The Clockwork Skies

The city of Carricus, a sprawling metropolis built around the bases of three spire-like mountains in a steppe biome area. It's a bustling trade community under the shadow of the Skylord Academy and Carricus Skyport, which make up the mass of structures built at the top of the three mountains. This story starts in the slums of Carricus, as a young man in a dark long coat, Gavin Trimarch, with a strange sword strapped to his side wanders into a corner pub to meet his friend, Mark Spanner, who has gathered a few prospective members for his airship crew. Gavin, however, was in charge of securing an airship.

Gavin: *struts into the pub and goes right to the bar, ordering a pint of beer, then drinks from it before approaching Mark* Evening, friend! Have you gathered the crew?

Mark: Nearly. I got something from Dr. fox.*he whistles and a very  big clockwork dog comes to him* Meet Bruiser.

Gavin: Isn't Dr. Fox that mad artificer? Also, why'd you name him "Bruiser"?

Mark: Yeah he is. But I thought he could use a tough name. So ready to meet the crew?

Gavin: I sure am! Where might they be?

Mark leads the way over to a short girl in high heeled boots.
Mark: Sophie meet Gavin the captain of our crew. Gavin this is Sophie Allen she's a cook. Now where is Catherine?

Sophie: *curtsies to Gavin* I'm also well versed in alchemy so I can provide you with potions and medical salves should you need it. It's nice to meet you mister Gavin.

Gavin: Wonderful! You're going to love the galley on the ship I secured. Fully stocked and everything!

Mark:Sophie have you seen the other girl that was with you?

An explosion is heard in one of the rooms and a brunette comes out surrounded by a cloud of smoke.
Catherine: Okay, that was probably too much...

Mark: I'd have to agree Catherine.

Catherine: Since you're clueless as to the art that goes into explosive making, I'd advise you to shut it.

Gavin: Ah, so you're our gunner, then? Perfect! You're going to love all the cannons and mounted guns on the ship! Top quality, and fully loaded!

Mark: As a mechanic/ inventor I know I thing or two about explosions.

Catherine: When you blow things up, it's by accident. When I blow things up, it's intentional. And what kind of cannons, hmm?

Gavin: Er..we have Three-by-threes, Flamesprayers, and of course, two mounted arch-rifles. Not to mention a harpoon cannon.

Three-by-threes are a short-range artillery cannon that fires a volley of three bombs clustered together, in an upward arc, designed to destroy rigging and engine machinery and useful if the airship firing it is situated below the target ship. Very new and expensive piece of weaponry.

Sophie: Ah, a fully stocked gallery sounds truly wonderful! ^ ^ This sounds like you have an amazing ship mister Gavin.

Gavin: Only the finest a Skylord can supply! Such a grand crew to sail under Captain Gavin Trimarch! *stands triumphantly* Now, Mark, may I have a word with you in private? *pulls Mark aside* Listen, there is a slight...problem here...

Catherine: Really now? I think I'm gonna enjoy being on this ship of your's.

Mark:What's wrong Gavin?

Gavin: Er...it's nothing, really. *pats him on the back and rejoins the others* So, are we ready to see the airship?

Catherine: Oh yes, I'm definitely ready to see what I'll be working on.

Mark: Lets go to the ship.

They head to the nearest shipyard, but what they see is a collection of rusted hulls and tattered riggings. Gavin leads them to their ship, a small, rusted airship, in a state of minor disrepair. The only gun visible is a small mounted cannon rifle, a bog standard armament to any airship.
Gavin: Here it is! The CAS Guppy! The bloke I won this off of said that she's "technically" airworthy, so that's good.

Catherine: You lied to me....