Galley Slave
The galley slave is an obsolete job now because the magic that powers many current ships is cheaper and more profitable. A galley slave in the past was used to work an oar on a galley. This was common use for prisoners of war, criminals, and slaves. Naval forces commonly used this practice, as well as merchants and pirates.
Galley slaves lived in horrible conditions, they were manacled 3-5 people to an oar depending on the size of the ship. After coming on board, their clothes were removed, and they were fastened to their places. Never released from their benches, they spent their whole time in their assigned location. The only time they were released was when they died. Half of the rowers were required to row for 4 hours, the other half of the crew rowed, and they were able to rest for 4 hours.
Prisoners were given all the water they needed and were fed just enough to do the job, but not to allow them to cause trouble. Often whipped if they couldn't keep the pace, which was kept with a drumbeat. Their lives were short and miserable, and few ever escaped with their lives. The life expectancy of a fit slave was no more than 3 years, but most were convicted to 10 years which rarely lasted.
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