Re: Rightarm Islanders

From: Jeff Richard <richaje_at_8rrO9gxikTmQOb4nKgwgbEHVZd-TBQ1tDzZWRWf59zCSKgGK6oX3io-JNHxFnAR0Peo6>
Date: Tue, 04 Sep 2007 05:58:07 -0000

> I am inclined to agree with Mr Dunham and had imagined that the
majority of
> the Rightarmers onboard the Kethaelan fleet were in positions of
command,
> although I imagine some of the Rightarmers would have worked below
decks too.

>From what I have read about trireme warfare, the quality of rowers may
well have been more important than the quality of the officers in determining success.

This being the Holy Country, I imagine that each Sixth was assessed a number of triremes to build and maintain. The quality of the ships likely varied wildly. The Rightarm Islanders likely maintained about a score of triremes and constituted the elite of the navy. The bulk of the fleet were likely Esrolians or Heortlendings from the coastal cities. The worst were likely the uz and the Caladralanders (who likely just paid for ships). And so on.

> However the losses still made an impact, removing the cream of
Rightarm
> Islanders sailing skills from the navy and many widows back home.
Joining the Navy
> is of course one way of escaping the humdrum life of fishing,
however as a
> relatively conservative people, they enjoy the humdrum.However it is
a great
> loss all the same.

Absolutely. And probably led to wildly divurgent political and religious reactions.

Here's another question - what is the role of the ludoch of Deeper in the Holy Country navy?

> I am not sure what Martin Hawley's take on this is...my thinking is
a bit
> fluffy and I don't have my notes at hand.

Martin - want to chime in?

Jeff