Nature’s Wine

The Nature’s Wine is a flat-bottomed merchant galley designed for river travel, perfect for navigating the shallows and sandbars of the Velverdyva River and the Imeryd's Run. While its primary purpose is commerce, its forays into the dubious waters of Nulb reflect the precarious balance between survival and risk for its young captain and inexperienced crew. This vessel, though modest in size and armament, represents the ambitions and dreams of its owner, Captain Sacha Tawil.

Physical Description of the Ship

The Nature’s Wine is an unassuming yet functional vessel, its design tailored to practical trading needs and swift maneuvering.

• Size: 40 feet in length, 12 feet across the beam, and shallow enough to traverse even the trickiest river shoals.
• Sails and Rigging: A single mast bearing a simple sail, often furled to adapt to varying wind conditions along the rivers.
• Hull: Constructed of durable, weathered wood, reinforced with iron strapping to ensure longevity in dangerous waters.
• Cargo Hold: A spacious compartment designed to hold bulk goods such as grain and beans, its reinforced structure ensuring the safety of its cargo.
• Crew Quarters: Cramped yet serviceable living spaces for the eight-member crew, with hammocks strung between wooden beams.

Operations and Purpose

The Nature’s Wine primarily functions as a merchant vessel, transporting agricultural goods to and from remote riverside settlements. However, its willingness to dock in Nulb and deal with its questionable economy hints at a desperation to establish itself.

• Primary Cargo: Grain, beans, and other staples in high demand across the Viscounty.
• Trade Routes: Velverdyva River, Imeryds Run, and occasional stops in lawless areas like Nulb.
• Business Practices: The ship trades honestly but occasionally undercuts competitors by taking on riskier clients, including dealings with Nulb’s shadowy merchants and middlemen.

Personality and Dynamics of the Crew

The crew of the Nature’s Wine functions as a close-knit, if inexperienced, unit. They share the dreams of wealth and adventure but are bound together by the practical necessity of survival.

• Ambitions: Many of the crew hope to someday command their own ships or establish trade businesses.
• Challenges: Their youth and inexperience often lead to misjudgments, especially in dealings with Nulb’s treacherous merchants and pirates.
• Captain’s Role: Sacha serves as both a mentor and disciplinarian, working hard to mold his crew into a competent team.

Relationship with Nulb and the River Pirates

The Nature’s Wine navigates the dangerous waters of Nulb’s economy and its notorious river pirates with a mix of caution and opportunism.

• Trade in Nulb: The ship often unloads goods at Nulb’s docks, dealing with merchants tied to the village’s black-market economy.
• Encounters with The River Pirates: While the crew avoids direct confrontation, the ship’s defenseless nature has made it a target for pirate raids in the past. Captain Sacha has paid off raiders like Captain Tolub to avoid bloodshed.
• Elemental Cult Connection: Though unaware of the specifics, the crew occasionally ferries goods that may end up in the hands of the Temple of Elemental Evil or its agents.

DM-Only Section: Secrets and Plot Twists

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Adventure Hooks

• Stolen Cargo: A shipment of rare spices destined for Verbobonc is stolen by pirates, and Captain Sacha hires the adventurers to recover it.
• Secret Cargo: Unbeknownst to Sacha, one of his shipments contains contraband meant for the Temple of Elemental Evil. The adventurers must uncover and neutralize the plot.
• Pirate Attack: The adventurers are hired to protect the Nature’s Wine on a perilous voyage through waters known for pirate activity.
• Mutiny: A disgruntled crew member conspires with Nulb’s merchants to take over the ship, and the adventurers must intervene.

Hidden Cargo

Sacha unknowingly smuggles goods tied to the Temple of Elemental Evil. These could include magical artifacts, sacrificial items, or coded messages.

Crew Loyalties

Not all crew members are loyal to Sacha. One or more sailors could be secret informants for the pirates of the Sister Mercy or agents of the Temple of Elemental Evil.

Sacha’s Ambitions

While Sacha is determined to succeed as a merchant, he may be tempted by offers of wealth and power from Nulb’s criminal elite or even the Elemental Cults.

Foreshadowing Conflict

If the Nature’s Wine continues its trade with Nulb, it risks being dragged deeper into the village’s chaos, potentially drawing the attention of more powerful enemies.

"Fortune Favors the Bold, but Preparation Steadies the Ship."

Natures Wine merchant ship by 3orcs

Crew of the Nature’s Wine The ship’s crew consists of green sailors under the command of Captain Sacha Tawil. They are eager to prove themselves but lack the experience to match their ambitions. Crew List and Roles

Captain Sacha Tawil by 3orcs

Sacha Tawil (Captain)

• Role: Owner and leader of the crew.
• HP: 6 | Armor: Leather | Weapons: Short sword, short bow.
• Notes: Noble-born and ambitious, Sacha is the heart of the ship, driving it forward with determination despite the dangers.

Panalar (Quartermaster)

• Role: Oversees supplies and cargo.
• HP: 6 | Armor: Leather | Weapons: Short sword, short bow.
• Notes: Panalar keeps the ship organized and serves as Sacha’s trusted confidant.

Keyren (Boatswain)

• Role: Handles maintenance and navigation.
• HP: 3 | Armor: Leather | Weapons: Short sword, short bow.
• Notes: Young and inexperienced, Keyren is eager to prove himself but prone to mistakes.

Perric (Carpenter)

• Role: Repairs the ship when damaged.
• HP: 2 | Armor: Leather | Weapons: Short sword, short bow.
• Notes: Quiet and diligent, Perric prefers the solitude of his work.

Rocar (First Mate)

• Role: Assists the captain in commanding the crew.
• HP: 5 | Armor: Leather | Weapons: Short sword, short bow.
• Notes: Level-headed and respected, Rocar keeps the crew focused.

Balra (Sailor)

• Role: General deckhand.
• HP: 4 | Armor: Leather | Weapons: Short sword, short bow.
• Notes: Balra is dependable and adaptable, a valuable asset in dangerous situations.

Faelee (Sailor)

• Role: General deckhand.
• HP: 6 | Armor: Leather | Weapons: Short sword, short bow.
• Notes: Known for her sharp wit, Faelee lightens the mood during long voyages.

Everlin (Sailor)

• Role: General deckhand.
• HP: 4 | Armor: Leather | Weapons: Short sword, short bow.
• Notes: Quiet and contemplative, Everlin dreams of a life beyond the river.

Crew Finances

Each crew member carries:

• 1d6+10 silver pieces.
• 1d6+10 copper pieces.

Type

Illicit, Pirate Crew

Leader

Sacha Tawil

Location

Nulb

Notable Members

• Sacha Tawil

Related Species

• Humans of Greyhawk

Related Ethnicities

• Flannae Flan
• Oeridian Oerid