The Dragon

The Dragon is a ninety foot silt skimmer once owned by Andropinis and now run by the Wavir�s. It is typically the largest vessel in the Balican port, and a symbol of Wavir�s commitment to keeping the Estuary safe from pirates. The Dragon was previously called Elfslayer, but the Wavir�s thought it prudent to change the name.

The captain of The Dragon is Berivis Stenethes (LN hm Fgt11), a noble and Balic�s best sailor. He served under Andropinis and was known for his exceptional tactical skills and his ability to know what his enemies would do before they did. His crew is absolutely loyal to Berivis, who expects much from them but returns their dedication with absolute loyalty of his own. A sure way to raise his ire is to challenge his ability or that of one of his sailors.

Like other skimmers that once filled the sorcerer king�s navy, The Dragon requires psionic energy to keep it afloat. However, the vessel is so large that it requires two psionicists to power it. One can do so for a short time in case of dire circumstances, but this puts an enormous strain on the psionicist. Obviously, since it requires two psionicists to pilot the craft, there are two seats by the control sphere located at the shifts aft. The vessel also has rooms for two other psionicists, and the two typically work in shifts.

The Dragon is primarily a war ship, to defend the city from pirates or other threats to the merchants that ply the Silt Sea. It has six ballista's and two catapults, with room for thirty crew members. Combat abilities are a requirement for a post on The Dragon, and all hands are no less than a third level fighter. The vessel is very fast, and only the most quick and agile skimmers can escape it.

Though it is intended for combat, The Dragon is often sent for other missions as well. Typically, these are scouting excursions into the Silt Sea to look for incoming fleets or giants. There has not been a raid in some time, but Balic does not want to be caught unaware. Rescue missions are also attempted, should a message can reach the city in time. The Dragon can also hold an additional fifty souls, and can be used as a transport should the need arise.

In addition to the armaments and soldiers on the ship, The Dragon also carries it�s own wizard, the preserver Elisot (LN hm Preserver9). He functions as both the attacker and defender, though if the ship will be going into battle, a lesser wizard is often brought along to protect the ship, using spells to deflect arrows and extinguish fires. For the latter purpose, dozens of buckets and ropes sit just inside the railing, and silt can quickly be brought from the Silt Sea to douse flames.

Below deck are the quarters for captain, crew, Elisot, and the psionicists. In addition, there are four sturdy cells that can hold four prisoners each uncomfortably. Cargo space is rather limited, most taken up by ballista bolts and catapult rocks. In addition, there are dozens planks for patching the hull should it be breached, and each crew member is trained on ship repair.