Sheltering Storm

You feel the storm within your soul, and you revel in unleashing its power. Whenever possible, you prefer to be out on the open seas or on the deck of an airship, where you can feel the wind flowing around you. Most storm sentries are wild and carefree, following the wind and seizing each new opportunity it offers. Exceptions abound, however, and more than a few of your fellows are as dour and grim as the blackest thunderstorm.

As a storm sentry, decide whether you want to join the Sheltering Storm (see Organization, below) or if you prefer to follow your own path. House Lyrandar recognizes the value of your skills, and might pressure you to join one of the house arms. Though the viceroys respect any decision to remain independent, you might find your access to the standard benefi ts of house membership restricted. After all, if you are going to benefit from your birth, it is only fair that your family expect something in return.

The gifts of a storm sentry come only from within. The least Mark of Storm symbolizes your potential, but only time will tell how your power will grow. Once it becomes clear that you have the makings of a storm sentry, House Lyrandar will be eager to take advantage of your skills. If you agree to work with the Sheltering Storm, other storm sentries help you develop your gifts. If you wish to walk alone, you must fi nd your own path to power.

Storm sentries are the elite warriors of the House of Storm. In the past, they have defended Lyrandar interests from enemies of the house, but some say that the numbers of storm sentries are growing—and that they seek a more active role in shaping Lyrandar’s future. The boundless energy of the storm drives the storm sentries. One might be as pleasant as a spring breeze while another is loud and blustering, but both make their presence felt wherever they go.

Sentries working for the Sheltering Storm are often assigned to protect Lyrandar ships carrying important cargo and passengers or vessels traveling especially dangerous routes. Recently, the house has begun to partner storm sentries with windwright captains (a prestige class described in Explorer’s Handbook) for the most dangerous voyages. Though a storm sentry is largely present to provide security, sentries with ranks in Perform can help entertain passengers. If a storm sentry possesses the wind’s favor power of the lesser Mark of Storm, she can even assist the captain at the helm.

Most storm sentries belong to a loose alliance called the Sheltering Storm, which works to protect the vessels of the Windwrights Guild from piracy and other threats. However, rumors constantly circulate of a secret order of house enforcers known as the Lightning Strike—monks and scouts (from Complete Adventurer) who combine the power of the storm sentry with the arts of stealth.

Sentries in the Sheltering Storm often have semipermanent positions on specific ships, with important cargo assigned according to the sentry guarding it. The Sheltering Storm maintains a small training facility on the island of Stormhome, but storm sentries more often use general house enclaves and Windwrights Guild facilities.

Storm sentries are dashing and f lamboyant, and their rarity makes them stand out all the more. The common folk react to a storm sentry as they would to any respected heir of House Lyrandar, while members of the house are especially respectful of the class’s skills and dedication.

Storm sentries are an essential component of House Lyrandar’s security operations, but are rare enough that PCs might never have met one. If an adventurer becomes a storm sentry and wants to work with the house, the Lyrandar viceroys might pair him with a windwright captain. This can provide a party with transportation and the freedom to choose assignments, with the oath to serve Lyrandar offering adventure hooks in abundance.