The old Tenzanese storyteller throws more powder on the fire, illuminating his impish, wizened face,

"It is the Age of Storms. The Champion of Storm reigns from his stronghold, and everywhere the wild, violent, oppressive tantrums of earth and sky sweep what is left of our world with that hideous voice, echoing over every island, heard by all, ignorable by none. It is a voice like a symphony--sometimes raging in fury, sometimes wailing in sorrow, sometimes cackling in glee both mirthful and sadistic, sometimes comforting, soothing, like a father, sometimes demanding like a spoiled child, sometimes vengeful as a warlord, and sometimes thoughtful as scholar. Feared by most, hated by few, known by all...trusted by none.

"And into this madness, the people tried to find meaning. The Guardians of Mortality grew in strength, but so did their nemeses, the Churches, especially those who could carve out some alcoves of help, or harness the terrible power for their worshipers. Some cults and orders sprang up among the people, seeking to do what good they could--or use the chaos to their advantage, and pillage and enslave those weaker than themselves. Two such groups shared a name--The Riders on the Storm--but one sought madly to destroy, and one sought vainly to help.

"But I will never forget Captain Bartemeus Thunderbeard in the common parlance. A formidable spinel dwarf just past his middle age, scarred but not crippled, bent but not broken, strong but kind. Oh, his crew loved him. He had saved their lives many times over, and they had saved his, and both had saved the lives of their passengers more time than either could count.

"His ship was called the Chrysanthardius, named for a great ancient Platinum Dragon, called the Breath of Hope in more legends than I can recount. And like her namesake, Thunderbeard's vessel was great, unyielding, unwavering, strong, silent, and powerful. And like her namesake, she gave the people hope.

"Refugees everywhere vied for a place in her bunks. Armies sought to mobilize with her. The Riders on the Storm--both bands--routinely hid among her passengers. Monastic orders, Walkers of the Path, the Staves of Justice, priests and holy men of every stripe, generals, nobility, craftsmen, beggars, nomads, everyone wanted a place aboard the great breath of hope, but she was one vessel alone in the storm, and not all could be carried.

"The Champion knew of her, and her steel-eyed captain. He spoke of her, sometimes with terrible, ringing, thunderous threats--but Thunderbeard was unbowed, and so long as he did not bow, neither did his crew."

The Tenzanese man smirks. "It is aboard this vessel that I will now take you, and tell you a tale like no other. Come back with me now, and imagine..."

Far more important than the stats are your motivations. I want a full case of motivations for each character for me to work with.

PCs:

Bolt Actionhero, circuit gnome junk merchant (Billy)

NPCs:

Captain Bart Thunderbeard

Stetson Cabin boy, erstwhile first mate

Linda Chief engineer

Johann, "Beans" quartermaster

"King" Max Wathite head of security

"Crazy" Ivan deckhand

"Screamin'" Sammy deckhand

Annie "The Doc" empath healer

"Fat" Marlo Harvest monk chef

various passengers, traveling notables, etc