The Steam Launch is a common vehicle and has been called the workhorse of the Maze. Basically a large boat equipped with a steam engine for propulsion, the launch is used for transporting passengers and cargo. If you know what the “African Queen” looked like you have a good image of the Launch. This model is equipped with a powerful ghost rock boiler and is faster than the ordinary version. For information on how to build one, see the Ships section of the Major General’s Page.

The Steam Launch is equipped with a single Light or Steam Weapon mounted in the bow with a 180 degree arc of fire. Harpoon Guns and Gatlings are popular choices. Note that the vessel is not large enough to be equipped with torpedoes.

Operation:

The Launch uses the normal rules for water rigs.

• Armor
  
• High Pressure Pistons
  
• Reinforced Frame
  
• Screws
  
• Tweaked
  

Malfunction

Minor Malfunction: The boiler begins to lose pressure and the Steam Launch is slowed to half Pace until fixed. Steam weapons have their ROF reduced by one (minimum ROF of one). Repair: 4

Major Malfunction: The boiler springs a leak and the rig may only move at Quarter Steam or less. Steam Weapons may not fire. Repair: 8

Catastrophe: Too much pressure! The boiler explodes; center the BOOM! template over the boiler. Anything under it takes 2d10 damage.

TRAITS