[Pirate] Don Raphael Villa-Lobos Rapine

[foXXtail]

A dark cloud on the horizon –
Shimmering, gleaming, metallic –
... Wait a minute, that’s no cloud!

From the dirigible above hops a debonair and dashing bipedal fox. He wears a tailed coat, a scarf and a hat with a feather. His tail cocked at a jaunty angle, and rapier swinging easily at his side he addresses you in a gamesome voice.

“I am the Feared Pirate Don Raphael Villa-Lobos Rapine!
Scourge of the skies!
Plunderer of things plunderable!
Taker of things not mine!

You should be more frightened, eh?”

The swaggering vulpine invites you on a tour of his vessel, The Steel Buzzard, but not before inviting you to learn a little more about himself. Were you to refuse this most generous offer, he would take it as a grave insult and deal with your impetuousness accordingly.

Don Raphael Villa-Lobos Rapine
Male Werefox (Hybrid Form), Fighter 6 Duelist 6
CN Medium Humanoid (human, shapechanger)
Hit Ponts: 90 (12d10 + 1d8 + 26)
Initiative: +8 (+4 dex, +2 improved initiative +2 improved reaction)
Speed: 30
Armor Class: 24, touch 21, flatfooted 13; canny defense (included); natural armor (included) dodge, mobility, Enhanced mobility
Base Attack/Grapple: +12 /+13
Attack: Rapier +17 (1d6+1 +1d6 precise strike /16-20) melee or Light Crossbow +17 ( 1d8 ) ranged
Full Attack: Rapier +18/+13/+8 melee (1d6+1 +1d6 precise strike /16-20) and bite +17 melee (1d6)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./ 5 ft.
Special Attacks: Curse of lycanthropy
Special Qualities: alternate form, dog empathy, damage reduction, 10/silver, low-light vision, scent, natural armor +2
Class features: canny defense, improved reaction, enhanced mobility, grace, precise strike, acrobatic charge
Saves: Fort +9, Ref +17, Will +6; grace (included)
Abilities: Str 13, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 14
Skills: Balance 14, Bluff 7, Climb 11, Diplomacy 8, Perform (oratory) 14, Profession (Sailor) 15 , Tumble 14, Use Rope 6
Feats: Dodge, Mobility, Weapon Finesse, Scent, Iron Will, Combat Expertise, Improved Initiative, Combat Reflexes, Spring Attack, Leadership, Quick Draw
Challenge Rating: 15
Possessions: bracers of armor +2, ring of protection +1, cloak of charisma +2, +1 keen rapier
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Fox Form:
The flowing changes are made when Don Raphael is in his fox form
Small Humanoid (human, shapechanger)
Spd 40
AC 25 (+1 size)
Attack: Bite only
Special: No thumbs, -10 penalty on all skill checks that require manual dexterity of the hands.

Human Form:
The following changes are made when Don Raphael is in his human form
Special qualities No DR
Attack: No bite attack
Special Attack: No curse of lycanthropy
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 14 (adjust saving throws, skills, and attacks accordingly)

Special: Due to a cursed item (see below), Don Raphael currently has a -6 penalty to all skill checks.

"I see you are confused! It is just as well.
Perhaps it would put you more at ease to know more about
he who has captured you, clever thing that I am.
How good of you to ask!
It all started a long time ago, when I was but a kit…”

The jovial captain goes on to tell you of his tormented past. Of being born at sea, of having his tail pulled by the crew members, and of his eventual defeat of those who had wronged him. At length he describes battle after battle and of his many conquests. You find most of it to be suspect at best.

[foXXtail]

Yes! Yes! Gaze upon The Steel Buzzard,
Pride of my most extensive fleet. Gasp in awe at its
massive size, its impressive workmanship, its glittering...
glittery bits.

Magical Steelclad: Colossal Vehicle; Fly speed 30ft; Maneuverability poor (yes hover); Hull hp 140 (hardness12); 8 ballista, 2 catapult; Space 90 ft. by 25 ft.; Height 20 ft; cargo 10 tons.
Strong Transmutation, CL 20; Create Wondrous Item, Reverse Gravity, Control Wind; price 550,000gp

Steelclad stats modified from the Ironclad vehicle of Strormwrack. Refer to page 100 for more details.

The Steel Vulture is a massive structure of wood and metal. Its sails are much shorter then a normal ship, and angled in multiple directions. This allows the pilot to use the helm to control the winds surrounding the airborne ship, letting it move in any direction desired. It’s typical crew compliment is 40 – though the vehicle can house as many as 80… uncomfortably. Though not the fastest thing in the skies, the Steel Vulture is tough, and has been used by many a competent air pirate to crack a hole in a fort or castle, ensuring their victory. There have been no reports on what Don Raphael has done with it.

[foXXtail]

Ah, but now you wonder to yourself
"Self, how did such a fine werefox
come upon such a fantastic ship?" I assure you
it was through nothing but my most supreme
cunning and impressive swordsmanship and not
at all from hapenstance or any bizarre acts of diety.

As for my treasure, you will soon notice she has
no match in the world. Here in the hold we have
nothing but the finest and absolutley not broken
ancient artifacts. We have the largest gems which
I am assured are 100% genuine! Most impressive is
this lamp which contains a genie... if only we could
figure out how to get the genie to come out of the lamp.

Ah, I see you are speechless with awe. Such is to be
expected!

Don Raphael escorts you to the hold of the vessel, located deep within. As you come to a locked door, he turns to you and looks at you pointedly. Once you turn away, you hear him dial the lock combination. The door swings easily open.

The hold appears overly large for the amount of treasure inside. There are miniscule piles of gold here and there, a teddy bear with one eye missing, several broken bits of furniture and even a few shiny rocks. At one end of the room is a table, covered in a purple velvet tablecloth. Three objects are perched atop: a lamp, jewel-covered sphere, and a golden chalice.

As he shows you around, you are polite enough not to mention that he seems to have eaten something that didn't quite agree with him, at least you assume so from the noises he is making.

Lamp of Rude Noises
This ornately designed brass lamp looks very similar to an Efreeti Bottle. However, it is not. When holding the lamp and issuing a command word, it’s owner may modify their voice to mimic any accent. However, the lamp is also intelligent (albeit not very) and will randomly create rude noises at inopportune moments.
Faint illusion; CL 1st; Craft Wondrous Item, ghost sound; Price 2,800 gp.

Explosive Sphere (broken)
This gilded and bejeweled sphere is an extraordinarily dangerous grenade of light for those who do not know how to use it. Upon speaking a command word and set on the ground, it will cast Prismatic Spray on any one who touches it, most likely catching passers-by unawares. Most diabolical of all, once set the words “Pick me up” appear on it’s side. Unfortunately, this particular explosive sphere is missing a key element and does not work.
Strong evocation; CL 13th; Craft Wondrous Item, prismatic spray; Price 327,600 (not broken), 500 (broken).

The chalice is not only non-magical and perfectly benign, it is not made of gold. The teddy bear, however, is magical. And cursed.

Teddy Bear of Ineptitude
This teddy bear appears to be perfectly normal. Upon magical inspection, it seems to be a Teddy Bear of Sleep (Once per day, using a command word, the owner may cast Sleep on themselves). It's true nature is much less soothing. If taken against the owner’s will, it bestows upon the thief a –6 penalty on all skill checks. This curse may only be lifted with a Wish or Miracle spell.
Minor enchantment; CL 10th; Create Wondrous Item, bestow curse; Price 2,000 gp.

[foXXtail]

And, finally, my crew. Fierce fighters to a man.
Ahem, and excuse me… also to a goblin . They are all
competent, have backs of iron… and if they know what’s
GOOD FOR THEM THEY WILL KEEP THEIR MOUTHS
SHUT WHILE OUR GUEST IS ONBOARD….
Ahem….
Excuse me. Shall we?

Don Raphael’s crew is a motley one. There’s a wide mix of races, though most of the crew seems to be human or goblin. A few of them seem to be stifling laughs.

Typical Crewman aboard the Steel Buzzard
Male Goblin Warrior 1
CN Medium Humanoid (Goblinoid)
Hit Points: 5 (1d8+1)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 30 feet
Armor Class: 15, touch 12, flatfooted 14; (+1 size, +1 dex, +2 Leather Armor, +1 light shield)
Base Attack/Grapple: +1 /-3
Attack: Short Sword +1 melee (1d6) or Light Crossbow +2 ranged ( 1d8 )
Full Attack: Short Sword +1 melee (1d6) or Light Crossbow +2 ranged ( 1d8 )
Space/Reach: 5 ft./ 5 ft.
Special Attacks: None
Special Qualities: darkvision 60feet
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +1, Will -1
Abilities: Str 11, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 9, Cha 6
Skills: Climb +4, Use Rope +2, Balance +5, Profession (sailor) +2, Spot +2
Feats: Agile
Challenge Rating: 1/3
Possessions: Leather armor, light shield, short sword, 2 c.p.
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

[foXXtail]

Ah, and now we come to Wilhelm, my first mate.
I, of course, make him look good. The job of the first
mate is easy, no? All you have to do all day is what I
tell you to do. Me? I have the exhausting job of giving
the orders. Would that I had it as easy as you, friend.

The massive bugbear shrugs and continues carrying his heavy load - a barrel under each arm. As he walks by a couple of giggling crew members, his eyes shoot daggers. The men quickly shut thier mouths and continue swabbing. Don Raphael has failed to notice.

One-eyed Wilhelm
Male Bugbear Rogue 3 Bard 3
Medium Humanoid (goblinoid)
Hit Points: 48 (3d8 + 6d6 + 18 )
Initiative: +3
Speed: 30
Armor Class: 19 (+3 armor, +3 dex , +3 natural) flat-footed 16, touch 13; Dodge, Mobility
Base Attack/Grapple: +6
Attack: Short Sword +9 Melee (1d6+3)
Full Attack: Short Sword +9 Melee (1d6+3)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./ 5 ft.
Special Attacks: Sneak attack +2d6
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 feet
Class features: Sneak attack, Trapfinding, Evasion, Trap sense, Bardic Music, Bardic Knowledge, Countersong, fascinate, Inspire courage, inspire competence
Saves: Fort +8, Reflex +12, Will +5 ; Evasion
Abilities: Str 17, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 14
Feats: Dodge, Mobility, Weapon Finesse, Quick Draw
Skills: Balance 9, Climb 9, Disable Device 1, Hide 4, Intimidate 11, Move Silently 7, Perform (oratory) 6, Profession (sailor) 6, Use Rope 1
Challenge Rating: 10
Possessions: Studded leather armor, +1 short sword
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Spells Per Day: 3/2
Spells known: 6/3; 0th leve: Detect Magic, Know Direction, Light, Mage Hand, Mending, Message; 1st level: Alarm, Cause Fear, Animate Rope

One-eyed Wilhelm is not a pretty sight. His fur is matted, missing in places and seared in others. However, his appearance only enhances his reputation amongst the other crew. They say Wilhelm is not a Bugbear to be trifled with. He goes shirtless most of the time, showing off his braids and tattoos. His bad eye he keeps covered at all times by a feathered patch. The feathers, he will eagerly tell you, are from the harpy that took his eye. Her song, he says with a smile, was no match for Wilhelm’s Scream.

Wilhelm is the one who actually gives orders to the crew. This is probably a good thing.

[foXXtail]

I'm in the editing / adding more flavor phase. Comments accepted!

[HealytheHealslime]

Does Raphael have any magical items that actually work? Besides the teddy bear I mean.

[foXXtail]

*scratches head*

Not as such, no. Don't tell him that, though.