Skyships and voidships are exceedingly costly and challenging to obtain and construct. The immense sums of money and specialized labor necessary to produce such vessels preclude ownership by the average individual. Typically, only empires, prosperous city-states, or well-funded organizations possess these vessels. For others, more unscrupulous means are often employed to acquire these prized assets, such as black market acquisition, salvage, or conquest. The costs of ships generally exclude cannons, armaments, and other enhancements like improved hull protections. Typically, voidships are not designed for water-tightness or seaworthiness, yet may incorporate a ship-like design due to tradition or to be more aerodynamic for atmospheric flight.
Many prosperous and cultured nations of the realm possess dry docks suitable for accommodating sky and voidships. Some of these vessels are designed to be set down on any solid surface, such as the Giff Platform, while others remain aloft through their own magical means. The port fees for skyships and voidships are five to ten times greater than those charged for waterborne craft. Certain of the largest vessels, including Class A Pyramids of Set and the Pillar of Horns, cannot be docked within cities. They must instead be moored at expansive military installations.
It is considered a hostile act to bring an armed airborne vessel into the airspace of nearly any city. Such vessels will be searched and escorted into the city. All gunports must remain closed and securely locked at all times.
common law - "Closed Gun Ports"
Late in the Third Epoch, commerce and the construction of void vessels markedly escalated between the Giff League, Deep Six, and amicable nations on Bal-Kriav. The liberalization of previously restricted trade in Void Essences resulted from the perils posed by the Drachdekai Pact.
The Astral Sea, the 4th Dimension, necessitates a distinct vessel. This Highway of Creation, cluttered with the unrefined remnants of Creation, presents a perilous terrain. Within this domain, entities soar in every direction, some maintaining a steady trajectory, while others drift aimlessly. Forward collisions are largely averted, or cushioned, by the bow of an astral ship. This specialized bow generates a reflective shield, akin to how the prow of a maritime vessel cleaves through the waves.