The Navy of Veloria (The Sleeping Leviathan)

The Velorian Navy, unmatched in size in @The Middle Sea, is often called the Leviathan of Stella Maris. It is the maritime arm of Veloria’s power—an institution as spiritual as it is strategic. Under the dual authority of its high priest and king, @Anselm XI, Potentate of Veloria, the navy serves not only to defend the realm but to project the divine order of @Veloria across the seas.

Command Hierarchy

At the apex stands @Lord Admiral Lucien Marevalo, The Lord of the Admiralty, a figure of immense tactical acumen and spiritual discipline. He is both chief strategist and naval philosopher, often in direct communion with @Anselm XI, Potentate of Veloria within the Hall of the Leviathan in the @Chamber of Stella Maris. His role is to interpret divine will into maritime doctrine, and to ensure the navy remains a reflection of Velorian ideals.

Beneath him are the Three Sealords, each overseeing a critical domain:

  • First Sealord – Responsible for naval policy, standards of procedure, and doctrinal integrity. Often a scholar of naval history and theology.

  • Second Sealord – Oversees logistics, including victualling yards, shipyards, and supply chains. Known for their mastery of provisioning and maritime infrastructure.

  • Third Sealord – Manages personnel, promotions, crew transfers, and spiritual welfare aboard ships. Often an ordained priest of Stella Maris. @Sister Lucia is currently serving as Third Sealord.

Fleet Composition

The Velorian Navy is composed of several distinct fleets:

  • The High Fleet – Flagships and capital vessels, including the cathedral-ships that serve as mobile temples. These are reserved for ceremonial voyages and high command.

  • The Tide Fleet – Main combat force, composed of frigates, ships-of-the-line, and fast cutters. These patrol Velorian waters and enforce maritime law.

  • The Lantern Fleet – Reconnaissance and spiritual outreach vessels. Often crewed by priests and scholars, they carry light into distant waters.

  • The Salt Fleet – Merchant and supply vessels under naval protection. Though not combatants, they are vital to Veloria’s economic and spiritual lifeblood.

Naval Culture

Velorian sailors are trained not only in seamanship but participate in prayer. Every ship has a shrine to Stella Maris. Captains are expected to lead his crew in prayer, overseen by the ship's chaplain, as well as lead his crew in battle. The navy’s motto—By Tide and Star—reflects its dual nature: to move with divine rhythm and to strike with celestial fire. @Selby Maturin is an example of a chaplain of Stella Maris, currently serving aboard the Tide Fleet frigate Audacity captained by @Captain Royce Aubrey .

Naval uniforms are ocean blues, orange, and gold, echoing the coat of arms of Veloria. Priests, though not officers, are an integral part of the crew. They stand out by their striking white, ocean blue, and gold veils and robes. They are key intermediaries between the ship and the Goddess, and many captains refuse to leave land without a priest.

The Velorian Navy sleeps in the harbors of Stella Maris, but when it wakes, it does so with the voice of the Goddess of the Sea and the will of the crown.

Commissioned Officers and Promotion Structure

Commissioned officers in the Velorian Navy begin their careers as Midshipmen, having completed both maritime training and received a port chaplain's blessing for sail. Promotion is based on a combination of tactical merit and peer review by the Third Sealord’s clerical board. The ranks ascend as follows:

  • Midshipmen – Entry-level officer in training. @Aurelio is an example of a Midshipman, he is currently serving on the Audacity under @Captain Royce Aubrey

  • Lieutenant – Junior officer with command over small crews or ship sections. @Zarmus Urzer is serving as Lieutenant aboard the Audacity.

  • Captain– Full ship commander, often selected for Tide Fleet or ceremonial High Fleet roles. @Captain Royce Aubrey who commands the frigate Audacity is an example of a Tide Fleet Captain.

  • Commodore – Oversees multiple vessels and coordinates fleet movements; often a candidate for become a Sealord (One of three high ranking naval administrators who answer directly to the Lord of the Admiralty).

  • Admiral – Senior fleet commander, chosen by the Lord of the Admiralty and confirmed by Anselm XI.

Promotion ceremonies include a rite where the officer receives a ceremonial blessing from a chaplain, or a Chamber clergy, depending on the rank and importance of the promotion. Advancement is considered both tactical and spiritually productive.