Questions about Boat, Terms, and stuff.

[ThunderStorm]

So, is using ranged weapon the only way to kill people on boat?
I'm asking this because I'm a big noob and don't know how many ways can people kill me when I'm on boat.
Also, I'd like to know what a hermit is. I saw this term in this forum often, but don't know what it means.
Other stuff, can someone tell me about the big factions in the game? I'm just curious.
Thank you for those who take time to answer my question, I appreciate your help.

[TeckXKnight]

You can also just break the boat and drown them or enter the back of their boat and attack them in melee.
A hermit is an individual that lives alone in the world rather than in a village.
The political landscape I cannot help with.