The Imperial Army

[Imperial Administration 530]

THE IMPERIAL ARMY

Est. 15th of Snow’s Maiden, 1590. Authored by Ser Rakim of House Yar and revised by his Excellency, the Imperial Archchancellor Ser Leopold of House Horen.

 

The Imperial Army repelling a bandit incursion in the plains of Alstion, west of Johannesburg, 1575

 

“A ruler’s personal levy is a reflection of their true power. Should said levy remain proud, organized, clean and most importantly, effective, then through reasoning one could infer that their respective liege is the same. A ruler cannot enforce his will without devout men to ensure his ideals are executed without flaw. Furthermore, it stands to reason that a ruler cannot maintain order amongst his vassals unless he carries a large stick to back his demands. Without a strong, personal levy, a lord lacks the means to legitimize his rule.”

- Ser Leopold Francis of Marna when addressing the Vandorian martial disaster, Memoirs from a Tower.

 

“Why do I fight?” a Crown Knight of the Imperium Quintus once asked rhetorically to his subordinates. “I fight to serve His Imperial Majesty in valor and faith. We brave men do not lust for war. On the contrary, we abhor bloodshed. We take this burden upon our shoulders for the slight chance that those after us, our children, do not have to partake in this unnatural way of living. But we raise our children right so that should the day come when humanity is threatened, they too will answer His Imperial Majesty’s call. Some say our dream of bringing a brighter future for humanity is foolish. I say it is better to reach out for this dream and fail than to not try at all. This is why I fight. Now, comrades, why do YOU fight?”

 

In the year 1587, His Imperial Majesty Philip I Frederick has seen it fit to reform the Imperial Army to accommodate for the rapid change in the Imperium Quintus.

 

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WHY FIGHT?

“You will see things that few will be asked to bear witness to, and you will have to face your worst fears. But face them you must, with strength, fortitude, devotion and valor; for it is on these qualities that our country is built. But rest assured, there will be a brother behind you to ensure your faith remains constant.”

–Helton Chivay, addressing the soldiers of Kaedrin

 

It is a great honor to serve directly beneath his Imperial Majesty as a member of his personal levy. Not only is serving a civic duty to the Imperium, it remains evident that it is a morally right duty as well. The isles of Axios as we, the MEN of this realm, know it, consists of ethnic degeneracy and banditry. To the Imperium’s north, creatures of thick green skin roam unhindered which hold only an inherent and natural desire to consume human flesh. To our West, we’ve necrotic beings which pollute the very fabric of our society in the form of heresy and abomination. In our great Empire’s capital, we’ve criminals and vagabonds which spit upon his Imperial Majesty’s divine name without any devotion to kin or country. The very mentality of our great Imperium changes rapidly, and thus the Army must adapt.

 

Those who serve the Imperium for Eight Years (Two Saint’s Months), two tours of service, will be granted a personal farmstead as written within the Imperial Retiree Program of 1579 provided the applicant remains a Class A or Class B citizen. Farmsteads provided as a result of the Retiree Program hold the size of four-hundred square meters, with the ability of the recipient to manage the land as they see fit should it adhere to Imperial Construction Regulations. Furthermore, the Army’s individual Circles shall provide their respective soldiers the equipment required to maintain order within the Empire.

 

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CHAIN OF COMMAND

“I was not delivered into this world into defeat, nor does failure course my veins. I am not a sheep waiting to be prodded by my shepherd. We are the lion, and we refuse to sleep with sheep. For a lion sleeps in the heart of every brave man- we will persist, until we succeed.”

- Philip I Frederick when addressing the philosophical implications between strength and conformity.

 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

General

The General is the highest officer in the Imperial Army, bearing the responsibility of organizing and maintaining a mobile, professional force of nature that is swiftly moved onto the battlefield and retained once victorious. The General has the full authority to accomplish his goal, and handles the appointment of lesser officers. It is important to note that in times of war, the General reports directly to the Imperial Field Marshal when engaged in combat.

 

COLONEL

The Colonel is essentially the hand of the General, giving direct aid where need be in the Imperial Army. He is usually a competent administrator and tactical overseer, providing the General with an arsenal of options in the application of the Emperor’s will. In addition, it is the responsibility of the Colonel to assign medals and approve promotions. When the General is indisposed or incapacitated, a specified Colonel takes over as the leader of the Imperial Army.

 

KNIGHT COMMANDER

The Knight Commander is is a knight whom has shown their worth through unwavering devotion and loyalty to his Imperial Majesty and through their martial capabilities..Superior to all other knights in a designated circle, the selected Knight Commander is authorized to issue commands to the other knights in the absence of a Colonel. A role-model to many, Knight Commanders are to be well trimmed and exemplified soldiers that follow the knightly code to the letter as they remain physical embodiments of Imperial Values.

 

KNIGHT

Knights are the commissioned officers of the Imperial Army, and act as supervisors, disciplinarians, and are otherwise tools of execution employed by the Knight Commander. Often, they are considered tent leaders to their subordinates, and are expected to train and reform those who are weak into victory-minded instruments of war. These men are proven veterans and agents of the Empire who have shown the capability to make good decisions and accomplish their goals.

 

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RANKS OF FOOT

SERGEANT

Sergeants are simply veteran soldiers who have earned distinction above medals, and who can be relied upon to perform special tasks under the pay-grade of the Knight. Reserved primarily for those who are not yet knighted nor human, Sergeants hold the authority to distribute justice and maintain the law in the absence of a Knight.

 

MAN-AT-ARMS

Men-at-Arms are the backbone infantry unit of the Imperial Army, consisting of the regular foot soldiers. These men are the tools used by their officers to win wars, and are trained in brutality and swift effectiveness.

 

FOOTMAN

Footmen are the newest, and often most inexperienced, of the Imperial Army. They are given grunt work and are constantly drilled by their superiors in the proper conduct of soldiers. Rankers will prove themselves to become Men-at-Arms, or they will be removed from Army service. Generally, militiamen and levied troops are recognized as rankers during mixed operations.

 

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BILLETS

Billets are specialized ranks are jobs given to men of the Imperial Army in each brigade. During peace and war it is their duty to fulfill these roles just as they would fulfill their roles on the battlefield. They are as follows:

 

CHEF

Chefs ensure rations are made for each soldier in his brigade before going on scouting missions and prepare at least three meals per day during peacetime. It is their duty to tell the Quartermaster when they are in need of ingredients. They are expected to keep a clean kitchen and may take on an apprentice.

 

COURIER

Messengers deliver and receive reports from command to deliver to their brigade. These roles are usually given to Sergeants. Must be literate.

 

REPORT MASTER

Deals with roster and general reports for the brigade. Must be literate.

 

QUARTERMASTER

The Quartermaster ensures everyone in their brigade is well fitted. They take count of supplies of each brigade and report to command on any supplies needed. Furthermore, a Head Quartermaster is assigned to each cohort, acting as the prime manager of the Armyary armory.

 

DISCIPLINARIAN

Role typically given to Sergeants, but no lower than Knights. The Disciplinarian leads training exercises at least once per Saint’s week to ensure the brigade is in shape. The disciplinarian, during training exercises, is given permission to discipline anyone in the brigade save those of officer rank unless directed by an officer superior to the former.

 

DRILLMASTER

The Drillmaster is tasked with the training of the Unoathed within their respective company. The role is typically assigned to a Decanus, and they are responsible for ensuring the qualified Unoathed pass their trials and formally take their oath.

 

MEDICAE

Those well versed in medicine and the healing arts that ensure the health of the brigade.

 

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THE EMPEROR’S ARMY

THE EMPEROR'S FIST

 

GENERAL: Ser Leopold Francis Horen (Zhulik)

DEPUTY COLONEL: Ser Rakim Yar (Shady_Tales)

 

 

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CIRCLE I WESTERLANDS

DEATH’S HEAD

 

COLONEL: Ser Rakim Yar (Shady_Tales)

KNIGHT COMMANDER: Ser Philip Augustus (Gucko)

 

 

The First Circle is made primarily of the men who have been deployed to the fortress of Caer’Kharyll in the Westerlands to defend against the unholy beings of the Sunless Sanctum. As the vanguard of his Imperial Majesty, they are responsible for guarding the western frontier of the Empire against the forces of the Undead and any other force that might find route through the area. They are the first line of defense for the rest of the Humanity in regards to necrotic activity en masse.

 

Men in the First Circle are required to be gritty, experienced individuals who are more than competent in martial skill and able to make split-second decisions. Because of this, they are used as a special task force during wartime, and are not often re-deployed unless absolutely needed. Because of their first duty as border guards and skirmishers, they are known as Death’s Head.

 

The soldiers of the First Circle are elusive in the more populated, urbanized regions of the Empire, such as the Alstion Crownlands, Johannesburg and Lorraine. This enigmatic nature bleeds into their recruitment process, which is more exclusive than other Circles of the Army. A man must prove himself as a warrior and have an extensive history of military service before being considered viable for the dire duties that a Westerland man is burdened with. In addition, the First Circle is the only portion of his Imperial Majesty’s Army which permits the use of criminals to act as fodder against the undead, often referring to prisoners as the Forlorn Hope.

 

The Westerland Circle investigating banditry and necrotic activities within the Westerland wastes upon his Imperial Majesty’s request, 1587

 

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CIRCLE II ALSTION

BLACK COMPANY

 

Colonel: Ser Mattington Ironsword (Vetren54)

Knight Commander: Ser Walter Marshall (Taketheshot56)

 

 

The Second Circle is the largest body in the Imperial Army, and is responsible for the garrison of the Imperial heartland, known as Alstion, and especially the capital city of Johannesburg. These professional soldiers are police during the peacetime, using their martial and organizational skills as an effective deterrent to rowdy crowds and the common lawbreaker.

 

During times of war, this Circle is risen to meet the defensive needs of the Empire. While a small garrison is always in the city to provide protection and policing services, most Army in this circle will find themselves on campaign for long amounts of time during war. This Circle often times acts as a support unit to the First Circle in the form of flanks or reinforcements. Because of this, they are known as the Black Company, as they are a standing force that is only deployed at war.

 

This main body of the Imperial Army situated in the Imperial heartland is where many men first enlist, and many military careers begin. Despite this, it is no less important or honourable a role than its other regiments. The Black Company is the proverbial bread and butter of the military might of Oren and the principal guardians of its most prosperous, populated lands.

 

The Alstion garrison rides across the plains of southern Asul before the siege of San’Kharak, 1581

 

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CIRCLE III PALATINI

NAUZICA

 

Colonel: Philip Louis of Marna (Tsuyose)

Knight Commander: Ser Alexei Nikovich (Throwhands)

The Nauzican Brigade is an elite sect of the Imperial Army, consisting of seasoned warriors and hardened veterans who are charged with the duty of standing as His Imperial Majesty’s personal bodyguard detail and escort. Having throughout history shifted in prominence, the Nauzica was disbanded and eventually merged into the Deathshead Brigade, until its eventual resurrection at the behest of Philip I Frederick. This historic regiment, ripe with decrepit culture that now stands as a separate entity to re-emerge as the jewel of the Army, shall stand at the side of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor and ensure he receives the utmost protection. The Nauzica are the sword and shield of the Emperor, forever stalwart and vigilant.

 

Of all the regiments of the Imperial Army, Nauzica is by far the most exclusive, as they serve as the last line of defense between the beating heart of the Empire (The Emperor himself) and all who would attempt to lay him low. As such, only the most elite and trusted soldiers with long histories of Imperial service are granted the privilege of serving within this guard.

 

The Nauzican Calvary Guard mounting a counter-charge upon a Johannesburg incursion in order to defend his Imperial Majesty, the late John III Owyn, 1576

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REQUIREMENTS

 

One must be an IMPERIAL CITIZEN with the ability to trace one’s lineage up to two generations. Only FULL BLOODED HUMANS with Class A or Class B citizenship MAY SERVE IN THE COMMISSIONED OFFICER RANKS.

Upon taking oath, one must serve at MINIMUM TWO YEARS (2 Saint’s Weeks) before being allowed honorable discharge.

All oathed men MUST HAVE A GOOD GRASP ON IMPERIAL LAW as well as PROPER ETIQUETTE at the Imperial Court for they must enforce the law as well as address their superiors properly.

 

Imperial Law of the Holy Orenian Empire

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/148772-imperial-law-of-the-holy-orenian-empire/

 

Etiquette at the Imperial Court

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/149341-etiquette-at-the-imperial-court/

 

All UNOATHED MUST BE CLEAN AND SHAVEN. All enlisted below the rank of E3 are not permitted a full beard, but a mustache and sideburns are allowed.

CRIMINALS, FELONS AND ILLEGAL MIGRANTS MAY NOT SERVE in any proper brigade within the Imperial Army bar Circle I unless given pardon by His Imperial Majesty.

All OFFICERS MUST BE LITERATE in order to read and deliver battle orders.

 

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HOW TO ENLIST

One must send a letter to the Imperial Legate or to the Tribune of the brigade they wish to join, requesting to be enlisted into the Imperial Army. One may also speak with the Imperial Legate or another officer in person.Whether one sends in an application or is recruited in person, they must answer these questions and they must be documented by the recruiter.

 

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Name and surname:

Age:

Racial status:

Any prior service:

Preferred Army:

Preferred Brigade:

Any trades or skills, such as smithing or mining, that you could provide to the Imperial Armys:

Do you understand that an oath requiring a minimum of 2 years (2 saint’s weeks) service will be taken?:

 

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MEDALS AND HONORS

The Imperial Armys grant special medals and honors onto its soldiers to both recognize their dedication and praise their service to Crown and Country. All medals may be worn during special formal occasions, and may even be worn on formal attire after they have left the service.

 

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ORDER OF THE IMPERIAL CROWN

The highest honor one can achieve, the Order of the Imperial Crown is reserved for only the greatest of the Empire. Men such as Uthor Silverblade, Peter Chivay would be awarded with the Order of the Imperial Crown. These men wear the medal upon their neck proudly, knowing the Emperor himself has seen their actions as the most worthy of any man in the Empire. It is common to be knighted as well when receiving this order due to the extreme actions required to be awarded it.

 

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ORDER OF MERIT

One of the highest honors a man can achieve, the three degrees of the Order of Merit are awarded only to the most stalwart and heroic of Imperial men and women. Through battle or otherwise, the bearers of the Order of Merit have proven themselves to be those the Emperor can rely on the most for their loyalty and unwavering devotion to his vision.

 

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MEDAL OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Containing only a single degree, the Medal of Distinguished Service is awarded most commonly to soldiers having served in the Imperial forces for upwards of fifteen years. The bearers of this title wear the medal proudly on their uniform.

 

 

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ORDER OF BRAVERY

For those who show themselves to be truly selfless and willing to charge headlong into the fires, there is the Order of Bravery. Often heroic Knights and courageous soldiers who have shown little regard for their safety when the Empire is on the line.

 

 

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NATIONAL DEFENSE MEDAL

The National Defense Medal is awarded for those that have served their entire Tour of Service of eight years.

 

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GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL

The Good Conduct Medal is awarded to soldiers that have proven to be exemplary models and have received no negative marks on performance.

 

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ARMY SERVICE MEDAL

The Army Service Medal is awarded to soldiers that achieve the rank of Man-at-Arms.

 

OOC NOTE: This thread is designed purely for documentation purposes. Non-Applications will be removed.

[OzYmandi 647]

Name and surname: Klementim Sevchuv

Age: 43

Racial status: Human Highlander

Any prior service: Previously Decanus of the Legio I Ioannes.

Preferred Army: Circle II or Circle III

Preferred Brigade: Palatini

Any trades or skills, such as smithing or mining, that you could provide to the Imperial Armys: Smithing and Mining

Do you understand that an oath requiring a minimum of 2 years (2 saint’s weeks) service will be taken?: Brother, I've served for over Six years on the previous army.

[AGP 3169]

Name and surname: Constantine

Age: ~450

Racial status: "Human"

Any prior service: Yea lots

Preferred Army: Don't care

Preferred Brigade: Don't care

Any trades or skills, such as smithing or mining, that you could provide to the Imperial Armys: No

Do you understand that an oath requiring a minimum of 2 years (2 saint’s weeks) service will be taken?: Yea

[ItzYoBoiEd 148]

Name and surname: Ed/Eddarxy

Age: 13/24

Racial status: Adunian

Any prior service:Army and smith

Preferred Army:any

Preferred Brigade:any

Any trades or skills, such as smithing or mining, that you could provide to the Imperial Armys: Smithing, mining and leatherworking

Do you understand that an oath requiring a minimum of 2 years (2 saint’s weeks) service will be taken?: Yeah

[Wurfv 101]

Name and surname: Pierre de Robineau

Age: 21

Racial status: Human

Any prior service: Former Man-At-Arms, in the Imperial Legion.

Preferred Army: No preference.

Preferred Brigade: No preference.

Any trades or skills, such as smithing or mining, that you could provide to the Imperial Armys: Lumberjack.

Do you understand that an oath requiring a minimum of 2 years (2 saint’s weeks) service will be taken?: I understand fully.

[ComradeSandwich 0]

Name and surname: Monkrov Dalca

Age: 38

Racial status: Human Heartlander

Any prior service: No

Preferred Army: No Preference

Preferred Brigade: No Preference

Any trades or skills, such as smithing or mining, that you could provide to the Imperial Armys: Tinker

Do you understand that an oath requiring a minimum of 2 years (2 saint’s weeks) service will be taken?: I understand

[PriSmith 22]

Name and surname: Arelos Arleksie

Age: 29

Racial status: Human

Any prior service: None.

Preferred Army: No Preference

Preferred Brigade: No Preference

Any trades or skills, such as smithing or mining, that you could provide to the Imperial Armys: Hard Labor In Mines, Or Getting Wood.

Do you understand that an oath requiring a minimum of 2 years (2 saint’s weeks) service will be taken?: Yes!

[Dohvi 622]

Moved to the Archive. If you feel this is a mistake, please contact myself or any FM and we'll restore it.