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Red Arrow

Red Arrow is a 40-gun frigate. As the first ship constructed for Ardchreag's fleet (in January AS XL) it is the flagship. Her letter of marque is from Their Excellencies Septentria.

Captain	1st Lieutenant	Boatswain
Colyne Stewart	Þorfinna gráfeldr	Tarian verch Gadarn

Master-at-Arms	Mate	Rigging Rat
Mahault van der Eych	Joe of Ardchreag	Marie de Chat Noir
	Cook
	Snæbjörn sverðsbrjótr

Black Trillium

Black Trillium is a first rate man-of-war, with 100 guns. It is a pirate ship, commanded by Cap'n Bloodfox. His previous ship (a galley called Interceptor) was sunk in the winter of AS XL by His Majesty Ealdormere's fleet. Bloodfox claims to have a privateer's letter of marque from the king of the Central Kingdom.

 

Captain	Pilot	Flag
Cap'n Bloodfox	Mr. Andersen

Clever Wife

Clever Wife is a pirate ship, commanded by Cap'n Widow.

 

Captain	Flag
Cap'n Widow

 

Definitions of Shipboard Positions	Letters of Marque	Ship Information
	Shanties

Definitions of the Shipboard Positions:
 

Late Medieval English Naval Ranks (16^th Century)

Captain: Captain is one of the oldest naval ranks. Originally, it was originally the same as its army counterpart (the military officer commanding a company of soldiers). When a medieval merchant ship was converted to a ship of war, said company of soldiers came aboard. The captain then took charge of both the vessel and its merchant commander—the master. The captain, being a gentlemanly military officer and on a temporary assignment, did not at first take much interest in the more practical matters of sailing his vessel. Rather, he left that to the master. As time progressed, the need for more permanent war vessels led to more permanent captains. These officers became more proficient in navigation and seamanship than their predecessors, eventually sharing in these duties with the ship’s master.

Lieutenant: One of the oldest military ranks of the navy, the lieutenant was the assistant to the captain commanding the company of soldiers embarked on a war vessel. Initially, the lieutenant was an aristocrat officer, waiting for a place as an aristocrat captain. By the late seventeenth century, the lieutenant had evolved from these origins and was a thoroughly trained, professional sea officer. Unlike a captain, a lieutenant was not guaranteed promotion, and many officers, lacking influence or even luck, served their entire commissioned careers in this rank. The sailing navy lieutenants took charge of watches, and in battle commanded divisions of guns. There were eight lieutenants on a ship of the first rate, five on a 74-gun third rate, and two or three on a frigate. The most senior, the first lieutenant, took charge of much of the administration of the vessel, and did not normally stand a watch. In battle the first lieutenant's station was on the quarterdeck, with the captain, ready to assist or take over for the latter if required. Lieutenants could also command vessels smaller than sloops, such as brigs, bomb vessels, and cutters.

Corporal: A junior officer, and assistant to the lieutenant.

Master: Master is one of the oldest titles in naval usage. Originally, as today, it applied to the officer in command of a merchant vessel. When the medieval nation took the merchant vessel into its service, converting it to a man-of-war, the civilian master remained aboard. In this capacity he was subordinate to the military captain, but still responsible for the technical matters pertaining to his vessel. Eventually the captain and lieutenants became competent in navigation, but this remained the master's particular specialty. In addition to navigation, Masters were responsible for stowing the ship's hold (because of its effect on her trim), for the condition of the sails, rigging, and anchors, and for keeping the official log. Masters took charge of watches in rotation with the lieutenants, and in battle he stood near the wheel and conned the ship. They could also command non-combatant naval vessels, such as transports. Since most Masters had gained their experience in the merchant service, they were not generally considered to be in a "gentlemanly" position, and were not given a sovereign's commission like the captain and lieutenants. The ship’s master was considered to be a Wardroom Officer.

Note: the rank Master and Commander was not established until the late 17^th century, well past our end date of approximately 1600, so it will not be included.

Warrant Officers: A Warrant Officer in Cook's navy was a specialist representing one or more of the skilled trades employed aboard ship. Examples of such trades include carpentry, navigation, medicine, artillery and sail making. A Warrant Officer was appointed to his position by "Warrant" issued by the Navy Board, whereas a Commissioned Naval Officer received his appointment from the Admiralty in the form of a "Commission". Advancement to Warrant Officer was afforded to any exceptionally skilled seaman or marine, as well as certain skilled landsmen such as shipwrights, surgeons, parsons and clerks. The one mandatory trait they all had to pass was the ability to read, write and "cipher". Warrant Officers were allotted a personal crew of subordinates or "Mates" to assist them in carrying out their duties. These "mates" were typically "Petty Officers" (appointed to their position by the ship's captain, but just as quickly could be demoted by him for any misbehaviour), but in some cases also included other Warrant Officers. Within their own ranks, Warrant Officers had varying levels of authority and status, categorised as Wardroom Officers, Standing Officers and Lower Grade Officers.

Wardroom Officers: These Warrant Officers were referred to Wardroom Officers because they had access to the Wardroom and Quarterdeck; privileges normally reserved for Commissioned Officers. They had the most prestige of others in their ranks. The ship’s master was considered to be a Wardroom Officer.

Surgeon: A Wardroom Officer, who acted as the ship’s doctor.

Chaplain: May have likely been a somewhat dubious man of the cloth, often an old hand with “spirits”, saw to it that the men remained reverent while at sea. It would appear however, that the Navy was not overly concerned about his importance as reflected by his pay. His salary was basically that of a common seaman. (Since this is a religious rank The Red Arrow won’t be staffing a Chaplain.)

Purser: The Wardroom Officer in charge of the accounts, documents, freight, provisions, and the like.

Standing Officers: Unlike their shipmates, who transferred from vessel to vessel, the Standing Officers remained permanently attached to their vessel, even while she was not in commission. These men were heavily involved with the fitting-out of the vessel.

Boatswain: Or bosun; a Standing Officer, either a warrant officer or petty officer in charge of a ship's anchors, cordage, colors, deck crew and the ship's boats.

Carpenter: A Standing Officer, his primary job was to ensure that the vessel remained afloat, and was responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of all things wooden. The Carpenter had a fairly large crew, regularly employed at inspecting the integrity of the vessel, and making all necessary repairs.

Gunner: A Standing Officer who was generally responsible for the overall maintenance of the ship’s guns, but not the actual loading and firing during combat. That task was typically reserved for a Lieutenant. The Gunner was to ensure that all guns, carriages, tackles, and implements were in order, and saw to it that they remained serviceable. He was likewise responsible for the powder and ammunition, maintaining a ready supply of charges for each gun. The Gunner’s crew was rather large, consisting not only of his mates, but also of the quartergunners, as well as the Armourer, who by the way, was also a Warrant officer).

Lower Grade Officers: A type of Warrant Officer who were basically Petty Officers with warrants and like other Petty Officers could be demoted at the Captain's whim.

Master-at-Arms:  A Lower Grade Officer who looked after personal arms such as swords and firearms, ensuring they were kept in good order and their ammunition was prepared and ready for use in combat. He also instructed other members of the crew in the use of arms. He later also became responsible for discipline.

Sailmaker: A Lower Grade Officer who answered to the Boatswain.

Caulker: A Lower Grade Officer who sealed the seams with oakum, and answered to the ship’s Carpenter.

Armourer: A Lower Grade Officer who served as the ship’s gunsmith, blacksmith, and metal-worker, and answered to the Gunner.

Ropemaker: A Lower Grade Officer who answered to the Boatswain.

Cook:  A Lower Grade Officer who was often an elderly or disabled seaman, who received his "warrant" as a reward for faithful service in the Navy. It also served in a way as compensation for the loss of an eye, or a dismasted limb suffered in combat.

Petty Officers: Petty Officers were appointed to their position by the ship's captain, but could just as quickly be demoted by him for any misbehaviour.

         Coxswain: A petty officer in charge of a ship's crew.

         Quartermaster: A petty officer who attends to a ship's helm, binnacle, and signals.

Mate: Generally a Petty Officer, a mate was the age-old assistant to the master, as he still is in the merchant service. Master's mates of the Royal Navy were initially considered apprentices for the position of master, and were usually experienced seamen. Some examples of mates include the Boatswain's mate, Master's mate, Quartermaster's mate, Coxswain's mate, Yeoman's mate, Cook's mate, Steward's mate, Carpenter's mate, Surgeon's man, Quartergunner (the Gunner's quartermaster) and Gunner's mate.

Midshipman: Midshipmen were ratings in medieval navies whose duties were centered around "mid-ship." This position evolved to become the "apprenticeship" leading to a commission. Though only a petty officer officially, a midshipman was understood to be a gentleman and given many of the privileges of commissioned officers. Midshipmen were given uniforms in 1748, before any other non-commissioned officers. Young men could not be rated midshipmen until they had served at least two years at sea. This time was often spent as a volunteer or captain's servant, but some youngsters' names were simply entered on a ship's books. While serving as a midshipman, the young officer learned navigation and seamanship, and had such duties as supervising sections of gun crews, acting as officers' messengers, and taking charge of prizes. After at least six years of service, and at least nineteen years of age, a midshipman could take his examination for lieutenant. While waiting to take their examinations or for a commission, it became customary for the senior midshipmen to take appointments as master's mates.

Seamen: Ratings (positions) not held by officers.

          Drum & Fife:

          Pilot: The chap who actually plots the course and steers the ship.

          Ship's Boy: Also sometimes called a rigging rat. A youngster who fetches and carries, runs messages and so on.

          Steward: A rating responsible for the serving or managing of victuals.

          Swabber: A rating employed to keep the ship clean.

          Trumpeter:

          Yeoman of the Tacks:

          Yeoman of the Jeers:

Sources:

Cook’s Navy http://www.captaincooksociety.com/ccsu4190.htm

History of United States Naval Uniforms and Insignia http://users.sisna.com/justinb/unifhome.html

Naval Warrant Officers http://www.hmsrichmond.org/warrant.htm

Roger, N. A. M. The Safeguard of the Sea: A Naval History of Britain 660-1649. W. W. Norton & Company, 1999.

Stefan's Florigium: Ships http://www.florilegium.org/files/TRAVEL/ships-msg.html

Letters of Marque:

Red Arrow: The Baron and Baroness of Septentria to all and singular Admirals &c., Greeting. Know ye that we have granted and given to our well-beloved Colyne Stewart, master of a certain ship called the Red Arrow, liberty to equip in the port of the Canton of Ardchreag, at his own charges, the aforesaid ship with as many mariners, men-at-arms, and bowmen as shall be necessary for its navigation and defence at sea against our enemies, whosoever they may be, and for subduing, capturing, and destroying the same; and liberty to set forth with the same ship, so equipped, upon the sea for the purpose aforesaid. And by these presents we straitly command all and singular, sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, keepers of ports of the sea, officers, and all our lieges whatsoever, as well within liberties as without, that, as often as they are called upon by Colyne on our behalf, they be obedient and attentive, as beseems them. And we will that whatsoever he, Colyne, succeed in winning, gaining, and having by capture from our enemies aforesaid, he may have and keep for his own proper use, without claim or hindrance by or from us, or our heirs or ministers, or the ministers of any our heirs whatsoever. Provided always that under colour of this licence he, Colyne, his mariners, men-at-arms, and bowmen aforesaid, neither do nor permit to be done any violence, hindrance, or hurt to any who are in friendship with us. Witness Their Excellencies Septentria at PLACE on the Xth day of XXXXXX.

Sources: 

English Letter of Marque issued by Henry IV in 1405 (http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/garden/5213/engl1405.htm)

English Letter of Marque Against Scotland, 1400 (http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/garden/5213/engl1400.htm)

Ship Information:

Frigate: A frigate was a medium-sized sailing warship with one gun deck, plus guns on the spar deck.

Frigates were perhaps the hardest-worked of warship types during the age of sail (1571-1862). They scouted for the fleet, went on commerce-raiding missions and patrols, conveyed messages and dignitaries, and filled in places in the line of battle if there was a shortage of battleships (from the term "line of battle" ship, but more commonly referred to as "ships of the line" or referred to by the number of guns they carried (for example, "74s"). Usually frigates would fight in small numbers or singly against other frigates. Unlike larger ships that were placed in ordinary, frigates were kept in service in peacetime both as a cost-saving measure and to provide quality experience to frigate captains and officers which would be useful in wartime. Frigates may also carry marines or naval infantry for land-based and ship-boarding operations.

Frigates mounted 28-44 guns on a single gun deck. The frigate was the real backbone of the fleet, and frigate commands were often more sought-after than larger capital ships. Ships-of-the-line and frigates all carried similar rigs - that of a three-masted full-rigged ship.

Sources:

Wikipedia: Age of Sail http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_sail

Wikipedia: Frigate http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frigate

Wikipedia: Medieval Warfare http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medieval_warfare

New Jersey Scuba Diver : Artifacts and Shipwrecks : Sailing Ships http://www.njscuba.net/artifacts/ship_sailing_ship.html

Shanties:

 

Colyne's Privateers	The Ballad of the Arrow	The Red Arrow Speaks
Aweigh, Saint Cris	The Bonnie Ship Red Arrow

Colyne's Privateers
The Anonymous Singing Scotsman

Sung to the tune of Barrett's Privateers

Oh, the year was 1478, [all] HOW I WISH I WAS IN ARD CHREAG NOW!
A letter of marque come from the king,
To the scummiest vessel I'd ever seen,

CHORUS:
God damn them all!
I was told we'd cruise the seas for Midrealm gold
We'd fire no guns-shed no tears
Now I'm a broken man on an Eoforwic pier
The last of Colyne's Privateers.

Oh, Colyne Stewart cried the town, [all] HOW I WISH I WAS . . .
For twenty brave men all fishermen who
would make for him the Red Arrow crew
(chorus)

The Arrow sloop was a sickening sight, , [all] HOW I WISH I WAS . . .
She'd a list to the port and her sails in rags
And the cook in scuppers with the staggers and the jags
(chorus)

On the King's birthday we put to sea, , [all] HOW I WISH I WAS . . .
We were 91 days to Sandusky Bay
Pumping like madmen all the way
(chorus)

On the 96th day we sailed again, , [all] HOW I WISH I WAS . . .
When a bloody great Mid-Ship hove in sight
With our cracked four pounders we made to fight
(chorus)

The Midrealm-Ship lay low down with gold, , [all] HOW I WISH I WAS . . .
She was broad and fat and loose in the stays
But to catch her took the Red Arrow two whole days
(chorus)

Then at length we stood two cables away, , [all] HOW I WISH I WAS . . .
Our cracked four pounders made an awful din
But with one fat ball the Mid’s stove us in
(chorus)

The Red Arrow shook and pitched on her side, , [all] HOW I WISH I WAS . . .
Colyne was smashed like a bowl of eggs
And the Maintruck carried off both me legs
(chorus)

So here I lay in my 23rd year, , [all] HOW I WISH I WAS . . .
It's been 6 years since we sailed away
And I just made Eoforwic yesterday
(chorus)
 

The Ballad of the Arrow

The Anonymous Singing Scotsman

Based on The Ballad of the Rover

Come all you jolly sailor lads, that love the cannon's roar,
Your good ship on the bring wave, your lass and glass ashore,
How Ard Chreag 's sons can fight you presently shall hear,
And of gallant captain Colyne in the Arrow privateer

She was a brig of Eoforwic , of just a hundred tons;
She had a crew of fifty-five and mounted fourteen guns;
When south against King Edward's foes she first began to steer,
A smarter craft ne'er floated than the Arrow privateer.
   
Five months our luck held up and down the Middle Sea;
And many a prize we overhauled and sent to port again;
Until the MidRealm’s laid their plans with us to interfere,
And stop the merry cruizing of the Arrow privateer.

The year was fourteen hundred, September tenth the day,
As off Wolfe Island in a clam all motionless we lay,
When the schooner Santa Rita and three warboats did appear,
Asweeping down to finish off the Arrow privateer.

With muskets and with pistols we engaged them as they came,
Till they closed in port and starboard to play the boarding game;
Then we manned the sweeps, and spun her round without a thought of fear.
And raked the Santa Ritta from the Arrow privateer

At once we spun her back again; the warboats were too close;
But our gunners they were ready, and they gave the Dons their dose.
They kept their distance after tat and soon away did sheer,
And left the Santa Ritta to the Arrow privateer.

We fought her for three glasses and then we went aboard,
Our gallant captain heading us with pistol and with sword;
It did not take us very long her bloody decks to clear,
And down came the Midrealm colours to the Arrow privateer

We brought our prizes safe to port - we never lost a man;
There never was a luckier cruise since cruising first began;
We fought and beat four Mid-Ships - now did you ever hear
The like of Captain Colyne and the Arrow privateer?
 

The Red Arrow Speaks

Mahault van der Eych

Based on The Schooner Song by  John Prince

Aweigh, Saint Cris
Based on Aweigh, Santy Ano (trad.)
Laird Colyne Stewart

Saint Cris (or more accurately, Saint Crispinus) is the patron saint of Ardchreag.

Lyrics

From Ardchreag we're bound away,
Heave aweigh (Heave aweigh!) Saint Cris.
Around Cape Boar to Dragon Bay,
We're bound for Pennsic’s bliss.

So Heave her up and away we'll go,
Heave aweigh (Heave aweigh!) Saint Cris.
Heave her up and away we'll go,
We're bound for Pennsic’s bliss.

She's a fast frigate ship and a bully crew,
Heave aweigh (Heave aweigh!) Saint Cris.
An up-north Scot for her captain, too.
We're bound for Pennsic’s bliss.

So Heave her up and away we'll go,
Heave aweigh (Heave aweigh!) Saint Cris.
Heave her up and away we'll go,
We're bound for Pennsic’s bliss.

Back in the days of Forty AS,
Heave aweigh (Heave aweigh!) Saint Cris.
Those were the days of the good excess,
Way out in Pennsic’s bliss.

So Heave her up and away we'll go,
Heave aweigh (Heave aweigh!) Saint Cris.
Heave her up and away we'll go,
We're bound for Pennsic’s bliss.

There's plenty of gold, so I've been told,
Heave aweigh (Heave aweigh!) Saint Cris.
Plenty of gold so I've been told
Way out in Pennsic’s bliss.

So Heave her up and away we'll go,
Heave aweigh (Heave aweigh!) Saint Cris.
Heave her up and away we'll go,
We're bound for Pennsic’s bliss.

When I leave ship I'll fight for the Crown,
Heave aweigh (Heave aweigh!) Saint Cris.
For my kingdom I’ll win renown,
Way out in Pennsic’s bliss.

So Heave her up and away we'll go,
Heave aweigh (Heave aweigh!) Saint Cris.
Heave her up and away we'll go,
We're bound for Pennsic’s bliss.

The Bonnie Ship Red Arrow

Based on The Bonnie Ship the Diamond (trad.)
Laird Colyne Stewart

Lyrics

The Red Arrow is a ship me lads,
For the Eastern Straits she's bound
And the Rouge Port is all garnished
With lads and lassies round
Captain Stewart gives the order
To sail the oceans wide
Where the sun it never sets me lads
Nor darkness dims the sky.

And it's cheer up, me lads
Let your hearts never tire,
For the bonnie ship Red Arrow
Goes a-hunting for the tygre!

Along the quay at Colynesburg
Lads and lassies stand around
Wi' their cloaks all pulled about them
And the salt tears runnin' down
Oh don't you weep, my bonnie lass,
Though you be left behind
For the trillium will grow on Silfern Mere’s ice
Afore we change our mind.

And it's cheer up, me lads
Let your hearts never tire,
For the bonnie ship Red Arrow
Goes a-hunting for the tygre!

Here's a health to the Jaunty Troll,
Likewise the Lord Raffe’s Game
Here's a health to the Eiriksdrakkar
And the Red Arrow ship of fame
We wear the trousers of the white
And the jackets of the green
When we return to Rouge Port,
We'll hae our sweethearts again.

And it's cheer up, me lads
Let your hearts never tire,
For the bonnie ship Red Arrow
Goes a-hunting for the tygre!

It’ll be bright both day and night
When the Silfern Mere lads come hame
Wi' a ship full o' Eastern gold
And glory to our name
We'll make the cradles for to rock
And the blankets for to tear
For the lusty crew o’ the Red Arrow
Are home again no fear!

And it's cheer up, me lads
Let your hearts never tire,
For the bonnie ship Red Arrow
Goes a-hunting for the tygre!