Oar, Common

Oars come in two styles: one for small vessels like row boats and a larger version used on galleys and longships. A row boat will have two oars, and the rower will grasp both oars and maneuver the boat by putting the blades of the oars in the water and pulling. Turns can be made by using one oar or the other to put a drag on the inside corner of the turn. Galleys and long boats use an oar that is much longer and is operated by two people per oar. The timing of the rowing is kept with the use of a drummer. Galleys are often rowed by slaves or indentured servants. A longship is rowed by warriors with a rhythm kept again with the use of a drum. A sail will be used on open water to save the strength of the rowers. There are two basic versions of Sail: square and triangular. On tall mast ships like galleons and cogs, there can be up to three sails from the yards (horizontal beam) attached to the mast. The largest sails are hung from the lowest yard and decrease in size going up the mast. The yard is hung at a slant for triangular sails. Triangular sails are also hung from the foremast (front mast) to the bow (front) of the ship. Stats: cost 2 gp • weight 10 lbs.