Crabclaw is the base for settlers and freebooters from The Hann Empire, and one of the least protected ports in Drai Shon. The bay was chosen for its good harbourage, and the fort was built as a bastion of last resort, should the burgeoning town be overrun. Now there is an armed hulk in the middle of the bay, it isn't very mobile, but then no defensive ship at anchor in a bay, is going to be very mobile. Instead, it is crewed by marines and armed with huge siege engines that can smash a ship to pieces quite quickly. At the very least, it will slow attackers down enough for the freebooter vessels in port to join in with the defence.

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The Hulk is a Flottah, captured from Hobgoblins a couple of years ago. It has been decked over and fitted with three huge catapults amidships, supported by large ballistae on the fighting castles. All five siege engines can be turned to shoot from either side of the hulk. Below decks, there is low ceilinged accommodation for the crew - a mix of marines, deck hands and guards. Just about anyone who arrives in Crabclaw, without money, can get a berth here as a deckhand, they keep the ship clean and shipshape, and act as crew for the siege engines. Those with military experience are taken on as guards, and given lookout and other military duties, as skilled employees they earn slightly more than deckhands. Marines and guards, can be deployed in The Hulk’s longboats to board invading vessels, after they have been battered by the catapults. New recruits sign a two-year contract, and receive minimum pay and leave - but at the end of their contract they are given a lump sum that will help them get established in the islands.