Imperial Navy

The Imperial Navy is the largest single naval group in the known world. The navy boasts a fleet over 2,500 ships of various types that are available to the navy at all times. When there is a serious threat of war, the navy has writs with most of the trade ships such that they can come under the Imperial navy’s control if needed.

Patrol Frigates
The largest subgroup of the navy are the Imperial patrol ships. Every island and waterborne community has at least a couple of these ships patrolling the waters around them. These ships are built to specifications of the areas the guard. Those that patrol near islands are generally able to travel in both open oceans and shallower waters near the islands if need be. Those that patrol the waterborne communities tend to be able to handle open water better.

These ships as a group are typically frigates with dual or triple sails and oars so that they can move very fast if need be. These ships typically have a crew of 20-40 sailors who handle the ship itself. In addition there is also a contingent of of Imperial Marines onboard to handle any fighting whether at sea or on land. Smaller frigates will have 30 marines. They function in squads of 10 with a sergeant in charge of each squad. There is a commissioned officer who is over the entire contingent on the ship. Larger frigates boast 50 or more marines with two or more commissioned officers in charge. In those places that have very shallow waters there will be one or more fast boats that typically have one main sail and oars. These boats have a crew of around 10 and 20-30 marines on board.

Response Fleets
There are always at least nine of the fleets out to sea at all times. The fleets consist of a flagship, a heavy warship with a vice-admiral who is in charge of the fleet. Two additional heavy warships that are designed for extended ship to ship combat in open water. These are massive ships with over 100 sailors and 200+ specially trained marines on board. They are built to be tough, able to take a large amount of damage and stay in the fight.

There are four galleys specially rigged for both open water combat and small boat landings on shores. they are the fastest ships in the response fleet and have excellent maneuverability. They boat 60-100 sailors and 250 marines each. Out at sea they are constantly rigged for combat should the need arise. If they are summoned to support a ground assault they typically need a day or two in order to get more than the 50 elite marines on shore. The small boats they use are largely stored below deck in the main hold to keep the deck clear for open water combat.

There are also four to seven support ships that carry supplies, extra weapons, relief supplies and other gear that might be needed while on patrol. These are usually sailing ships and carry smaller crews and only a squad or two of marines.

If there is an urgent need for help the four galleys will speed ahead of the other ships. During times like this it is common for the marine commander with the fleet to take charge. These commanders are trained in both sailing and combat operations.

Battle Fleets
The pride of the Empire, there are five main battle fleets. There are always at least two of these fleets out to sea. One in the northern waters of the Empire and one in the south.

These fleets boast 15 heavy warships, 10 light warships, 35 galleys, and over 50 support ships. Each fleet has a command admiral in charge and five senior marine commanders. While they are clearly combat ships, they are often sent into an area where the Empire wishes to show off its power. It is common for there to be a number of Imperial diplomats on board who can negotiate on behalf of the Emperor/Empire. In times of war all five battle fleets will be out to sea, three in the area of concern and two in reserve.

Special Ships of the Empire
There are also a number of non-combat ships that ply the waters seeing to Empire’s interests and deals. Most are frigates with a small contingent of marines to protect those on board.

There are also the Emperor’s ships. Seven in all. Each is of the finest design and ornamentation. The current Emperor favors the ship “The Blade of Baator”, named after the second Emperor Simon Baator who was a naval genius who saw the fledgling Empire through its first challenge by the Nereid, who now are all but gone from the known world.

Survey Ships
The final group of ships the Empire has on hand are it’s survey ships. Part warship, part exploration ship. They are based on the galley design and carry several different groups. The sailors who handle the ship, the diplomats who stand ready to enter negotiations with any new location they might come across, and the explorers. This last group are specially trained marines that can live off the land and do detailed mapping of areas they come across. They are the first to go ashore when a new location is found. They work hard to avoid combat with any races they might encounter, but can stand and deliver if threatened.