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Ram Galley

Skyships have been around for thousands of years, though sea vessels have sailed for even longer, and foolish is the military commander who discounts these vessels. Since they're not at the mercy of prana flows, sea vessels can go where skyships cannot, and though many peoples throughout history have eschewed using too much magic on what they view as mundane craft, the dwarves took exception to this.   The Ram Galley is designed with powerstones to drive it forward, but also comes equipped with a standard complement of sails and sufficient oars for dwarven soldiers to row. The latter isn't ideal, as the primary purpose of the galley will demonstrate, but dwarven shipwrights wanted to plan for any contingency including power failure. To this end, the vessel sports a modest array of energy weapons but backs these up with more conventional ballistae. Where the vessel excels, however, is in the taking of other vessels or beaches.   The prow is designed to lodge in the hull of any ship it rams, using a massive barbed head that forces open a hole wide enough for dwarven marines to pile through. Most sailors avoid the use of heavy armor on vessels, but dwarves designate a 'heavy point' to rush in and take the brunt of the counter-attack on thick armor, shielding the more agile warriors who flow in behind them. Ram Galleys can also create beachheads easily, as the prow is rigged to drop down and create a ramp for dwarves to stream off of the vessel. The ship has a shallow draft enabling it to get close, and support from the vessel's weapons makes the establishment of a defensive perimeter fairly easy. Dwarves who anticipate beach landings take the standard complement of dwarven armor, and marines take it as a matter of pride that they can swim with all their kit for a short distance if need be.

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