Admiral James Reed, Earl of Strathmore

James Reed, the Earl of Strathmore (-134--52, is regarded as the first great Caledonian admiral. His victory over the Iltharan Empire in the Iltharan War set the stage for the emergence of the Principality of Caledon as the main power in Reaver's Deep.

Early Life

Reed was born on Caledon, son of the owner of a small metalworking shop who became "new money" with a lucky investment in a cargo of household goods to the newly-emergent middle class on Rob Roy.

Naval Career

Reed joined the fledgeling Caledonian Navy as an apprentice gunner. As the reforms of Admiral O'Farrell transformed the Caledonian fleet from a ragtag force of privateers and convoy escorts into a credible fleet, Reed advanced rapidly, vaulting into the commissioned officer ranks by age 25. He became an "ace", capturing and/or destroying five Reaver vessels by the time he ws 28, bringing him to Admiral O'Farrell's notice. Reed quickly rose through the ranks, taking a key role in training the new generation of professional officers to crew the new ships O'Farrell was commissioning, thus converting the Caledonian fleet from an amorphous mass of mercenaries, converted traders and experimental ships to a professional force capable of fighting against organized fleets.

With O'Farrell's retirement in -92, Reed became the commander of the fleet - just in time for the Iltharan War.

Later Life

After his brilliant victory in the Iltharan War, Reed carried on commanding and expanding the fleet, further developing it into the most powerful non-Imperial force in Reaver's Deep until his retirement in -64. Along with O'Farrell, he is revered as one of the fathers of the Navy.

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