Lifeboat

Women and Children First!
A conversation on an Eternal lifeboat for the Top

Don:

I was thinking about the last series of Eternals adventures. What if someone really stole our Top? How would we get it back? Shouldn't we have a second airship to use besides the Top for emergency situations? Maybe a smaller, faster craft that could dock with the Top, provide recon capability, act as a lifeboat, and -- in emergency -- could chase down the Top.

On a more ominous note, when I described the flying island and Top to the Orc lookouts -- they didn't seem surprised that there were such things as flying ships. It didn't occur to me at first -- but when I asked later, they said that such things have been seen before. I checked with some of the "colonists" and they always seemed to dodge the question.

If there are other flying craft in this world, maybe there is a flying shipyard we can commission to build the ship or maybe some mages that could explain how to build such a ship.

I believe a light attack ship is called for, something that could be steered by one pilot with one gunner -- but could accommodate up to 8 passengers and/or one ton of cargo.

Steve:

Regarding Air Ships from his Central Campaign

As mentioned earlier, CitC has a small fleet of airborne ships.

We're not so dense as to think that with air ships available, the players won't use them. But remember that these things are extremely expensive, and owned only by the city government. Characters are expected not to have access to air ships except once or twice during their adventuring careers. Players who absolutely must fly should think about finding a flying mount.

Air ships consist of the following major parts:

The Balloon -- All air ships are suspended beneath a large balloon.

The Hull -- The air ship hull is the platform which carries the men. It typically looks like a sea-going ship.

The Fan -- Air ships are driven by a huge fan at the stern, rather than sails. Fans themselves come in two types. The least common is the squirrel cage, which looks like a large paddle wheel. The most common is the _______, which is fanned much the same way as a fish tail.

You will no doubt point out that I left out screw fans. I don't remember why right now. In any case, this is a lighter than air craft. I thought the ship with a balloon was a neat, sort of nostalgic idea. Ships suspended from ropes pulled by animals flying in formation would be, too. Pictures/stories of both can be found.

If you're looking for something more like the Top or flying island, that is a heavier than air craft, does anyone have the Spelljammer rules and could they be adapted to this?

As to the existence of flying ships ... Well, we ran across a flying creature half the size of the Top. I assume it came from a remote part of the world. But still, someone somewhere might have gotten paranoid enough to build defenses or even platforms to attack such things.

Michael A:

About flying craft ...

Don's original specs were:

A smaller, faster craft that could dock with the top, provide recon capability, act as a lifeboat, and in emergency -- could chase down the Top. I believe a light attack ship is called for, something that could be piloted by one with one gunner -- but could accommodate up to 8 passengers and/or one ton of cargo.

Steve's comments on balloon-style craft, while interesting, don't really match the specs.

May I suggest a couple (perhaps more easily obtainable) alternatives? How about flying mounts, say Griffins or a Dragon? Or Giant Eagles? Or how about a magic carpet?

Otherwise we need a custom magic item, and quite a potent one at that. Picture a steel or stone box about the size of a minivan. Seats 8 comfortably, say. Now enchant the thing so it can fly at high speed, say 48"? even 60"? That right there is MAJOR magic! Now give it armaments! I think we might be able to do it, but it would sure be a pain in the kiester!

Don:

I have a set of rules for building flying craft. The rules suggest that most major flying ships are constructed by high level mages (18+ lvl) working together, but also explains that smaller craft my be built by a 9th lvl mage. They suggest using the basic magic item enchantment rules as a basis and provide some alternative somewhat shipbuilding specific spells that shape iron, wood, stone, etc. into the desired form -- in our case a flying sideways 8.

Since we have a 9th level mage, we may be able to pull it off. Or of course we could try and locate a fantasy shipyard. Of course convincing several 18+ level mages to cooperate given our limited funds could be a problem -- but I think Mike A and I can come up with an appropriate variant of the "Lich Scam" ...

Pseudo Lich: Yes, of course I could build it myself -- but I like your workmanship; the last ship I disintegrated from your shipyard was so lovely. I was thinking of using "Eternity" as the theme -- sort of inspiring for someone like me.

Engineer (Nervously): Sure, sure "Eternity" got it ... Um, how were you thinking of paying?

PL: WHAT?!? Payment! Why, didn't I refrain from shaking your hand when I came in? Aren't you still breathing at this moment? I think you would be honored to provide me such a trifling gift!

Engineer (More Agitated): Yes, and I appreciate your restraint your, uh, Eternity, uh, Sir. But a ship as you describe could be, um, most exp...

PL (Interrupting -- Eyes begin to glow): Don't talk to me of cost!! How dare you! I think that I shall see you made into a newt! (Begins gesturing)

Engineer: (Frantically pushing "Silent Alarm" under counter): No, no you misunderstand -- I only meant to suggest that it might take some time, uh um, what exactly were you thinking about for the appointments? (Stalling)

PL (Eyes glow softer): Yes, yes, I was considering gold work for the stateroom. But my assistant (gesturing at Mike A. in disguise) can take care of all these details...

[This is when the somewhat gruesome melee with two 18th level mages begins and, just as quickly, ends]

Steve:

How about coautls?

Yes, I'm serious. It wouldn't be convenient travel flying-wise, but they go ethereal and we are in their type of area. Assuming that they can wrap around another creature and carry it with them when they go. At the least, it might be something to ask the natives about.

Site Map | 8 February 99