Water Castles of Lake Ersers

Part of Ships of Otheia
The Water Castles of Otheia are gargantuan coastal vessels built and used on the Great Lakes of Otheia, most particularly on Lake Ersers. Built and used during the internecine wars in which control of the Lakes becomes vital for the movement of troops across central Otheia. These vessels are regarded as floating fortresses rather than as true ships, and are only used in coastal actions in the shallower parts of the lakes. Propelled almost entirely by oars, as their bulk, armament and armor impedes their travel by the variable wind conditions of the Lake. 
Water-Castles are armed with 4-6 small guns, as they lack the strength to withstand the recoil of a cannon. Unlike seagoing warships, however, they are often equipped with Battlemages, who use their magic to equal or greater effect than the cannons mounted aboard. This is due to the conditions of the lakes, which as a rule, aside from during storms, are much lighter than those at sea, and the large bonfires used to power the magicians are unlikely to breach their containment. 
==== Iron Castles of House Arama ====
Part of Technology of Otheia
To gain a decisive advantage over their rivals on Lake Ersers, particularly the House of Easu, which can field far more vessels, the Realm of the Northern Shore, under the House of Arama, began the construction of several modified Water-Castles. These are covered in thick iron plate, from the top of the ship to the waterline, for increased protection against arrows, fire, and smaller guns. The Iron Castles are heavily gilded, and are intended to provide the means to defeat any enemy Water-Castle on the lakes. 
The Iron-Castles are expensive and time-consuming to produce, with much of the components being ordered from abroad, particularly from the city of Stecer. However, they are considered to provide the House of Arama with a leading edge on on the Lakes, despite their fleet's smaller numerical value.
These are considered to be the first iron-clad ships in the world, though other vessels have been armored with different materials, including copper, lead, and even animal hides.
==== See Also: ====
* Weapon of Artsby
Category:Ships of Otheia
Category:Technology of Otheia