Sea Barons

The king appointed certain nobles to baronial island fiefs, four in all, instructing them to build squadrons of ships and compete, for whichever of their number excelled in warfare at sea would be appointed over all as supreme baron and admiral as well. Baron Mastway won the post, and to this day the High Admiral of the Inner Sea is the hereditary Baron of that place. The four barons are virtually independent but still swear fealty to the king and serve loyally if not with great enthusiasm. Their squadrons protect the coasts and sea lanes, and fight with pirates.