Steamtech

Airships
One of the hallmarks of Maelstroms Steamtech are its airships. They are used above and below the Maelstrom and are a key tool in the transport of Flagesium from the refineries of Dusk to the underside of Elesium. The City of Dusk also has a small government owned air force used for fast response military action and covert operations between the Delve and Elesium.

Dusk Airships are steam powered vehicles and while their precise technology differs from machine to machine they are all powered by a Flagslag Furnace which generates power to run the ships steering and propulsion while the steam produced feeds the balloon that keeps the craft aloft. Steering propellers are often found to port and starboard, while the fan to the rear of the vessel gives forward propulsion.

“Dropping the hammer!” is the term used to describe the application of a nugget of pure flagesium to the furnace to increase power. The rear fan then gives way to propulsion thrusters at the stern.

Most ships now use magnetic anchors to hold them in place once in port but some older vessels employ tradition ropes or chains for the purpose.

Skyriders : are civilian airship crew members in the city of Dusk. They are freelance crews traditionally led by a Captain and First Mate. There are no other defined roles on board but some crew members may specialise in different disciplines. The Skyriders work under a government licence and bid for work through the Roost Central office. Most often they make the climb to Elesium for purposes of trade, but they are also used for the transport of lite goods to and from the Delve as well as Darklands and City salvage and construction operations.

The Climb : is the term used to describe the flight to Elesium through the Nexus.

Tools of the Trade :
 * Pocket Scope : a small collapsible telescope used by Skyrider Captains

Airships of Note :
 * The Seraphim - a civilian Dusk airship flown by Captain Eli Hanton. It is a modern vessel with a magnetic clamping system and a side opening on the starboard hull for easy loading.