[On D&D Beyond](https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/gos/of-ships-and-the-sea#Galley) ## Longships Longships are vessels that rely on a rowing crew and sails to move across the sea. These ships are typically used to carry soldiers into combat. The size of a longship makes it easy for troops to get on and off quickly, making it the perfect ship for engaging in surprise strikes. A longship has the following features: **Light**. Hanging lanterns cast bright light over the deck. **Rigging**. Rigging on the ship can be climbed without an ability check. **Rudder**. The ship is steered by a rudder control on the aft of the deck. **Sails**. The longship has one 20-foot-tall mast with sails that can be used to sail the ship. ## Example Longship Crew A longship requires a crew of forty to properly sail or row the vessel and often carries extra passengers or soldiers. If the characters are guests on a longship, the crew consists of the following creatures, all of which have proficiency with water vehicles in addition to their normal statistics: - One captain (berserker) - Five other officers: a first mate, a bosun, a quartermaster, a surgeon, and a cook (berserkers) - Thirty-four sailors (commoners) ## Longship Deck The deck of the longship has the following features: Oars. Sixteen benches are built into the deck, each with a 15-foot-long oar. When the ship is rowed, crew members sit on these benches to work the oars. Five spare oars hang on the walls. Railing. The deck has a 3-foot-high rail covered in wooden shields around its perimeter that provides half cover for Medium creatures and three-quarters cover for Small creatures behind it. ![[longship-statblock.png]]