Imperial Legions

Overview

The Imperial Legions are charged with protecting the Five Kingdoms and Holy Seat at Mirabilis. As per the laws of the Empire, each family must give over their sons and daughters for Terms of Service within the Legion. Depending on the caste a family may have to send one child or up to three. (see Twelve Tables Of Law under Conscript Law) Terms of service may include one year to a life commitment, and while one may complete their term they are always a member of their respective legion for life.

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Ranks

Aside from the rank and file legionary , the following list describes the system of officers which developed within the legions from the Marian reforms to the current day.

Senior officers

Those wishing to stand as Senior Officers are required to sign a life term of service.

• Consul legionis, Consul: The overall legion commander. The post was usually filled by a long serving officer of the legions, appointed by the emperor, who held command for 3 or 4 years, although he could serve for a much longer period. Consuls are not required to be active on the battlefield, often they remain with the Holy Seat and other consuls to plan strategy and attacks.

• Legatus legionis, Legate: The Legate is the commander of his legionary units on the battlefield and off, He/she works with the other officers to maintain order, loyalty, discipline and unity. The Legate answers to the Consul of his or her Legion and to the Holy Seat its self. Unlike the Consul, the Legate is always actively participating in war time, on the field of war with the men and women of their command.

• Tribunus laticlavius, Tribune: The tribune was appointed by the Emperor or the Senate from the command ranks of the legions. These men sit in senate as advisors in all matters military. This position is reserved for elderly men, who have served ample time in the legions and are offered a peaceful, senate position for their years of service, and those unable to continue in service due to injury.

• Imperium Centurious, Imperi: The Imperi served as second in command of the legion, behind the legate. If the legate died he would take command of the legion. These men often fought for years at the side of their commander and have served the legions their whole lives. Imperi are not often promoted to other legions, but remain as second until such time as the Legate of the legion is killed.

• Praefectus castrorum, Prefect: The Prefects are third in command of the legion. Unlike the ranks of Consul, Legate and Imperi, there is no limit to the number of Prefects in a legion. The prefect would work closely with the various cohorts to insure the orders of the Legate and Imperi are followed. Prefects are appointed from the Centurion ranks and take great honor on the battlefield to achieve.

Centurions

The rank of centurion was an officer rank that included many grades, meaning centurions had very good prospects for promotion. The most senior centurion in a legion was known as the primus pilus (requires a 25 year term of service) who directly commanded the whole first cohort when in battle. An ordinary centurion was the approximate equivalent of a Captain in a modern army, whereas the most senior centurion was closer to the equivalent of a full Colonel.

• Primus pilus: (literally First File) The Primus Pilus was the commanding centurion of the first cohort and the senior centurion of the entire legion. He was called first file because he also directly commanded first cohort. The Primus Pilus had a chance of later becoming a Praefectus castrorum. When the primus pilus retired he would most likely gain entry into the senate as a Tribune. He was paid 10 times the base wage and must sign on for a twenty-five year term.

• Pilus prior: The "front spear" centurions were the senior centurions of the three cohorts of the Legion. These positions were usually held by experienced veteran soldiers who had been moved up within the ranks. This rank is subordinate to the Primus Pilus is paid 8 times the base pay, and is required to have signed on for a minimum of 20 years.

• Primi ordines: Were the five centurions of the first cohort, and included the primus pilus and pilus prior. They, excluding the primus pilus, were paid 7 times the base wage and required to serve a term of service no less then 15 years. This rank is senior to all other centurions, save the primus pilus and pilus prior.

• Other Centurions: Each cohort had 3 regular ranked centurions. They were the backbone of the professional army and are the career soldiers who run the day to day life of the soldiers and issued commands in the field. They are generally moved up from the ranks, but in some cases could be direct appointments from the Emperor or other higher ranking officials. Paid 5 times the basic wage they are required to sign on for a minimum service of ten years.

Lower ranks

• Optio: One for each centurion (6), they were appointed by the centurion from within the ranks to act as his second in command. While they are part of the command structure, they are no more then Legionarii in the ranks. Paid twice the basic wage.
• Legionarii: All the soldiers in a Legion were called Legionaries. Base pay.
• Decanus Classis: Commanded a naval unit of 10 to 30 Classiarii. This rank has been all but abolished in the current legions as naval power does not aide in the war against the Jorith-Kai.
• Classiarii: The equivalent of the Legionarii in the Naval units. As with the Decanus Classis the rank is all but died out without a focus on naval warfare.

Support Ranks

• Immunes: These were trained specialists, such as surgeons, engineers, surveyors, and architects, as well as craftsmen. They were exempt from camp and hard labor duties due to the nature of their work, and received higher pay than the Milites. Immunes are concidered the same rank as Legionarii's
• Discentes: Milites in training for an immunis position. Concidered the same rank as Tirones.
• Tirones: The new recruits in training. A tiro could take up to 6 months before becoming a full Milites or Legionarii.
• Milites Gregarii: The basic private-level cooks, Apothecary, Armorer, Clothier, Blacksmith, etc. These are not concidered to be part of the ranks of the Legions but private contractors.

Rank Diagram

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Symbols and the Legions

Each Legion is much like a family unit, with each man in every rank holding loyalty to his/her legion. They bunk, fight, eat and train together as a unit so as to encourage loyalty, trust and effectiveness on the battle-field. Those who go into a soldiering career may spend his or her whole life within their legion, and often live in the barracks until retirement.

Each of these legions, has a vexillifer who carried a vexillum or signum, with the legion name and emblem depicted on it, unique to the legion and a source of great pride. A miniature vexillum, mounted on a silver base, was sometimes awarded to officers as a recognition of their service upon retirement or reassignment.

Civilians could also be rewarded for their assistance to the Legions. In return for outstanding service, a citizen was given an arrow without a head. This was considered a great honor and would bring the recipient much prestige.

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The Legions of the Empire and their Signum

First Legion

The First Legion

The Bull: "Ubique Que fas et gloria ducunt" - "Everywhere Where Right and Glory Lead"

The first legion and the most elite of the six legions, Only those of exceptional presence or those born to a place within this legion are accepted. The Emperor Jorill Valandras while being the commander of all legions, is the Consul for this legion. His son Hier to the Empire Jorril Valandras serves as his Legate. Dedicated to the God of the Sun the first is a legion of only men, so much so that it is forbidden for the men of the first legion to have their armor or weapons touched by a woman… ever.

Second Legion

The Second Legion

The Twin Lions: "Qualitas potentia nostra" - Quality is our Power"

The second legion is renowned for its talented legionaries, seeking out those of the finest skill at childhood and taking them into its ranks. They pride themselves on the perfection of the unit’s skills and the impressive war record they hold. This is the only legion that does not permit serventi legionaries to fight alongside them, they only take on a rare few for keeping the barracks and mending equipment. The legion is led by King Asan Eaeldar seconded by Legate Dinados Aleraen.

Third Legion

The Third Legion

Fighting Dogs -"Canes pugnaces"

Known throughout the Five Kingdoms as the "dirty dogs" the Third Legion is feared for its voracity in battle and keen tactics. One of the most successful legions in the war campaigns of late, they attribute their success to the ability to 'get dirty'. The third legion is led fittingly by Consul Salyan "the Bastard" Aleraen seconded byLegate Vuran Almadar. During the last season twin brothers Centurian Primus Cenvan Alodan and Centurian Crevan Alodan brought great honor to themselves and their legion in great battle.

Fourth Legion

The Fourth Legion

The Dragon Legion: "Hic sunt dracones, hic sunt mortis" - "Here there are Dragons, Here there is Death."

Most of the Fourth Legion are dedicated to the God of Death and so relish bringing the touch of their deity on the heads of their enemies. By far the most secretive of the Legions, they are rumored to have long and often perilous rituals of initiation. This legion is lead by Consul Corlious Manaleclyaseconded by Legate Rhin Elaryn. All members of the Fourth Legion are members for life, unto death.

Fifth Legion

The Fifth Legion

The Wild Boars: "Progredere Ne Regredere" - "Advance, do not retreat"

Wild and stubborn the legions of the Wild Boars will always advance, through death and certain failure, they will never retreat. Some of the Fifth legion have taken a following of Golit, and in preparation for war grow their hair out in wild manes and charge without helm or shield. They are also some of the shortest lived but highly honored legionaries in all the Empire.The Fifth is lead by Consul Gwillyn Faraeand seconded by Legate Rhudry Bandegyn.

Sixth Legion

The Sixth Legion

The She-Bears: "Pro Aris Et Focis" - "For the Altars and Hearths"

The only legion of all women, the Sixth are known as the She-Bears, it is said that on the eve before battle, the women of the sixth shed the mother, the maiden and the softness of home in preparation for the coming battle. The fiercest of all the legions, they strike fear even in the men who fight alongside them in the other legions. Dedicated to Oorsa, they are a fine and dedicated legion and no less than their mixed and all male counterparts. The sixth is led by Queen Sarishen Eaeldar and seconded by her Legate Queen Leadda Talanarel.

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Pay

Prior to the rise of the Jorith-Kai, legionaries received 2 Tallium a year (equal to 200 Denai); this basic rate remained unchanged until the Emperor Jorith Valandras increased it to 4 Tallium a year. However, soldiers did not receive all the money in cash. From their pay was deducted the money spent by the state for clothing and feeding each soldier. To this wage, a legionary on active campaign would hope to add the booty of war, from the bodies of their enemies and as a gift for great honor from the Emperor.

All legionary soldiers would also receive a sizeable sum of money on the completion of their term of service (called a praemia): 50 Sepium (5000 Denai) and/or a plot of good farmland (good land is in much demand). Currently the Senate is discussing the ratification to see the praemia increased to 80 Sepium (8000 Denai).

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Discipline

The military discipline of the legions is quite harsh. Regulations were strictly enforced, and a broad array of punishments could be inflicted upon a legionary who broke them. Many legionaries are followers of Jolik and Oorsa, whose virtues of severity, family, honor and loyalty were central to their code of conduct and way of life.

Minor punishments

Minor punishments are often combined by officers depending on the severity of the offense.

• Castigatio - being hit by the centurion.
• Reduction of rations.
• Pecuniaria multa - Reduction in pay, fines or deductions from the pay allowance.
• Flogging in front of the century, cohort or legion.
• Whipping with the flagrum or "short whip" — a much more brutal punishment than simple flogging.
• Gradus deiectio - Reduction in rank.
• Missio ignominiosa - Dishonourable discharge.
• Loss of time in service advantages.
• Militiae mutatio - Relegation to inferior service or duties.
• Munerum indictio - Additional duties.

Major punishments

• Fustuarium — a sentence for desertion or dereliction of duty. The legionary would be stoned or beaten to death by cudgels, in front of the assembled troops, by his fellow soldiers, whose lives had been put in danger. Soldiers under sentence of fustuarium who escaped were not pursued, but lived under sentence of banishment from all the Five Kingdoms.
• Decimation — a sentence carried out against an entire unit which had mutinied, deserted, or shown dereliction of duty. One out of every ten men, chosen by lots, would be beaten to death.

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