Military Vessels of the Million Islands
In a world filled with islands, the naval technology of the regional powers is a huge factor. An insufficient navy means you cannot defend your shores or your merchant and fishing fleets, or attack your enemies when their defenses flag. This article draws together some of the most common military vessels you may find when sailing around the Great Ring
Atakebune
These ships are the "floating castles" used by the Empire of Wamato as a core of their navy. They are oar driven, and have sheets of iron or copper nailed to their hulls. They are relatively slow, and can be ineffective if not supported by smaller and more nimble ships, but can carry huge numbers of troops and artillery, and can be very difficult to damage.
Baghlah
This large version of the Dhow is a mainstay in the navy of the Malikate of Saba, and is found throughout the Southeastern Region. They have two or three masts with triangular sails, and will often carry archers and artillery pieces such as ballistae and catapults.
Cogs
These single-mast ships are growing more common in the Northeastern Region, and are used for both mercantile and military purposes. They have a large square sail and a rear-mounted rudder, and are not as maneuverable as the longship but can carry a heavier load. When used in battle, they are typically considered troop transports rather that frontline vessels.
Galleys
One of the most common and oldest ship designs in the world, the galley is an oar-driven ship with a long hull. War-galleys are larger and more heavily armored than merchant ships, and carry reinforced rams and multiple banks of oarsmen, along with ship mounted ballistae and catapults.
Ghurab
Another vessel found in the navy of the Malikate, these are smaller and more nimble than the Baghlah, and are used in light naval combat. They usually have only a single mast with a triangular sail, and can outrun many other military vessels.
Karakoa
A large warship found in the Southwestern Region, used by the Tagápulo Empire and the Kingdom of Lahat. They have shallow drafts and outriggers and are fast compared to other ships of their size. They have oars and sails, typically with two or three masts depending on the exact size.
Kaulua
Used throughout the Southern Region by the Mu'o'a, Tāngata, and Kaikai people, a Kaulua is a double-hulled voyaging canoe with triangular sails, similar to the 'alia. They are typically at least sixty feet long and the largest are over a hundred feet. The Kaulua are very fast and maneuverable, and are used when raiding other islands or for naval battles. In some parts of the Southern Region, spotting a Kaulua elicits immediate preparation for attack, as this design is popular with southern pirates. The hulls are reinforced compared to the more common 'alias, and some of the largest even carry mounted ballistae.
Longship
The longship is the most common war vessel used in the Norður Islands, and is known for its long, light, and graceful design. They have both oars and sails, and a steering oar rather than a rudder. Their shallow draft allows them easy access up rivers and along most coastlines.
Sekibune
A small and manueverable ship that is common in the navy of Wamato, these vessels are the primary support to the gigantic Atakebune. They have evolved from small coast-hugging warships to become some of the most swiftest and most maneuverable warships on the sea, and are known for rapid hit and run tactics.
A Note about the real-world history
The vessels described here have analogs in our world, and may share certain characteristics. However, they are not intended to be faithful representations of the real-world versions, and creative license has been exercised throughout.
Comments