This item presents as a large bronze barrel of curious make. In æons past, Atlantean explorers used these devices to probe the ocean depths. A secret button opens a hatch at one end (aft), allowing for the entrance of one or two passengers. Within are 10 small levers, each of which controls a function of the device:
1. =Extend / retract legs and tail.
2. =Open / close port porthole (10-inch-diameter, heavy glass window).
3. =Open / close starboard porthole (10-inch-diameter, heavy glass window).
4. =Extend / retract two sets of pincers.
5. =Turn and squeeze pincers.
6. =Move forwards (left, right, straight).
7. =Move backwards (left, right, straight).
8. =Open “eyes”: round, 10-inch-diameter, heavy glass windows that project 120-foot light beams.
9. =Ascend or descend (in water only), straight up or down.
10. =Open / close aft hatch.
The apparatus of the Atlanteans moves at a rate of 30 MV and may be considered AC 20 with 90 hp. The pincers are lobster-like, extending up to five feet. These can be used to attack with +6 to hit, each pincer delivering 2d6 hp damage. Otherwise, they can be utilized for fine manipulation underwater by a skilled user. The device can descend to a depth of 1,000 feet below the surface and can provide six hours of air for one person, or three hours for two. As the thing moves about, it appears to be a giant, mechanical lobster with a barrel-like body. Once it has sustained 90 hp of damage, it has sprung a leak; passengers have 2d4 turns to escape. If the device sustains 120 hp of damage, a whole side caves in, and the device implodes, destroyed beyond repair.
This vessel is the creation of ancient Amazonian scientists, whose work was inspired by Atlantean coevals. The craft is of 32-foot length and 9-foot hull width, built of bronze plates and steel rivets. It resembles a skiff with no sail. It is open topped and railed all around, with benches at port and starboard; these latter double as storage chests.
At the helm are a chair, two steel navigation rods, and two pedals. The left rod controls ascent (down position) and descent (up position), and the right rod controls turning port (up position) and starboard (down position). The pedals are for forwards acceleration (right pedal) and reverse acceleration (left pedal). A red pushbutton starts the engine, which purrs like a kitten so long as it has fuel: green diamonds. A blue pushbutton activates a @+Protection from Ordinary Missiles field around the helmsman; this effect persists for 1 turn and 53 consumes 10 green diamonds per usage. A bronze sextant and compass are also mounted at the helm; the latter always points to magnetic north (Mount Vhuurmithadon).
A @Crossbow, Laser is mounted at the bow, controlled from a small cockpit. The weapon is fixed to a swivel that turns 270 degrees. It shoots a 150-foot laser blast that inflicts 1d6+6 hp damage (considered fire damage). Each shot consumes 10 green diamonds.
The skyship seats up to 10 people: 4 at each bench, 1 at the helm, and 1 at the gunner’s cockpit. Each seat has a safety strap. The skyship has a large aft chamber that houses its engine of crystal, copper, and steel; also, here lies its green diamond fuel tank, along with appurtenant lead compartments for green diamond storage (1,000 green diamonds capacity each). A single green diamond provides fuel for one mile of flight. When the final crystal is absorbed, the skyship enters an automatic safety descent.
The Amazon skyship can hover to a height of 100 feet over any surface, be it land or water. This elevation does not include trees, buildings, or other obstacles, just ground or water. If the craft approaches a vertical surface (such as a cliff) that is greater than 100 feet in elevation, the skyship must slow to a crawl; otherwise it will crash. Next, it can gradually ascend, the nose of the craft remaining 10 feet from the vertical surface. Lastly, a skilled navigator can accelerate to full speed over the Rapids at the End of the World, ride into the winds of the boreas, and achieve the Floating Island of Paradoxon. (Of course, there is always a chance of hurtling into the Black Gulf…) MV = 150 feet/round, 90 miles/ day; AC = 6*; Hull Points = 5d6; GP value = 80,000.
* Vessel gains +1 AC bonus if captain, a character trained in piloting sea vessels, is 1st to 4th level, +2 AC if 5th to 8th level, +3 AC if 9th to 12th level.
This item presents as a small wooden box, measuring approximately 12 × 6 × 6 inches. With a command, it can unfold to become a boat. A different command word will fold the boat back into a box, ejecting any additional cargo beyond the contents listed below. Two varieties exist; roll a d6 to determine which boat of folding is discovered. If the d6 result is 1–4, the boat is 10 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 2 feet deep, including an anchor, a mast, a lateen sail, and a pair of oars. This boat can accommodate about four people. If the d6 result is 5–6, the boat is 24 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 6 feet deep. This boat is decked, with five rowing seats, five sets of oars, an anchor, a steering oar, a mast, a square sail, and a small deck cabin. This boat can hold about 15 people.