The oriental empire of Shou Lung of the world Toril has dabbled in space exploration. In fact, Shou Lung's approach to space exploration is typical of the oriental nations throughout known space. While "western" nations dismiss space travel or turn their attentions to more militaristic ends, the oriental nation pushes its experimentation with fantasy space forward. The dragonship of Shou Lung is an example of such experimentation and reflects the mindset of an organized groundling empire reaching into space.
    The Shou dragonship is boatish, and suffers in space - as all groundling craft do. The helm is located below decks in the rear, with a domes opening above to allow a clear view of space and the captain. The large structure on the deck itself is a small shrine to the crew's venerated gods and ancestors, to the Path and the Way, and to the emperor, by whose hand the entire mission is set into effect.
    A typical Shou dragonship has both a captain and a helmsman. Perhaps the most important post on a Shou ship belongs to the recorder. The recorder's task is to keep notes on all encounters, collect specimens and trophies, and to act as the official diplomat from Shou Lung. To that end, each recorder is given a number of blank scrolls of official greeting from the emperor. The recorder is empowered to fill in the name of the appropriate race and present them.
    The crews are armed with repeating crossbows, a groundling invention that has found great favor in space, making Shou crews both respected and feared.
    Of course, if you cast your bread upon the waters, some of it will turn soggy. A large number of captains and recorders exposed to the marvels of wildspace space suddenly wonder why they would throw in with some small time emperor when there are whole worlds out there to be discovered or even conquered.
    The result is a large number of dragonships no longer loyal to the emperor, cruising around the sphere, taking what they need. Such ships end up in the hands of adventurers, merchants, pirates, and other "free agents" of space. These ships reflect their owner's needs - armor plating or increased maneuverability, more weapons (up to three more heavy weapon mounts), and alternate power sources.

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