The Mistress Valerie
The crew's ship is a formidable and eccentric pirate ship that sails with an undeniable aura of both mystery and power. It's a large vessel, built to withstand the trials of the high seas, yet its weathered appearance speaks to its long history of both victories and dangers faced. The ship has a distinct character, an amalgamation of its crew's wild personalities and their life on the waters.
The hull of the ship is constructed of dark, weathered oak, reinforced with iron banding that gives a rugged yet enduring feel. The ship’s sides are adorned with carvings of sea creatures, from fearsome kraken to mighty serpents, each a testament to the crew’s encounters and legends of the deep. Its bow is crowned by a lion figurehead, a nod to the captain, Thandor Wildmane, its proud mane flowing back toward the ship as if braving the winds of the ocean.
The ship is a three-masted schooner, built for both speed and durability, allowing it to outmaneuver both storms and foes. The white sails are stitched with gold threading in intricate patterns, making them shimmer when the sunlight hits just right. There are patches where the sails have been repaired over time, speaking to countless skirmishes. The crow's nest is perched high above, offering a perfect vantage point for the crew to scout ahead, with a spyglass always at the ready.
The ship is heavily armed, with rows of cannons on either side of the deck, primed and ready for battle at a moment’s notice. Many of these cannons are manned by Sparky, the master gunner, and Zalthara his apprentice, whose passion for firepower has led to an unusual number of customizations.
In addition to the traditional cannons, the ship boasts a ballista on the aft deck and a giant harpoon launcher, useful for snaring larger enemy ships or sea creatures. These modifications give the crew an intimidating presence on the waters, making it a force to be reckoned within pirate waters.
The deck is expansive and bustling, often filled with activity. It has a slightly uneven, scarred surface, weathered by years of rough seas and battles. The planks creak underfoot, especially in high winds or storms, giving the ship a certain living quality, as if it too were a member of the crew. Ropes and rigging crisscross above like a spider’s web, always taut and ready to be swung upon or hoisted for sail adjustments.
Below the main deck is a network of hatches, leading to the gun deck, cargo hold, and crew quarters, each filled with its own unique blend of chaos and order.
The Interior Below deck, the ship is a labyrinth of compartments and quarters, each tailored to the crew's needs.
Captain’s Quarters: Thandor’s quarters are lavish, as befits a captain of his stature. The room is filled with maps, trophies from battles, and ornate furniture that reflects his pride in his crew and ship. A white snow bear's pelt is draped across the floor, and a polished desk holds navigational tools, logs, and charts. There’s also a large bed fit for a king, adorned with luxurious linens.
Crew Quarters: The crew’s sleeping area is more utilitarian, but not without personality. Each hammock is surrounded by trinkets and personal belongings, reminders of the lives they’ve lived before joining the crew. There’s a sense of camaraderie here, with plenty of space for games, stories, and rum shared after a long day at sea.
Armory: The armory is a small but well-stocked area below deck where weapons of all kinds are kept. From cutlasses and sabers to muskets and harpoons, the armory reflects the diverse combat styles of the crew. Sparky often spends time here tinkering with explosives and cannonballs.
The Galley: The kitchen is a cramped, chaotic space filled with the smell of roasted meats, seaweed stew, and strong coffee. Basil Galeshore, the ship’s cook, can usually be found at the large stove, his tattered apron flapping as he hobbles on his peg leg. His staff with a jellyfish on top is propped against a counter as he moves about, preparing meals with a dash of pirate flair. The galley is filled with hanging pots and pans, spice jars, and crates of provisions.
The Hold: The cargo hold is the heart of the ship’s treasure and provisions storage. Filled with crates, barrels, and chests, it’s packed tightly with the spoils of their many raids and adventures. Gold coins, jewelry, rare artifacts, and mysterious relics are stored here, along with food, water, and other necessities. Inferno the alchemist cat has his own corner where he brews strange potions and concoctions, his fat orange body often draped lazily over the counter as he works.
Atmosphere The ship has a wild, rebellious energy. It smells of sea salt, gunpowder, and sweat, with the occasional waft of freshly baked bread from the galley. There’s always a sense of purpose aboard, from preparing for battle to the mundane tasks of maintaining the ship. But the energy is never dull; with such an eclectic crew, there’s always laughter, shouts, or the crackling tension of arguments just beneath the surface.
Though it’s seen its share of battle scars and wear, the ship sails with pride, a testament to the endurance and fierce spirit of its crew. It’s not just a ship—it’s a home, a fortress, and a symbol of the freedom they’ve claimed on the high seas.
Typical Dimensions of a 3-Masted Ship (in feet):
1. Length:
A three-masted ship usually ranges between 100 to 150 feet long.
For simplicity, let's use 120 feet as a typical length.
2. Width (Beam):
The width (or beam) of these ships is usually around 30 to 35 feet.
We'll use 30 feet as the standard width.
Translating to a Grid (assuming 5-foot squares):
Length (120 feet) = 24 squares on a 5-foot grid.
Width (30 feet) = 6 squares on a 5-foot grid.
This means the ship, on a combat grid, would occupy a 24 x 6 grid space.
Other Key Areas for Combat (Optional):
1. Main Deck:
The majority of combat will likely take place here.
You could break the main deck into different zones (bow, midship, stern) for different tactical advantages.
2. Crow’s Nest:
Positioned atop the mainmast. It could be roughly 60-70 feet above the deck (12-14 squares up) and might require climbing (for ranged attacks).
3. Below Deck:
Narrower hallways or storage areas may require single-file movement.
Typical below-deck passageways might be 5-10 feet wide (1 to 2 squares)
Nickname
Booty Bouy
Current location
Speed
8 mph
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