Aparnovos Marines
The Aparnovos marines are a renowned infantry force stationed aboard the Prince's ships. They have seen extensive service in shipboard defense, boarding actions, amphibious landings, and sieges.
The Marines played a significant role in the final defense of Aparnovos and the evacuation of many of its people. Many continue to serve the successor states of Torelledir and Fosowbria, guard surviving Dalghennas and outposts, or fight alongside Westwythian forces. Although diminished and robbed of their home, the marines are still a credible force; men remain in their ranks who have faced down sea monsters and wild horrors of the wide southern oceans.
Composition
Equipment
The armour of the Aparnovos Marines is adapted for service at sea, consisting of composite or kettle helmets, steel or boiled leather lamellar cuirasses backed with cork for flotation, and assorted vambraces and greaves. The armour is fitted over lightweight tunics, and when on campaign ashore may be supplemented with mail, spaulders, and other additional pieces. Light boots or sandals are favoured footwear, although some marines prefer to fight barefoot on the slippery decks of ships. Oval or round shields are generally used in shipboard combat, while larger kite shields have been used ashore.
Weaponry
Both ranged and melee combat is emphasized in naval warfare, and the marines use a variety of weapons depending on the situation. Crossbows of various weights and sizes are a staple, as well as smaller composite bows and a variety of javelins.
Maces and axes are popular and viciously effective in pitched boarding actions, and are useful when combating more heavily-armoured foes ashore. Shortswords and stout thrusting spears are also sometimes used.
The Aparnovos Marines are also notorious for throwing clay pots filled with incendiaries, noxious substances, or caltrops in ship-to-ship combat. Quick thinking marines have also been known to heave such weapons over enemy shieldwalls while serving ashore.
Structure
Command of the marines aboard any given vessel is exercised by the Captain of Marines, who answers to and advises the ship's Captain. Under the Captain of Marines are several Serjeants, the number of which depends on the size of the ship's company. Sergeants lead units of 8 men each: these small groups and a prevalence of leadership from the ranks is a key factor in fostering comradery and cohesion, as well as flexibility and aggression in combat.
Training
As a professional force, the Aparnovos Marines have a set training regimen which brings recruits to a set standard of proficiency and fitness, particularly in swimming and climbing. They are accustomed to storming ships and enemy strongpoints aggressively and in a range of conditions, while shipboard service has made them hardy and adaptable.
