Kind of a random question, but do you know if ships in the Dragon Age universe have canons? I know Qunari ships have something, but I mean ships like the ones the Raiders of the Waking Sea use. Trying to figure out how naval combat works in DA.
The qunari are the only culture who have the knowledge of gaatlok aka black powder aka gunpowder, and as such, their dreadnaughts have canons. From the codex entry:
They pulled alongside, their great ship twice the length of ours, and we drew steel, ready for them to board. Instead, a great series of blasts rocked the waves, spewing smoke everywhere. Iron balls the size of a man's head flew as though fired from a bow. They ripped through hull, mast, and sailor alike; our ship came apart like a child's toy. I'd have died in the water had a trading ship not come by to investigate the wreckage.
The Tevinter crew assumed the qunari would board, and were taken off guard by their canons. So I think it’s safe to assume that most naval combat is a matter of ramming and boarding. Unless it’s against a dreadnaught. Then you’re just done for.
The dreadnaughts are also equipped with harpoon guns, as shown in Those Who Speak #1:
IDK if this is another purely qunari tactic or if it’s a common one, but it would certainly make the practice of boarding easier.