The Dauntless

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She sails through history, her banner unfurled in the hearts of the free.
—Captain Black, FirSt Commander of the Prim Rose Buccaneers

The flagship of the Prim Rose supernautical airforce, the Dauntless was Captain Black's original airship, a marvel of Clockwerk engineering. Some say it was designed by none other than Mergrim Mennetestor, long before he became a powerful Archmage in the Magic University. Wherever the Dauntless goes, the people of the Merrivale Isles pause in astonishment at the sight of its unmistakable gleaming sails and pearly hull, as its reputation for freedom fighting precedes it.

Once celebrated vessel under Captain Black’s command, the Dauntless became the pride of his granddaughter, Captain Veena Black, after he passed. Following in her grandfather’s footsteps, Veena commands the Dauntless with a crew of Prim Rose Buccaneers held to the highest military standard, wielding the ship as both a spearhead in war and a symbol of the Good Ladies' power in Mariana Bay.

The ship itself is as much a historical artifact as it is a functioning weapon: within its voluminous interior are many effects from Captain Black’s adventures, from one-of-a-kind treasure maps to advanced Clockwerk technology designed specifically for the vessel's operation. Its unique, twin-lodestone engine grants the ship powerful bursts of the speed that require an expert navigator to maneuver, making the Dauntless the fastest airship in the known world.

Story Hook

The Dauntless represents the sort of renown the PCs might aspire towards as adventurers. It’s not just a magnificent airship of incredible power, but a reminder of all the deeds its crew has accomplished throughout the world. Captain Veena’s longing to be reunited with her vessel is tied up with all the memories she’s had aboard it, with her crew. Her fanaticism to regain what was lost with Rhansmarc’s rise to power is best expressed through her reverence for this vessel, so any quest to reclaim it is an opportunity to explore themes of obsession, loss, and the dangers of nostalgia.

Rhansmarc the Cruel, seeking vengeance, ambushes the Dauntless while it ferries critical supplies to the warfront. The party must protect the ship, rally its crew, and fend off overwhelming forces from the Black Banner pirates.

How will the party bolster morale among the crew as they face near-certain defeat?
What sacrifices must be made to keep the Dauntless from falling into enemy hands?
Does the party uncover a forgotten feature of the ship—perhaps a magical weapon or defensive measure—that could turn the tide of battle?

Tags: Airships

Captain Veena

Artificer

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