Galleon

A class of large powerful warship, considered by some to have been superseded by the larger, more modern Ship-of-the-line class, following the end of The Demon War. Despite this, many galleons remain in service in the navies of both The Kingdom of Vallanna and The Kingdom of Ashalla. A small number of Galleon-class vessels are known to be in private hands, including some notable pirates, such as Captain Pettigrew "Pete" Smiles' ship, The Grinning Skull. Galleon design varies wildly, but by and large, they can be catagorised as being constucted with a minimum of three decks, plus an quarter-deck and a forecastle. Many were constructed with a quarter-gallery on the stern. They are a many-masted design, with most incorporating a minimum of three masts, although more is common. The armament of a typical galleon consists of a large number of cannons, split over the ship's multiple decks. Typically, a galleon would carry between 55 and 70 cannons, depending on the layout of its design and the bore of the cannons. Compared to the smaller frigate and corvette classes, the crew complement on a vessel the size of a Galleon is much higher, with most crews consisting of between 250 and 450 men, including a 50-man contingent of shipboard marines. Galleons fill a variety of roles, but their large size and comparitively low speed means that they are better suited for pitched naval battles and blockades than pursuit or any of the other niches filled by corvettes and frigates.

Propulsion

Through the sails on their many masts, Galleons are propelled by the wind.

Weapons & Armament

Galleons carried between 55 and 70 cannons.

Armor and defense

Galleons will carry a large complement of marines, generally at least 50 strong; charged with both defending the ship in case of a boarding action, carrying out boarding actions of their own, and conducting security duties for any shore parties. Typically, during such a defensive boarding action, regular sailors will also take up arms in defense of the ship, if they are able.

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