The Maritime Merchant Federation (MMF) or simply 'The Federation' are seven unified trade fleets based out of the Mists, an archipelago just past the eastern coast of Initia proper. Founded after the Second Great Cataclysm by displaced Korinthian fisherman, these trade fleets are bound by a constitution and ruled by the Admiralty which is comprised of one leader from each fleet. One would be forgiven for wondering if the fleets are truly bound by the constitution, for they are often engaged in open warfare against each other. However the Constitution explicitly allows this, it reads "All competition is good, save for when it clearly and immediately endangers the whole enterprise".
In essence, the fleets are unaffiliated with each other except against the land nations of Initia. If a land nation were to attack or bar passage for a Federal vessel, they would be wise to expect swift reprisal from a multi-fleet venture. The combined navy of all Federals is easily double the largest land navy, as a result the Federation has nearly unfettered access to all ports in Initia.
This, and their fearsome reputation as cutthroat defenders of their shipping business, has made the Federals the nearly undisputed lords of the seas to the chagrin of most Initia governments. Despite this anger, those same nations are often dependent on luxury goods available only via portals or shipping, goods which the federals are happy to provide for exuberant cost.
Attempts by those same land nations to source and ship those goods themselves have proven too costly as cargo is plundered and ships are often lost. The Federation, of course, denies they are responsible.
Many persons across Initia have accused the Federation of being a barely disguised piracy operation on, admittedly, an unprecedented scale. Unexpectedly, however, their Admiralty has made for a remarkably functional one party government. Furthermore the Federation has not been shy to take bold statements on political events on land.
For instance, their support of the Dominion in the 2nd Western War has been very opinionated. Many have speculated why the Federation has provided such rigorous naval support to the Paragon, but one might imagine the Federation, being predominantly human in composition, feels sympathetic to the Dominion's cause.
Perhaps that is overly complicated and they are simply good business worth keeping.