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Goldbarge

A golden battle barge attacking Young Kingdoms ships

The golden battle barges are oceangoing warships that comprise the naval forces of Melniboné.

Description[]

The battle barges are described as enormous, with tiered decks and armoured with plates of solid gold, making them resemble floating golden ziggurats. They are armed with catapults that launch flaming balls of viscous fuel at their enemies. The stuff of these fireballs will continue to burn even in contact with water, and will sink into the sea still burning. 

The barges are driven by sails and multiple banks of oars pulled by hundreds of human slaves. When extra speed is required, the slaves are fed a drug that increases their strength and endurance before eventually killing them.

History[]

In the days when Melniboné was at the peak of its power, the fleet comprised hundreds of ships and virtually ruled the oceans, striking terror into all who beheld them. By the time of Elric's reign there were less than forty and were rarely seen on the open sea.[1]


Notable barges[]


Popular culture[]

The Gwar song Where is Zog? includes the lyrics "Spewing death and hatred from a golden battle barge."


Gallery[]


References[]

  1. Michael Moorcock (1972, 1983), Elric of Melniboné, Berkley, p. 38
  2. Michael Moorcock (1972, 1983), Elric of Melniboné, Berkley, p. 37
  3. Michael Moorcock (1972, 1983), Elric of Melniboné, Berkley, p. 62
  4. Michael Moorcock, The Sailor on the Seas of Fate (Book 2, "Sailing to the Present")
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