Gajaraqlin
And he'll come forth from the depth of winter, and with the first spring light as his sword will split the ice in twain.BT Gajaraqlin is a frigate belonging to the navy of the Democratic Republic of Biin, and designed by renowned shipwright Dilash Ulhuzwi'yu. An ice breaker and paddle steamer, it is the first steamship explicitly commissioned as a warship by Biin, and is intended as that country's response to the terror wreaked by the Yuvqaru of neighbouring Xiy Kiiquldast.
Design
Gajaraqlin is a four-masted square-rigged frigate, among the larger ships of the Biinamii navy. Unlike similar frigates, it possesses two paddle wheels amidships which are powered by a steam engine, necessitating a funnel for venting smoke. Though not designed solely as an icebreaker, it does have the egg-shaped and reinforced hull to aid in directing ice away from the paddles.Propulsion
A state of the art steam engine powers the paddles, allowing for a consistent speed in most conditions. The Planar Iron-plated boiler is typically kept lit with coal or wood, though some fire magic is often used to get it started and to keep it at an even temperature. Due to the use of Planar Iron, the boiler can also be powered through the use of planar magics like necromancy, which cause the metal to react and boil the water. The full-rigging of the ship also allows it to be propelled by wind, with the two methods sometimes used in tandem for increased speeds and maneuverability.Defence
Commissioned as a warship, the most substantial defensive measures of Gajaraqlin is the 24 cannons in the gun deck, and the capacity for additional armaments if necessary. It also has a hull reinforced with bronze, as well as heavy bronze sponsons protecting the paddles. The crew is also expected to be proficient with swords and various types of magic, the latter of which are used for both regular ship operations as well as repelling boarders.History
Since their hard-fought independence from Xiy Kiiquldast in 9 Famine (136 Years Ago), Biin has maintained a significant navy to defend against their rival's "pirates", and with gaining control over the whole of the titular island. To aid in this, the navy has often been one of the most experimental facets of the country, exploring new methods to gain a military edge. This led the navy to contract the shipwright Dilash Ulhuzwi'yu, who had been experimenting with steam engines for propulsion in ships. Their collaboration led to the commissioning of the Dhiqan, with the navy using the increased speed of the paddle steamer as a military packet boat, but they initially did not consider requisitioning another steamship. Biin swiftly changed its mind when Ulhuzwi'yu designed a steamship for a Xiy Kiiquldamii "pirate", reportedly unaware of her identity. As she began using the Yuvqaru to wreak havoc across the icy north, Biin requested Ulhuzwi'yu build them another paddle steamer, this time expressly designed for war rather than ice breaking or light speed. The process of design and modification of their prior designs took several years, requiring alterations to the engines and paddles to account for the larger ship size, and to further boost its top speed. Gajaraqlin was officially launched 19th of Charity, 38 Return, and commissioned by the navy on the 12th of Vengeance the next year. With a fresh crew, combining veterans from the Dhiqan and newcomers, the navy has placed high hopes on its success against Xiy Kiiquldamii privateers.
Nickname
Divine Fire
Designation
BT
Owning Organization
Width
11m at waterline
15m at paddle
15m at paddle
Length
64m
Speed
18 km/h
Cargo & Passenger Capacity
134
1st Lt. Rixash Ajarayk
2nd Lt. Asta Saxa'utha
3rd Lt. Vishlu Duurush Ro Heyddyoq
Fireworks by davidgarry
Yuvqaru Terror
Though only armed with 10 cannon, the pirate paddle steamer's speed has seen it outclass far stronger vessels, and is singlehandedly responsible for its captain, Aavtyash Ulqarast, becoming Admiral of Xiy Kiiquldast. While she has predominantly focused her attention westward, with raids on Kuwvyana and outlying islands of Zunatuudh and Qariy, the Biinamii navy is in agreement - it is only a matter of time before steam faces steam.
Sword and Chainmail by stronytwoichmarzen
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