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[edit]
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 shop 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.
History[edit]
Age of Darkness[edit]
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" shops which dotted Sosaria's landscape.
At the time of the incursions of Exodus in Ultima III, shipbuilding suffered a sharp decline, 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[edit]
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, they 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 were no longer sold together with frigates and deeds were introduced in order to clearly state ownership of vessels.
Age of Armageddon[edit]
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[edit]
On the Serpent Isle, there once had been shipwrights as well, but their market was destroyed by the teleport storms and all went into bankruptcy.
Lore[edit]
| “ | Shipwrights are found in several port cities. These are where frigates and skiffs are built. 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. – from The Book of Lore (Ultima V)
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| “ | 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. Whether you need 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. It is wise to pay attention to information about local sea and wind conditions before setting out in a new craft. – from Compendium (Ultima VI)
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| “ | Ships may be purchased from shipwrights in nearly any coastal city. By Britannian law no ship is considered to be legally held unless the owner has in his possession that ship's deed of sale. – from The Book of Fellowship (Ultima VII)
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| “ | Normally, travel between the islands would be impossible for the common person (without the aid of magic, that is). To meet the needs of the poor souls forced to live without the luxury of the arcane arts, several craftsmen began building various watercraft and selling them to those who were planning voyages across the seas. To discourage the theft of such expensive vehicles, the people of Serpent Isle have established the practice of issuing deeds to ship buyers, thus denoting ownership. Later note: Due to a decrease in the number of trips across the waters, no new ships have been constructed in the past several years and ship's deeds are things of the past. Thus, the once-common occupation of the shipwright has lost its value, forcing such builders to learn other trades. |
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Notable Examples[edit]
- 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.
Gallery[edit]
Island Shipwrights in Ultima V
The Crow's Nest in Ultima VI
Clint's shipwright shop in Ultima VII
| Shops | |
|---|---|
| Shops | Apothecary ☥ Armoury ☥ Bakery ☥ Clothier ☥ Fletchers and bowyers ☥ Grocery Healer ☥ Inn ☥ Jeweler ☥ Provisioner ☥ Shipwright ☥ Stables ☥ Tavern ☥ Trainer |
| Shops of Old | Armour shop ☥ Magic shop ☥ Oracle ☥ Weapon shop |