Galleon

The pinnacle of shipbuilding technology, Galleons are a refinement of the design influences which created the Carrack and Caravel. With a higher length-to-beam ratio, the galleon is faster and handier than her predecessors while able to enjoy the benefits of heavy timbers and stout construction. The upperworks, while still serving as capable fighting platforms, are not as large or dramatic as those found on the carrack, leading to better handling overall. The increased stability and deck space also allows a greater emphasis on ranged weaponry such as ballistae. Developments in the construction of spars and rigging, most notably with the introduction of separate masts and topmasts, allow more sail to be safely carried. An elongated bowsprit for carrying more sail, and space on the quarterdeck for additional masts on which to mount lateen sails allow, allow the ship's bow or stern to be put across the wind more rapidly, leading to faster, more controlled tacks. All of these features led to a ship which was larger, faster, more maneuverable and heavily armed than the carracks that preceded it. During the First Wythe-Lagona War, the Aparnovosi fleet made heavy use of war-galleons, a factor which contributed to resounding victories such as the Battle of the Southern Main. Aside from sailing and combat characteristics, the larger galleons can feature capacious cargo holds, allowing them to serve as bulk traders bar none and sustain long journeys.
  Apart from the difficulty galleons face in operating in coastal waters, their greatest drawback is the staggering infrastructure, skilled labour, and resources needed to produce them. As such, they were only ever produced during the Empire, in Aparnovos and the surrounding area where enough skilled shipwrights, sophisticated dockyards, and seafaring men could be found to enable construction. Galleons were highly coveted vessels, serving as flagships for the greatest lords and admirals in the realm or carrying the most valuable cargoes. These vessels were also, famously, the only ships able to weather the “Storm Belt” in the Southern ocean. Rumours about the lords of Aparnovos sending ships on expeditions south have persisted to this day. Tales of sea monsters, brutal weather, and wide seas brimming with islands which offered riches, strange beasts and bizarre cultures have naturally sprung up around these voyages. There are also those who remember carts carrying iron-banded, locked chests and crates guarded by scores of royal soldiers, being moved from the dockyards to the keep of Aparnovos, or on to Dalhurst.
Since the dissolution of the Empire and the Fall of Aparnovos, very few galleons remain in service, mostly as the most prized and formidable ships in Westwythe's navy or in service to the Aparnovosi rump states of Torelledir and Fosowbria. In the Aparnovosi Diaspora, private shipowners successful enough to own galleons went to the successor states, Westwythe, or the most prominent dalghennas to turn a profit from their ships and the skill of their crews. But rumors persist that the most daring captains took their galleons, loaded their families aboard, and set out for parts unknown. Rumours persist of Aparnovosi ships sailing further West than Torelledir, or Southwards along the Lagonan coast. Some are even said to have braved the Storm Belt, although whether they survived or what they found on the other side remains unknown.

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

200-1500 tonnes