Penteconter

Illustration from "Illustrerad verldshistoria utgifven av E. Wallis. volume I"
These fine longships, manned by 50 rowers and at least 50 additional troops, are the staple of modern naval warfare. While larger ships do exist, such as the Bireme and Trireme, they tend to simply be conversions of this original vessel to accommodate additional rowers and sails.   These ships traditionally sport a single large mast, about mid-ship, however some models do instead have twin masts and two primary sails. These ships vary wildly, depending on their purpose and the specifications of their owner... One Penteconter may look almost entirely different from another built at the same docks, if they are intended for different duties.

Power Generation

Sails - Speed can vary widely using this method of propulsion, depending upon weather.

Propulsion

Oars (and 50 or so rowing crew)

Weapons & Armament

Metal ram at the front of the vessel.

Pentaconters are often also armed with ballista at the front and rear of the vessel, though some smaller vessels instead choose to use the far lighter Mounter Heavy Crossbow.

On Rare occasions, these vessels replace one existing weapon with an Onager or Catapult, for use against structures as well as other vessels and crew.

Armor and defense

Typically these vessels sport little to no armor, though some do bear light metal plating upon their hulls for additional defense.

Most vessels are simply built of a sturdy hardwood, which serves as a basic form of armor and offering some damage resistance.

Class
Nickname
Longship, Keelboat
Price
Varies by model and specifications (from 7,500Gp to 15,000Gp)
Rarity
Common
Width
Varies by model and specifications (Between 15 and 25ft)
Length
Varies by model and specifications (60 to 90 feet)
Height
12 to 20 feet (about 50% above water)
Speed
5 miles per hour (120 miles per day)
Complement / Crew
50 rowers, and up to 100 additional crew depending on vessel size
Cargo & Passenger Capacity
Varies by model and specifications (Between 5 - 10 tons of cargo and roughly 25 to 50 passengers)

Articles under Penteconter


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