Phoenix-Class Exploratory Cruiser
The Phoenix-Class Exploratory Cruiser was a mid-tier second generation airship, designed by Graceland Aviation Company. This airship removed the need of a balloon to stay in air, and became one of the first "Elemental Airships" to be launched. For most people in Jade, elemental airships used a Ring-based, mana-injection Engine that allowed for it to change altitudes and even propel itself forwards and backwards. This ship was designed for science, but the first ship of its design (The ADS Phoenix) was immediately refitted for combative operations. It's landing pad and workshop, allowed for small craft to dock while moving and allowed for the near instant disembark of officers on remote missions, removing the need to land. Its spacious interior, extra power redundancies, and broad decks allowed each Phoenix-class to be outfitted to any purpose the sponsor of such a vessel needed. Like all Airships, its shape and installation of landing legs allowed it to sail through the ocean or touch down on solid surfaces. Three versions of the craft exist: One that was made prior to the Gith Invasion, One made right after, and One that was modified to be a starship.
The original design (the Mark 1s) was a compilation of the geniuses of Jonathan Davneiros, Travis Buckingham, and the Engineering team at GAC. The first ship was immediately given service as the personal carrier of the Aegis Dawn. While the original designs to be reproduced oversaw an airship that had no weapon hardpoints, the ADS Phoenix was built to serve both scouting missions and armed conflicts. With "Warship-grade" armaments, The ADS Phoenix suffered power issues and required high maintenance, however Jonathan's variant had allowed it to be highly customizable. The ADS Phoenix saw upgrades such as a Teleporter, Eldritch Cannons, the prototypes for modern shield arrays, and long distance communicators. All of this was not truly representative of the Phoenix fleet. Most of these ships were specifically designed with particular scientific interests in mind. In the example of the ATS Triton, this ship had specialized homing crystals that could create a surface map of the ocean floor while flying 150 feet above the water. The primary element used for the Mark 1 variant was fire.
The Mark 2 design came into existence sometime in the aftermath of the Gith Occupation. The surviving members of the GAC engineering team reformed their old company and, while receiving funds from The Scientific Truth Act (a global act instated by the Lords' Alliance to encourage the re-pursuit of the sciences and academics), they began to look into previous designs. While most of the old designs were tossed away, the Phoenix-class was still the flagship design of the Graceland Aviation Company. To redraw attention to their "fan-favorite design" they looked into retrofitting it with new technology. This removed some of the minor scientific hardpoints for defensive points. They also installed torpedo tubes at the front of the ship; which was a newer combat technology. They were also equipped with two Bofurs turrets on the sides to ward off small craft. The new design got a modernization of its sleek look, its bridge controls, and engine bay. The sleeker ship design appealed to the more wealthy and new upper middle class. The bridge controls saw the removal of buttons, switches, physical levers and was replaced with new "virtual controls" which displayed controls on an interactive glass panel. This meant a Bridge Crew could run the entire ship from the command center, effectively lowering the required skeleton crew on the ship. The Engine of the Mark 2's saw the most variance. The Graceland engineers used the opportunity to try newer more efficient engines. There were even a few attempts at creating a clean "radiant" engine that both maximized fuel efficiency and speed. One such attempt was close, the SS Defiance a airship built to catalog the hundreds of unmapped islands in the Terathan Continent, which had a Radiant Engine but suffered from overheating when taken to maximum power.
The Mark 3 came close behind during Jade's second war against the Queen of Darkness. When the technology for inter-dimensional travel came into existence, Queen Venmae Davneiros of Arenthia was the first to commission a fleet of "starships" that could traverse the Great Abyss and fly to the infinite number of worlds. The Mark 3 Phoenix-class was almost identical to the Mark 2 except it foresaw the inclusion of a new reactor type (The "Planeshift Drive") and also was modified with a Dimensional "Lance" that could open rifts to another dimension. Several Mark 2s (including the refitted USS Defiance under Captain Rosetta Dour) were modified with the Lance and Planeshift Drive and became the early flagship of the Queen of Light's fleet.
The original design (the Mark 1s) was a compilation of the geniuses of Jonathan Davneiros, Travis Buckingham, and the Engineering team at GAC. The first ship was immediately given service as the personal carrier of the Aegis Dawn. While the original designs to be reproduced oversaw an airship that had no weapon hardpoints, the ADS Phoenix was built to serve both scouting missions and armed conflicts. With "Warship-grade" armaments, The ADS Phoenix suffered power issues and required high maintenance, however Jonathan's variant had allowed it to be highly customizable. The ADS Phoenix saw upgrades such as a Teleporter, Eldritch Cannons, the prototypes for modern shield arrays, and long distance communicators. All of this was not truly representative of the Phoenix fleet. Most of these ships were specifically designed with particular scientific interests in mind. In the example of the ATS Triton, this ship had specialized homing crystals that could create a surface map of the ocean floor while flying 150 feet above the water. The primary element used for the Mark 1 variant was fire.
The Mark 2 design came into existence sometime in the aftermath of the Gith Occupation. The surviving members of the GAC engineering team reformed their old company and, while receiving funds from The Scientific Truth Act (a global act instated by the Lords' Alliance to encourage the re-pursuit of the sciences and academics), they began to look into previous designs. While most of the old designs were tossed away, the Phoenix-class was still the flagship design of the Graceland Aviation Company. To redraw attention to their "fan-favorite design" they looked into retrofitting it with new technology. This removed some of the minor scientific hardpoints for defensive points. They also installed torpedo tubes at the front of the ship; which was a newer combat technology. They were also equipped with two Bofurs turrets on the sides to ward off small craft. The new design got a modernization of its sleek look, its bridge controls, and engine bay. The sleeker ship design appealed to the more wealthy and new upper middle class. The bridge controls saw the removal of buttons, switches, physical levers and was replaced with new "virtual controls" which displayed controls on an interactive glass panel. This meant a Bridge Crew could run the entire ship from the command center, effectively lowering the required skeleton crew on the ship. The Engine of the Mark 2's saw the most variance. The Graceland engineers used the opportunity to try newer more efficient engines. There were even a few attempts at creating a clean "radiant" engine that both maximized fuel efficiency and speed. One such attempt was close, the SS Defiance a airship built to catalog the hundreds of unmapped islands in the Terathan Continent, which had a Radiant Engine but suffered from overheating when taken to maximum power.
The Mark 3 came close behind during Jade's second war against the Queen of Darkness. When the technology for inter-dimensional travel came into existence, Queen Venmae Davneiros of Arenthia was the first to commission a fleet of "starships" that could traverse the Great Abyss and fly to the infinite number of worlds. The Mark 3 Phoenix-class was almost identical to the Mark 2 except it foresaw the inclusion of a new reactor type (The "Planeshift Drive") and also was modified with a Dimensional "Lance" that could open rifts to another dimension. Several Mark 2s (including the refitted USS Defiance under Captain Rosetta Dour) were modified with the Lance and Planeshift Drive and became the early flagship of the Queen of Light's fleet.
Power Generation
The Mark 1 featured a standard Class 3 Elemental Engine that used Mana crystals for fuel. The ignition element was always fire for these engines, as it was easy and reliable to reproduce at the time.
The Mark 2 used a Class 5 Elemental Engine. These Engines saw the most experimentation by Graceland Engineers. The ignition elements varied between Ice, Fire, and Electricity mostly, but the Engineers constantly tried to make a clean, high performance engine using a Radiant Element. There were only a few ships that successfully obtained Radiance. All Mark 2 still used Mana Crystals for energy.
The Mark 3 used a Class 5 Engine like its predecessor. However, the Engine was embedded with a new drive system called a "Planeshift Drive." This system allowed the ship to warp to other dimensions through the use of a Spacial Lance. This caused the ignition element to be a purple Force power. The rings glowed blue, purple, and gold. These engines represented the peak in Engine Output.
The Mark 2 used a Class 5 Elemental Engine. These Engines saw the most experimentation by Graceland Engineers. The ignition elements varied between Ice, Fire, and Electricity mostly, but the Engineers constantly tried to make a clean, high performance engine using a Radiant Element. There were only a few ships that successfully obtained Radiance. All Mark 2 still used Mana Crystals for energy.
The Mark 3 used a Class 5 Engine like its predecessor. However, the Engine was embedded with a new drive system called a "Planeshift Drive." This system allowed the ship to warp to other dimensions through the use of a Spacial Lance. This caused the ignition element to be a purple Force power. The rings glowed blue, purple, and gold. These engines represented the peak in Engine Output.
Propulsion
The Phoenix Airships used Elemental Engines to soar through the skies. The great ring design gave helmsmen the ability to push the ship forward and back, as well as adjust the altitude of the ship. The ships relied on more conventional rudders to turn and roll.
Weapons & Armament
The Mark 1's had no weapons or defensive capabilities. Should they need it, the Graceland Aviation Company used the opportunity to direct their clients to the combat ships they built to encourage the sale of their escorts and patrol ships.
After the Gith Occupation, everything seemed to have a demand for personal defense. The Phoenix had been the flagship and most popular science ship made by the GAC and received the proper treatment in its redesign to Mark 2. The Mark 2 had 2 Bofurs Autocannon hardpoints on the port and starboard side for small craft deterrence. It also saw the installation of two torpedo tubes. Sky-Torpedoes used a magic similar to Magic Missile to lock on and deal deadly amounts of explosive damage to a target, provided no defensive shielding destroyed it.
The Mark 3 struggled with adding weapon systems with the Lance requiring so much power. The Mark 3 would become the last of the line of Phoenix-class ships, for this reason. The outer reaches of the Abyss proved that explorers needed better defensive capabilities to survive.
After the Gith Occupation, everything seemed to have a demand for personal defense. The Phoenix had been the flagship and most popular science ship made by the GAC and received the proper treatment in its redesign to Mark 2. The Mark 2 had 2 Bofurs Autocannon hardpoints on the port and starboard side for small craft deterrence. It also saw the installation of two torpedo tubes. Sky-Torpedoes used a magic similar to Magic Missile to lock on and deal deadly amounts of explosive damage to a target, provided no defensive shielding destroyed it.
The Mark 3 struggled with adding weapon systems with the Lance requiring so much power. The Mark 3 would become the last of the line of Phoenix-class ships, for this reason. The outer reaches of the Abyss proved that explorers needed better defensive capabilities to survive.
Armor and defense
The Mark 1 was "as defense-less as a fishing boat," according to the captains of the ship, relying on mass and a few sheet metal panels to safeguard the crew. Only the ADS Phoenix was equipped with a prototype shield and rugged armor reinforcements.
The Mark 2 was outfitted with a Class C Shield array that allowed the negation of light weapons fire and energy weapons. It still saw no further armor enhancements although most of the ship was constructed of metal rather than wood.
The Mark 3 was outfitted with an improved Class B Shield but the power requirements of the Lance made maintaining the shield difficult.
The Mark 2 was outfitted with a Class C Shield array that allowed the negation of light weapons fire and energy weapons. It still saw no further armor enhancements although most of the ship was constructed of metal rather than wood.
The Mark 3 was outfitted with an improved Class B Shield but the power requirements of the Lance made maintaining the shield difficult.
Communication Tools & Systems
All three variants saw the installation of a communication beacon and crystal array on board, powered by the main engine. This Crystal allowed for long distance messaging.
Sensors
All three variants had identification and scanning crystals installed. The magics are emitted through the communication beacon.
Additional & auxiliary systems
Additional sensors, equipment, and loadouts were unique to the vessels themselves. The Phoenix was widely praised on the "breathing room" it gave the owners.
Hangars & docked vessels
All three variants featured a singular landing pad, and internal hanger/workshop, that allowed for small craft to land and be serviced. As Jonathan Davnieros was one of the main designers of the Mark 1, the ship was capable of servicing the slightly larger Raven-class dropship.
Nickname
Phoenix Explorers
Motto
"From the heavens above, a world to explore"
Manufacturer
Crew
Owning Organization
Price
MK1: 10k GP, MK2: 12k GP, MK3: 26k GP
Rarity
Uncommon
Width
50 ft
Length
210 ft
Height
60 ft
Weight
250 tons
Speed
20 knots (sea), 25 knots (Air)
Complement / Crew
Min: 15, Max: 100
Cargo & Passenger Capacity
Passengers: 30, Cargo: 60 tons.
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