The Magnolia Fleet

The Magnolia Fleet was the historical name for Eb-Evehlem’s Navy. Like the mythical ship of Theseus, its constituent parts were constantly switched out and replaced, but the name remained unchanged for many hundreds of years. After the Siege of Parar, where imported Exaanos triremes were defeated by a longer ranged, sail-based Araridzh fleet, Patron Abili retrofitted the Magnolia fleet with bolt-throwers, traction catapults - which had been used by the Araridzh to devastating effect on Eb-Evehlem’s coastal cities - and relegated the ram to a decorative niche, rather than one of actual military significance.

This is a stereotype of the types of ships found post-Abili’s reforms.

1) Traction Catapult

Invented in 3715 by an unknown Araridzh polymath, they were used extensively during the Ararizh-Delvang Wars in 3722. Gradually, as walls rose to defend against them, they grew to gargantuan proportions, requiring hundreds of men to operate. This led to a new role forming, one who both operated the traction catapult AND the oars, when extra maneuverability was needed.

2) Bamboo-Sparred Sails

Not much to say here, aside from the fact that the bamboo spars made it easy to repair sails at sea, allowed for the use of cheaper sail materials, and afforded much more control than a traditional sail. There were disadvantages, of course, but all sail types come with their pros and cons.

3) Bolt-Throwers

Initially imported from Sabozah'Kreh, these were soon made in-situ across Eb-Evehlem lands. Their superior range, firepower and oar-fouling capabilities made them a potent threat to Triremes and their ilk. Their ammunition ranged from simple bolts, to crescents for cutting rigging and sails, to coal-bombs at close range, so as to set fire to enemy ships.

4) Magnolia Fleet Petals Flags

The Magnolia Fleet, like the Judges, are subdivided into 9 sub-fleets. These flags indicated which sub-fleet the ship belonged to, as well as what its name was.

5) Sterncastle

Often filled to the brim with archers, these formidable fortifications ensured that boarding was never an option for an opponent. However, the walkway bristles with bamboo gangplanks, to make the option all the more available for the men aboard.

6) Rudder

Steers the ship.

7) Decorative Ram

A vestigial organ of the ship, harking back to a time of oar-driven ramming, now nothing more than a kelp-cutting decoration. Became increasingly sharp to assist in that role.