Background
Pilot
You are a pilot of an airship. These majestic flying machines are as exotic as they are inspiring, and the crew that fly them are equally admired. As a pilot, you’ve been extensively trained in not only their operations, but also on your manner of speech. These lighter-than-air vehicles are popular amongst wealthy merchants and the upper middle class, who often use airships as a more economical way to travel long distances, and to be able to do so in comfort and style.
Skill Proficiencies: Perception, Persuasion
Tool Proficiencies: Navigator’s tools, vehicles (air)
Languages: Any one of your choice
Equipment: A set of well-used navigator’s tools, a small book containing your flight log and pilot certification from your company, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a leather pouch containing 10 gp.
Cockpit Crew
The cockpit of an airship typically consists of four main roles, though the number of crew inside a cockpit can vary depending on the size of the airship. Smaller airships may only have one of each, while larger airships will have multiple pilots, navigators, and engineers. You can roll on the following table to determine your role, or choose one that best fits your character.
| d4 | Position |
|---|---|
| 1 | Captain |
| 2 | Co-pilot |
| 3 | Flight Engineer |
| 4 | Flight Navigator |
Feature: Deadheading
You’re able to obtain free passage on any airship that is operated by the company you work for, and most other airships and air worthy vessels outside it. When purchasing seats for your companions, you’re able to do so at a more favourable price and can even bump other people off to make room for your party. You may occasionally be able to trade your assistance for your companion’s free seats, though this would depend on the airship’s captain.
Suggested Characteristics
Pilots are both knowledgeable and worldly, owing to the intense know-how needed to steer an airship as well as their work taking them around the world. They’re usually a free spirited bunch as their work never keeps them grounded for long, taking advantage of their temporary stops to experience whatever consequence-free enjoyment the locale offers them.
d8 |
Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | A beautiful lady? A dashing man? Let me buy you a drink. |
| 2 | I have many tales to tell regarding my journeys abroad. Why, there was this one time… |
| 3 | I frequently travel to another country to the point that I prefer speaking in its language rather than my native one. |
| 4 | I’m not above schmoozing with the passengers and cabin crew after a flight. |
| 5 | I'm a master at small talk and can make others feel comfortable around me. |
| 6 | Looking at the open skies always leaves me speechless. |
| 7 | I know many hidden gems and establishments, away from the large tourist spots. |
| 8 | I’m much more comfortable in the hull of a flying airship than a grounded carriage. |
d6 |
Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Worldliness. I want to broaden my horizons and see as many different cultures as I can. (Good) |
| 2 | Freedom. Not being tied down and being able to explore the world is liberating. (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Fame. The glamour and admiration is irresistable. I want more! (Evil) |
| 4 | Punctuality. Being on time is essential in this line of work. (Neutral) |
| 5 | Duty. Our first responsibility is to the wellbeing of those on the airship. (Lawful) |
| 6 | Thrill. There’s nothing like the rush of looking out the observation deck and seeing the wide blue sky. (Any) |
d6 |
Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | It’s just me and the open air, and by golly do I love it. |
| 2 | The family and friends I have waiting for me back home is what keeps me tethered. |
| 3 | It’s the high life for me, baby! I get to keep rubbing shoulders with the upper crust. |
| 4 | I want to visit every country in the world! |
| 5 | Anyone who steps foot on my airship is already a friend of mine. |
| 6 | Truthfully, I hope to find work in an area that doesn’t take me away from my home for so long. |
d6 |
Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I’m unable to form and maintain close relationships. |
| 2 | Not doing work? Me? No, no. It's called delegation. |
| 3 | I’m actually terrible at handling things under pressure. |
| 4 | I leave a string of broken hearts in my wake that will inevitably catch up to me. |
| 5 | I consider anyone outside of my profession utterly banal. |
| 6 | I find it impossible that anyone would dislike me. |
Credits
- Made by /u/Stuffies_12
- Page 1 art - The Uhuru by Ben Zweifel
- Page 2 art - Steamqueen Cover by joewight
- Background page image by Jared Ondricek.