Imperial Legion of Kythira
The Imperial Legion of Kythira, often shortened to Imperial Legion, is a professional armed force. Unlike the bulk of the Kythiran military, which consists of temporary provincial levies raised by the High Lords, the Imperial Legion is a permanent standing army loyal only to the Crown. In peacetime, the Legion is primarily tasked with law enforcement and the protection of strategic assets. It's headquarters are at Bear Island.
History
During the integration of the Province of Ardoragh into the Empire of Kythira at the dawn of the Fourth Era, Emperor Coetzeeclan determined that the feudal method of raising armies had a fundamental problem. Namely, that as the size of Kythira increased, the loyalty of the levied soldiers drifted more and more towards the person who levied them instead of the state. To counter this problem, it was decided that a standing army loyal only to the Crown would have to be established. A slim, but exceptionally well-trained and equipped force the likes of which Minecraftia had never seen. Although largely outnumbered by the provincial forces, it is nevertheless an effective force that can be deployed rapidly in times of war and more importantly: will side with the Crown in the event of internal conflict. Traditionally, the legions are garrisoned near the Imperial City, although detachments are occasionally assigned to the Kythiran frontier borders.
Organisation
The Imperial Legion is divided into two legions.
Legio I Coetzee
Commander: ILgt. P.D.Agricola
Second-in-command: Lnt. J.M.Gottfried
Stationed: Bear Island, Valyria
Cohorts
- 1st Legionary Cohort
- Cnt.
- 2nd Legionary Cohort
- Cnt.
- 1st Recon Cohort
- Cnt.
- 1st Logistical Cohort
- Cnt.
- 1st Engineering Cohort
- Cnt.
- 1st Medical Cohort
- Cnt.
Legio II Fidelis
Commander: LLgt. x
Second-in-command: Lnt. x
Stationed: Castra Pretoria, the Riverlands
Cohorts
- 3rd Legionary Cohort
- Cnt. x
Legio III Ignis
Commander: LLgt. x
Second-in-command: Lnt. x
Stationed: Red Keep, Peninsula of Peril
Cohorts
- 4th Legionary Cohort
- Cnt. x
Unit specialisations
Within the Imperial Legion, each cohort conforms to one of the following specialisations:
Legionary
A legionary cohort is a heavy infantry unit made up of formidable fighting soldiers. Generally, these soldiers garrison castles and fortresses and are tasked with their defense.
Reconnaissance
A reconnaissance cohort is usually a lightly-equipped cavalry unit that performs (law-enforcement) patrols and scouts areas and reports the results back to their legion, providing valuable intelligence.
Equestrian
Somewhere in between a legionary cohort and a reconnaissance cohort, the equestrian cohort is a mounted combat unit that is generally used for offensive actions as opposed to the slower legionary cohorts. This is especially important given the size of Kythira.
Logistics
A logistical cohort is a supporting unit, tasked with providing supplies, food and (construction) materials to legions. They are also responsible for organising the day-to-day duties in castles and fortresses.
Medical
Organisationally, there is only one medical cohort. It is stationed in Bear Island under the command of the Imperial Legate, but employs detachments throughout the legions and Kythira. The medical cohort is responsible for maintaining the physical and mental well-being of the legions.
Engineering
An engineering cohort consists of demolition- and building experts. They excel at breaching fortifications and reinforcing their own. Currently, the only engineering cohort is, similarly to the medical cohort, employed throughout Kythira. It assists mainly in military construction, given the lack of enemy fortifications.
Ranks
A soldier's rank is usually made up of two parts: an hierarchic rank and a distinction of seniority. Depending on the situation, a soldier can be referred to as one of them separately (such as Centurion or First Rate), or combined, in which the distinction of seniority comes first and the hierarchic rank second (First Rate Centurion).
Hierarchic ranks
These ranks decide command hierarchy.
Imperial Legate
There is only one Imperial Legate, and that is the supreme commander of the Imperial Legion. The Imperial Legate commands their legion of choice at the headquarters and is tasked with maintaining the overall readiness of the legion as well as directing their subordinate legionary legates.
Legionary Legate
The legionary legate commands a single legion and is tasked with managing their fortress or castle. They exercise authority over a region and have relative autonomy in handling a wide variety of matters.
Lieutenant Tactical Officer
The tactical officer is the right-hand of a legate. In the event that legionary legate is absent or occupied, the tactical officer acts in their name and does whatever their legate commands. Whether that be commanding a patrol, overseeing construction, doing administrative work or something else.
Centurion
A centurion is responsible for a coherent unit of soldiers and is tasked with maintaining their discipline and combat readiness. A cohort is the lowest organisational unit that is typically deployed for regular assignments.
Legionary
A legionary is an individual soldier, generally part of a cohort.
Distinctions of seniority
Additionally, a soldier holds a rank of seniority regardless of position. This is solely based on their service record and performance and influences their salary and status.
Aquilifer
The highest honorary rank in the Legion, it is given to the greatest of soldiers.
Signifer
The second-highest rank, given to excellent and performant soldiers.
Imagnifer
A respected rank, given to veterans with at least ten years of service.
First Rate
The rank of a well-trained, experienced soldier with at least five years of service.
Second Rate
The rank of an average, more experienced soldier. The vast majority of soldiers hold this rank.
Third Rate
The rank of a basic, inexperienced soldier.
Junior
The rank of a recruit. After passing a variety of training courses, an automatic promotion to Third Rate is granted.