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Fri, Feb 25th 2022 11:19   Edited on Thu, Mar 3rd 2022 10:46

ODDBALL TECH AND MAGIC

Just for fun and discussion, I am curious if it's at all possible to make a space dirigible. What would doing so require? I mean, if a space shark can swim in space ... what about its propulsion can a clever gnome or crazy goblin imitate?
Sat, Feb 26th 2022 03:09

Would it be possible? Sure! Basically, you can strap a spindizzy on just about anything and it should fly. Would it be a good idea? I can't see how having a bag full of flammable gasses as most of the airship would be a good plan, especially since you would not need those flammable gasses to keep a craft airborne, even in atmosphere.   But if you wanted something that looked like a dirigible, I can think of some options, and I consulted Jamie for some more:   1) A merchant decides they want more cargo space (or a space tours company decides they want more passenger space, etc.) They think that two hulls, one on top of each other, would be a cool idea. They either:
  • make a hull in a zeppelin shape that is covered in a series of scale-like flaps that open and close to take advantage of the currents, supplemented perhaps by delta wings
  • frame the basic skeleton of the structure with "ribs" of mithril and wind it internally with a thin corkscrew vein of starmetal that runs from nose to tail, thus building the "spindizzy" directly into the structure of the craft itself.
  • The "crew cabin" would then be the normal passenger area of the structure, and that would be some luxury accommodations! Also has potential uses as a troop carrier or aircraft carrier, or a supply ship. The reason why it's not being used for that is expense and time -- making a thin vein of starmetal like that would take forever.   2) A creature evolves to look kind of like a zeppelin, either by growing around a Starseed, or by naturally developing concentrations of mithril and starmetal in its skeletal structure. People attach a "basket" to its belly and take advantage of its natural starfaring abilities. Perhaps it is even still full of gases this way, which is a reserve supply of breathable air (like how a camel's hump stores fat,) or a potential catalyst for a breath weapon.   3) I suppose it's possible someone could "gassify" starmetal and mithril, and that's what the bag is filled with and therefore, the structure of the spindizzy. But I can't imagine how to do that with existing technology, and if we did, we might be getting into nuclear technology, and that's something I'd rather not get too heavily into at this point for the "feel" of the universe, but I can't say it's not possible with the conditions I've established, so...   4) The spindizzy could be attached to the butt of the craft. This means that gravity would orient up and down, rather than horizontally or otherwise, and it would take off and land more like a rocket. You could even have it that the spindizzy is a propeller made of mithril and starmetal blades. You wouldn't need the passenger basket.   If anyone else has some thoughts, I welcome them :) Neat question!
    Sat, Feb 26th 2022 05:04

    LOL! Spindizzy propellor ... now I am seeing a beanie hat with that little propellor tied to the head of a goblin and powered by a tiny spindizzy .... Goblin space walker!
    Sun, Feb 27th 2022 07:29

    I see no reason at all that wouldn't work -- and lots for it to exist! LOL I may have to add that now...
    Thu, Mar 3rd 2022 10:46   Edited on Fri, Mar 4th 2022 03:05

    Oh, my clockwork gnome will have a Mississipi paddlewheel space boat ... small houseboat sized ... with two side wheels powered by a spin dizzy in the usual place so can be horizontal. And it will have a rear rudder assembly sort of like a tail that can steer like a plane tail section or down in water like normal.
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