Engineers of the Republic: Keepers of the Skies
The Unsung Heroes of the Airships
In the vast skies of the Scareguards Archipelago, airships reign supreme, their mighty frames defying gravity to navigate the heavens. Yet, behind every majestic flight lies the expertise of skilled engineers, the unsung heroes who keep these vessels operational. Without their deft hands and keen minds, even the most advanced airship would be but a hulking mass of timber and iron. Onboard, the engineer is more than a crew member—they are the ship’s lifeline.
A Life of Constant Demand
Certified engineers occupy a unique position in the Republic, exempt from the constraints of the Skycall law. Their indispensable knowledge ensures that they are welcomed aboard without question—provided their services come at reasonable rates. However, reaching the esteemed rank of a certified engineer is no small feat. The Republic’s only engineering school, located on Trotule Island near Sidonia, offers a rigorous program designed to mould aspirants into masters of the craft.
Admission to the school is a challenge in itself, requiring both passing rigorous entrance exams and affording steep tuition fees. For many, the patronage of a wealthy sky captain becomes the only path forward. These arrangements often bind young engineers into years of apprenticeship, during which they hone their skills and repay their debts through loyal service.
Masters of Negotiation
Experienced engineers are a rarity, and their expertise commands respect and high wages. Often, they wield significant influence aboard ships, leveraging their indispensability to negotiate favourable terms mid-mission. Captains, acutely aware of the risks posed by a malfunctioning engine hundreds of meters above the sea, rarely deny an engineer’s demands. The islanders, too, revere engineers, and tales of mistreatment can quickly tarnish a captain’s reputation.
The Bond Between Ship and Engineer
The relationship between a ship and its engineer is one of mutual reliance. From mending sails to recalibrating engines, the engineer’s work never ceases. Every hour in the sky exacts a toll on an airship, and without constant care, the vessel’s journey would falter. Engineers are known to form deep bonds with the ships they maintain, treating each vessel as a living entity and dedicating themselves to its well-being.
Oh, Engineers of the Republic! Yours is a life of tireless dedication and unyielding skill. May your hands remain steady, and your minds sharp, for in your craft lies the power to touch the heavens. For every airship that soars above, your brilliance lights the way, a testament to Human ingenuity and resolve.
Career
Qualifications
To qualify as an airship engineer in the Republic, one must meet the following rigorous requirements:
- Educational Background: Admission to the Republic’s only engineering school, located on Turtle Island near Sidoni, is essential. The school provides the foundational knowledge and skills required to maintain and repair airships, including mechanics, aerodynamics, and specialized training in airship propulsion systems.
- Entrance Exams: Aspiring engineers must pass a series of challenging entrance exams that test their aptitude in mathematics, problem-solving, and mechanical understanding.
- Tuition and Apprenticeship: Due to steep tuition fees, many students rely on sponsorships from wealthy sky captains. In exchange for financial support, the aspiring engineer commits to serving aboard the sponsor’s airship for up to five years after graduation.
- Certification: Successful completion of the engineering program grants a certification recognized across the Republic. This credential exempts engineers from the constraints of the Skycall law and makes them highly sought-after crew members.
- Hands-On Experience: Engineers gain practical experience through apprenticeships during and after their education. They must demonstrate their ability to troubleshoot and repair airship components under real-world conditions.
- Continued Expertise: Engineers are expected to keep up with advancements in airship technology and refine their skills over time. Experienced engineers command respect and often set the standard for innovation aboard their vessels.
"On these islands, you sail the skies or sink into obscurity. We've chosen the former. We will sway to the rhythm of adventure and sing the shanties of the high skies!"
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