ScardungeonM. J. Bull

Ships of Scardungeon

The Red Lightning

A swift brigantine, smaller than the Commodore's great ships but faster than any of them. Oars, sails and the magic of the parrot together carry her across the waves.

The Red Lightning, a red-hulled brigantine with lightning-bolt sails, her long oars dipping into the sea as she cuts through the waves.

Through the middle of the ship

A cross-section of the Red Lightning showing her decks from masts to keel: sails and crow's nest above, captain's quarters and navigation room at the stern, oar and gun decks, crew hammocks, galley, stores, water casks, powder magazine and ballast below, each numbered 1 to 18.
Tap or click the diagram to enlarge it.

What is what

  1. 1

    Sails
    Gaff mainsail aft, three square sails and a topsail on the foremast. A small crew can handle them, so the ship turns quickly and runs fast.

  2. 2

    Jibs and bowsprit
    Triangular headsails on the long bowsprit. They pull the bow round and add speed on every wind.

  3. 3

    Crow's nest
    The lookout's barrel high on the foremast. The first place to spot land, storms and the Commodore's sails.

  4. 4

    Main wheel
    The helm, on the open quarterdeck. Ropes run from the wheel down to the tiller.

  5. 5

    Captain's quarters
    Stern windows, a bunk, desk, sea chest and the captain's parrot on her perch.

  6. 6

    Navigation room
    Chart table, compass, quadrant and spyglass. Courses are plotted here.

  7. 7

    Rudder and tiller
    The tiller below decks swings the rudder on the stern post.

  8. 8

    Oar deck
    Rowing benches and long oars that reach the water through ports at the waterline. Oars, sails and parrot magic together make the Red Lightning fast.

  9. 9

    Cannons and shot
    Four guns a side on the gun deck, with cannonballs stacked beside them.

  10. 10

    Crew quarters
    Hammocks slung between the beams. Sailors sleep in shifts, so the hammocks are never all full.

  11. 11

    Galley
    The ship's kitchen, forward under the forecastle. The stove vents through the chimney above.

  12. 12

    Food stores
    Biscuit, salted meat, flour and dried goods, kept low and dry. Hams hang from the beams.

  13. 13

    Fresh water
    Casks with blue bands. Fresh water is life on a long voyage.

  14. 14

    Powder magazine
    Gunpowder in a closed room, far from the galley fire, with a lantern behind glass.

  15. 15

    Sail and rope locker
    Spare sails and coiled rope, ready for repairs at sea.

  16. 16

    Anchor and cable
    The anchor hangs at the bow. Its heavy cable is stowed below in the chain locker.

  17. 17

    Ballast and bilge
    Stones in the keel keep her steady. The bilge pump clears any water that creeps in.

  18. 18

    Figurehead
    A red parrot, watching the waves ahead.

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