Dromon

The dromon is the work of imperial shipwrights who have taken the heavy galleys of the early empire and updated them with the technologies of the seafaring peoples of the south and east. Their unusual sail plan, a lateen in front and a squaresail behind, reflects this hybrid tradition. The name means “runner”, but nautical design and terminology evolve differently, and the dromon is distinguished not by its speed but by being the heaviest and sturdiest ship on the five seas. Like all heavy warships they turn and accelerate slowly, and thus must rely on smaller craft like the liburna to chase nimble pirates and smugglers. But in battle a line of dromons, their rams cutting the waters ahead of them, epitomizes the irresistible might of the Empire.