You may come across five different categories of ship during the game.

• Men-o-War – Often with four masts and heavily armed, these major naval vessels are the kings of the deep seas, but are generally only found in national navies.
• Sailing Ships – favoured by merchants, pirates and smaller naval vessels.
• Junks – oriental ships, smaller but just as fast as those listed above.
• Long Ships - originally from the north, their large crews mean they are great for raiding. About as long as a junk, and as low as a keelboat, they are powered into battle by a company of rowers.
• Keelboats – Slower vessels. Often fishing ships, very local merchants or shore based pirates.