The Navy of Veloria (The Sleeping Leviathan)

The Velorian Navy, often called the Leviathan of Stella Maris, is the maritime arm of Veloria’s power—an institution as spiritual as it is strategic. Under the dual authority of Anselm XI, priest and king, 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 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. 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.

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.

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 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.

  • Lieutenant – Junior officer with command over small crews or ship sections.

  • Captain– Full ship commander, often selected for Tide Fleet or ceremonial High Fleet roles.

  • 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.