Brig

A brig is a large class of ship primarily used in naval warfare. While technically similar to a brigantine, a brig's style of rigging gives it greater speed and generally requires less hands to maintain during sailing. While most commonly used as naval warships, they are coming to replace the older carrack in the current day as trading vessels as well. Of course, some pirates have managed to get their hands on one or two of these ships, making them fearsome obstacles for anyone traversing their stretch of water.

Propulsion

A brig's propulsion comes from the wind via two square-rigged masts, each bearing three sails, as well as fore and aft sails. These are designed to catch as much wind as possible. In ships built primarily for warfare, the sails are typically imbued with air runes to strengthen the wind going into them, strength to prevent tearing, and a clever runecrafter will also imbue them with a luck rune. It's common for strength runes to also be found on the masts.

Weapons & Armament

Anywhere between 10 and 18 guns can be stationed on one of these ships, if it is part of a navy force or headed by pirates. Ships intended for trade forgo cannons in favour of more cargo space.

Armor and defense

The outer rim of ships intended to travel in deeper water will be lined with sharp metal spikes intended to deter sea monsters from dragging a ship down. Often, various runes will be inscribed on the hull or the spikes to increase damage done to an assailant or to maximize protection of the ship's hull.

Communication Tools & Systems

As will all naval warships, a brig primarily communicates with its commanders on land via messenger birds. The species of bird used varies based on country and region, but the birds are always spelled so that they know the way back to their ship no matter where it goes. The downside of this is that it requires at least one communication from the ship to command before the higher-ups can relay any messages back to the crew.

Rarity

Common in Navy

Length

75-165 feet

Weight

Up to 480 tons