Rocket Ram
Every time one of those fools goes blasting off into the night, it's the fences that have to pay for it.The rocket ram is charming little vehicle that, at first glance, appears to look like a sheep. Second glance usually reveals the smoky tinge on its metal hide, the sharp and gleaming horns, and the glowing red eyes that stare into your soul.
Design and Usage
The rocket ram is an almost exact model of a male sheep, not to be confused with a battering ram. It is typically made of metal and most designs are rather intricate sculptures. The only difference in appearance is the built-in saddle on the back, and the leg guards on the side. These are usually made of leather treated to be flame retardant. Stylistic color elements are not common as paint wears off very quickly, and there are only a handful of metals appropriate for the rocket ram's design. The vehicle is used to attack one's neighbors, typically those from another clan. The rider will climb on its back, much in the same manner as one would ride a live sheep, save for fastening the legs within the leg guards and strapping oneself in. The use of neck braces are also common, to avoid whiplash. Once mounted, the launch mechanism depends on the design. Common ways to do this include having the rider's compatriots charge ahead, towing the vehicle until it gains traction, or perhaps simply a vertical bounce that leads into a horizontal push. The rocket ram will then charge into whatever person or structure is in the way. Battle cries are usually involved, as is much screaming. Any fences between the ram and its target will be utterly obliterated. The average rocket ram has a range of about 10 miles. Once it gets going, there is only so much fuel, and so much tenacity for the driver to be able to direct it before chaos ensues. There is also a chance of explosion that makes things interesting after a certain point.History of the Rocket Ram
The rocket ram was developed in Deorma by Clan Steelheart. They're not quite as nomadic as Clan Floodstride, but their territory is large so they require a means of getting around. In this case, they need a means of getting around quickly and violently, so as to better attack their neighbors. It was first crafted around the year 1300, and at that point it ran solely off magic, since the technology for a rocket had not yet been properly developed. The original design was wooden with metal accents, and the craftsmanship was exquisite. Each rocket ram was unique to the maker. Initially, the rocket ram was made as part of a bet. Not to be used so much as to prove that something like it could exist. Once it was developed, the Deormic quickly made use of its more destructive capabilities and used it to attack their neighbors. Not in serious battles, of course, but for neighborly disputes. At one point in time, around the 1600s and 1700s, the rocket ram was used extensively in warfare, and was even adopted by other cultures (see Prazigal and Paratorion). Eventually the advent of things that hit harder and made bigger booms overtook the humble rocket ram, and large scale use became limited. Clan Steelheart took over primary use of them, even with the limited range. Their traditional lands had a lot of metal deposits and their forges did unparalleled work in crafting the rocket rams. For a time, there was even a branch of the formal Deormic army that made use of the rocket rams. In fact, they may still be in action to this day (unconfirmed speculation, albeit logical). In the present day, they are more of a hobbyist's vehicle. The poor man's tank, as it were. Those still in use are usually highly unique (while still conforming to the traditional form of the vehicle), and meticulously maintained. And, most commonly in Deorma, they are still a threat to one's neighbor's fences.Power Generation
Most sources concur that the rocket ram is powered by a combustion engine running on standard G-grade rocket fuel, and also sheer stubborn magic.
Price
Variable: anything from 10 silver pieces to a herd of actual live sheep
Rarity
Common in the Deormic highlands, unusual elsewhere
Complement / Crew
1-2 fools
Comments