The Imperial Legion

The Imperial Legion of the Caelian Empire is divided into numbered formations known simply as Legions. Each Legion maintains its own battlefield doctrine, traditions, and historical identity developed over centuries of service. While all Legions are capable of conventional warfare, most have developed specialisations based on geography, training philosophy, and historic campaigns.

In the present era the majority of the Legions remain stationed across imperial territory in a state of readiness. Following the outbreak of the current Under-War between the Kingdom of Ebonmount and the Luminos Alliance, the Imperial Senate authorised the mobilisation of the Legion system. At present, only the 4th Legion has been formally deployed to assist Ebonmount forces, while the remaining Legions remain in reserve should the conflict escalate.

1st Legion — First Children

Motto: Primus Pueri

Translation: First Children

The First Legion is the oldest continuous military formation within the Caelian Empire and maintains a close symbolic relationship with the Imperial Throne itself.

• Elite strategic reserve stationed near Caelia and the imperial heartlands
• Ceremonial guardians of the imperial capital during major state occasions
• Formation often composed of veteran soldiers transferred from other Legions
• Frequently entrusted with the defence of politically significant locations

Though rarely committed to large scale campaigns, the First Children are widely regarded as the embodiment of imperial discipline and tradition.

2nd Legion — Emperor's Fist

Motto: Imperitor Pugnus

Translation: Emperor's Fist

The Second Legion serves as the primary offensive striking force of the Empire and has earned a formidable reputation for decisive battlefield engagements.

• Specialises in breakthrough assaults against fortified enemy positions
• Trained for aggressive battlefield manoeuvres and rapid line collapse tactics
• Often deployed during major imperial wars where overwhelming force is required
• Maintains a culture that emphasises relentless advance and battlefield dominance

Among imperial commanders, the Emperor's Fist is often considered the Legion that wins wars once diplomacy has failed.

3rd Legion — Heavy Helms

Motto: Gravitus Galeam

Translation: Heavy Helms

The Third Legion is renowned for its disciplined heavy infantry formations and ability to hold ground under extreme pressure.

• Specialises in shield wall formations and defensive battle lines
• Soldiers equipped with reinforced armour and heavy shields
• Frequently serves as the central anchor of imperial battlefield formations
• Trained for prolonged engagements and attritional warfare

Where the Heavy Helms stand, the Empire expects the line to hold.

4th Legion — Quick Steps

Motto: Velox Gradus

Translation: Quick Steps

The Fourth Legion is the Empire's most mobile field formation, trained for rapid response operations and strategic manoeuvre warfare.

• Experts in long distance forced marches and rapid redeployment
• Frequently used for reconnaissance, flanking operations, and pursuit
• Capable of reinforcing distant regions with exceptional speed
• Currently deployed to the Kingdom of Ebonmount in response to the present Under-War

Their mobility allows the Empire to respond swiftly when emerging threats require immediate attention.

5th Legion — Demon's Bane

Motto: Flagellum Daemonis

Translation: Demon's Bane

The Fifth Legion has developed a long standing reputation as the Empire's specialist formation for combating supernatural and infernal threats.

• Trained to confront demonic entities and extraplanar incursions
• Maintains close cooperation with temple orders and consecrated clergy
• Equipment frequently incorporates sanctified metals and anti-possession wards
• Often deployed to contain cult uprisings or supernatural disturbances

Throughout imperial history, Demon's Bane has been called upon whenever threats from beyond the mortal world emerge.

6th Legion — Elemental Champions

Motto: Pugiles Elementus

Translation: Elemental Champions

The Sixth Legion specialises in warfare conducted in environments shaped by powerful magical or elemental forces.

• Works closely with the Department of Royal Mages
• Battlefield formations designed to integrate elemental spellcasters
• Frequently deployed to unstable magical regions or elemental disturbances
• Capable of coordinating with evokers and elemental specialists in combat

The Elemental Champions represent the Empire's ability to harness arcane power as a structured tool of war.

7th Legion — Sand Snakes

Motto: Haranae Serpentes

Translation: Sand Snakes

The Seventh Legion is adapted for warfare in harsh desert environments and prolonged campaigns across arid landscapes.

• Specialises in desert survival and long range patrol operations
• Skilled in ambush tactics and terrain exploitation
• Capable of operating with minimal logistical support
• Historically deployed along the Empire's southern frontiers

Their patience and adaptability have earned them a reputation as masters of desert warfare.

8th Legion — Mountain Men

Motto: Homines Montis

Translation: Mountain Men

The Eighth Legion specialises in warfare across mountainous terrain and high altitude environments.

• Experts in narrow pass defence and mountain manoeuvre warfare
• Soldiers often recruited from frontier settlements and rugged regions
• Training includes climbing operations and subterranean combat
• Particularly effective in regions such as the Ebonmount ranges

In terrain where conventional armies struggle to move, the Mountain Men thrive.

9th Legion — Sea Guards

Motto: Mare Custodes

Translation: Sea Guards

The Ninth Legion operates as the Empire's principal amphibious warfare and coastal defence formation.

• Works closely with the Imperial Navy
• Specialises in naval boarding operations and amphibious landings
• Responsible for defending strategic ports and coastal settlements
• Frequently stationed throughout the Coastal Protectorate

The Sea Guards ensure that imperial power extends across both land and sea.

10th Legion — Wall Mortar

Motto: Murus Caemento

Translation: Wall Mortar

The Tenth Legion serves as the Empire's primary engineering and fortification corps.

• Responsible for construction of roads, bridges, and defensive structures
• Specialists in siege engineering and battlefield fortification
• Maintains supply routes and logistical infrastructure during campaigns
• Constructs siege engines and defensive works in wartime

Where imperial armies march, the Tenth Legion ensures the roads and walls follow.

11th Legion — Portal Runners

Motto: Portus Cursores

Translation: Portal Runners

The Eleventh Legion is responsible for managing the Empire's arcane transportation and magical logistics networks.

• Works closely with the Royal Colleges and arcane infrastructure
• Coordinates rapid movement of troops through teleportation portals
• Provides strategic reinforcement across vast distances
• Maintains the security and stability of imperial portal networks

Their work allows the Empire to project military strength across the continent with unprecedented speed.

12th Legion — Wolfpack

Motto: Venator Lupis

Translation: Wolfpack

The Twelfth Legion specialises in small unit warfare and the pursuit of dangerous targets across difficult terrain.

• Operates primarily in highly coordinated strike groups
• Experts in tracking, pursuit, and monster hunting
• Frequently deployed against irregular threats or elusive enemies
• Known for strong bonds between soldiers and aggressive combat doctrine

Like the wolves they take their name from, the Legion hunts best when its soldiers move as a single pack.