zachmoeller

Dragon Ships

Added 2022-09-26 23:47:17 +0000 UTC

The fully battened lugsails of the large vessel span from bow to stern, all three of them in a line under the shadow of a sweeping, serpent-like tail. Golden filigree twists ornately about the railings of the exterior decks, reflecting any light cast upon it with a magnificent gleam. Above the fore and aft cabins, enclosed pagodas provide additional room for sailors and passengers to congregate. A pair of deck-mounted ballistae abut a reinforced ramming prow, decorated with the fearsome and regal facade of a sun dragon.

Smaller and with far less capacity for cargo and crew than its radiant half-sister ship, the lunar dragon is no less battle-ready. Its single arcing topsail is flanked by twin ballistae upon the forecastle and a mangonel sits on a swiveling platform raised upon the aft. The lunar cycle (as witnessed from a prime material world) is depicted in a long row painted upon the top deck and resting under a thick coat of shining varnish. Its interior cabins are utilitarian, but the speed and maneuverability of the vessel make it a prize among naval captains and mercenaries of prestige.

Hey folks,

A patron had suggested that this growing fleet of ships should include some that weren't inspired by western fantasy, and I couldn't agree more. I had already planned on working on a dragon-themed ship inspired by a particular deck plan from the original '89 publication, and the release of the new solar and lunar dragons gave me the idea of creating an additional vessel to release as a pair. I created the solar dragon ship as a variant of my galleon, adding new ornament and structural features, altering interior assets, and replacing the western masts with those inspired by traditional Chinese lugsail (or "junk") ships. The lunar dragon ship is a new and wholly unique deck plan, again implementing the fully-battoned sail of traditional Chinese junks.

In the coming days I'll be releasing a set of outriggers inspired by the depictions of historical Polynesian sailing vessels, in addition to some classics re-imagined.

Cheers,

Zach

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