Flying Settlements

[CapnAlex]

German LuftStadts

LuftStadt Eins

The first true German attempt to make a flying settlement, intended to serve as a mobile military base; LuftStadt Eins was best described as a large traditional elongated balloon - with considerable interior framework - onto the sides of which was draped a large net made of thick cables, which were then secured at various points through the envelope skin to the framework. This method meant the net was flexible, and would give in wind, but would still remain firmly attached to the zeppelin itself.
Onto this balloon were then attached various buildings - much thinner than their terrestrial counterparts - which used a variety of clamps (much like scaffolding) to secure themselves firmly to the net.

This itself proved to be a fairly successful endeavour, with a number of buildings (notably a workshop and small barracks) being attached to the netting whilst the balloon maintained lift. However, as far as military purposes went it was rather poor - the extruding nature and weight of the buildings attached severely reducing speed, which meant the LuftStadt would never reach its destination in time; and was also deemed too vulnerable to weapons fire, which could easily destroy the exterior buildings or damage key parts of the netting. Because of this, the project was never completed, and LuftStadt Eins was relegated to serve as an educational piece.

LuftStadt Zwei

This was a move forward from the first LuftStadt; but where Eins lad buildings on the exterior, Zwei had everything on the inside of a considerably larger balloon. The actual volume of the lifting body remained the same as its predecessor, but the buildings inside necessitate a much larger skin.

The buildings were constructed inside a large clearing of sorts, surrounded on all sides by the gas bags of the vessel (much like a village in the clearing of a forest), supported in a large grille platform built into the framework. This enabled the buildings to be constructed much more like their earth-bound counterparts, which aided functionality - giving the residents something they were more used to.

Like its predecessor, it was built to serve a military purpose - again being much like a floating barracks (albeit a large one). However, again like its predecessor it never saw military service, an explosion in the munitions store destroying a crucial part of the framework and tearing open several gas cells in the process, causing the vessel to crash almost immediately, flattening part of the workshop complex that was constructing it. This disaster almost called an end to the LuftStadt program, and resulted in the scrapping of the plans for five more LuftStadts of similar design.

LuftStadt Acht

After seeing the progress the British had made with their glider carrier concept (being two small balloons, supporting a flat airfield suspended between them), the Germans once again sought to construct an aerial settlement, adopting this new design.

Scaling up the size of the carrier to village size, they first constructed a rectangular platform of immense size on the ground, only which was built the entire complex that would be LuftStadt Acht. Eschewing the military purpose of their previous LuftStadt designs, this was built as a true functioning settlement - with housing complexes, shops and work yards (which were immediately put to work constructing the rest of the LuftStadt). It was to be entirely peaceful, a true village in the skies.

After the village was constructed, and already populated, the gas cells were introduced. Tethered to each of the long sides of the village; more and more were added until the settlement began to lift. Soon thereafter, variable cells to control lift were added, and soon the entire lifting affair was cocooned in a light framework and skin. To each was then attached separate control centres and engines, which would propel the LuftStadt across the skies.

For all intents and purposes, it was a triumph. Whilst at considerable cost, the Germans now had their very own flying settlement, and were in the process of designing a much grander settlement.
However, it was not to last, as soon it was spied by a band of pirates - led by Jonathon Blake - who sought to take the vessel for their own, seeing its potential as portable base of operations.
When the pirates ambushed, the LuftStadt was soon captured; fortunately, the residents were able to escape in their balloons and airships, the pirates showing no interest in them.

LuftStadt Acht was lost to the pirates, and to this day serves as Blake's headquarters. Believed to by flying across the pacific ocean, the LuftStadt and the pirates still manage to evade capture. The pirates soon modified it to their needs; the homes no occupied by the pirates families, the majority of the platform now serves as hangars for the pirate fleet, enabling them to make repairs and upgrades to their ships with ease. Largely because of this, Blake's fleet are the most feared pirates in the skies.

This effectively ended the German's LuftStadt endeavours, the government willing to spend yet more money on such a vessel when all before had been met with disaster.  

[CapnAlex]

Serenity - the Jewel in the Skies

The Serenity is seen by many as the meeting point in the skies; where airship captains dock to exchange stories and drinks, their crews taking a welcome break from airship life to enjoy rare luxuries. Serenity also caters for cruise-ships, often serving as a break point for airship cruises as they make their way across otherwise bleak oceans.

Serenity was conceived and commissioned in 63 CE by Capt. Stevenson - after making considerable money from cruise airships, he sold his fleet to construct what he envisioned as a meeting point for all airship travellers (something he thought was sorely lacking previously).

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The vessel is constructed upon a vast circular base, made of wrought iron and wood. Spreading out from this are vast, long piers of sorts, onto which a great number of airships can dock at once. Even when these are full, airships are know to linger nearby, ferrying their crew or passengers down in smaller craft.

In the centre of the platform lies the main building itself, reminding many of the Royal Albert Hall - it is built as a cylinder, five stories high and topped with a vast dome of finest crystal glass.
The crystal dome houses a botanical garden to rival that of Kew; the often already rare and colourful plants being a very rare sighting of greenery for those travelling the skies. Here is also a small area for Tea and light meals, which is seen by many as an area for civilised conversation and company.
Below this, the forth floor has the main restaurant of the Serenity. As the vessel caters for all manner of people, this is reflected in the restaurant and the great range of meals and drinks it provides. To one side is a well stocked bar, which also has a few tables for gambling, most often poker. In another side room is a theatre, offering frequent shows to the entertainment of guests.
Being the largest part of the building, the third and second floors are all taken up by the hotel side of the Serenity - whilst many guests prefer to return to their airships for rest, there are some who do take advantage of the hotel, seeing it as a break from their usual (and often cramped) quarters. Rooms range from the quite cheap to multi-roomed suites. All, however, are of the finest quality.
The first floor houses the main entertainment for the crew of airships - this being the 'commoner's tavern', as it is called by rich tourist and poor crewman alike. Tax free, the pub offers food at considerably cheaper prices, allowing crew to treat themselves. It is also the main centre for the exchange of stories of high adventure (most untrue), as well as important trade information - but also gambling amongst crew, often in the form of dice games.
The 'ground' floor of the building has the reception for the entire complex; behind which is the accommodation for the employees of the Serenity - which is itself of quite considerable quality.
Below this, under the platform, is the control of the vessel - a multitude of propellors keeping the vessel in position, or moving it safely out of the way of storms.
Around the building, the vast remaining space of the circular platform is given away to trading, many visiting ships setting up stalls to hawk whatever goods they picked up on their travels.

The entire affair is kept aloft by a giant, spherical balloon. Brightly coloured, it stands out for miles, guiding airships and balloons to it. The spherical aspect also suits the relatively static nature of the Serenity, offering no direction it is inclined to be moved in. From a hatch beneath (reached by a rope ladder from the top of the top), a cylindrical passage leads up to a watch point, a small dome where a look-out keeps a watch for approaching storms.

Currently, Serenity is holding positing roughly midway between London and New York.

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With regards to pirates; many believe that Serenity would be a prime target for pirates - being home to quite considerable riches (especially when cruise ships are visiting). Shortly after it first rose into the skies, pirates saw to attack and tried to plunder it, but were quickly seen off after a sterling display of heroism as visiting captains took arms and drove the pirates away.
Pirates have been known to specifically let to Serenity exist for their own purposes, taking advantage of the exchange of information as they masquerade their ships as simple cargo vessels. However, this is a rare occurrence - and the Serenity does far more good to stop pirates, visiting ships being alerted to any know pirate movements.