Abyssal airships are designed for long hauls through the abyssal layer of Jhoutai's continental coral plates — a cavernous maze of branching darkness and the occasional oasis of light. The winds in the abyss can come from any direction and with unexpected force, capsizing standard airships by slamming them into walls. Abyssal airships have to be built with a kinetic barrier cage to soften any impact with the walls.
These ships are most often used for transporting cargo from abyssal mines to the surface, or as transit between abyssal or undercity colonies.
Appearance and Features
A long, beveled brick of an airship platform with an elevated captain's deck that can be withdrawn back into the ship to slim its profile. Meissner plating all along the outside and inside allow it to roll up to 270 degrees before the crew or cargo is affected by gravity, which facilitates turns through the more narrow caverns of the abyss.
Cargo is onloaded and locked in place via rail connections on the top and bottom of the containers. Below deck is the crew quarters, which is just enough space for a small kitchenette and resting and self-care facilities which can support a handful of people at a time.
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