Square-rigged merchantmen are a trader's dream. They have large cargo capacity,
space for numerous guns for use in dangerous waters, and plenty of room for
crew and passengers. Furthermore, where appropriate they can be sailed with a
smallish crew to save money.
Most merchantmen are peaceful traders, disinclined to fight. They tend to
have large cargos and sometimes a bit of wealth. Privateers and pirates always
look forward to capturing a "juicy" merchantman. However, some merchantmen
have been converted to pirate ships, with stronger armament and a ferocious
crew of cutthroats. These ships are extremely dangerous.
