>I was referring to earlier discussions on how gamers expect square
>rigged ships and sailors climbing masts instead of oar powered ships,
>and hence Gloranthan sailing has to reflect such expectations. I think
>this was discussed a lot when Men of the Sea was in the works, and
>when it was published.
Square rigging is the original form of sail. Used by galleys and merchant ships everywhere since prehistory. Lanteen and fore-and- aft rigging are subsequent developments to improve performance when the wind isn't right behind the ship.
The elaborate multi-sail rigs of the renaissance and later may be expected by some gamers but don't appear in MotS and would be a serious anachronism if they did. And it's only those that require sailors to climb masts, a single sail can be handled from the deck.
However if someone wishes their Glorantha to have such ships then it's up to them.
-- Donald Oddy http://www.grove.demon.co.uk/
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