Transporting troops via ships in D&D...

[Arravis]

Hey guys, I know this may be an obscure question. I'm trying to find out how many troops you could carry per ton of cargo on a ship? I am using the 3ed edition Arms & Equipment guide for the stats on ships. Unfortunately it only lists its cargo in tons, so I have no idea how many soldiers you could transport per ton of cargo. I know its not the simple way, because storing people (who needs places to sleep, live, etc) isn't as simple as cargo.

The ship I'm looking at carries 150 tons, just trying to guesstimate how many troops it could transport. Anyway, here's hoping someone has a clue, thanks!

-Arravis

 

[Mark CMG]

How long a trip and how rough are the waters? I would think that a quick trip, even overnight, across calm straits, for instance, to a place where they have waiting support would translate to fewer 'persons per ton' (shall we say?) than a trip of several days or a week or even more, particularly across rough seas or open water where they have no ability to put into shore for each night and perhaps replenish fresh water. Will there be horses or pack animals transported as well?

 

[Mark CMG]

I see you have a sister thread where you are getting some good information -

http://www.enworld.org/forum/showthread.php?343198-Transporting-troops-via-ship

 

[Hand of Evil]

all comes down to the ship:
Hemoila -- Initially used by pirates but soon incorporated into all major navies both as scouts and for light hit-and-run tactics.
Type Scout
Crew 108 rowers, 11 sailors, 30 marines
Size 24 metre length x 2.7 metre beam
Cargo 4 tons
Speed 20 kph oars or 18 kph sail
--------------------------------

The Bireme was the warship used at the time of the Trojan wars. It had a broad bottom with a shallow draft. Biremes were propelled by two banks of oars and virtually skimmed over the seas. The bow had a portion that protruded out at water level. It is thought that this configuration was intended for ramming and piercing the enemy's ships hull. A bireme was outclassed in combat by a trireme's speed and weight but its combat power should not be underestimated. The Romans renamed it Liburnia and mainly used it as a patrol ship.

Type Light Warship
Crew 144 rowers, 15 sailors, 40 marines
Size 33 metre length x 3.6 metre beam
Cargo 5 tons
Speed 16 kph oars or 18 kph sail
-------------------------------------------

Octeres were used as a warship mainly up to the Battle of Actium in 31 BC.
Type Dreadnaught
Crew 450 rowers, 25 sailors, 220 marines
Size 43 metre length x 8.5 metre beam
Cargo 8 tons
Speed 25 kph oars or 18 kph sail
---------------------------------------------

Roman Frumentariae were mostly food transportation but could be used for troops -

 

[Arravis]

Yeah, I had realized I probably posted in the wrong section over here... I appreciate the assistance though!

I see you have a sister thread where you are getting some good information -
http://www.enworld.org/forum/showthread.php?343198-Transporting-troops-via-ship