Airship

Airships, sometimes known as Skyships, are a form of fast transport during the Age of Industry, using heavily-modified Dwemer tech.

History
They were designed by the Psijic Scientific Order. They began to experiment with flight in 6E 67, and the first prototype was designed in 6E 96. By 6E 101 the Order was producing lots of them, and the Empire only had access to them at first Soon enough, though, Samarkand spies stole the designs, and they are now found all over Tamriel.

Design
The airship is made of a heavily-modified Dwemer design, which had a large spherical "rock" at the centre, which was full of steam. This steam was heated or cooled as needed, in order to give the ship lift or to make it sink. The rock has to be constantly maintained, and there are many valves and pipes in order to keep the pressure form rising too much.

Use
Originally the airships were just used for transport, but this didn't last long. It didn't take long before the Empire used them in war, and Samarkand soon caught on.

Other than by the two large powers, airships are also used by those who serve only themselves, and live a life of plunder. These people, known as skypirates, cause a lot of grief to all who cross their path. Unlike Dick Turpin, founder of the Resistance, they rarely give their loot to the poor and desperate.

Trivia

 * The airships are based on the skyships of the Edge Chronicles, and share many similarities.