The zebec "Valiant Ocean"The zebec "Valiant Ocean"

A zebec is a the largest traditional Khinasi sailing vessel. It generally has three lateen sails and so it is primarily used along the coasts of the Baïr el-Mehare. Zebecs are similar to galleys having both lanteen sails and oars for propulsion. Early zebecs have two masts; later ones three. Zebecs feature a distinctive hull with pronounced overhanging bow and stern, and are slightly smaller than Brecht or Anuirean ships given the same duties. Captains will put a square sail on the foremast for journeys in the open ocean.
Khinasi captains greatly favor zebecs as corsairs, second only to the smaller dhoura. Zebecs are so effective because they are built with a narrow floor to achieve a higher speed than their victims, but with a considerable beam in order to enable them to carry an extensive sail-plan. The lateen rig of the zebec allows for the ship to sail close hauled to the wind often giving it an advantage in pursuit or escape. The use of oars or sweeps allows the zebec to approach vessels who are becalmed, a condition far more common on the Baïr el-Mehare than on other seas. When used as corsairs they carry a crew of 200 men and can mount six ship to ship weapons. In peacetime, the zebec can transport cargo.
thumb|An Ariyan Zebec and two Aftanean ships|left
Zebec: Colossal vehicle; Seaworthiness +0; Shiphandling +2; Speed wind x 20 ft or oars 30 ft (average); Overall AC -3; Hull Sections 36 (sink 9 sections); section 80 hp (hardness 5); Section AC 3; Rigging Sections 1; Rigging hp 60 (hardness 0); AC 1; Ram 4d6; Mounts 4 light and 2 heavy; Space 100 ft x 20 ft; Height 15 ft (draft 15 ft); Compliment 200; Watch 7 plus 100 rowers; cargo 160 tons (Speed wind x 10 ft or oars 15 ft if 80 tons or more) cost 25,000 gp.
When configured with a square sail on the foremast, change Shiphandling to +1 and Speed to wind x 25 ft. Khinasi captains do not like to give up the shiphandling characteristics to use square sails if it can be avoided.

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