Skyships

Held aloft by magic and technology, skyships are a common sight in any major city, and smaller vessels grace even the most remote settlements from time to time on their trade routes. Though waterborne vessels maintain some advantages and still see considerable use, the skyship has an element of romance, with many individuals or small groups dreaming of the freedom that comes with flying the skies.
Prana can best be described as currents of magical energy that circle the world, and skyships use this energy to remain in the air. Prana around the equator is often potent, allowing massive troop carriers and other large vessels to operate freely (though deserts and other areas with less life than elsewhere) still pose a challenge. North of the tropic lines, prana becomes more sporadic, flowing in strong lines that must be carefully navigated. Smaller vessels have a much easier time in these regions, which is the reason that trade tends to be on a smaller scale, and also why the Republic has had difficulty conquering lands outside the tropics.

Power Generation

Power crystals drawing magical energies from Kytheria's Girdle power these vessels. Larger ones need multiple crystals.

Weapons & Armament

Most of these vessels have a form of energy weaponry, which is more cost efficient than physical projectiles (if a little less potent).

Armor and defense

Armor plating is present but must remain thin in most cases to prevent the craft from sinking. Redundant lift plates (the specially inscribed orichalcum that pushes the craft up) are typically included, meaning most of these vessels can take a bit of a beating before going down.

Price

Roughly 10,000 gold pieces for a mid-quality fighter craft, up to a million for a troop carrier.

Rarity

Hundreds of these vessels ply the skylanes, though the initial prices ensure that only the well-to-do among merchants or nobles can buy a new vessel.