Aernavis are a class of large skyship that is held aloft by a specific arcane machine known as an Arcane Rudder.
Descrption
Aernavis resemble a large galley held aloft by three or more Arcane Rudders. Most have sails to catch wind for higher speeds, some have additional sails on the exterior of the hull to provide more lift and directionality whilst in the air. Hull sails can take many forms and have been known in some cases to resemble avian or draconic wings. Most Aernavis are able to convert to being sea-worthy vessels, to provide alternative routes of travel.
Aernavis typically require a crew of eight to twelve to function smoothly. Often they are known to carry fifty or more additional passengers, depending on the amount of cargo also being carried. Most Aernavis can carry up to twenty tons of cargo, but some have been known to carry more in passenger light scenarios. Aernavis are faster than most purely sea faring vessels, travelling up to fifteen miles per hour in the air and ten miles per hour in the sea. As a result of the movement capabilities, the construction, and the material costs, Aernavis can be financially expensive to upkeep. It can cost upwards of 250,000 gold pieces to purchase an Aernavis outright, 5 gold per mile for each passenger, and 10 gold per 100 pounds of cargo per mile to ship.
Aernavis typically fly at the same altitude as birds, or at higher periods for very limited time, usually in an emergency. Stronger winds at high altitudes pose a risk to passengers and crew, whilst also making maintaing course a problem, as sails often require more gentle weather to proceed. As a result, Aernavis typically avoid storms and high winds to avoid crashing, though some have still fallen to the curse of a bad set of winds.
History
The first known Aernavis was developed to allow for easier travel between Myvora and the Qil'soran Empire, two powerful nations for trade, particularly in the early 400s AR. The first Aernavis were designed by arcanists within the capitals of each nation state, with the invention of the Arcane Rudder being kept secret by the Myvoran nation, giving this group a monopoly over the creation of Aernavis and other Skyships.
There are very few Skyports in the world. As of 743 AR, there exist only seven cities that possess a Skyport within Nonvyrox:
- Nagran – The Politcal Capital of Myvora
- Port Zan – The Trade Capital of Myvora
- Ank'heal – A close ally of both Myvora and the Qil'soran Republic
- Sovmora – The Cradle of Life, the oldest city in all of Nonvyrox
- Qil'drana – The Capital of the Qil'soran Republic
- Kutow – The Capital of the Kutow Collective
- Hipras – The Capital of the Ossalimarian Empire
Due to the location of these Skyports it is uncommon for many Aernavis to deviate from set routes travelling between these regions, however due to their nature as both air and sea faring vehicles, many private Aernavis are able to travel to almost any city on the coast.
Known Aernavis
Active Aernavis
The Wayfinder
Considered the most famous Aernavis as it was the original model and is still travelling over 300 years after its creation. The Wayfinder is known for its large Draconic Hull Wings that give it a distinctive silhouette in the sky.
The Ebony Wight
The Ebony Wight has become the most infamous Aernavis after its acquisition from the control of the Myvoran naval command. The Sky Pirate Trallon succeeded in taking the Ebony Wight in 629 AR, since this time there have been an extensive number of reports that the ship has been seen taking several large shipments of cargo from all over Nonvyrox.
At the time it was taken, it was believed that the Ebony Wight had several heavy balistas attatched to the ship. There are also reports that several major artefacts have been taken by the current crew of the Ebony Wight since it has been taken.
Inactive Aernavis
The Ulithrak
The second Aernavis to be created, this ship disappeared around 550 AR. Some claim to have seen it travelling through portals throughout the centuries filled with strange and unique creatures, but none of these reports have been confirmed.
Art Credits
Main Aernavis Image, Ebony Wight created with MidJourney.
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