Sailor
The vast Linhau Expanse prevents easy trade between Unai and Acrend, yet for those who dare there can be great reward. The peoples of the continents they serve hold them in high regard for the dangers they face on the waters, and for the necessity of the trade goods that only the other continent can provide.
While the path of the sailor is fraught with danger, there are many who would take the career if they could. The limitation is the number of ships available, so the trading companies and captains are very selective of who they take onboard.
Career
Qualifications
Low level crew are required to be able bodied, and to take orders under pressure.
Officers on ships are typically required to be well schooled in mathematics, navigation, and holding a position of authority. Family connections are often known to help, too.
Career Progression
Most often the captain of the ship grooms a successor, as do the lower officers prepare those below them to one day succeed them. Officers rise through the ranks, as the higher ranks retire "while they still breathe". This is an environment of near constant progression, learning from experience and on the job, although politics and under the tables favors can progress someone above their ability, to the cost of someone more skilled.
It is uncommon, but not unheard of, for regular crew to advance to officerhood. Those that do have often studied under a sponsoring officer who has spotted an aptitude and has taken to teaching them the skills required.
Many of those who make a few trips, and retire from sailing on the wealth they have gained.
Payment & Reimbursement
Officers are well paid, in reward for the risks they take and the skills they bring. Typically the officers take a share of the profits earned from their journey.
Regular crew tend to be paid regular rates, but these still pay significantly above the average for people with their skills, acting as danger pay and compensation for the long times away from families.
Other Benefits
Sailors are often welcomed in port, as they bring news and messages from abroad, not to mention the goods they bring. A crew might also not be above selling some goods on the side, bypassing their trading companies, for a few greased palms.
And with the danger of the profession come stories of sea monsters, pirates, near escapes, derring-do. Much of it is false, but a well told tale in a tavern will bring people in and drinking, earning the gratitude and favor of many a barkeep.
Operations
Dangers & Hazards
Pirates are a constant threat to sailors, as are the elements themselves as bad weather can quickly reduce a ship to matchwood.
Type
Transportation
Related Locations
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