Clipper Ship (kli · pr)

A clipper ship is the most advanced Civilian Ship in Solia, having been developed by the Crown Navy of Falcrest in an effort to protect their citizens' mercantile efforts on the Outfair Ocean.
Clippers were purpose-built vessels. Coastal clippers were shallower on the draft and had shorter masts, while intercontinental clippers were deeper on the draft, had heavier sails, and carried larger tonnage in their holds. As such, a clipper ship is best considered a category of ships. See Clipper Ships for more specific sailplans.

Power Generation

Clipper ships harness the power of the wind, using up to 30,000 square feet (2787.09 square meters) of sail. Depending on the vessel, this can produce speeds up to 16 nautical miles per hour (30 km per hour).

Weapons & Armament

Clipper ships tend to be lightly armed, instead relying on their speed and maneuverability to avoid conflict. A standard compliment of ships' defenses often included an array of small ballistae and catapults, as well as hand-held heavy crossbows.

Armor and defense

Just as clipper ships were lightly armed, they were lightly armored as well. Capable of taking a handful of hits, the clippers rely on their advanced speed and maneuverability to outrun pursuit and aggressors.

Communication Tools & Systems

Ship-to-ship communication was accomplished by the use of flags and lampcode, a form of light-based semaphore. Within the ship, communication was handled through vocal means, with a boatswains whistle designed to draw the attention of the crew.

Nickname

Blockade Runner

Designation

FMV (Falcresti Mercant Veloci)

Manufacturer

Crown Navy of Falcrest

Creation Date

1525

Owning Organization

Falcresti Merchant Marine

Price

30,000-50,000 Crowns (Purchase 5-10 Olea/mile (Passage)

Rarity

Rare

Beam

35 - 42 ft (10.67 - 12.80 m)

Length

200 - 250 ft (60.96 - 67.05 m)

Height

~20 ft (6.09 m) draft, 60 - 100 ft (18.28 - 30.48 m) topside

Weight

1,500 - 1,800 tons (1, 451.5 - 1632.93 metric tons)

Speed

Up to 16 nautical miles/hour (30 km/hour)

Complement / Crew

25-50

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

1,700 tons of cargo, up to 10 passengers