The Vigilant Hope
The Vigilant Hope is a storied vessel in the annals of Tanaria’s maritime legends. Originally built in Drakoria’s shipyards, it was designed to be both a formidable trading vessel and a means of transporting valuable cargo safely across the turbulent seas. However, as the tides of war and politics shifted in Jou’lunn, the ship found a nobler calling. The vessel was repurposed to aid in rescuing and ferrying refugees fleeing the iron grip of Jou’lunn’s tyranny.
Under the command of Captain Thalric Stoneborn, a stalwart Drakorian with a reputation for valor and compassion, the Vigilant Hope gained the moniker “Watcher of Refugees.” It became a beacon of hope, its sails visible on the horizon like a promise of safety to those in desperate need. Countless lives have been saved by the ship’s timely interventions, and stories of its daring rescues are sung in taverns from Eouma to the Ember Islands.
History and Purpose
The Vigilant Hope was repurposed from its merchant roots to serve as a vessel that ferries refugees fleeing the oppressive rule of Jou'lunn and other perilous circumstances. Captained by the renowned Thalric Stoneborn, a bronze-scaled dragonborn with a reputation for valor and compassion, the ship became a lifeline for those in desperate need of safe passage. Thalric's leadership and the ship’s unwavering mission earned it the moniker "Watcher of Refugees," cementing its status as a vessel dedicated to noble causes. The ship's sails are a familiar sight along the Sunfire Coast, often met with cheers and hopeful glances as it approaches ports or stranded vessels. Songs of its daring rescues and tales of near-impossible missions are told in taverns and around campfires across Tanaria, making it as much a legend as it is a lifeline.The Crew of The Vigilant Hope:
- Captain Thalric Stoneborn: A bronze-scaled dragonborn known for his quiet authority and unwavering commitment to protecting those in need. Thalric's leadership has turned the Vigilant Hope into a symbol of sanctuary and valor.
- First Mate Elara Swiftwind: A half-elf with sharp green eyes and an unmatched sense of direction. Elara is known for her quick thinking and calm under pressure, making her the perfect balance to Thalric’s stoic demeanor.
- Navigator Borin Blackfathom: A dwarven cartographer with a deep voice and a knack for reading the stars. Borin’s maps are so detailed that they are sought after by other sea captains and merchants.
- Second Navigator Marin Tidewatcher: A human raised by coastal fisherfolk, Marin is skilled in weather prediction and sea lore. He’s often found sharing stories of legendary sea creatures with the crew.
- Boatswain Karga Stormlash: A towering orc with a booming voice and a heart as fierce as the storms she commands the crew through. Karga ensures the ship stays in top shape and the deckhands stay motivated.
- Quartermaster Ilyas Moonshadow: A lithe tabaxi with an eye for inventory and an uncanny ability to locate hidden supplies. Ilyas keeps the ship’s stores full and the rations balanced, even during long voyages.
- Head Cook Brynn Ironspoon: A gnome who stands barely three feet tall but commands the galley like a general. Brynn’s meals are known to lift the crew’s spirits, even in the darkest times.
- Medic Thera Windscribe: A gentle tiefling with silver hair and a soothing presence. Thera is highly skilled in herbal remedies and first aid, ensuring the crew remains healthy and injuries are swiftly treated.
- Master-at-Arms Jorek Steelclaw: A veteran dragonborn with copper scales and a scarred snout. Jorek is responsible for training the crew in combat and overseeing the ship’s defenses, including the ballistae.
Deckhand Crew:
- Finn Brightwater: A young human eager to prove himself, with a penchant for storytelling and a smile that never fades.
- Sasha Greenthorn: A half-orc with a quiet demeanor but unmatched strength, known for hoisting heavy sails with ease.
- Riven Sablewing: A kenku who mimics commands and shouts with precision, making communication efficient during chaotic moments.
- Milo Quickstep: A halfling with nimble fingers, known for his speed in climbing the rigging and tying knots.
- Selene Voss: A seasoned human sailor who mentors the newer crew members and has sailed with Thalric for over a decade.
Layout and Notable Areas
Main Deck:
- The main deck features the ship's wheel, a sturdy helm reinforced with intricate carvings of dragons. This is where Captain Thalric often stands, looking out over the horizon.
- Passengers may find the captain’s ornate spyglass here, a relic with engravings said to belong to an ancient admiral.
- Stashed in concealed compartments, the main deck holds valuable tools like navigational compasses and maps that have been enchanted for precise journeys.
Middle Deck:
- This level serves as the living quarters for both crew and notable passengers. Here, private rooms contain items such as the Elven Lyre owned by Lyria Fenbrook, which emits a soft glow when played, and potions stored securely in the infirmary.
- The galley, run by the gnome Brynn Ironspoon, is known for its hearty meals that keep spirits high, even during stormy weather.
Lower Deck:
- This level houses the cargo hold, weapons cache, and storage for rare and valuable items. The locked chest belonging to Captain Thalric, said to contain a relic from Jou'lunn, lies here, heavily guarded.
- Ilyas Moonshadow, the tabaxi quartermaster, ensures everything is kept in meticulous order, from the most exotic spices to enchanted cloaks like Marin Tidewatcher’s Storm-Blessed Cloak, which grants resistance to lightning and cold damage.
Rumors and Legends
The Vigilant Hope is not just known for its deeds; it carries a host of stories and whispers that intrigue both sailors and passengers:- The Ghost Lantern: Crew members talk about seeing a spectral lantern floating beside the ship during foggy nights. Some claim it marks the site of an ancient shipwreck teeming with lost treasures and guarded by the spirits of sailors long gone.
- The Isle of Mists: Marin Tidewatcher—the ship’s second navigator—often shares tales of a hidden island that appears only when both moons are crescent. Those who seek its secrets rarely return, but the allure of its ancient ruins and forgotten knowledge persists.
- The Lost Paladin of Drakoris: A story shared by Amara Goldbloom, a young healer aboard the ship, tells of a paladin who disappeared near Stormwreck Isle. It is said his spirit now guides those who come seeking answers, appearing as a phantom on stormy nights.
Nickname
Watcher of Refugees
Designation
Refugee Transport and Escort Vessel
Motto
“Sails of Sanctuary, Winds of Salvation.”
Manufacturer
Creation Date
Velnir 17, 495 HE
Owner
Crew
Owning Organization
Current location
Price
12,000
Rarity
Rare
Width
30 feet
Length
200 feet
Height
120 feet
Weight
500 tons
Speed
4 mph (under optimal sailing conditions)
Complement / Crew
20 sailors (including captain, navigators, and deckhands)
Cargo & Passenger Capacity
Up to 50 medium-sized passengers, plus cargo holds capable of storing 50 tons of supplies and goods.
Items of Interest
- Captain's Spyglass (Wondrous Item, Uncommon): Grants the user advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks made to spot distant objects or terrain while at sea. Can be used once per long rest to discern approaching ships up to 10 miles away.
- Navigator's Compass (Wondrous Item, Rare): Always points to the nearest Drakorian temple or Dragon's Rest. Grants +1 to Wisdom (Survival) checks for sea navigation.
- The Storm-Blessed Cloak (Wondrous Item, Rare): Provides resistance to lightning and cold damage. When worn during a storm, it grants the wearer advantage on Constitution saving throws.
- Bronze Bracelet (Wondrous Item, Uncommon): Enhances the wearer's Constitution saving throws by +1, subtly improving fortitude.
- Potion of Vitality (Very Rare): Found in the infirmary, it removes exhaustion and cures diseases and poison.
The Vigilant Hope
Rare, Huge Vehicle
Requires Proficiency in: Galleon, Sea Vehicle
Speed: 5ft (4mph)
Armor Class: 15
Hit Points: 400
Repair: 4d10 (Mechanics DC 17)
Damage Threshold: 20
Damage Resistances: Immune to Psychic, and poison Damage. Immune to blinded, sleep, charmed, deafened, paralyzed, stunned, unconscious
Capacity
20 sailors (including captain, navigators, and deckhands) Cargo & Passenger Capacity: Up to 50 medium-sized passengers, plus cargo holds capable of storing 50 tons of supplies and goods.
Traits
- Strength 20 (+5)
- Dexterity 10 (+0)
- Constitution 18 (+4)
- Intelligence 12 (+1)
- Wisdom 14 (+2)
- Charisma 10 (+0) Weathered Veteran: The Vigilant Hope has advantage on saving throws against harsh weather and sea conditions.
Watcher of Refugees: The ship is well-known in Tanaria and receives friendly treatment in most Drakorian ports and among coastal refugee communities.
Actions
- Defensive Maneuver: Once per long rest, the Vigilant Hope can perform a defensive maneuver, granting +2 to AC until the start of its next turn.
- Ballistae: The ship is equipped with two ballistae, each requiring a crew of 2 to operate. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 120/480 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (3d10) piercing damage.
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