The izmars'ya are underwater ships developed by Ravka for naval warfare.
History[]
The izmars'ya are developed in Lazlayon, where prototypes of the submersibles are built in miniature before being tested out in full size. Nikolai Lantsov and David Kostyk spent the better part of a year perfecting a filter for the crew to breathe inside the vehicle. Nadia Zhabin was also integral in the development of the izmars'ya.[1]
King of Scars[]
At some point, information about the izmars'ya was leaked from Ravka's old research facility, leading to the Kerch discovering that these ships were being developed. Hiram Schenck asked Nikolai Lantsov about them during a trade summit in Ivets.[2] The Kerch Merchant Council claimed they wanted the underwater fleet as a defensive measure, when in reality they intended to use them for attacking Zemeni ships so that they could regain control of the seas.
In order to discourage the Kerch, Nikolai hatches a plan to give Schenck a secret look at their izmars'ya prototype and make the display catastrophic.[3] Isaak Andreyev, disguised as Nikolai, takes charge of this presentation. Schenck is thrilled by the prototype until it suddenly explodes, shooting its missiles into the sky.[4] However, he later reveals that he was unconvinced by the explosions.[5]
After returning from the Shadow Fold, Nikolai gives Schenck the real izmars'ya plans to guarantee the Kerch funding them during the war.[6]
Rule of Wolves[]
After the Kerch government acquired the izmars'ya plans, Ravka lost their leverage with them.[7] The Kerch used the izmars'ya to blow up Zemeni ships like Nikolai had predicted, but they were unaware that the ships they destroyed were devoid of men and cargo to give the Kerch an illusion of success.[8]
Later, Nikolai meets with Kaz Brekker and strikes a deal with him using the izmars'ya as leverage. He mentions that Inej Ghafa's ship, the Wraith, can be attacked by the izmars'ya at any time, but says that he can have their hulls imbued with rhodium—making it possible for a ship to receive an early warning when one comes within a three-mile radius. After hearing this, Kaz agrees to help Nikolai.[9]
Description[]
The izmars'ya are wide and flat, appearing clumsy on land. Underwater, they move quickly and silently, guided by Tidemakers. Air is provided to the crews inside through a combination of Squaller power and a filter invented by Nikolai and David. The ships are made out of metal, and a pendulum-and-valve system is used for missile targeting.[1] The izmars'ya are large enough to make a sailboat appear small next to them.[4]