Naught-less History

Designed as a fast, nimble all-purpose sloop with enough firepower to take on wild kraken or pirates. Principal role was as a scout and message-carrier for the Admiral of each fleet* (hence the number built). World-class when first built but effectively superceded seven years later when the 'much-improved' class of 32' 'superless' dirigibles were launched. Although these were both longer and more powerful they were never loved by their crews in the same way and were disparagingly referred to as the 'much-less' class as a result. The original 'lesses' were relegated to more humble (and more dangerous) duties in which wise they proceeded to distinguish themselves across the globe - taking the values of the Empire to far-flung and frequently hostile parts of the world to show the flag, make new friends and indulge in the odd spot of light espionage.

Surviving members:

Daunt-less - the first of the class to be built, served in the Greenland fleet for seven years under Captain (now Rear-Admiral) Balls - she was also the first to be downgraded - but with Captain Balls' influence she was moved straight into home-port duties, and now serves as a training sloop.

Peer-less - retained as skiff for the Royal Air-Yacht. Her original captain (Biggs) still retains nominal command though he has been 'at Her Majesty's pleasure' for a number of years following that unfortunate misunderstanding with the crown jewels (Albert never forgave him).

Naught-less - second to be built, serving in the Egyptian and then Himalayan fleets - latterly as general scout. Decommissioned at the end of the last Persian war, her second captain (Conyngham) retired on half-pay and bought her from the Govt. Now run as a pleasure craft and Dirigible-for-hire the Naught-less has made many trips with the noted explorer and antiquary Professor Hilda Von Westendorff. Recently returning with new finds from the Mongolian desert, it has been suggested that the exploration is a mask for more subtle endeavours at the behest of Her Majesty's 'Exploration Bureau' under the Committee of Imperial Defence.

Lost in Service:

Fruit-less - captained by Jeremiah Misericord Fortune (commonly known as 'Miss' Fortune) - the "Old Fruit" was lost in the 'year of disaster' - going down with all hands into the lava pool at Mt Zambora. Captain Fortune gave his name (posthumously) to the famous cocktail 'little mis-fortune'** and his demise is marked each year on the day by the ceremonial downing of many 'misfortunes' by the surviving officers of the class.

Spirit-less - captained by 'Mad' Jack McLuin, commonly held to be the bravest (and least sane) Captain in Her Britannic Majesty's Airship Corps. His exploits have become legendary - of his brave and ultimately triumphant end I need say no more, known and celebrated as it is throughout the Empire - huzzah !