HYPERBOREA / Minimum Number of Crewmen

Things I Worked On · **Posted by Ynas Midgard** 2/21/2018 11:50 am

Alright, it's technically not a question about the rules. Anyhow, what is the minimum number of crewmen a small viking longship requires to remain operable? What about the other types of vessels? I wanna run a short campaign where the players are in control of such a vessel with an adequate crew to start with, but I suspect their numbers would soon start fluctuating.

EDIT: Grammar.

Last edited by Ynas Midgard (2/21/2018 1:59 pm)

**Posted by BlackKnight** 2/21/2018 2:42 pm

Typical longships have from 14 to 34 rowing benches depending on the length of the ship. A typically a "bench" is actually a chest that held the rower's personal items etc,.Also along with the Rowers, there is a Styrismadr (Steersman/helmsman), and potentially a navagator added into the total. Remember also, any/all of the crew would be also "henchmen" (0-level characters) that could be potentially used in combat.or if hirelings could be even higher levels.

So "minimum" would be 14+helmsman. (7 per side)
Bob

Last edited by BlackKnight (2/21/2018 2:44 pm)

Things I Worked On · **Posted by Ynas Midgard** 2/22/2018 12:26 pm

Thanks!

**Posted by BlackKnight** 2/22/2018 12:38 pm

NP, Norse is my thing, just ask Ghul...

Last edited by BlackKnight (2/22/2018 12:53 pm)

**Posted by Thrasaric** 2/22/2018 3:25 pm

So would a ship crewed by 14 still be sea worthy or is this a ship that would be for more running rivers? I was curious on the original question as well, thank you.

**Posted by BlackKnight** 2/22/2018 3:52 pm

In theory, you could probably operate with even a few less, the 14 are oarsmen mostly. Under sail maybe as few as 7 in a smaller ship, but little/no rowing, and under sail it’s a difficult ship to handle in cramped quarters (river or tight fiords).