Jakonian Imperial Army
The Jakonian Imperial Army is the oldest standing military force in all of Emicara. Established during the rise of the Jakonian Empire, it was the first organized military created after the fall of the Nameless Empire. The forces of the Imperial Army were created to be able to function at great distances and offer the stability and control that the world after the fall lacked. Combined innovations in magic and siege technologies allowed the Jakonians to dominate every battlefield they strode across, along with their iron discipline and flawless tactics. In time the fortunes of the Jakonian army declined and their best forces were squandered in fruitless battles. Today the Imperial Army itself is a shadow of what it once was, and is little more than a glorified guard retinue for the Emperor. Only a handful of Army regiments remain, and for ground combat the Empire now leans heavily on the private armies and guards of the Lordships. What is left of the actual Imperial Army still receives high quality training and leadership, but they are a drop in the bucket for the Empire's needs.
Structure
The Jakonian Imperial Army is organized into two segments: the levies and the Imperial Army itself. The levies are independent armies each headed up by various members of the landed aristocracy of the Empire. These are the majority of the forces brought to bear, but in theory, they are subordinate to the High General of the Army. In practice, they take the High General's orders more of as suggestions, often operating under independent commands. The Imperial Army, on the other hand, retains all of the old trappings of the Empire, with a highly centralized command apparatus and loyalty to the Emperor himself rather than any lord.
The High General must answer to the Emperor for any tasks or operations of nationwide significance, but he has the freedom to promote and fire those underneath him. The generals and subordinates below the High General have similar autonomy, but the leader of the Imperial Army has the final say on all decisions and movement through the ranks. Autonomy is discouraged among the lower ranks of the army and a strict obedience to orders is the hallmark of the regiments. Each regiment is led by a colonel, while the regiments themselves are organized into groups of four, each of which is considered a division or army, depending on the manner of deployment, headed up by a general.
Public Agenda
The Imperial Army is specifically stated to stay out of political affairs, but in practice their voice is well heard in the Imperial Congress of Lords. Although the majority of lords and aristocrats maintains forces larger or more powerful than the Imperial Army, the Army is still the best equipped armed force in the Jakonian Empire. They also retain a close loyalty with the Emperor, and offer him a stronger base of support. Officially, they stand for the centralization and stability of the Empire, and frequently the High General speaks out against the increased authority and power of the lords of Jakonia.
Assets
The Imperial Army possesses thirty regiments that are fully equipped and stationed across the Empire. This is woefully inadequate for most needs, and the regiments are spread incredibly thin across the terrain. Numerous outposts and guard posts must be maintained, with the bulk of the Imperial Army stationed along the Fruitlands Wall and within the Fruitlands itself. Others maintain the various castles and border fortifications that help to protect the coastlines and frontier communities from raids from the sea and from the southern Glades. The regiments maintain considerable amount of weapons, but every gold piece sent to the continuation of the army is rigorously reviewed by the Congress of Lords, and they often have to go without various luxuries or staples of diet or military life.
Founding Date
95 AF
Type
Military, Armed Forces
Training Level
Professional
Veterancy Level
Trained
Leader
Parent Organization
Location
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
Comments