This is my take on the classic "Spelljammer Helm" for use in the Cosmic Seas setting. It is more an arcane machine, being used with assorted other devices. Most ships will have these or similar devices in use. As their is no Phlogiston, the dangers of these drives are not as immediate.
AETHON ELEMENTAL ENGINE (Helm)
Cost: 100,000gp (Minor), 250,000gp (Major)
Aethon Helms are a type of Spelljamming Helm that has
become the primary type of power source for space-going vessels within the
Dragon Empire. The Helm looks like a table, but angled at a 45 degree increase so a seated person can access every part of it with comfort. On top of the helm are attached any number of etched rune plates, each one tied to a function of the ship. Both major and minor Aethon helms are powered by a bound Elmarin that is "fed" Stardust Fuel (see below) greatly increasing and focusing the creatures power. This power source is
always enclosed in a sealed container that resembles a boiler or furnace. While
this provides movement, it is primarily used to push the ship forward;
maneuvering is accomplished through use of the ship's sails, oars or wings.
Operation of an Aethon Drive's Helm requires that the Helmsman be proficient in Vehicles (space) or Arcana. For every day of travel, an Aethon Drive consumes one charge fron a 20
lbs. tank of Stardust Fuel (each tank contains 10 charges). This consumption rate can be offset by using
Stellar Sails (see below), though most ships keep a backup supply of Stardust,
just in case. Aethon Engines break down less, but if a space ship with an
Aethon engine crashes and the DM can make a DC 24 Constitution check using the
Constitution modifier of the pilot. If the check fails, the engine explodes,
dealing 10d10 points of fire damage to all objects and creatures within a
60-foot radius of the engine and killing the Elmarin within. A DC 17 Dexterity save halves the damage (but still kills the resident Elmarin).
TRAVEL TIMES
Away from planets and other large objects, a ship
equipped with an Aethon Drive flies through space at what is called cruising speed.
The cruising speed of a ship depends on the Aethon Drive (or Helm) propelling
it. A minor helm allows a ship to travel between adjacent planets in 2d6+2
days, while a major helm moves between adjacent planets in 1d6+1 days. (The
random element assumes that even adjacent planets may be in different parts of
their orbits. In extreme circumstances, you could double or even triple these
times.
STARDUST FUEL
Stardust is a type cosmic dust composed of particles in
space. These "elemental particles" are infused with Transmutation
Magic in its purest form and are thus highly prized by magic users and
supernatural beings. By itself, a handful of this substance allows a user to
cast the reverse gravity spell with a duration of 1d10 minutes. However, the
real power of this substance is to power Aethon Drive equipped Spelljamming
ships through space.
Stardust Fuel is produced in specialized refineries
located in the upper atmosphere of worlds near stars, where the dust is sifted
from the solar winds. Different races have different means of doing this, but
the basics are the same. The Dragon Empire maintains Stardust Refineries in
every system in which it has a presence, maintaining its own stockpiles of the
substance.
Stardust is sold in 20 lbs. iron tanks (like a propane
tank) that cost 50gp per tank.
STELLAR SAILS
Stellar Sails are a remarkable item that allows vessels
to travel farther and more efficiently. When paired with an Aethon Drive Helm
(see above), Stellar Sails converts ambient magical energy found in Sunlight
and Starlight into fuel for the helm. Each Stellar Sail generates enough energy
to halve a ships consumption of Stardust Fuel. If used without stardust fuel,
and Aethon Drive can create lift and flight, but cannot achieve cruising speed. Only 1 Stellar Sail may be attached to a given mast. Stellar
Sails cost 500gp each.
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