Longboat

Taznikanze longboats were of two basic types: the low, lean drakkar , use for raiding and war, was far and away the most common. Powered by wind and muscle, with one large mast with a square sail and room for oars. "Clinker-built", by fixing horizontal planks, a unique construction that allowed it to move with the buffet of waves instead of taking their full force. This made it superior for oceanic voyages to a trireme, though the Kracians would be loath to admit it. The drakker's unique combination of seaworthiness and shallow draft was key to its success, as it could make intercontinental voyages as well as sail up the rivers of the Euser continent. The shallow draft made it easy to pull up on land, too, convenient for a number of things. (Like, if, for example, one were to beach the ship and raid a coastal city.)

The knarr , developed later, was wider and deeper in the keel. It was mostly used as a trading vessel; it was less suited to oar power, and more dependent on sail. Good on the oceans, but a hassle in rivers, and next-to-useless as a raider.

Longboats were often decorated, especially with a figurehead, which could take the form of a dragon's head, a lady, a depcition of an Elementalist spirit, or several other things. Some Longboats were even enchanted with Runecasting.

The Hauptmann of a longboat usually owned the ship, or was appointed by the person who did. It was also possible, however, for voyagers to buy shares on a trading or raiding expedition, expecting to get rewards commisserate with his investment. (Not for nothing do the Tasnicans claim to have invented capitalism, after all.)