Shipwright

Several of the port towns along the shores of Britannia boast of craftsmen renowned for their dedication to the construction of safe, dependable sea vessels: The Shipwrights.

Description
Whether one needs a small skiff to get upriver, or a mighty sailing vessel for open sea travel, the local shipwrights will be more than happy to discuss terms - especially how much money one is willing to invest into this venture. Since shipbuilders are usually busy building ships, their shoppe hours are often short and sporadic. When the shipwright is in, one can buy skiffs alone, which are not very expensive, or frigates, which are very expensive and generally come with skiffs on board. The bigger ships are moored near the shop while the skiffs can be transported.

It is wise to pay attention to information about local sea and wind conditions before setting out in a new craft. A shipwright will also sell the ship owner a sextant in order to aid navigation at sea. Besides their business, shipwrights often also keep book about the comings and goings of ships in the harbour.

Age of Darkness
In the early days of Sosaria, during the events of Ultima I, ships could be procured for a little under six-hundred pence and were available throughout the coastal "Transport shoppes" which dotted Sosaria's landscape.

At the time of the incursions of Exodus in Ultima III, a big decline came into the sell of these vessels, as they became scarce to come by amongst honest vendors. Because the pirates of the era having secured the vast majority of the water ways, a frigate could most commonly be procured by fighting against a raiding crew bold enough to attack one's party on shore and then claiming their ship after dispatching them. In this age and for several years to follow, this was the only way to come in possession of a frigate.

Age of Enlightenment
It was not until in the Age of Enlightenment in Ultima V, during the regime of Lord Blackthorn that actual shipwrights started to appear. At that time, the either sold frigates, skiffs, or a frigate with a skiff attached. During that time, Master Hawkins was the best shipbuilder in the land, and his plans would ensure superior construction.

In Ultima VI, skiffs no longer were sold together with frigates and deeds were introduced in order to clearly state ownership of vessels.

Age of Armageddon
However, beginning with the Age of Armageddon in Ultima VII, things started to change. Shipwrights by now only sold ships which only featured a single mast and had no cannons for defense, while skiffs had fallen out of usage and were no longer sold. In turn, shipwrights now sold sextants. The time also saw the rise of the shipwright Owen, who was said to be the best available, until his fall from grace when the truth came out.

In the wake of the great Cataclysm, ship travel broke down and the profession of the shipwrights ended.

Other Worlds
On the Serpent Isle, there once had been shipwrights as well, but ever since the teleport storms started, they got ruined and by Ultima VII Part Two had all went into bankruptcy.

Notable Examples

 * Island Shipwrights is a shipwright in Jhelom which, during Ultima V, was run by Bantral. Later in Ultima VI, the store was run by Peer.
 * The Crow's Nest is a shipwright in Minoc which, during Ultima V, was run by Captain Blyth. Later in Ultima VI, The Crow's Nest was run by Trebor.
 * The Oaken Oar is a shipwright in East Britanny which, during Ultima V, was run by Master Hawkins. Later in Ultima VI, the store was run by the mute Arty.