Ship Design Philosophy
Ships resemble Age of Sail vessels in spirit and function, if not exact design:
Hull:
- Fortified metal construction
- Windows/portholes for observation
- No sails or wings (propulsion is internal/mystical)
Power Systems:
- Large Link/D.E.W. generator for basic heat and oxygen
- Generator splits hydrogen and oxygen from water: oxygen for breathing air, hydrogen for fuel
- Fuel system acts like an "outboard motor", which are only necessary when soul sailing won't work
Leaving Planetary Atmospheres
Divine Assistance (Common Method): Each god lords over their planet and controls atmospheric exit. The usual process:
- Request permission from the planet's god
- They use magic to escort your vessel out of the atmosphere
- This is generally granted freely (part of cosmic governance)
Advantages: Free, reliable, maintains good relations with gods
Disadvantages: Requires asking permission, creates potential for political complications
Fuel-Based Escape (Expensive Alternative):
- Ships can save hydrogen fuel to escape without divine help
- Fuel always works but is expensive and limited
- Some crews prefer this to maintain independence
- Useful for smugglers or those fleeing hostile situations
Divine Override: Gods can do anything, including preventing fuel-based escapes if they really want to. However, this is extremely rare because most gods don't care enough to interfere with routine departures. The theoretical possibility exists but rarely manifests.
Interesting Dynamics: Sometimes gods will help escaping vessels leave another god's planet, creating inter-divine conflicts and political complications.