Hound Race

The Hound Race is a ship race that originates in Fathomsport and winds throughout the Keel Stone islands. Entry is limited to vessels with fewer than 15 crewman but larger than 30 meters. Each crew must carry an allotment of cargo, varying from grain to iron throughout the years, in addition to their supplies. Each vessel may decide on it's own amount of supplies and many return starving and weary due to the perceived edge in speed fewer supplies may give. The entry fee for this race includes the cost of the cargo so as to prevent entry and theft of the cargo. Many brazen or lesser sailors may find their cargo stolen from pirates. As part of the event no fleet patrols the area making it a battle of cunning as well as speed of the ship. Most wealthier lords fund ships and crews or bet upon the results making the lack of returning vessels a reminder of why they should continue to fund the fleet. The prize for fastest ship to return is granted enough money to start a small merchant fleet of their own.