The Water Tribes

The Water Tribes

Northern Chieftain: Zurok

Southern Chieftain: Nelekar

Military Structure

Spoiler:

The Water Tribe Military is generally split into two separate navies – the Main Fleet and the Reserve Fleet. As well as this, there are several smaller contingents of vessels that patrol the waters around the world, and several that are stationed at key points for the Water Tribes.

The Admiral controls the entire fleet, but is actively in charge of the Main Fleet, the largest of the Water Tribe military forces. The Reserve Fleet is controlled by the Vice Admiral, but still answers directly to the Admiral.

In times of war, the rank Lord of the Fleet is introduced. The rank is generally given to the Admiral of the fleet, but exceptions can be made in dire circumstances. To position is voted on by the Alliance Council.

The Alliance Council is made up of representatives from both Water Tribes, as well as anybody who captains a ship. They vote on matters such as appointing the Lord of the Fleet, and engaging in acts of war.

The Fleet

The fleet is made up of a large collection of wooden ships, ranging in size from small catamarans to huge war galleons. The ships generally have very few to no sails, instead being powered by Waterbending.

Ice Cannons are also outfitted to the ships in times of war, supplied by the Alliance Council. These are very rudimentary weapons that use Waterbending to fire large blocks of ice at other ships to smash their hulls.

Although each captain is a king of sorts upon his own ship, each must in turn answer to their superior officers in times of war. As such, ships are routinely checked and made as identical as possible, so commanding them is easier in case of death of a captain.

The Army

The standing military of the Water Tribes is small but effective. It consists mainly of boarding parties, but there is also a battalion of infantry available for ground incursions across the globe.

All members of the military, sea or land, are given uniform to wear. It generally consists of clothing of blue colour, varying in bulkiness dependant on where they are stationed. For example, the contingent around the North and South Poles wear heavy hooded jackets and thick woollen trousers.

Most of the soldiers have crafted their own weapons, but there is an armoury that supplies those that either break or lose their own. These weapons are made of metal rather than the traditional bone, and are considered by some to be better than their traditional counterparts. High-ranking officers also receive swords, but few practice with them due to preference for other weapons and no strict rule to have to use them.