Shoalguard Navy

The Shoalguard Navy serves as Ithica’s primary maritime force, responsible for defending its sprawling coasts, protecting vital trade routes, and ensuring the safety of ships entering and exiting the kingdom. Their renown stems not only from their disciplined tactics and well-built vessels, but from their distinctive expertise in shallow waters—areas where deeper-hulled enemy warships can be outmaneuvered and forced into disadvantage. Historically, they evolved from humble fishing fleets and local coastal militia, unifying under royal directive to counter repeated attempts by rival nations to seize Ithria’s coastal assets. This sense of unity and shared purpose remains a defining characteristic of Shoalguard culture.
Though they fall under the nominal command of the Saeeum or Sarratum, the Shoalguard Navy prides itself on a strong internal hierarchy reflecting centuries of maritime tradition. At the top sits the High Admiral, who coordinates strategic priorities with Ithica’s council and ensures key districts like Harborlight and Lighthouse Crest remain protected. However, real operational authority is distributed among the 117 recognized “naval houses,” each maintaining unique techniques, personnel, and ships. This multiplicity fosters spirited cooperation in times of crisis—though it can also spark rivalries, especially when multiple houses compete for accolades or resources.
Within this impressive assembly of houses, thirteen stand apart: they were handpicked centuries ago by Prince Stell to guard the Thirteen Treasures of Djinn, granting them a unique capability to summon and control the fearsome black sand known as the Djinna. Storing such a potent force necessitates secrecy and restraint. On the rare occasions the Djinna is deployed—usually to deter an overwhelming threat—its terrifying presence can corrode ships and souls alike, effectively ending any thought of a straightforward naval assault. Most of the lesser houses have chosen to remain stationed in coastal forts or afloat, keeping political machinations at arm’s length so no single faction can exploit the Djinna for personal gain.
Despite the hush-hush nature of these artifacts, the Shoalguard Navy demonstrates a welcoming spirit toward traders and travelers who seek safe passage. Shallow-draft patrol vessels swiftly respond to distress calls, ensuring that even foreign ships experience the kingdom’s famed courtesy and reliability. Their emphasis on rescue and maritime aid bolsters Ithica’s international reputation as a fair-minded power—an appealing trait in a world where blockades and sea raids can threaten countless livelihoods. In calmer periods, the Navy coordinates with local fisherfolk and Harborlight District officials to keep contraband in check while championing free, transparent trade.
Shipyards scattered along Ithica’s coast reflect the Shoalguard’s knack for merging form with function. Craftsmen integrate techniques gleaned from earthshapers to reinforce hull plating, while also streamlining hull shapes for optimal maneuverability in shallow waters. Over time, these specialized vessels have come to symbolize Ithica’s maritime edge: swift yet resilient, elegant yet deadly. When crises arise, each naval house mobilizes its unique squadron, sailing under a unifying crest that marks them as Shoalguard—distinct from pirates, foreign militaries, or the independent Corsairs of the Republic of Ithics.
In times of confrontation with large foreign navies, the Shoalguard excels at luring enemy ships into shallow coves or reef-laden straits. Familiar with every eddy and tidal pattern, their captains skillfully exploit local geography. Combined with their partial reliance on earthshaping, they can shift sands and create chokepoints that immobilize or isolate foes. Even land-based defensive lines benefit from the Shoalguard’s synergy with other Ithrian branches, like the City Wardens who help coordinate port security, or the Sandsentinel Compact who share intelligence about suspicious maritime activity.
There is no shortage of respect or awe for the Shoalguard Navy among Ithica’s populace. Despite occasional friction with the Great Ithrian Company—whose commercial goals sometimes conflict with naval priorities—most citizens stand united behind the Shoalguard’s mission to shield their kingdom from seaborne menace. This broad civic support allows the Navy to recruit talent from all walks of life, from daring young sailors to seasoned explorers yearning for a deeper purpose. Training emphasizes adaptability and resilience; recruits quickly learn that a successful campaign might involve a surprise boarding mission, a precise blockade, or even subtly guiding the Djinna into an enemy’s path as a last resort.
On calm days, the Shoalguard’s role seems almost ceremonial: ships in perfect formation, flags fluttering in coastal breezes, and families cheering them on from the shoreline. But behind this tranquil veneer stands a maritime force tested by centuries of invasions, cunning raiders, and clandestine threats. The Shoalguard Navy wields discipline, specialized vessel design, and—rarely but decisively—unfathomable destructive potential in the form of the Djinna. Together, these factors cement the Shoalguard as an integral pillar of Ithica’s defense, ensuring the kingdom’s coasts remain secure and its proud maritime legacy continues to thrive.

Ruled Locations

• Ithica