Naval fleet
The state's dependence on overseas trade for much valued foreign exchange created powerful trade-guilds, some of which grew more powerful than the regional governors. With the Naval fleet often deployed in military expeditions, the guilds employed privateer navies for protection and support. These forces performed path-finding, escort and protection duties but were often also summoned to serve the Empire's interests. Like their European counterparts, the guild navies had no National markings and employed multi-national crews.