Dwarven Snake
The Dwarven Snake is an ancient class of naval vessel, currently used by cultures on both the Northern Arm and the Southern Arm. It is used for warfare, exploration, scouting and (to a small extent) commerce, as its long, narrow and light form affords it versatility. Always oar-powered and often fitted with sails, the Dwarven Snake show variation in design among the different locations where the ships are built. Dwarven Snakes are sea-worthy vessels and can be equipped with offensive weaponry.
With proper resources available, Dwarven Snakes can be built quite quickly, usually within a month. Moreover, training for commandeering a Snake is done relatively easily. Subsequently, naval conflict has often quickly boosted the number of Dwarven Snakes. Currently, the best Dwarven Snakes are still built at The Porcupine -- although the wood elves of Silimanis proved adept at constructing the ships, their expertise was lost after the Invasion of Silimanis and the Decree of Returning.
Propulsion
The Dwarven Snake is propelled by 20 - 25 oars. Often, a single mast with a square sail adds extra propulsion. If both are used, the ship reaches a speed of five kilometers per hour (three miles per hour) or 2.5 knots.
Weapons & Armament
For purposes of warfare, the Dwarven Snake is sometimes equipped with up to two light ballistas.
Armor and defense
Equipping the Dwarven Snake with metal or wooden plating increases its armor, at the cost of speed and cargo capacity.
Used by
Beam
4.5 meters (15 feet)
Length
23 meters (75 feet)
Speed
0.5 mph (sails), 2.5 mph (oars) or 3.0 mph (both)
Complement / Crew
40
Cargo & Passenger Capacity
10 tons cargo, 150 passengers
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