Results Details

The usual negative effect of this arrangement was to shorten the distance the grapnel could be cast by one individual, necessitating then greater proximity, the use of an engine, or the vulnerable clustering of two or more individuals. - (Avengers of Gor, Chapter 57, Sentence #6)

Following the sinking of the forward ship, or observation ship, by the maddened living island, which we commonly spoke of as the "Brigand Island," the corsair fleet was reduced to four vessels, two of which were now drawing close, one to attempt drawing alongside the port side of the Dorna, and the other intending to draw alongside the starboard side of the Tesephone. The grapnels of the enemy, as I had anticipated, had some seven or eight feet of chain between the eye of the grapnel and the normal casting ropes. This arrangement made it impractical to chop away the casting rope, thus rendering the grapnel ineffective. The usual negative effect of this arrangement was to shorten the distance the grapnel could be cast by one individual, necessitating then greater proximity, the use of an engine, or the vulnerable clustering of two or more individuals. More importantly, in understanding the nature of the grapnel, with its customary three or four hooks, one recognizes that it must have an accessible, independent anchoring point to render it effective, such as the top of a wall, the girth of a branch, a railing, or such. If the grapnel is denied purchase, its utility to the enemy is nullified. We surveyed the ship approaching our starboard side. - (Avengers of Gor)