Post by Josh on Sept 2, 2014 18:10:53 GMT -5
Sailing Technology
Four types of sailing vessels exist in Archades: cogs, hulks, caravels and carracks. Cogs are the smallest and simplest of the sailing vessels consisting of a single mast and a flat bottom. Cogs are used most often for trade purposes, but they can also have military applications by adding small towers to the fore and aft. Hulks are still flat bottomed like cogs, but are larger and more advanced than their cousins. Like cogs, they can be outfitted with towers and higher rails for military applications. Most traders that operate on the sea utilize cogs and hulks, but stick close to shore. Cogs and hulks can also go short distances up rivers, if need be. If they are wealthy, they may be able to afford the more advanced caravels and carracks.
Caravels have two masts, with either square or lateen sails. They are faster and more maneuverable than cogs and hulks. However, this advantage is countered by not having nearly as much cargo capacity. Regardless, the advantages of the caravel outweigh its disadvantage. They can be used for a variety of purposes, but the three mains are transport, trade and military. Caravels are rapidly becoming the mainstay for sailing vessels in Archades, which is seeing cogs and hulks slowly being phased out.
The most advanced ship available is the carrack, which can hold up to six sails. This gives the carrack considerably more power and allows it to be larger than a caravel. Therefore, the carrack’s cargo capacity is vastly improved. It is designed for long voyages upon the ocean. The main drawback of the carrack is that it cannot stick close to the coast like caravels, hulks and cogs as the keel of the carrack is too deep. As carracks are relatively new, there are not very many of them. The Royal Navy is being outfitted with several carracks and a handful of dukes may be able to afford one or two.
Naval Combat
Naval combat is all about getting ships close to each other so that the respective crews can do battle. Archers are also used for more long distance combat and flaming arrows can cause a great deal of destruction on a seagoing vessel. Grappling hooks with sturdy ropes are used to keep ships close together for the duration of combat. If the ship is sturdy enough, it may be able to support a siege weapon such as a ballista or catapult.
Organization of Navies
The bulk of the navy in Archades lies within the duchies, particularly those with shoreline. The King can call upon his dukes to not only build a fleet, but also to help patrol the shoreline and keeping the kingdom safe from seaborne invasion. Most duchies that actually have fleets consist of cogs, hulks and caravels.
The King of Archades has a personal navy called the Royal Navy. The Royal Navy is outfitted with caravels and carracks, the latter of which are increasing in number. The duties of the Royal Navy include protecting trade vessels as they leave and approach Archadean ports, assisting the duchies in patrolling the shore and protecting Archades from foreign powers. It is considered a great honor to join the Royal Navy, and as such, it is made of elite warriors, seamen and leaders.
The fleets are organized and coordinated by the Admiral of the Fleets, who reports to the King. It is the responsibility of the Admiral to convey orders, coordinate with the levy fleets, make certain that the navies are up to snuff in terms of construction and training, and make proposals to the King and Council to secure funding for their ventures. The Admiral is also in direct command of the Royal Navy.
Four types of sailing vessels exist in Archades: cogs, hulks, caravels and carracks. Cogs are the smallest and simplest of the sailing vessels consisting of a single mast and a flat bottom. Cogs are used most often for trade purposes, but they can also have military applications by adding small towers to the fore and aft. Hulks are still flat bottomed like cogs, but are larger and more advanced than their cousins. Like cogs, they can be outfitted with towers and higher rails for military applications. Most traders that operate on the sea utilize cogs and hulks, but stick close to shore. Cogs and hulks can also go short distances up rivers, if need be. If they are wealthy, they may be able to afford the more advanced caravels and carracks.
Caravels have two masts, with either square or lateen sails. They are faster and more maneuverable than cogs and hulks. However, this advantage is countered by not having nearly as much cargo capacity. Regardless, the advantages of the caravel outweigh its disadvantage. They can be used for a variety of purposes, but the three mains are transport, trade and military. Caravels are rapidly becoming the mainstay for sailing vessels in Archades, which is seeing cogs and hulks slowly being phased out.
The most advanced ship available is the carrack, which can hold up to six sails. This gives the carrack considerably more power and allows it to be larger than a caravel. Therefore, the carrack’s cargo capacity is vastly improved. It is designed for long voyages upon the ocean. The main drawback of the carrack is that it cannot stick close to the coast like caravels, hulks and cogs as the keel of the carrack is too deep. As carracks are relatively new, there are not very many of them. The Royal Navy is being outfitted with several carracks and a handful of dukes may be able to afford one or two.
Naval Combat
Naval combat is all about getting ships close to each other so that the respective crews can do battle. Archers are also used for more long distance combat and flaming arrows can cause a great deal of destruction on a seagoing vessel. Grappling hooks with sturdy ropes are used to keep ships close together for the duration of combat. If the ship is sturdy enough, it may be able to support a siege weapon such as a ballista or catapult.
Organization of Navies
The bulk of the navy in Archades lies within the duchies, particularly those with shoreline. The King can call upon his dukes to not only build a fleet, but also to help patrol the shoreline and keeping the kingdom safe from seaborne invasion. Most duchies that actually have fleets consist of cogs, hulks and caravels.
The King of Archades has a personal navy called the Royal Navy. The Royal Navy is outfitted with caravels and carracks, the latter of which are increasing in number. The duties of the Royal Navy include protecting trade vessels as they leave and approach Archadean ports, assisting the duchies in patrolling the shore and protecting Archades from foreign powers. It is considered a great honor to join the Royal Navy, and as such, it is made of elite warriors, seamen and leaders.
The fleets are organized and coordinated by the Admiral of the Fleets, who reports to the King. It is the responsibility of the Admiral to convey orders, coordinate with the levy fleets, make certain that the navies are up to snuff in terms of construction and training, and make proposals to the King and Council to secure funding for their ventures. The Admiral is also in direct command of the Royal Navy.