The Coaster is a spelljamming ship built and used by groundling humans.[1][2]
Description
The Coaster is a groundling coastal trading ship, which is not intended for use in space. Sometimes used by those new to space travel, the Coaster makes a poor spelljammer. Coasters are very clumsy, suffering from poor maneuverability, and heavy handling which makes it difficult for a helmsman to operate. This results in a -1 penalty to SR (to a minimum SR 1). In addition, Coasters are poorly armoured, and require a large crew for their size. Most Coasters carry a single heavy weapon to deter pirates, however this is mostly for show, and the ship is very vulnerable to attack. Most spacefarers using a Coaster will upgrade to a more suitable spelljammer as soon as they can; assuming that they survive long enough.
Crew
When used as a spelljammer, a Coaster will typically carry a crew of about a dozen men. This is somewhat less than the 20 men which a Coaster usually carries when used as a sailing ship, but it is still more than the ship's air envelope can comfortably accomidate, making long journeys a poor idea.
Ship Uses
Trader: Most Coasters in space are used as trading vessels. The only advantage that such a ship has over more capable ships designed for spelljamming is the fact that a Coaster can land in the water, and trade with groundling ports without attracting undue attention. In some of the safest areas of space using a Coaster as a trading vessel is actually a viable option; however, most of wildspace is not safe for the ship, and even in those areas that are safe a Caravel would be a better choice.
Other Configurations
Modifications to the Coaster are rare, since it is usually more cost-effective to simply purchase a better ship.
Appendix
Gallery
References
- ↑ Jeff Grubb, AD&D Adventures in Space, Concordance of Arcane Space, 1989, (TSR Inc.), chapter 3: Ships of Wildspace, page 28
- ↑ Dale "Slade" Henson, War Captain's Companion, Ship Recognition Manual, 1992, (TSR Inc.), Ships of the Spelljammer Universe, page 15