The Navy of Idunia

[The Vulgate Cycle 578]

 

Issued in the 267th Year of the Second Age of the Host of Idunia by the

HIGH ADMIRALS

 

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Change begets change. For over two centuries, the Númenedain of Idunia have stood proud and formidable. From the Kingdoms of Barrowton to Númendil, the hosts of the Idunians have won many battles upon the field, from mountain to desert to frozen waste. Yet in over two centuries, there remained one last frontier not yet mastered wholeheartedly; the sea. With the arrival of the Númenedain to Azuras and the rise of the High Kingdom of Idunia, The Angcirlak, from its humble beginnings as a simple patchwork of salvaged ships has been created to ensure the safety of trade and commerce in Idunia’s waters, as well as to facilitate its projection of power across the waves. 

 

To be a mariner of the Iron Fleet, is to comport one’s self as a warrior of Idunia. With all the honors and tenets therein; each ship, a bastion of the Númenedain, an island which is to differ none from the values of home. To be chivalrous and courageous to one's friends and allies, to the august and the wretched, and to make ceaseless war onto the thralls of Iblees. To be decent in indecent times. Each ship an envoy and symbol of the Númenedain, in whichever port or sovereign waters they might be. 

 

Guided by Stars, Anchored in Honor

 

 

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The vocation of a mariner warrior and a master of ship is one built off the back of a sharpened mind as much as it is that of a sharpened blade. From logistics, to mathematics, to navigation and swimming. It is a dedication to a complex art that allows those who sail the seas to become its master.

 

🝑 Otholran | Initiate

At this rank, a prospective mariner is considered a part of the broader Host of Idunia and confers no special benefit among the ranks of the Angcirlak. It is however a requirement to begin at this rank to eventually rise the ranks and to take on the maritime vocation in service of Idunia.

This however does not mean that an Otholran cannot however take preliminary steps in ensuring their place among the fleet. Of their own initiative, they can express an interest in joining the fleet and receive training in ocean-going combat, as well as learn the basics of navigation, naval discipline and life on a ship out at sea. Though they at this stage can expect no special equipment or dedicated treatment. For they have yet to prove themselves as trusted among the ranks of the Idunian warriors.

 

🝑 Maethor | Warrior

Sitting outside the structure of the Iron Navy, it is at this rank that a prospective mariner can formally approach the High Admiral of the Seas and/or the Sword of Owyn for the ability to be made an official member of the Fleet. In doing so and gaining the approval to do so, they will then be inducted into the Iron Navy the moment they have sufficiently earned the rank of Thandor.

During this stage, not much difference will initially be seen between a Maethor of the Host of Idunia and one approved to become a member of the Angcirlak. Though a Maethor can expect a continuation of their training in nautical training outside their official duties as a warrior of the Host. At this rank, they will be primarily examined for their commitment to the path of a sailor and mariner in anticipation of the next step of their nautical journey. 

 

🝑 Thandor | Guardian

Upon ascending to the rank of Thandor, an individual seeking to become a member of the Angcirlak can do so immediately. Like their counterparts within the wider Host, they will be expected to be warriors of Idunia, willing to fight with courage and act with distinction against the Thralls of Iblees or other such enemies of Idunia.

A Maethor entering the Iron Navy almost immediately undergoes fierce training in a variety of different jobs that are required to succeed in the fleet. They will learn to manage and maintain their vessels, learn to chart the stars, read a compass, depth, to swim if they are unable, the order and discipline of naval command as well as get an in-depth education on the use of artillery. As they are still warriors of the Idunian Host, they will also be expected to be such on their vessels as well, whether it be on the deck of a galley in the midst of a storm, a slow moving river, on beaches both rocky and sandy alike. 

Such rigorous training culminates in the ‘Trial of the Tides’, where all Thandors wishing to ascend the ranks of the Angcirlak are tasked with (either on their own or with a group of their fellows) setting out to sea with an instructor or officer of rank to test their prowess at all these jobs, as well as to survive and thrive under less than ideal conditions. The test being as cruel and unforgiving as the sea itself. Upon passing the Trial, a Thandor can expect a merit based rise to the next rank.

 

🝑 Cirion | Mariner - Specialist

Reserved for those who pass the ‘Trial of the Tides’, Cirions can expect a number of other privileges to accompany the earned trust of the Fleet. This rank is the lowest possible for any individual to be able to command a ship at the greatest of need. They can expect their own ships to pass to and from the Angcelumë with minimal scrutiny and further training towards a specialty of their choice such as ship building, expeditionary scouting, research, or command. It is here they will get to dive fully into their skill and continue their work fighting alongside the Host of Idunia. They will still be expected to come to the aid of the land-bound army at-need as well as provide ocean-going logistical support. This rank is the equivalent of Astor (Bannerman).

It is at this rank also that a member of the fleet will be trained to operate the static sea-side defenses of the High Kingdom, namely: the channel bridges and chains, which the Iron Navy will have the exclusive right to operate in war and peacetime with exceptions made only by the High Admirals of the Angcirlak or the Tar of Idunia themselves. The Specialty roles one may take within the Angcirlak are interchangeable and if an aspirant wishes, can pursue multiple. Though it is important to note no specialty as a result holds greater weight in terms of command except through merit alone. The specialties goes as follows:

 

• Shipwrights: Responsible for repairing and constructing new ships of all kinds for the Fleet.
• Expeditionaries: Responsible for scouting and patrolling the high seas and waterways both within and beyond the waters of Idunia, often working closely with the Rangers of Idunia to identify new landmarks, threats and other phenomena of note of a more oceanic or coastal nature.
• Empiricists: Responsible for managing logistics within the fleet, as well as cataloging and researching ocean going environments that are of use or a danger to the navy or ship borne traffic.
• Officers: Responsible for maintaining order and command on ships as well as maintaining the core values, tenets and decorum of the fleet while out at sea or when interacting with other Númenedain and their opposites within foreign waters. 

 

Specialties carry on to the ranks beyond that of Cirion.

 

🝑 Cairtur | Coxswain

Numbered among this rank are some of the most experienced veterans of oceanic combat, travel and exploration. True masters of the salt and sea that have answered every challenge and hardship laid before them by Captains, The Sword of Owyn and the High Admirals of Idunia. For this, they are given a higher level of trust and honor for their dedication and high amount of expertise. They are also entrusted to lead in the absence of Captains and other high ranking officials during battle or other mitigating circumstances. This rank is the equivalent of Orthar (Master-at-Arms).

To denote and symbolize their elevated station as a trusted leader and officer of the navy, a Cairtur upon promotion is granted a fleet officer’s sword known as an Cimaear. Commonly, the sword is a 32 inch long anorum blade with s-shaped quillons and side rings plated in aurum that symbolizes authority and skill among those who wield them.

 

🝑 Azrahest | Sea Captain

Among the highest echelons of the Angcirlak’s leadership, Captains are the most experienced, most successful leaders of the Idunian Fleet. Familiar with almost all aspects of a ship’s inner workings, naval combat, weather and navigation, a Captain of a ship is the de facto leader of authority of any ship they find themselves on, surpassed by no one but an Admiral, the Sword of Owyn, and the Tar of Idunia themselves. They are entrusted to make decisions that ensure the well being of their vessel, their crew and secure the success of their missions, as well as allotted the ability to act autonomously should they find themselves far from the rest of the Iron Navy so long as they hold to the ideals and their loyalty to the Númenedain. This rank is the equivalent of Gwaithron (Captain).

Because of their immense power and responsibility, it is required that those aspiring to the rank of Azrahest be oathed Númenedain and take an additional vow of loyalty to the Tar of Idunia before fully receiving the privileges this rank affords them.

 

🝑 Sirillas | High Admiral of Ports

One of two admirals chosen by the Tar of Idunia to spearhead the maintenance and health of the Angcirlak. Their primary focus is on the Angcelumë and the overseeing of ports and riverways, ensuring that ships are constructed and the ports well defended from internal and external threats to High Kingdom, whether it be Demons, Undead, Azdrazi or warring Kingdoms. They are empowered as well, to integrate and secure vassal ports and places of trade during a time of war, as well as propose improvements to the channel bridge’s defenses. 

 

🝑 Artanai | High Admiral of the Seas

One of the two admirals chosen by the Tar of Idunia responsible for enacting the purpose of the fleet and leading them into battle. It is the Artanai who leads the fleet out to sea, whether it be against belligerent enemy powers, demons, darkspawn, or the existential threats that have come to pass so often throughout the history of the world. And they oversee training, fleet maneuvers and coordinate expeditions and missions with the Sword of Owyn and the Tar of Idunia.

 

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Important Note: WHILE THE FLEET CONTAINS ITS OWN RANK SYSTEM, THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE FLEET DEFER TO THEIR LAND-BASED EQUIVALENTS WHILE PARTICIPATING IN LAND EXPEDITIONS, BATTLE, AND WAR.

 

 

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In the interest of ensuring Númenedain supremacy over its territorial waters, the Angcirlak is empowered with the responsibilities it alone retains exclusive jurisdiction over that all vassals within the High Kingdom of Idunia must abide by:

 

I - The exclusive right  for the Angcirlak to control and regulate traffic entering and exiting the Angcelumë.

II - The exclusive right and responsibility of controlling the channel bridges leading to and from the Autumnal Isle of Arglîmir.

III - The right to commandeer and incorporate vassal war and trade vessels during a time of war or crisis.

IV - That all docks a part of Aldunn’s control fall under its direct control.
V - The unimpeded ability to make use of any port within the Kingdom of Idunia for military purposes.

VI -  The exclusive ability to add and remove ferries within the Kingdom of Idunia with coordination from the Sword of Owyn and the Tar.

VII - The ability to hire and incorporate auxiliaries at its own discretion with coordination from the Sword of Owyn and the Tar.
VIII - The ability to impose regulation pertaining to the maintenance and use of river and water ways throughout all of the High Kingdom of Idunia.

IX - Full access to all waterways within the High Kingdom of Idunia.
X - The ability to regulate the size and scope of vassal warships.

 

 

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In the latter days of Aevos, the Idunian fleet as it stood was a ramshackle collection of ships brought together in a time of crisis of emergency. Maintained by volunteers and those that were charitable enough to help in its upkeep alongside the Marsyrs- the fleet was comprised of captured Covenant ships, privately owned galleys, restored Amanthine brigs and cogs, and a handful of custom made ships from across the Kingdom of Númendil’s seafaring vassals. In acknowledgement of its roots, the tradition of Auxiliaries and its Vassal fleets within the Angcirlak shall remain.

 

Auxiliaries

 

For any who harbor their ships within the waters of Idunia and integrate them, whether it be partially or fully can expect benefits for doing so. These are to be negotiated on a case by case basis and offers made on the basis of crew experience, crew reliability, the condition of the vessel(s), a vessel(s) role, type and quality. Such private enterprising vessels can be expected to adhere to Númenedain law and ethics, or consider any negotiated deals with the High Kingdom of Idunia null and void. 

Privateers are NOT considered auxiliaries, for they deal solely in pay and are not to be treated the same as those who volunteer their ships and experiences to the greater overall structure of the Angcirlak. The hiring of mercenary fleets and privateers is to be considered outside the scope of the Iron Navy of Idunia. 

 

Vassal Fleets

 

As ships owned and in the control of those who have sworn their loyalty and service to the Tar of Idunia, the ships of Idunian vassals are to be afforded greater privilege than that of any auxiliary. They are given the freedom and ability to patrol Idunian waters at their own behest or under direct orders by the Angcirlak if given. This however does NOT give them the right to impede each other’s water ways or act as enforcers of maritime law without the direct authorization from the Angcirlak. Except in cases dealing with Darkspawn, which as always, are to be destroyed immediately with extreme prejudice. Vassal fleets are otherwise given the freedom to act in accordance with their own business and maritime interests, unless otherwise directed by the Angcirlak, the Sword of Owyn, or the Tar of Idunia.

During times of war or extreme emergency, all vassal fleets are however required to be folded into the Angcirlak to meet any and all threats posed against the High Kingdom of Idunia without exception. And in peace, adhere to any regulation imposed upon vassal fleets, should any arise.

 

 

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Signed,

 

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Zôrzagar Argelion Anorion Harren Arthalion, High King of Idunia, Prince of Númendil, Chief of the Númenedain and the Tribe of Harren, Defender of the Númenaranyë, Sovereign of Númenost and Alduun, Knight of the Realm, Slayer of the Gilded Queen, Master of the Sharadûn, Protector of the Adunians

 

HIS EXCELLENCY, Valanór Vourkehardt, the Sword of Owyn, Templar of Saint Michael the Archangel, Thalion Knight of the Realm, The Grand Equestrian, and Slayer of the Gilded Queen

 

HIS LORDSHIP, Arthur-Indocar Marsyr en Rhysfelgar, Royal Herald of Idunia, Brannohtar of Clan Rhysfelgar, Knight of the Realm, Lord in Cartref Mor, High Admiral of the Host of Idunia, and Ceannasai of Ildon

 

HER HIGH LADYSHIP, Maerîl-Emigliana, Matriarch of the House Rourke, Lady-Paramount of Ildon, High Admiral of the Host of Idunia, Master of Tomes, Bard of the Harren Court, Templar Justiciar of Malchediael, Knight of the Realm, Founder of Ildon, Savior of Rourke, Chief-Cennesaei of the Elendâri, Champion of Delgorthad, The First Oathman of the Númenaranyë

 

[Cally 1080]

Admiral Maerîl, High Admiral of the Ports, spoke stoutly and kind upon the announcement of their official navy. Scanning over the scroll she helped scribe with Admiral Arthur. "We will do great things, Arth. . . Oh oh-" She stopped a choreboy on his way to the wrong spot. "Cloth goes over there, to supply the Vengeance with sails." A pointed demand and direction.