Skyship

Dray Skyships

Dray skyships are a breathtaking sight to behold. Rising high above the earth, their hulls gleaming in the sunlight, they appear as majestic, soaring palaces that command the sky. The craftsmanship of the Dray is apparent in every inch of the vessel, from the sweeping curves of the hull to the ornate decorations that adorn its exterior. The ships vary in size from small sky skiffs used for quick travel to colossal flagships, like the Emperor's own "Arcanum Dominus", a symbol of his far-reaching power and the might of the Ishkhana Empire.
The intricate network of silver traceries lacing the body of the skyships carry the luminous power of arc technology throughout the vessel. The heart of each ship, regardless of size, is the Arc Engine, a marvel of Artifice where the stored energy within a sizeable arc-gem is released and harnessed. This energy, through a complex series of mechanisms and devices, results in a distortion effect that significantly reduces the effective mass of the ship, allowing it to defy gravity and float in the air.
This unique form of propulsion does more than just allow the ship to hover; it also provides the force that propels the ship through the air. Refined manipulation of the distortion effect can create differential force vectors, essentially pulling the ship in the desired direction without any need for conventional means of propulsion such as sails or oars.
Crewed by a combination of Duth and Ghola, under the stern watch of Dray commanders, the skyships are a testament to the grandeur and technical prowess of the Ishkhana Empire. Despite their magnificent splendor, they are not mere displays of wealth and power. Equipped with formidable arc-powered weaponry and reinforced hulls, they are as deadly as they are beautiful, patrolling the skies of the Empire and maintaining the peace with a steely, silent vigilance.

Teyf Skyships

The Skyships of the Teyf are a vision of ancient traditions and arcane potency blending in harmony. Crafted within the city-states of the Kazan Empire, these skyships embody an age-old pact between the Teyf and the elemental forces they have learned to bind and harness.
Constructed from durable Kazanian timber, the hulls of the Teyf skyships demonstrate an exquisite balance of function and artistry. The craftsmanship of the Kazan artisans is revealed in the ship's elegant lines and intricate carvings, each narrating a tale from the Teyf's storied past and their deep-seated connection with the arcane.
At the heart of each Teyf skyship, a bound elemental — often of air or storm — takes the place of the more technologically advanced Arc Engines of the Ishkhana Empire. This captive entity, confined within a complex circle of arcane glyphs at the ship's core, bestows upon the vessel its gravity-defying capabilities and aerial navigability. However, this arcane method, while aesthetically intriguing and deeply ingrained in Teyf culture, struggles to compete with the sheer power and efficiency of the newer arc-tech.
A dedicated crew of Teyf and their arcane allies navigate these vessels with a sense of unity that transcends verbal communication. To them, the skyship is a living testament of their culture and a crucial member of their community.
Teyf skyships are as remarkable as they are formidable. Their design might be steeped in antiquity, but they are by no means obsolete. The raw power of their captive elementals offers remarkable speed and maneuverability, and the ships boast traditional weapons, enhanced by Teyf arcane arts, making them formidable adversaries.
However, as the rest of Khana leaps forward in technological advancements, especially with the advent of arc-tech, the Kazan Empire is not without its concerns. Despite the formidable abilities of the Teyf skyships, they are slowly being outmatched by the newer, more advanced arc-powered vessels. This growing imbalance is stirring unease within the Kazan Empire, a civilization that prides itself on its skyship prowess, pushing them towards an uncertain future.
Whether adrift against the glow of the setting sun or slicing through the stormy skies under the command of a seasoned Teyf captain, these skyships stand as proud symbols of the Teyf's enduring affinity for the arcane and the Kazan Empire's unyielding fidelity to its ancient traditions and elemental bonds. Their future, however, may be an uphill battle against the relentless march of technology.

Older Designs

The ancient skyships of the elder races of Khana bear the weight of countless generations, sailing through centuries of time as symbols of a bygone era. They represent an age where mysticism reigned supreme, when ships sailed not by the innovations of cutting-edge technology but through the raw power of arcane and elemental forces.
From the stolid, fortress-like constructs of the Gar, sculpted from resilient iron, to the Rin’s nature-inspired designs, formed from sturdy oak, these age-old vessels showcase the unique culture and traditional artistry of their creators. They stand in stark contrast to the ever-evolving skyships of the Dray or the Teyf, their forms unchanging, their technologies untouched by the relentless march of progress.
The propulsion and levitation of these ships were achieved not through the glow of arc gems but through a multitude of arcane methodologies. Elemental forces were harnessed, manipulated and controlled to lift these colossal structures into the sky. Gravitational forces were bent to the will of the ancients, while Rin vessels are said to have been able to channel the energies of nature itself.
Battle strategies relied on the same old-world tactics, from ballistae firing bolts of magical energy to trebuchets launching volatile alchemical concoctions. This weaponry, though formidable in its time, now appears quaint and dated compared to the advanced, arc-powered armaments of the Dray's skyships.
The rise of arc-tech, led by the Dray, has cast a long shadow over these ancient vessels. They are no match for the power and sophistication of the newer models, lagging behind in a race they seem to have no interest in joining. Their cultures are not defined by technological advancement, and they seem content to continue their time-honored traditions, unswayed by the allure of progress.
To the elder races, these skyships are not just means of transportation; they are a cherished piece of their cultural heritage, their history etched in every bolt and beam. They continue to navigate the skies of Khana, a poignant reminder of an age of old-world mysticism and exploration, refusing to be swept away by the tides of progress. Their very existence is a testament to their tenacity, their refusal to conform, their commitment to preserving the spirit of the old ways.

Skyships & The High Seas

Despite their astonishing speed, impressive capabilities, and soaring heights, skyships are confronted with a formidable obstacle they have not yet overcome: the high seas. The expansive, deep oceans dividing Khana from the other continents present a unique set of challenges for these majestic vessels of the sky.
The open ocean is characterized by severe storms, turbulent winds, and unpredictable atmospheric phenomena. These harsh conditions exert immense strain on the skyships, jeopardizing their stability and navigation. The delicate distortion fields granting the skyships their levitation and propulsion, whether powered by arc-tech or the older models' arcane or elemental bindings, can be disrupted by these intense disturbances. A disruption could lead to a loss of altitude control or directional stability, posing severe risks to both the ship and its crew.
Moreover, the power systems of skyships, regardless of their type, require a continuous source of energy. The vast distances of the open ocean present considerable logistical challenges in energy resupply, particularly for arc-tech reliant on arc gems. Few landmasses or anchorage points exist where these vessels could resupply or seek shelter.
Furthermore, the oceans themselves harbor ancient entities, gigantic sea creatures, and elemental spirits of untamed fury. These powerful beings have been known to display protective, even hostile, behaviors against intruders into their dominion, making the crossing of the high seas a perilous venture for any skyship.
Compounding these challenges is the recent decline of the Kuhn's once-mighty seafaring fleets. Age and lack of resources have seen their strength wane, restricting them to the shallower waters near shores and rivers. As such, their control over The Deep Sea Routes, once a crucial passage for trade and travel, has faltered. These routes have become impassable due to a series of violent storms, further complicating any potential crossing by skyships.
These compounding factors create a daunting barrier, currently preventing skyships from effectively traversing the high seas to reach other continents. They are confined to the airspace above their own landmasses, restricted from exploring the mysterious realms that lay beyond the vast oceans. As such, the high seas remain, for now, a frontier that even the age of the skyship has yet to conquer.