%20(2)_edited_edited.png)
Airship pirates roam the skies in their dirigibles, plundering and raiding other airships. They are the scourge of the High Skies. And yet, they are the most loveable of rogues and rascals, even if they are renegades and reprobates.
Airship Pirates are a fascinating and exciting bunch. They represent a sense of freedom and rebellion. They are hugely popular, and often are to be found propping up bars, telling tales of derring-do and narrow escapes from the long arm of the Law.
Airship Pirates are pursued relentlessly by the officers and crews of the Steampunk Imperial Navy Dirigible Yeomanry, or as the Airship Pirates like to call them, the Sindy Dolls. See Steampunk Style 5. They like to make light of these misadventures and make fun of the authorities, but they fear the Special Airship Service troopers, special forces soldiers who are tasked with hunting them down. You can read about them in Steampunk Style 6.
Airship pirates fly in airships of all shapes and sizes, and engage in piracy, adventure, and treasure hunting across the aether. So naturally, their clothes are rugged, tough, and individualistic. The way they dress reflects their lifestyle choice, personality, and culture.
Some of the main elements and features of the airship pirate steampunk style are:
Goggles: Goggles are essential for airship pirates, as they protect their eyes from the wind, dust, and sun. They also add a touch of flair and mystery to their look. Goggles can have different lenses, such as tinted, magnifying, or night vision.
Leather jackets: Leather jackets are another staple of airship pirate steampunk fashion, as they provide warmth, durability, and style. Leather jackets can be plain, studded, or decorated with patches, badges, or buckles. They can also have pockets, belts, or straps to hold weapons, tools, or gadgets.
Corsets: Corsets are a popular choice for airship pirates, as they accentuate their curves and create a contrast with the ruggedness of their outfits. Corsets can be made of leather, as well as other materials, and can have boning, lacing, and hooks. They can also have embellishments, such as ribbons, beads, or chains.
Top hats: Top hats are a classic symbol of steampunk fashion, as they evoke the elegance and sophistication of the Victorian era. Top hats can be worn by all airship pirates, and can be customized with feathers, flowers, gears, goggles , or in fact, almost anything. They can also have hidden compartments, for storing cards, coins, or trinkets. Top hats are only one of many choices though, and so you can choose something to reflect your personality with ease.
You can find Airship Pirates in popular culture, books and films. Some examples are:
The Ketty Jay series by Chris Wooding, which follows the misadventures of a ragtag crew of airship pirates in a world of magic and machines.
The Airborn trilogy by Kenneth Oppel, which tells the story of a young cabin boy and a wealthy heiress who encounter airship pirates, mysterious creatures, and ancient secrets in the clouds.
The Mortal Engines series by Philip Reeve, which features a post-apocalyptic world where cities are mounted on wheels and roam the wasteland, hunting and devouring each other. Airship pirates are among the few who resist the tyranny of the mobile cities.
Abney Park, a popular Steampunk band, have a great song called 'Airship Pirates'. https://open.spotify.com/track/4LcBPS0aOSrQ4trRwFli3t?si=78f2f8e6d21948c7
One note of caution, though, airship piracy is an inherently dangerous occupation. It is said there are old pirates and there are bold pirates - but there are no old and bold pirates, so take heed.
Please support the Injured Airship Pirate Benevolent Fund with your purchases of Steampunk Coffee & Artisan Teas from dieseltopia.com
Comments