Azure Armada

Military forces of Thalassai

Thalassai’s navy, known as the Azure Armada, is one of the strongest in Arathen. Its fleet protects trade routes, patrols the seas, and deters piracy. The Azure Armada is both a protector of the nation's waterways and a symbol of its naval supremacy. Revered as both warriors and protectors of the sea, the Armada is not only a military force but also a symbol of the nation's sovereignty, trade prosperity, and spiritual unity. The Armada’s flagship, The Eversapphire, is enchanted to cut through storms and remain seaworthy in the fiercest conditions.

The Azure Armada is a dominant force in the seas of Utania. Their ships are known for their superior craftsmanship, their sailors for their discipline, and their captains for their strategic brilliance. While their legacy commands respect, it also makes them a target of envy and fear among rival powers.

Structure and Composition

The Azure Armada is divided into three primary fleets:

The Crescent Guard: Dedicated to defending the sacred waters and shrines of Astrelia, this fleet operates under strict religious guidance. Their ships are adorned with crescent moon motifs and serve as guardians of holy sites.

The Tidebreakers: Tasked with patrolling trade routes and safeguarding Thalassai’s merchants, the Tidebreakers are the most active fleet, often escorting cargo ships and engaging in skirmishes with pirates or rival nations.

The Deep Vanguard: Known for their swift and stealthy operations, this fleet specializes in reconnaissance, exploration of uncharted waters, and rapid-response missions.

Cultural Significance

The Azure Armada is more than a military entity; it is a manifestation of Thalassai’s relationship with the sea and their faith in Astrelia. Many sailors within the Armada perform rituals before each voyage, seeking Astrelia's blessing. Their ships are often painted with designes in deep azure hues, with sails emblazoned with the Armada’s crest—a trident merged with an anchor, crowned by a moon, crossed by rapiers, and surrounded by waves.

Membership in the Azure Armada is regarded as one of the highest honors in Thalassai, with sailors revered not only for their bravery but also for their role as stewards of the nation’s spiritual and economic lifeblood.

The Battle of Serpent's Rift

One of the most iconic moments in the history of the Azure Armada is the Battle of Serpent’s Gorge, a decisive confrontation that secured Thalassai’s maritime supremacy.

Background

Decades ago, a coalition of independant naval forces sought to challenge Thalassai’s dominance over key trade routes. These forces were descretely financed by the merchants and guilds of Thalassai's nearby political opponents. Led by the rouge sea lord, Duke Aramis Arkene, they attempted to seize Serpent’s Gorge, a treacherous channel crucial for accessing the richest ports of Thalassai.

The Battle

The Crescent Guard led the defense, rallying the entire Armada to the gorge. The battle was fought over several days, with the tides and narrow waters turning the conflict into a chaotic melee. It is said that Astrelia herself intervened when the tide turned (literally) against the Armada, as an unprecedented wave surge engulfed enemy ships, scattering their fleet and ensuring Thalassai’s victory.

Aftermath

The Battle of Serpent’s Rift solidified the Azure Armada’s reputation as an unstoppable force and forged its spiritual legacy. The victory is celebrated annually during the Tide of Triumph, a national holiday marked by parades, offerings to Astrelia, and reenactments of the battle.