Seawatch Lighthouse

Seawatch Lighthouse – Proposition

 

Introduction

The Seawatch Lighthouse, a coastal sentinel renowned for its robust construction and strategic location near Marthall, is thusly evaluated to undergo significant modifications to accommodate the docking of an airship at its summit. The goal of this remodeling is to transform the lighthouse into a dual-purpose facility, serving both as a beacon for maritime vessels and a docking station for airships, while preserving its historic character and ensuring structural integrity.

Current Structure

The Seawatch Lighthouse stands at 150 feet, with a cylindrical stone tower tapering slightly toward the top. The lighthouse’s interior consists of a spiral staircase winding up to the lantern room, which houses the rotating light mechanism powered by a combination of alchemical oils and enchanted crystals. The outer walls are thick, built to withstand the harsh coastal weather, and the foundation is deeply rooted in the rocky shore.

Proposed Modifications

1. Summit Platform Extension:

• o Design: A reinforced metal platform will be constructed around the existing lantern room, extending outward by 20 feet on all sides. The platform will be supported by cantilevered beams anchored into the lighthouse’s stone walls. The choice of metal, likely an alloy of iron and mithral, will ensure both strength and resistance to the corrosive sea air.
• o Purpose: This platform will provide a stable docking area for the airship, complete with mooring points to secure the vessel during strong winds.

2. Mooring Mast Installation:

• o Design: A retractable mooring mast will be installed at the center of the platform. When extended, the mast will rise 50 feet above the lighthouse’s peak, allowing airships to secure themselves from above. The mast will be equipped with a pulley system and enchanted ropes that can be manipulated to guide the airship safely into position.
• o Mechanism: The mast will be controlled by a winch system located within the lighthouse, operated by a dedicated crew. The system will use a combination of mechanical gears and minor levitation enchantments to ensure smooth operation.

3. Structural Reinforcement:

• o Design: To support the additional weight and stress from the airship, the lighthouse’s foundation will be further reinforced with a lattice of mithral rods embedded into the stone. The outer walls will be fortified with additional layers of magically treated mortar, increasing their durability without significantly altering the lighthouse’s appearance.
• o Purpose: These reinforcements will ensure the lighthouse can withstand the dynamic loads imposed by the docking and departure of an airship, as well as the potential impact of rough weather.

4. Lantern Room Alterations:

• o Design: The lantern room will be slightly modified to include a retractable roof, allowing the mooring mast to pass through when extended. The roof will be constructed from a combination of glass and enchanted steel, ensuring transparency for the lighthouse’s beam while maintaining durability.
• o Purpose: This retractable roof will allow the lighthouse to continue functioning as a beacon while accommodating the docking mast. The roof will also provide additional protection to the light mechanism during airship operations.

5. Access and Crew Quarters:

o Design: An additional spiral staircase will be added, leading from the ground floor directly to the new platform. This staircase will be wider and reinforced to accommodate the increased traffic from airship crews and passengers. A small set of quarters will be built adjacent to the platform, providing living space for the airship crew during their stay. o Purpose: These modifications will ensure easy and safe access to the docking platform and provide necessary accommodation for airship personnel.  

Conclusion

The remodeling of Seawatch Lighthouse to accommodate airship docking represents a significant yet achievable engineering challenge. By extending the platform, installing a mooring mast, reinforcing the structure, and making necessary adjustments to the lantern room and access points, the lighthouse can be transformed into a versatile and strategic hub for both maritime and aerial navigation. These changes will preserve the lighthouse’s historic role while adapting it to the evolving needs of the realm.  

— Excerpt from C.B.'s packet addressed to Lew Thaddeus Marrable