Makallan Merchantman

The Makallan merchant ships or merchantmen, often jokingly called "thunkers" by the Makallan sailors that operated them, are used for any long-distance trips that the Makallans undertook. Although mainly used for trading between Makalla and major ports such as Xankadar in Tílunur and Arlyn in Erasyn, these ships are also heavily armed. Most are conscripted into the Makallan Royal Navy during times of war, and can tear almost any enemy ships to shreds.

History

Makallan merchantmen were designed near the end of the Second Age, and when the Makallan Empire was created in 6 TA, the merchantmen were incorporated into the new empire. Originally used to secure the waters around Makalla, the merchantmen began to be used for trade in the late 900s, when the empire was stabilised. However, they avoided trading with Tílunur, as the kingdom was still in political turmoil, and refused to enter Avkazûrian waters, as they had a reputation for violence. However, they could and did trade with Ilaniya and Erasyn, amassing considerable wealth in the process.

In 1304, Makalla started trading with Tílunur, and the wealth of the kingdoms of Irëduin increased significantly. In 1397, King Tywell II of Tílunur drafted a treaty with Makalla, which included the hiring of a group of armed Makallan merchantmen to secure Tílunuren waters. When Norvost succeeded Tywell II in 1451 and drove off the dragons, the merchantmen were withdrawn and returned to Makalla on the grounds that "[they] cannot risk the lives of [their] sailors for Norvost's bloody cause". When Norvost died, the merchantmen returned under the original defence treaty.

The merchantmen took part in two major battles near the end of the Third Age. First in 2768 to help defeat the B'omarrin Kashar, and then three years later, where they were used to destroy the army of the sorcerer Azartius.

Structure

The merchantmen are large ships with three banks of oars and three masts, each of which carry a minimum of two sails. As a result, they are very fast ships when under the command of a knowledgeable captain. With a deep keel, these are very effective deep-sea ships, and can easily brave the rough waters of open ocean.

Firepower

Armed as they are, the regular trade ships do not have as large an arsenal as the permanent navy, which boast six ballistae on either side, as well as eight total bolas launchers. At the prow would be mounted a more powerful ballista, capable of firing bolts longer than a person is tall. The poop deck of a navy merchantman also boasts firing positions for archers and spots for canisters of special grape shot. In the two crow's nests are archer posts, and some have mounted crossbows in these spots.

Sinkers

A type of merchantman, colloquially called "sinkers" by Makallan sailors, are used on special trips, and carry even more weaponry than a standard navy ship, including specially trained battle mages and catapults.

Width

35-37 ft

Length

170-200 ft

Speed

10 kn