The Thunderstrike
If we had followed the order of our superiors we would all have died. And for what? A few cats in trees who supposedly had a high tech weapon lying around?? No we were the smart ones, we got out while we could. And we have been living a good life ever since.
History
Raitin
The Thunderstrike orginally belonged to the Raitin army and had already been used for several raids and minor conflicts, mainly within Raitin borders. After 5 years of service Saiki became one of the crewmembers on board. An event that would define the future of the vessel. During her time onboard the ship, Saiki befriended the imprisoned Raitin Dragons by coming down to talk and giving them some spare food. She promised to set them free at an opportune time. Many others on the ship had questions about the Raitin's practices and mistreatment of the Dragons as well. They would later become her first crewmembers.Stolen Property
When the airship was sent on a mission to the Mizarin Isles to attack the Nekorians an opportunity presented itself. While many of the Raitin ships were destroyed by the Mizarin Nightlights, she, and other like mined crew members, were able to take control of the ship. Once in control they flew far away from the battle, which marked the start of their pirating life. From that moment onwards the Thunderstrike has been used for attacking other ships and taking their valuables. But that is not the only thing Saiki uses it for. On every Raitin vessel they board she frees all imprisoned Dragons. Some believe that Saiki has already saved more than 100 Dragons from torture under the Ratin.Saiki Boltwing
Saiki Boltwing is the first airship pirate and was formerly a soldier for the Raitin Army. After defecting she and her crewmembers freed many imprisoned Dragons and stolen many valuables, mainly from the Raitin.The Ship
Properties
Max Speed
50 km/hWeapons
38 cannons, 1 frontal beam cannonLength
57 metersCrew
66Powersource
Like most airships of Raitin design the Thunderstrike stays in the air by the use of Falls, more specifically the Cloudcrystal kind. This powersource does not only allow the ship to hover but also provides the entire airship with electricity. To power the entire ship, large Cloudcrystals are placed on a pedestal surrounded by a metallic amplifier. When the airship is turned on, electrical surges can be observed jumping from the crystals to metal amplifier rings. Any electricty generated this way is then distributed throughout the ship, powering various devices such as the propellers and cannons. However these cloudcrystals deplete over time and need to be recharged at regular intervals. This used to put a limit on the distance that Raitin airships could travel. To combat this issue the Raitin resorted to imprisoning Dragons on board who were forced to use their lightning breath to recharge the crystals. Unlike the Raitin military, Saiki Boltwing does not force the Dragons to recharge the crystals. But since she treats them well and allows them to fly freely, they stay near the ship and recharge the crystals when needed.Propellers
Like most devices on the Thunderstrike the propellers are powered by the Cloudcrysals. The largest of the propellors are placed to the side of the airship and ensure that the Thunderstrike remains in the sky. Next to them there are vertical propellors which create the main forward movement but can also be used determine the upward and downward angle of the airship. To the back of the ship there are two propellers which provide the ship with the additional forward movement and turning capabilities.Weapons
The Thunderstrike has the means to deal some serious damage. It has many cannons of which some or placed on the top deck while the rest can be found on the upper deck. All of these are powered by the crystals and allow the crew to either shoot electric discharges or cannon balls. On the front of the ship the largest cannon can be found. This cannon is able to shoot a high energy beam and can only be used a few times before needing a cooldown. Cannons of this type have been know to pierce Dragons and kill them in one hit if well aimed.Layout
Top Deck
The top deck is home to 14 cannons and the large frontal cannon, although the later one is actually fired from the upper deck. Additionaly the top deck is where many of the important devices of the airship can be found such as the propellers and the Cloudcrytal powersource. If any reparations need to happen to these, this is usually done from this deck. During those repairs the involved crewmembers are attached to the ship with a rope as falling crewmember can be a problem during strong winds.Cockpit
The cockpit is the room where the captain and navigator spend most of their time. It is the room from where most of the ships functions can be controlled. In addition it also provides a good overview of the surrounding area thanks to the windows. There is a little bit of storage here but the controls of the ship remain the most important aspect of the room. Typically only the captain or navigator sits near the controls but during a fight it can happen that three people are present in the room at once.Upper Deck
Captain's Chambers
Saiki Boltwing has taken these chambers into use after taking over the ship. In here she has her own bath and a large bed. An additional chamber is linked to her bedroom with a small living room where she can invite guests or eat her meal privately if she wants to. However, most of the time she eats her meal together with the rest of the crew.Showers
Thanks to the boiler room on this deck, the crew members are able to enjoy warm water. For some rooms there is even a bath. For those crewmembers who do not have their own bath there are the showers.People always used to tell me that a life of crime does not end well. The fact that I can take hot showers while travelling while they remain in their muddy hamlets makes me think I made the right choice.
Bedrooms
Some of the bedrooms on the Thunderstrike are somewhat larger and are reserved for the most important crewmembers. In some of these rooms there are even private baths or extra storage space. The navigator's room is different since it has a desk on which he can work if needed. A few of the bedrooms are used as a sickbay. Medicine is stored nearby and the comfortable beds allow any sick to get some wel needed rest.Cannons and Storage
The upper deck is home the majority of the cannons of the Thunderstrike. Near the cannons there is also the main storage for ammunition. The armory nearby is the place where the other types of weapons are stored. Throughout the ship there are other places which are used for storage, mostly for materials. Near the kitchen on the lower deck there is a storage for food. On the upper deck near the front there is a room used for storing the spoils of the recent conquests of the crew. Originally this room was used to keep slaves and prisoners before Saiki and her crew took over the ship.Sleeping Quarters and Restrooms
Throughout the ship there are sleeping quarters where the majority of the crew resides. Near the front of the ship, quarters of this kind can be found. The largest sleeping quarters are, however, found on the lower deck. Near the front of the ship there are also restrooms on each deck.Frontal Cannon Control
The machinery and control for firing the high energy cannon at the front of the ship can be found just below it on the upper deck. The view here is limited but there is a direct magical communication link with the cockpit. Once the captain gives the command the crew stationed here can fire the cannon.There is nothing more thrilling than slicing an airship in two by just pulling a single lever. The power you feel is fantastic. I can't wait to use it again!
Lower Deck
Kitchen and Cafeteria
For food the crew goes to the cafeteria on the lower deck. The food is prepared in the kitchen nearby and the main storage is located just across the hall. Not all crewmembers can be in the cafeteria at once, so often they eat in shifts.Dragon Room
On a normal Raitin ship this would be where the Dragons are chained and muzzled, only to be approached when they are being fed or when they need to provide their lightning breath. Saiki however improved the room and provided materials which the Dragons can use as a bed. In addition she has changed the outer wall of this room by adding a gate which the Dragons can open themselves. This allows them to go out and fly around whenever they want. The room is also filled with fish which is the preferred food of the type of Dragon that makes its home here. At all times there are some Cloud Crystals in the center of the room. These crystals are recharged when the Dragon are in the mood to do so. Charged crystals are then brought back to the powersource on the top deck.Main Machine Room
The main machine room is located at the back of the airship on the lower deck. From here the majority of the inner workings of the ship can be controlled. Most of the time there is at least one crewmember here to keep an eye on all of the machinery.The machines of the Thunderstrike are a delight to be around at. Rarely you can find so well designed devices. I barely need to do any work on them at all. But still I like being down here. Machines are easier to understand than people. At least they tell you if something is wrong.
Love the details and the image callouts! Great work.
Take a look at my Institutions of Learning challenge article.
Learn about the World of Wizard's Peak and check out my award winning article about the Ghost Boy of Kirinal!
Thank you for the kind words! ^^ glad that the different images for each section worked well :)