One-Shot: The Airship Regatta - Players Edition

One-Shot
System: DnD 5.5 (2024 rules edition; DND-OGL)
Theme: Airships, sky pirates
Conflict: Protect the Regatta from skypirates
Level: 3
Number of player(s): 3 to 6 players
Alignment: Any
Starting equipment: Standard kit according to the Player's Handbook)
Character options: All species, all classes (custom steampunk classes available on demand) and backgrounds available in the Free rules/Player's Handbook 2024 including the species listed in the Playable Species section. Backgrounds can be customized (take any Origin feat, Ability Score Improvement, 2 skills and (2 tools or 2 languages or 1 language and 1 tool). Custom backgrounds are subject to review and you may be asked to alter parts by the DM.
Attribute Scores: Standard array or Point Buy
Hit Points: Average fixed
World background information: Welcome to Morea - an introduction

The world in a nutshell

Morea is a mixed world with a variety of elements:

• Post-apocalyptic
• Low magic areas
• No Gods

400 years ago, a great calamity called the Scarring ravaged the world and killed most of its people. During this event the Gods themselves disappeared.
On one of the continents, a mighty Empire has risen from the ashes using science and technology to create great cities of steel, concrete and smoke.
Another great force in the world is the magical kingdom founded by the last of the Elves mixing their blood with humans. They try to re-establish magic as the leading force.
In the frozen wastes live the clans of the north. They hate magic with a passion and will kill any magic user on sight.

Introduction

Huzzah, Sky Captain! You've entered your Airship into the Grand Regatta, sponsored by our esteemed Lady Dain, and can display the splendor and magnificent of our flying machines! We make our way from the Military District in Mori to the docks in Darken's Port.

Beware! Ignoble ruffians called the Sky Pirates have been sighted and are known to prey on sky faring vessels in the country side. With the Aeronauts deployed on the war front our Regatta is especially vulnerable! Protect yourself and each other at all costs!

Organisations

The Dain Family - Organizers of the Grand Regatta and one of the wealthiest families of the city.

Imperial Aeronauts - The new air force of the Empire of Mori. They use technological wonders that enable flight such as balloons, dirigibles, ornithopters, mechanical dragons and other wonderous machines.

Sky Pirates - Desperados and criminals who’ve seized derelict airships from the ruins of the Empire. They raid supply convoys, smuggle contraband, and sell their loot to gangs and organized crime families of the city.

Important NPCs

Lady Cassia Dain - One of the wealthy philanthropists of the city and wife of Aldric Dain. She hosts many events and parties for her charities expertly drawing funds from her wealthy friends. The Regatta is formed around her flagship the Blissful Winds.

Scheneschal Hieronymus Fairwinds - Master of Ceremonies for the Grand Regatta and stewart of the Dain family. A foppish gentleman with long blond hair wears a top hat and fancy clothing. Speaks with an over done nobleman's speech.