The Curiosity

Description of Vessel:

  The Curiosity is a medium sized galley that has seen many exploration voyages. An exploration vessel originally funded by The Kingdom of Rema, it is well outfitted for defense against the unexpected. This vessel is large enough hold 120 passengers, but requires a crew of between 80 to operate properly. This vessel is typically used to transport large amounts of soldiers or cargo, making it a prime target for pirates.    

History of Vessel:

  The Curiosity was originally built to be an exploration vessel and was fully funded by The Kingdom of Rema. The Curiosity had a number of successful voyages which brought a wealth of knowledge to the Reman people. But all good things are doomed to end eventually, and the exploration by the Curiosity was no different. While on a trip around the Elden Root, they fell prey to pirates. The Curiosity entered a labyrinth of inland waterways in an attempt to escape them. They managed to lose the pirates who were after them, but found themselves unable to find their way out again. The crew decided to travel on foot and left a few people behind to guard the ship. It has been many years since The Curiosity was lost, but there are still 2 people who are keeping watch and waiting for the return of their captain and crewmates.  

Stat block of Vessel:

   

The Curiosity has the following features:

  Ceilings: The ceiling of The Curiosity's lower deck is 8 feet high.   Light: Hanging lanterns cast bright light throughout the ship.   Rigging: Rigging on The Curiosity can be climbed without an ability check.   Sails and Oars: The galley has one 120-foot-tall mast with sails to catch the wind and oars on the lower deck for rowing the vessel.  

The main deck of The Curiosity has the following features:

  Ballista's: Four ballista's (DMG, ch. 8) are attached to the fore of the deck. Ten ballista arrows are stacked and secured near each one.   Mangonels: Two mangonels (DMG, ch. 8) are attached to the aft of the deck. Ten mangonel stones are stacked and secured near each catapult.   Naval Ram The Curiosity stern features an iron naval ram used for attacking other ships.   Opening: A 10-foot-wide, 80-foot-long open space in the middle of the deck stretches fore to aft and leads down to the lower deck.   Railing: A 3-foot-high rail is built around The Curiosity's perimeter. Medium creatures gain half cover while behind the railing, while small creatures gain three-quarter's cover.   Rowboats: Eight rowboats are stacked in two groups of four on this deck. Ropes and pulleys can hoist these boats in and out of the water.   Timpani:A timpani with two attached mallets sits on the aft of the main deck just before the opening to the lower deck. A crew member plays this instrument while the sailors on the lower deck row, the beat helping to synchronize the rowers' strokes.   Wheel: The ship's wheel stands at the aft of the deck.  

Lower Deck:

  Cargo Holds: Cargo holds at the fore and aft of the lower deck hold crates, barrels, and ammunition secured with rope.   Oars: Thirty-two benches are built into the deck, each with a 20-foot-long oar. When the ship is rowed, crew members sit on these benches to work the oars. Ten spare oars hang on the walls.  

A Standard Crew for The Curiosity includes the following:

 

One captain

Five other officers: a first mate, a bosun, a quartermaster, a surgeon, and a cook

Forty-two sailors

Twelve siege engineers

Twenty guards