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The navy in a fictional world doesn’t just usually rely on offensive powers against its enemies; it utilizes a fair number of those based on defense as well. Using defensive powers can spell the difference between victory and death. Thus, it’s imperative to use fantasy naval fortifications the right way.
The type of naval fortifications depends on the period of history the world is in. For instance, in the modern era there are far more available compared to that of the ancient world. Generally speaking, the further along the world is in history, the more technologies it has access to and said techs are integrated in the navy’s defensive strategies.
The first of fantasy naval fortifications focuses on the use of floating objects. They primarily act to either outright obstruct or at the least impede the enemy’s movement. Floating objects are placed strategically in areas the navy knows enemy ships have no choice but to pass through in the event of an attack.
Ships are the oldest fortifications in the navy’s arsenal dating back to ancient times. While they are floating objects, they don’t just stay in one place; they can move quickly to block the other side from getting through. This can buy time for defenders to mount an effective defense or launch a counter-strike.
Out of all the fantasy naval fortifications, the coastal fortress is the most powerful. It is found in all major harbors and ports vital to the kingdom’s economy. Designated to drastically hamper an enemy fleet’s attempt to take over the port, it features a number of things it uses against its foes.
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Since a fictional navy’s main focus is on all major water bodies within and just outside the kingdom’s boundaries, ships aren’t the only thing it relies on to safeguard the bodies of water within its purview. These sea vessels can’t be everywhere all the time which is why the navy uses floating objects.
The type of floating objects vary by age. Later eras of history have more options than the earlier ones. Regardless of the period of history, they all serve a common function: to slow down an advancing enemy fleet’s attempt. They are then placed strategically in areas where the navy knows or at least anticipates the fleet to have to move through in order to reach their destination.
The most popular floating object in the fantasy naval fortification is none other than the sea mine. This explosive-laden object can be placed either at the surface or in specific water depths. When a ship unknowingly touches it, the naval mine detonates upon contact, blasting a great hole in its hull or destroying it outright.
Another common floating object is the shrapnel. This pointy-shaped object has extremely sharp points that can effortlessly shred a hole in the ship’s hull which is quite useful especially when said ship is made of wood. It can also attach itself to the ship and slow it down. The shrapnel comes in a variety of materials like wood or metal.
The last floating object of the fantasy naval fortifications is the versatile platform. This object can be used in many ways such as holding cannons, archers raining fire upon an approaching armada, or as an outpost to watch for any signs of trouble. While some are stationery, the majority are mobile so that the people onboard can move to other spots in which to continue firing upon the attackers.
Ships are the the most important fortifications a fictional navy can use. They can move from one area to another in a relatively short period of time. One major responsibility they have is to protect areas vital to the realm’s economy.
These aquatic vessels regularly patrol the areas around major ports and harbors. They do so to ensure that they can quickly deal with trouble whenever it arises and they also operate as a deterrent to make would-be attackers think twice about making a move. They patrol in shifts all hours of the day, usually changing at certain times like dawn or dusk.
In the event of attack, these fantasy naval fortifications guarding the place being hit adopt a defensive stance. They quickly form a blockade, making it difficult for the invaders to get through unscathed. The blockade enables them to start firing on them and buy time for the area under attack to get all of its other defenses up and running.
The type of firepower ships carry depend on the period of history of the world. In medieval times, they have arrows doused in flames and cannons whereas in later eras they have artillery and lasers. The firepower they have in their hands helps them mount a strong defense and whittle down the numbers of those attacking them. They are also used to dampen the morale of the attackers, essentially telling them they cannot achieve victory.
Another thing they carry is objects filled with explosives and not the ones they fire at the enemy fleet. Instead they dump them out into the water, knowing that it won’t be long before they reach their target or rather, the target comes into contact with them. This forces the attackers to have to glide around, slowing down their advance or lose a few ships in the process, buying time for the defenders to regroup and reform the blockade.
If there’s one type of naval fortification that epitomizes power, it would be the coastal fortress. This great structure’s main function is to guard the port and harbor of a city vital to the realm. It poses a challenge to all would-be attackers since it comes with plenty of defensive measures, all of which are designated to withstand a siege.
The fortress boasts an impressive number of cannons scattered all over and pointing towards the sea. During battle, these cannons are perfectly synchronized to fire in unison and have the ability to inflict massive damage on the enemy ships which cannot evade the cannonballs quickly. The cannons are one significant reason why the fortress is the toughest of all fantasy naval fortifications.
The coastal fortress resembles a castle in appearance though what it looks like varies by location. It has towers, battlements, and even a brig. Castles are notoriously difficult to take by force — besieging one can take months since they are designed to withstand extended periods of battle — and the fortress is no exception. Couple it with the fact that it’s built to endure a protracted skirmish from the water makes it notoriously tough for the attackers to successfully take control of.
A key benefit the coastal fortress has over the other fantasy naval fortifications is that it can hold not just armies but all sorts of military equipment. Crossbows, swords, shields, and so on. Having all these equipment ensures that all the soldiers stationed there have the means to protect themselves and deliver the fatal blow to their foes.
One thing the fortress has going for it is that its great size makes it easy for its defenders to lay traps to ensnare their attackers. They can lure them into a room where they cannot escape from and are subsequently eliminated. They can hide in secret rooms and hit them when they least expect it. There’s no shortage to what traps they can use!
When working on developing the navy of your fictional world, don’t overlook the importance of the fortifications it uses. They use them to their fullest advantage and can literally spell the difference between victory and defeat. Furthermore, they also showcase how creative the navy can be which your audience will appreciate.
Floating objects are common fantasy naval fortifications. While many are anchored in place, others can move around and reposition themselves to be used once again. These floating objects can be used in a number of ways such as being shrapnel or filled with explosives. The sky’s the limit when it comes to them!
Ships are one of the navy’s most important fortifications. Besides having mobility, they can also impede the enemy’s attempt to move in by forming a blockade around the port. The crew onboard can attack from afar, whether by using cannons or bow-and-arrows.
The most impressive of all the fantasy naval fortifications is the coastal fortress. Essentially a castle, taking one by force means a long slugfest for the invading army. Attackers have to endure a constant stream of cannon fire, arrow fire, and not to mention the traps set by those defending the fortress.
Naval fortifications are key to success in battle and are a vital component of a navy’s defensive strategy. Bringing them into the world you’re creating from the ground up can give you more options to craft riveting battles, especially those of the maritime variety.
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