Stargazer
The Stargazer is a flagship exploration vessel captained by Maximus "Max" Orion Hawkes . Relaunched on the 15th of Aladan, 1870, following an ambitious complete refit, it now serves as the pinnacle of Electrum Engineering, alchemical innovation, and artifice. Designed for extreme-distance exploration, the Stargazer also retains formidable defensive capabilities, ensuring its survival in the face of danger. The ship’s latest refit was commissioned by the Imperial Treasury, with key contributions from the Etherdrift shipyards and leading alchemical foundries. These organizations provided experimental technologies in exchange for a share of the ship’s future discoveries.
History
The Stargazer was first commissioned in 1832 AF as the HMS Stargazer, a vessel of the Imperial Navy under the command of Captain Thaddeus Leonard Bridges. The ship earned distinction in numerous military campaigns, becoming a symbol of naval excellence.
In 1850, following the Battle of the Three Volcanoes, Captain Bridges was lost in action, and command passed to Captain Maximus Hawkes. Under his leadership, the Stargazer was transformed into an exploration vessel, embarking on two ambitious but incomplete attempts to cross the Ichor Ocean.
In 1864, the ship was formally gifted to Captain Hawkes by Empress Sophronia II, becoming HMF Stargazer (Her Majesty’s Free Vessel). Its most significant transformation occurred in 1869, when it underwent a comprehensive refit to integrate cutting-edge technologies, making it capable of traversing air, sea, and underwater environments.
Design and Features
The Stargazer has a length of 120 meters and a maximum width of 20 meters. Thanks to its advanced technologies, the vessel operates efficiently with a crew of 100 men and 20 officers, a dramatic reduction compared to the typical 600-strong crew required for a ship of its class. In addition, the Stargazer can accommodate 100 additional crew members, including scientists, artificers, and their families, making it an ideal vessel for extended expeditions.
The ship’s officer accommodations include 10 luxury cabins located in the hull of the Wavepiercer. Captain Hawkes uniquely has access to two cabins: the traditional Captain’s Cabin aboard the Stargazer and a newly designed cabin within the Wavepiercer.
The Phoenix, the Stargazer’s dirigible sister vessel, has 10 two-crew cabins, utilized exclusively during expeditions. It is also equipped to deploy a fully operational expedition camp, further extending the Stargazer’s reach and capabilities.
Propulsion
The Stargazer’s propulsion system was entirely reimagined during its latest refit. The ship now relies on four turbine-driven rotors, powered by rechargeable alchemical batteries developed through advanced Electrum Engineering. These turbines provide exceptional power and efficiency, enabling the ship to operate across vast distances without the reliance on its former energy-intensive anti-gravity drive.
Retractable hydrofoil wings, concealed along the ship’s sides, allow it to glide swiftly above the water’s surface when required, minimizing drag and conserving energy during long voyages.
Armour
The ship’s hull is reinforced with electrum-infused armor plating, offering lightweight yet durable protection against both natural and artificial threats. In addition the ship is equipped with a ship-wide Radiant Shield generator able to protect the ship as long as there is energy to the ship's energy bunks.
Armament
The Stargazer is also armed with x2 250mm triple-cannon turrets positioned fore and aft, along and with x4 150mm board and starboard twin-cannons with for close-range engagements, a 100mm stern chaser turret, ensuring it remains a formidable presence even in hostile territory. Finally the ship is equipped with x8 50mm machine guns and two torpedo tubes as part of the Wavepiercer.
Sensors
The Wavepiercer is equipped with, a sonar that is able to emmet sound in order to map underwater areas in order to navigate and a prototype radar system on board the Stargazer. In addition to those two, the Stargazer is also equipped with on of the most powerful ship-board telescopes able able to look at the stars but also to be turned toward the surface.
Launches
The ship’s deck accommodates two smaller launches, enabling the crew to reach shorelines or navigate shallow waters inaccessible to the Stargazer’s deep keel. These launches are also used for supply runs and close-range reconnaissance.
Sister Vessels
The Wavepiercer
The Wavepiercer, a Submarine companion to the Stargazer, is designed for deep-sea exploration. Equipped with two smaller submersibles and twelve advanced diving suits, the Wavepiercer allows its crew to investigate underwater ruins, study Marine phenomena, and recover artifacts. The vessel’s interiors balance practicality and comfort, with quarters tailored for extended missions.
The Phoenix
The Phoenix, a dirigible housed in a secured hangar on the Stargazer’s deck, is a high-altitude exploration craft. It employs the same advanced turbine technology as the Stargazer, allowing for seamless integration between the two vessels. The Phoenix can detach for independent aerial missions or tether to the Stargazer, deploying its kite sail to harness wind power.
Both sister vessels extend the Stargazer’s capabilities, ensuring its readiness for any environment it encounters.
The Sails
The Solweave sails are a cornerstone of the Stargazer’s design. This revolutionary alchemical fabric captures sunlight, converting it into energy to charge the ship’s systems. The interconnected sails of the Stargazer, Phoenix, and Wavepiercer create an efficient energy grid, supporting extended expeditions without reliance on external resources.
Exploration & Discovery Mandate
The Stargazer’s interior reflects a fusion of form and function. While the officer’s quarters are appointed with fine wood paneling and elegant furnishings, the crew quarters prioritize space efficiency and comfort for long missions. The ship’s laboratories and workshops are equipped with cutting-edge tools for research, ensuring that every discovery can be analyzed and documented in real-time.
As an emblem of Eldwellian ambition, the Stargazer represents the empire’s commitment to uncovering the unknown. Its advanced Engineering and versatile design make it a testament to the potential of Electrum Engineering, Alchemy, and artifice. Under the command of Captain Hawkes, the Stargazer is not only a vessel of exploration but also a beacon of hope, charting a course into the uncharted territories of Nyria and beyond.
Crew
Captain Maximus "Max" Orion Hawkes
Captain
Artemis Ashton
XO, Executive Officer
Tillya Wheeler
Master Carpenter
Samuel "Sams" Carton
Ship's Cook
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