Sand-Skiffs

A unique boat-sled combination used to transport passengers and cargo over tidal plains with marked tidal differences. Capable of crossing both sand and calm water, these vessels are primarily used across short distances to service larger vessels, such as Windships or ocean going ships. Their versatility in transitioning between land and sea makes their use common in harbors or larger tidal flats, such as the Pleg-Mor Menez-Mikael. An combination of skis, wheels and hull are used to quickly transition the vehicle between sand and water, making it ideal for crossing quicksand, river deltas and tidal transition regions without additional danger or loss of speed. Sand-skiffs are ill-suited for the open ocean or even lengthy river-travel, instead operating almost exclusively in shallow coastlines and tidal flats.
These amphibious vessels should to be confused with Ubarite vehicles of a similar design, meant for traversing the The Shifting Sands, which lack the amphibious nature of the Northern skiffs, but are more adept at traveling over dunes and uneven terrain.

Propulsion

The majority of sand-skiffs are propelled across the tidal flats by large triangular sails, with the option of smaller additional sails that can be deployed for additional speed or control. Shunting poles are often used to supplement wind power or assist with maneuverability. Larger sand-skiffs may have have an additional mast with large, rectangular sails, similar to those of a Bisquine. For the most part, sand-skiffs utilize mundane sail technology to capture and utilize the winds, similar to maritime sailcraft, but some use more advanced magical means to gain greater speed and control by manipulating the Gaoithe Sidhe.

Weapons & Armament

Sand-Skiffs, being primarily used to traverse small distances over tidal flats or calm bays, rarely have large external weapons, instead relying on their speed and maneuverability to outrun dangers. In rare cases, a light scorpio or harpoon-launcher may be added to the front of the vehicle,
In more common cases, armament consists of whatever hand weaponry, or available non-martial equivalents are on board, typically carried by passengers or crew. While uncommon, it is not unheard of for a vessel transporting valuable cargo or across dangerous waters to have storage set aside for stored weaponry.

Armor and defense

Due to their limited amphibious nature, sand-skiffs tend to be built lighter than their maritime equivalents, focusing on speed and maneuverability over robustness. As a result, they are typically outmatched in hull strength and thickness with their waterborne cousins. Most sand-skiffs, built for short distance travel, lack dedicated fore and aftercastles that can be used as dedicated defensive positions on a maritime vessels

Rarity

Common

Width

3 meters

Length

5 - 20 meters

Height

3 - 9 meters

Complement / Crew

1 - 10