The Apotheosis is one of the frigates, which, along with their Elven counterparts, rule the seas. The Nathi originally stole the design from the Elves, which probably ensured their survival in the war that much longer.

The frigates are used generally for quick strikes against enemy positions, or for dogfights at sea. Their strengths are in fast and furious battles, and not as much in long ocean voyages. Thus, they are primarily deployed along the western coastline, in the Sea of Blood, and less around the less heavily-fought coasts.

Because the large crystals required for its engine and prow bolter are quite difficult for the Nathi to produce, the Nathi tend to rely on the frigates to anchor their formations, and rely on conventional sailing ships for the bulk of their fleet. The city of Emba has two or three frigates in port at any given time.

The Apotheosis is about a hundred feet long and twenty broad. It has no sails, relying instead on a submerged pontoon under the stern. This pontoon can be charged by a team of six Nathi or Elves, and is capable of great speeds over small distances. Its long-range cruising speed is comparable to a similarly-sized sailing vessel. It is reasonably maneuverable, but not excessively so. For those of you that play Battlefleet Gothic, it's roughly as maneuverable as a light cruiser.

The prow is worked into the shape of a great gryphon's head, within which is the housing for the prow bolter and its crew. The bolter needs a crew of six Nathi to charge it to full power, though as few as two can fire it at greatly reduced strength. At full power, this fearsome weapon can kill unshielded ships at almost as far away as they can be seen.

A crystal lattice built into the sides of the boat provides a magical shield. When charged by ten Nathi per side, each shield projects a magical repulsion field which provides protection against magical and energy-based attacks along that side of the ship. The stern and prow are not shielded, as the shields would interfere with the bolter and engine. Conventional projectile-based attacks are not stopped by the shields, rather, the shields merely increase the temperature of such projectiles (and any ships they happen to broadside, and any bodies which get flung through) enough to set wood aflame, kill humans, and significantly heat iron shot.