Octopus

The Octopus is a spelljammer built and used by humans and illithids as a convoy protector, the result of an unconventional alliance during the First Unhuman War.

History

As the First Unhuman War threatened to engulf the Known Spheres, humans and illithids alike worried for their trade routes and the protection of their caravans. This mutual fear resulted in the joint creation of the Octopus to serve as the primary protector of caravans during the war.
Though utilizing a variety of classical illithid design components, leading to its name as the Octopus, the model was designed to be piloted by humans with a small onboard mindflayer detachment that usually served as officers. The human designers of the Octopus later took many of its design ideas and adapted them for the Cuttle Command vessels.
Following the end of the First Unhuman War in 1072, the need for large convoy protectors ended, and the human-illithid alliance fell apart. Most Octopus vessels were retired or scrapped, though some fell into the hands of pirates or were kept by illithids to serve as personal yachts.
In the mid-15th century, a forgotten depot of Octopus vessles was discovered by an illithid, who sold them off to enterprising individuals. These ships were especially prized as trade lanes again became unsafe during the Second Unhuman War.

Weapons & Armament

The large turret guns in the back of the Octopus have given the vessel the nickname of "tailgunner," though the turrets have an all-around field of fire.
Some Octopus ships were modified to serve as heavy frigates in traditional naval fleets. These ships often had the large bowsprit removed and replaced with a piercing ram. Additionally, parts of the bow-facing steerage deck were replaced with a gunnery deck, where additional ballistas were placed for more firepower.

Class

Spelljammer

Nickname

Tailgunner

Width

50 ft.

Length

100 ft (not including tentacles)

Weight

70 tons

Complement / Crew

40-45

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

35 tons of cargo