Emerald Flyer

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Emerald Flyer Royal Cloud Barge

Technical Specifications

The Tossian Empire represents one of the most powerful political entities on Mars. Because the ten cities that make up the Empire are ruled by Emperor Krahaanik IV alone, he is one of the most powerful individuals on Mars. As such he is heir to great privilege and fortune. Few things demonstrate this power as the Emerald Flyer - the royal barge. The Emerald Flyer acts as the flagship of the Tossian Empire when at war, and as the Imperial transport when at peace.

The Emerald Flyer is called such because of the slightly iridescent green hue to the hull. The ship is magnificently appointed with wood carvings and stone inlays. When not configured for war, the deck is often full of musicians, actors, and other entertainers, as well as courtiers and Imperial hangers-on.

Armor: 3
Hull: 10 (metal)
Speed: 3
Altitude: High
Tonnage: 950
Cargo: 50 tons
Price: not available
Crew: 60 + 10 marines

Armament:

* The heat ray was built into the original hull. After centuries of disrepair and damage, it is only a fraction as powerful as it was. Now, it performs with a DV of 5, pen of 4/2, ROF of 1, and range of 5/10. If it hits a target but fails to penetrate, it will reduce the target's armor by 2. The heat ray only works when the sun is shining.

The construction of the Emerald Flyer is unlike any found on Mars. First off, the hull is a strange green metal formed into an odd shape. The large central hull is nearly flat in thre front, and tapers to a knife like aft. The long, thin central hull is stableized by two large outrigger hulls. Furthermore, the bow contains an elegant sculpture incorporating a large crystal.

The truth behind the Emerald Flyer is that beneath the wood construction and ornaments, lies the remains of an ancient Martian flyer. During the reign of Emperor Krahaanik I, the hulk of a Martian canal cutter was found off the canal between Gaaryan and Pyrrhae. As the Empire was still forming, the craftsmen at Pyrrhae used the hulk as the basis for an Imperial barge, to be used as a present for the new Emperor. Repairing the lifting ability with their own liftwood techniques, and replacing the arcane engines with kite rigging, the Emerald Flyer was presented to the new Emperor one year after his ascension. Since then, parts of it have been renovated or replaced. Krahaanik III was the first to repair the ancient heat ray- to that point merely serving and a glowing sculpture on the bow. Recently (in the last 20 years) the kite rigging has been removed, and the vessel has been fashioned with a turncrank.

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