How would you make a fantasy Ironclad "go?"

Sarellion · Apr 20, 2005

Demon possessed ship

Or

Demon ship

Ridley's Cohort · Apr 20, 2005

I like the bound Water Elemental angle myself.

Keeps some of the feel of old faerie magick and less like technology.

There are some interesting possible twists possible with a "Water Djinn" bound to serve the Ironclad.

Galethorn · Apr 20, 2005

What if the whole ship was an animated object?

philreed · Apr 20, 2005

Galethorn said:
What if the whole ship was an animated object?

D'oh. The easiest solution eluded me.

That reminds me:

Green Ronin's Advanced Bestiary includes a "transforming construct" template that includes a swimmer option. That's a perfect fit.

http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=4172&SRC=EnWorld

Andor · Apr 20, 2005

Golem rowers. They are cheaper than mortal rowers when amortized over any reasonable length of time. In fact I doubt there are any sail powered war ships at all if golem rowers are available. The tactical and strategic advantages are immense.

Sejs · Apr 20, 2005

On the back of a giant turtle.

Or, if you prefer, integrated into a giant undead turtle.

Tarrasque Wrangler · Apr 20, 2005

Ever read The Scar?

Build giant chain. Summon giant whale. Attach chain to whale, hold on tight.

Dragonhelm · Apr 20, 2005

Spelljamming helm. The heck with floating this boat in water. Take it out into the void!

I would also recommend looking at Bastion Press' Airships. There's several engines in there that may work for you. While designed for use with airships, you might be able to make it work if you'd prefer your ironclad to stick in the water.

Question is - will you name it the Monitor or the Merrimac?

Andor · Apr 20, 2005

Dragonhelm said:
Question is - will you name it the Monitor or the Merrimac?

Build it onto a Dragon turtle and call it the Monitor Lizard.

The_Universe · Apr 20, 2005

Question is - will you name it the Monitor or the Merrimac?

I'm a big fan of the Union (and this the Monitor), but it would definitely be (in technical specification) a lot more like the Merrimac/CSS Virginia - a wooden warship with armor grafted to her hull.

One of my players suggested the Merritor....