Carrack

Carracks can vary greatly in size, from being only slightly larger than the caravels to some of the largest merchantmen and warships on the seas. Instead of being classified by size, carracks are defined by their standardized rig and hull structure. Usually three-masted, the fore and mainmasts, in addition to a pronounced bowsprit, carry square sails while the mizzen carries one or two lateen sails. While not as handy as the Caravel's rig, this configuration is better suited to propelling a large ship along steady winds. The hull is defined by a rounded profile and sturdy construction; this grants both an excellent cargo capacity and greater resistance to the rams employed by galleys. Also prominent are the raised fore and aftercastles. In the largest examples, these upperworks tower over any other ship that finds herself alongside, and can be lined with archers, crossbowmen, and ballistae.   Thanks to their large carrying capacity and defensibility, larger examples of the carrack are regularly used for the trade between Santa Alessa, Aparnovos, and Sijmen Sur. Hauling valuable metals, artifice, and ingredients along an open-water route, carracks frequently sail with contingents of soldiers aboard and are capable of putting up fierce resistance to pirates and raiders. In addition, their ability to store plenty of provisions makes them well suited to this blue-water role. “Great Carracks” are also used as flagships and heavy warships by the navies of Westwythe, Fosowbria, and Torelledir, and the wealthiest lords therein. They serve as formidable bastions in naval engagements, able to rain projectiles down on lower ships and resist boarding thanks to their steep sides. While the largest carracks are generally slow and unwieldy, smaller to mid-sized examples are able to achieve more reasonable performance by scaling down their upperworks.