Sand Sleds

The Kingdom of Crawshank uses wind-powered sand sleds as light cavalry in the Alman Desert.
Like the larger Sand Barges, sand sleds couple sailing techniques with the magical properties of Jaxon tree wood to create a desert vehicle without peer. The tubular structure of Jaxon wood creates airflow from the hot surface of the desert sands into a central channel. This channel closes to a funnel which turns upward and exits from an adjustable nozzle aimed at the sails. Stable at speeds up to 40 miles per hour (360 movement rate) Sand Sleds can even travel in windless conditions using the heat of the desert to maintain a speed of up to 20 miles per hour (180 movement rate).
Sand Sleds are employed as light cavalry. Their speed and maneuverability make them excellent scouts and flankers.

Power Generation

Wind-powered using a dual-sail mast

Propulsion

Harnessing the properties of the Jaxon tree, the sand sled has contoured bottom which channels hot air into a propulsion funnel that augment existing wind conditions. Even on windless days, Sand Sleds can generate enough wind to travel at 20 miles per hour.

Weapons & Armament

Generally manned by a single soldier wielding a lance, The Shrikes resemble their namesake. In addition to three lances, pilots are also armed with shortbows and longswords.

Armor and defense

Despite a lightweight construction, the tubular structure of Jaxon wood makes these crafts extremely resilient. The sails of sand sleds also have Jaxon bark woven into the fabric for strength and fire-retardation.

Additional & auxiliary systems

Sand sleds are maneuvered mainly by manipulation of a rudder which lightly contacts the sandy ground surface though two-manned versions can also employ sail and weight manipulation.

Nickname

Shrike

Beam

Five Feet (5')

Length

Ten to Fifteen Feet (10'-15')

Height

With mast ten feet (10') - deck three feet (3') - keel six to twelve inches (6-12")

Weight

350 pounds

Speed

Wind-powered up to maximum of 40 mph

Complement / Crew

1 to 2 soldiers

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

Crew and gear