Entry in the Unique Ship Challenge III.
A standard trader that makes runs throughout Known Space, the Workhorse can be found almost anywhere. The Workhorse is a typical trader, equipped with only minimal magical items. Typical cargoes for the Workhorse include lumber, food, glass, and textiles. For the most part, the Workhorse deals in common goods that are in high demand in wildspace. The crew is a mixed bag of humans and dwarves, veterans of a half dozen pirate attacks. The captain is a reformed dwarvish pirate, Silverbeard.
Captain Silverbeard
N dwarvish male F8
Silverbeard was once member of a dwarvish pirate ship. His skill was good, and was well-rewarded by his captain. Eventually, he earned enough money to run his own ship. After a particularly nasty battle with a squipship-guarded tradesman (the Workhorse, then the Starflier), Silverbeard took command. He let the son of the former captain (who took a ballista spear to the chest) take command of the pirate vessel while Silverbeard took a prize crew on the Starflier. After dividing the treasure, Silverbeard took the Starflier as his prize to little objection. Silverbeard paid for a full refit at a neutral port and began his career as an honest trader.
In combat, Silverbeard is armed with a crossbow of speed, a battle axe +2, and dons a suit of scale armor. He also owns a rope of entanglement, which he used slow down multiple opponents.
First Officer Aberath
CG human male F6
Aberath is a human warrior from Bral. While an excellent fighter and a good commander, Aberath has been bounced from ship to ship for the last decade. While he has never had a lack for work, nor has he been able to secure the positions he wants. For the most part, the ships he has served aboard have established chains of command with little opportunity to rise above his position as crewman. That changed when the Workhorse arrived at Bral. Captain Silverbeard, in need of a first officer, saw potential in Aberath when he signed aboard. After four months time, Aberath was finally promoted to the position he wanted the most, that of first officer.
Though an experienced sailhand, Aberath does not own many magical items. His longsword is nonmagical, as is his suit of leather armor. In fact, the only magical item he possesses is a ring of protection +2, given to him by his captain. Despite his lack of magic, Aberath is a capable warrior and popular with the crew. He is always the first aboard an enemy ship, bravely leading the crew to battle, no matter the odds.
Chief Helmsman Johnson
NG human male W6
A hired mage from Greyspace, Johnson is somewhat a reclusive. He likes his privacy, but gets along with the crew well enough. Johnson is a loyal member of the crew, but is not overly brave. Captain Silverbeard has placed great confidence in Johnson, but knows full well that he would surrender if the odds were against them.
When not piloting the Workhorse's helm, Johnson is in his room studying spellbooks. He hopes to earn enough money to retire to Greyhawk one day, and live out the rest of his days as a minor noble. Until then, he sells his services as a helmsman and navigator for any ship that will pay him.
Crew (12 humans, 5 dwarves): AC 6, F2, hp 2d10, longsword or battle axe, crossbow, leather armor, and shield.
