of days.

Olmeric the cook and Zhako the artist, have both been key to bringing order to this decimated crew that originated under the service of Captain Allie Alandra.

(OOC- All of you can lock doors to your rooms: specialists and officers. No PC is in the main bunk room.)

Many of you have been a part of the Allie's crew for a while, others don't even know her.

The current port in which the Zephyr is moored at is the military fortress city of North Zalbos. This fine military installation has done quite well for itself, and is a combination of military fortress and northern trade route. These two concepts make it a profitable city, if you had a smart business sense. As officers and specialists you have free reign of the ship and bridge, and only minor sailor duties.

The most interesting addition to the decimated crew is a kind ogre named, Bruug. It had been suggested by his friend at the employment office that he could be a vocal foreman. With his friends, Liam and Shrike, working with officers on the high-tech bridge* it will quickly be seen that this trio and a little black mouse with silver eyes -who sits on Shrike's shoulder- has some influence with the Baroness or the Guild in some way or other. Bruug will be asked to hold a rope, or more aptly on this ship crank or pull, perhaps tie stuff down. Olrik, Aust, and Arha will be called often to the bridge to talk with 1st officer Gertha, and will get to know one another if they desire. All are free to associate with one another on this ship. The crew and cook, are very busy, and for the most part will go about their business on the ship.

The two reclusive hobbits Salli and Calli may or may not be seen, and it depends on how Calli wants to be seen as to whether her fancy suit is seen or not. They will be given two neighboring bunks in the specialist quarters.
Bruug will be given a special room, which is actually a converted part of the stables, however it is respectful and clean, and looks like a legitimate ogre room with bed, and large dresser.

Most of you have stayed close to port, perhaps visiting the diverse market or theatre districts {North Zalbos is big, and one could get lost}. Aust has spent the entire stay here as a guest of the Baroness of North Zalbos {Merie McAllister}.

At Noon on Monday trumpets sound, and the townsfolk gather for the parade of the Baroness. A large entourage of the Baroness will accompany her from the castle. The city streets line with green/red soldiers and the colorful entourage of nobles and wizards in their 'house colors'. It makes for quite a scene into the harbor. The arrival from the palace is well heralded, and seen by most of the city as it descends the hill to the harbor. The crew is snapped to attention and ready when Merie strides aboard with the well-dressed moon elf. Everyone will stare at the appearance of this odd, friendly arrival. Merie looks at you all kindly. She is calm and keeps her voice low. "Excellent... well. I hate long good-byes... and I don't know what HE told you... She waves her hand at the wizard in blue, but keeps subtle and low. "There is an armada coming, and I don't think we want to be anywhere near this place. So... I'll let you practice what you learned, and lets go!" She smiles sweetly, and waves the wizard in blue off a little hurriedly with her hand in the air. "Off you go now. We don't need your trouble following us out to sea."

Merie will gather the crew on the deck of the ship, and stand above you all, on the now even higher bridge. Many city-folk gather to watch this dramatic young noblewoman mount her ship. "Let's sail!!!" By now this veteran crew will be able to at least operate the large ship's sailing functions. For now, the wizard's advice was to be low-profile on the high-tech stuff.
"No need to scare the common folk."

* The holographic scry-screen and magical star charts are only but a glimpse of this ship's capabilities. The wizard in blue will only be there to familiarize you with the strange vessel.

{OOC- Roleplay the day on the ship together or meeting Merie, you will be thrown together with the new folk. I may be able to respond in the next few days, but it is unlikely. So Merie will just all about getting out of North Zalbos.}

Aust will be staying in the captain's room with Merie for now. It is basically a fine apartment.

Azure Zephyr's Occupants
The PCs:
Calli- Lady rogue halfling, current lover of Captain Allie
Arha- A powerful wizardess, a hireling from a central empire wizard union
Olrik- A psion mercenary, friend of Arha
Aust- A mysterious moon elf, posing as a sailor
Liam- Wizard, Noble, and Lover
Bruug- Best Ogre Ever!!!
Shrike- Specialist Ranger, and wife of Liam
Illie- Shrike's little black mouse with silver eyes

Important NPCs of the Zephyr:
Captain Allie Alandra - missing
Zhako- Ship's Artist
Olmeric- Cook
Kerri Seamster- Priestess of Isis -slain by the White Drow
Roger Thobrick- Sea Ranger, associate of Admiral Rockfire-
neck incinerated by Merie, after leaving N. Zalbos
Wendall Yerdo; assistant of Thobrick-
beheaded in execution by Olmeric, after leaving N. Zalbos

Various Crew:
Olmeric's assistants {3 young sailors}
Gertha- buff orcess deckhand badass, 1st officer
Percy: flamboyant bardic sailor
2 Lemurian crewmen {now known as Daen and Jona the changeling}
35 new hires- {List to be added as you meet them. }

[wxdruid]

Arha

By preference, Arha will already be aboard by the time the Baroness and Aust make their appearances. She'll already have everything moved into her quarters and set up the way she prefers it.

She'll be on deck to see the departing festivities and she'll want to meet new crew members after the ship leaves port and she'll look through the crew for those new faces.

Spoiler

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Although imagine her in a sailor type of outfit (and no, she doesn't know much at all about sailing)

[Ipphli]

Bruug

Standing a little over 8 ft. tall, Bruug stands out as an oddity, even if one could ignore his being an ogre. Close-cropped black hair; freshly washed, yellow-brown skin; and no stoop to his shoulders all mark him as different from most of his kin. An elaborate white leather vest worn unbuttoned shows off a heavily muscled torso and arms the size of a large man's leg. Besides the vest, Bruug wears a pair of simple, brown linen breeches; plain, leather boots; and an ornate, golden locket hung around his neck.

Attempting to stay out of the spotlight, Bruug will happily perform whatever duty the officers direct him to, not wanting to draw attention to himself. He will bow his head respectfully towards any officers that cross his path, and offer a bow to the Baroness should their paths meet.

[Lex-Kat]

Calli Pent 44/44 hp
Halfling Rogue/Dragon-Knight

Calli is 3'1" tall. She has long dark brown hair (for a Halfling) that reaches down to her backside. Her green eyes shine with mischief.

She will also have made her way to the ship as soon as she heard of it. She will be seen wearing the latest fashion in dresses when she is on deck, as will Salli. The only hint of the Dragon Scale that can be seen is the ever present Emerald Choker.

When she finds out that Baroness Merie will be taking the Captain's cabin with Aust, a part of her is just a tiniest bit jealous. That should be her and Allie's room after-all.

She also will make an attempt to greet the new crew. She's happy that one mercenary was given the boot. There'd have been trouble otherwise.

Once out to sea, she will change into her studded leather, still keeping the Emerald Scale hidden underneath, as a bikini.

[Lothmar]

Aust casually walks as the Baronesses escort along the parade route, he casually waves and embraces the public cheer as they go. Having seen the ship but forced to remain secret to it, it is still a surprise for all those involved - but this does not stop him from having some new clothes made for the occasion. After all, if you look professional and act confidently enough many people simply assume you know what you're doing. Aust of course will inquire beforehand if there will be a new uniform for the ship so that his choice of clothing will not clash, but so it remains a nice surprise for the captain he passes along his measurements to Percy via telepathy and has him either commission a new set of clothes or find a few singular pieces that will simply mesh well. He of course will pay Percy back for his troubles once they have everything loaded aboard the ship (if percy does not have the funds for this, Aust will direct him to his coin and have him keep it in his possession until they meet again).

Once dismissed for duties Aust will acquire his new clothes and then go to change. He keeps the white undershirt and tan pants from his nobles outfit, but has a new pair of black leather boots made that extend halfway up his calf and over his pants. A black leather belt aids him in keeping his shirt and new tan overcoat tucked in and secured. With his tan cap with the long bill, his custom black leather with metal scale gauntlets and black cloak hung from one shoulder Aust feels dressed for success.

He does feel bad about leaving the city to the siege of an armada, but if they are the primary target said armada may very well leave the city alone. Though the idea of taking away a group of the cities strongest defenders and a secret weapon of this caliber from the ports defense doesn't necessary sit well with him. He further ponders the fate of the their last ship, wondering if it will simply remain in dock, or perhaps used as a decoy to draw away attention - either way it doesn't seem like it will stay in tact for much longer, especially considering previous damage done to it. Aust will inquire as to the suspected purpose of the armada as well as the issues rattling around in his head in a respectful manner befitting a crew-member.

[The Bushranger]

Dorothy, aka Shrike

Shrike is a tall, striking redhead, her hair cropped to just off her shoulders and her features mildly exotic, her muscles well-toned from life on the road and fighting. Although a mother (of two), one wouldn't know it from her figure, and she can usually be found in her favourite leather outfit.

She looks concerned when she learns of the approaching armada, frowning and squeezing Liam's hand. She's been doing her best to learn about how the ship works, though, and thinks that in a pinch she might be able to help out a fair bit...but agrees that, given their mission, getting away first is probably the best idea.



Once the ship sails, she heads up to the bow of the ship, the wind blowing softly in her hair as she gazes out across the sea. Eager to meet their new traveling compaions, a little sad that some old companions aren't with them, and overall looking like she's ready to get on with their mission for the safety of Sunhaven and her children...

[Jair Barik]

Olrik is not particulary handsome, he bears a number of battle wounds, a stern countence and a small goatee and moustache. He has deep furrowed brows and a slightly tanned skin tone. His hair is partially cut with various tatooes intermingled across his scalp and further tatooes on his right forearm and left leg. Those that pay attention might notice the tattoos occasionally move and that he has an unusual mark on his forehead.

On the day of the departure Olrik keeps below deck till the ship has departed, not wanting to face the gathered crows of people. Once the ship is sailing though he comes above deck his green robes rippling in the wind. The new crew looks capable enough but then so did the crews of the last two expeditions he had been on. he takes note in particular of the ogre who moves about deck. He has seen ogres before of course but finds it strange that one has been recruited for this mission.

[Wiz]

Liam is tall and thin with blonde hair and blue eyes. Most of the time, those eyes tend to follow Shrike around, consequently pulling up the corners of his mouth into a small smile. He will be open and pleased to discuss matters with anyone, despite being of lesser nobility - he seems relatively unconcerned about rank or status. As he ponders matters, he has a tendency to manipulate a gold coin along the back fingers of each hand, perhaps exercising them to keep his fingers nimble for arcane gesturing. His time in the north (and underground) has paled his usually tanned skin.

[Ipphli]

Bruug

The ogre will notice the man with the strange tattooes staring at him, and will return the man's look in kind. Eventually he will approach him. "Greetings. My name is Bruug. And you are?"

[wxdruid]

Arha

Arha will watch everyone with interest. After they're safely off, she'll approach Liam and Shrike. She's more interested in Liam, since he looks like he might be a spell caster of some sort? ((mostly from the arcane gesture remark)) She looks for other signs as well, such as spell component pouches.

Arha wears her tailor made sailor outfit that probably reveals quite a bit and her arms are marked up with half healed scars. She'll greet them politely with a smile (and no flirting). She can tell that they're very attached by Liam's behavior. "Good Afternoon, I'm Arha" She'll hold out one hand for a handshake.

[Jair Barik]

"Olrik. Tell me, what is an Ogre doing aboard ship? I assume you know our destination, intent and...the primary occupants of the aforementioned destination?"

[Ipphli]

Bruug frowns slightly. "Those are why I am on board. I know the people better than most, after all. I hope my race won't be an issue. It would make the coming voyage difficult, to say the least."

[The Bushranger]

Arha

Arha will watch everyone with interest. After they're safely off, she'll approach Liam and Shrike. She's more interested in Liam, since he looks like he might be a spell caster of some sort? ((mostly from the arcane gesture remark)) She looks for other signs as well, such as spell component pouches.

Arha wears her tailor made sailor outfit that probably reveals quite a bit and her arms are marked up with half healed scars. She'll greet them politely with a smile (and no flirting). She can tell that they're very attached by Liam's behavior. "Good Afternoon, I'm Arha" She'll hold out one hand for a handshake.

Dorothy looks around as she hears somebody approaching, and smiles a bit as she sees the striking woman approaching, nodding in greeting. Her own outfit moderately revealing, but rather tight leather, and her complexion slightly pale as well.

She takes the offered hand with a politely firm shake, a hint of an accent in her voice as she speaks. "I'm called Shrike. It's a pleasure to meet you, Arha."

[wxdruid]

Arha

Arha has a firm shake in response and after the proper interval she releases Shrike's hand. "Yes, a pleasure." She's curious why they're on board, but that is rather impolite to ask, so instead, she asks, "Where are you coming from?"

[The Bushranger]

Shrike

"From Sunhaven."
Shrike's voice is soft when she says this, and clearly intended not to carry.
"Have you heard of the place?"

[wxdruid]

Arha

Arha takes the hint and lowers her own voice. "No, I'm afraid not." She lifts one eyebrow in a questioning look.

((Were you in the game with Roland St Jude (Raven)?))

[Wiz]

Liam nods to Arha as well, "A pleasure to meet you." He does indeed wear a spell component pouch on his belt.

[The Bushranger]

Shrike

"Ah, that's a shame. It's a beautiful place, a lot nicer than the city here." Shrike smiles a bit, slipping an arm around Liam's waist and pulling him against her side a bit... "May I ask where you are from?"

[Jair Barik]

"No it is not a problem at all. The crew seem able to bare with e so I assume they will be more then willing to put up with you. What is your speciality then Brugg, if you don't mind me asking?"

[BlueWizard]

This ship is fast. Real fast. And you are zipping along eastward with the western winds. Some powerful jet propelled the vessel to tremendous speeds, which Merie put on full display once the docks were out of sight.

Immediately, just as top speed is made, Merie will order her officers to arrest Thobrick and his assistant. She wants them subdued, and brought to her feet on the main deck. Thobrick is a surly sea ranger who caused trouble on the last ship.

{If no one hops to it, Gertha and Olmeric will wrestle Thobrick to the ground. Others will tackle his assistant.}

Shrike and Liam will notice one of the veteran Lemurian sailors ducking low around them. He wears a ragged cap, and was one of the folk that jumped from the previous ship when Olrik saw the ectoplasmic monster 'attack' the old ship.

[Jair Barik]

Olrik is quite surprised by this turn of events. Not the speed of the ship, he had been expecting such a thing, but in the 'arrest' of Thobrick. Nobody had particularly seemed to get along with him but still... he wonders precisely what thobrick has done to earn this treatment.

[Ipphli]

Bruug smiles as he shrugs. "It varies, I suppose. Mostly protection. And yourself?" Before he can hear the answer, Bruug will hear the arrest order. Glancing about, unsure which one it is, he will move to aid the 1st officer in apprehending the apparent criminal.

[Lothmar]

Aust squints ever so slightly at the order. "Understood," He adds casually as he walks away to aid in their arrest.

Spoiler

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I assume since she wanted thobrick and his assistant brought to her on the main deck, that he wasnt there and that most of the officers/crew who were on the main deck heard the order? Or was it an announcement over ship systems? Just trying to determine who heard it and peoples locations etc.

If Thobrick is unaware that he is about to be arrested - etc, Aust will approach most likely with whatever back-up shows up to also follow the order. He will move into close range drawing out his pair of masterwork manacles, ready to prevent him from drawing a weapon through unarmed combat and will wrestle him to the ground to prevent him from resisting arrest if necessary. "You and your assistant will disarm and accompany us to the main deck, this is non negotiable." Aust will add if the two are together. If there is no resistance he will manacle Thobricks right hand to his assistants left and lead them to the main deck and will force them to their knee's if necessary, keeping a close watch on both of them of course (Held action to stunning fist if they get uppity).

Spoiler

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Pre-rolling these just in case so the scene can better be described if necessary. If Thobrick resists, he'll simply manacle both of his arms together to save time.
Touch(1d20+12)[13]
Grapple(1d20+22)[23]
Grapple - use an object (manacle)(1d20+22)[27]

[Lex-Kat]

Calli Pent 44/44 hp
Halfling Rogue/Dragon-Knight

Calli is just as surprised at the sudden arrest of Thobrick.

She will watch as Thobrick and his assistant are taken into custody. Seeing that Aust, Bruug, Gertha, and Olmeric are on the job, she will help only if those four can't handle them.

[wxdruid]

Arha

Arha waves one hand in a dismissive gesture, "It's been far to long and I'm sure the place I was born no longer exists." She's also trying to determine what sort of spellcaster Liam is by his gear or if she'll have to ask him to find out for sure. The problem is, she doesn't necessarily want to divulge her own preferences. Although he might get a hint from the half-healed scars on her arms.

Then the convenient interruption... She isn't surprised by Thobrick and his associate being arrested, she never liked him in the first place. She'll stand back and watch the excitement. If he tries to escape she might try something.

[The Bushranger]

Shrike

Shrike starts to say something in answer to Arha, but then there's a commotion as Merie orders the arrest of Thobrick. Raising an eyebrow, she observes...then turns her head curiously as she sees one of the sailors seeming to be skulking about...

Spoiler

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Spot: (1d20+5)[9]
Sense Motive: (1d20+5)[15]

[Wiz]

Liam looks puzzled, "What's this all about?"

[wxdruid]

Arha

Arha smirks a little, "I imagine they found out something or he did something stupid. He was a member of our previous crew."

[The Bushranger]

Shrike

"I see...you've sailed aboard before then, I take it?" Shrike turns her attention from peering curiously at the sailors, back to Arha. "Perhaps you would be willing to show me the ropes, as it were, then? I admit I know very little about travel on the water."

[wxdruid]

Arha

Arha laughs a little in amusement, "I was onboard the previous ship, not this particular one and I know very little about actual sailing. I'm a wizard." Her clothing is not really the working type that the sailors wear. Her clothing looks decorative and seductive.