Astrapsk Raider

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Astrapsk Raider

Technical Specifications

The Raider was designed noticing three flaws in Oentrian aerial warfare. The first was that even small British flyers were all but impervious to most Martian cannon. Secondly, steam flyers will always be faster then screw gallies. Finally, Earth cannon has greater reach and penetration then Martian cannon, thereby making any armor dead weight. Most of the Oenotrian admiralty have decided the solution is to build larger warships mounting greater numbers of heavy Martian cannon.

This opinion is not universal. Captain Hal'll'ek of the Astrapsk aerial navy argued to the Astrapsk oligarchs of the value of taking advantage of the weakness in the Earth aerial navys. He argued that a small (by Oenotrian standards) vessel that could quickly close the distance with a larger ship and disgorge large numbers of marines could reduce the advantages granted by Earth armor and cannon. As there is a limit to the speed of Martian screw gallies, they would not be able to perform this mission. However, a kite obscured by smudgepots and positioned upwind from a British force could close quickly, clear the deck with close range weaponry, grappel, ram, board and overwhelm.

Armor: 0
Hull: 4 (wood)
Speed: K
Altitude: Very High
Tonnage: 332
Cargo: none
Price: f30,400
Crew: 19 + 50

Armament:

* Thunderjugs are short barreled cannons detailed on pg. 135 of TRMGS vol 2.

As an experiment, Captain Hal'll'ek was given grant to construct his vessel and operate it at his will. The Oligarchs decided if Hal'll'ek is successful, it will win military clout from Oenotria and Crocea (the current leaders of the Oenotrian cloudship fleets) within the Six Cities Federation by finding flaws in their expensive method for combating the British.

The raider is designed as a kite, with a healthy amount of sail located amidships. The bow is long and thin featuring a ram low near the keel (to not interfere with firing arcs or boarding actions). The hull bulges out behind the ram and boarding platform. This is the main hull of the ship. Two thunder jugs are concealed in the front of the bulge, used to fire into an enemy ship while rammed. A rogue cannon is mounted at the rear to disuade vessels from helping a rammed ship.

The Raider usually acts as an independent vessel, performing pirate like raids when possible. Due to its enclosed hull and concealed weapons, it can easily travel under the guise of a trading vessel. The Raider could also function as part of a larger force - depositing marines onto a larger British vessel. As a secondary function, the Raider's ability to carry large numbers of people have led to the belief it could be used to move troops quickly behind enemy lines.

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