An admiral of the Old World
An admiral commands a fleet of ships in most of the navies of the Old World and are the true lords of the sea. While most are employed by one of the navies of the Old World's nations, some admirals are pirates commanding a flotilla of bloodthirsty marauders.[1a]
Many sea captains envy their position, so admirals must be quick-witted and charismatic to see off attacks; after all, once at sea, almost anything can happen, and only the survivors can tell the tale. Because of this, many admirals are paranoid individuals who are jealous of their power, and most are quick to end any imagined mutiny with their loyal marines or pirates.[1a]
Flagships[]
The admiral's flagship is usually the largest ship in the fleet. In battle, the admiral supervises operations from the elevated fore or aft deck of their flagship. Orders are conveyed to the captains of other ships by a signalman, using patterned flags. Signal flags are hoisted up the flagship's mast when the fleet is operating in loose formation, such as during a naval blockade, or when communicating with approaching fleets. In conditions of poor visibility, the signalman uses a hooded lantern or carrier pigeons.[2a]
Enemy flagships are often targeted in battle with the purpose of disrupting fleet command. For this reason, the flagship usually sails at the centre of the formation. The admiral of a sunken flagship, if not rescued quickly by another ship in his fleet, might be captured by the enemy and held for ransom -- or worse.[2a]
Flagships belong to the mighty Man O' War type of warships. The Empire Greatship is perhaps the most famous class of Man O' War, with bow and stern gun decks supplementing its broadside array. The Bretonnian Galleon is faster than the Greatship and carries a more powerful broadside, but lacks fore and aft guns.
Dwarfen Men O' War are called Ironclads; steam-powered paddle ships covered in metal plates and armed with turret-mounted cannons.
High Elven flagships are catamarans called Dragonships that have fearsome Dragonblade rams attached to each of their twin prows and bolt throwers for ranged engagement. Many fleets employ a powerful battle wizard aboard the admiral's flagship to provide magical support.[2a]