The Tyrant's Legion

A Second Chance

"Something you learn when training with the vanguard legions: While they are brutal and efficient fighters, they have an unwavering respect for any enemy that willingly blocks the path between them and their goal.
A tyrant in battle can often be heard screaming at their opponents, seemingly taunting them. This is what I thought too. It wasn't until I really learned their language that I understood what they were doing. I noticed the taunting screams sounded just like the words i heard during training. Once i learned their meaning it was eye opening. The words they screamed, the cries heard throughout the battlefield, were not derogatory slurs or taunts.
They screamed things like: "Get up...Not like that...Watch your footing...Good, good...Now do it again."
No, they are not taunting their enemy...they are training them."

— From The Journals of Mhirrah, Chosen of Mhirriah

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The Tyrant's Legion was one of the Seven Centurian Legions of Ozlith. The Tyrants became renowned for their bizarre techniques and ferocity on the battlefield.
They are the brothers of The Matriarchs and as such feature similar outfitting, fighting styles, and organizational structures.

The legion was founded by one of the living gods of Ozlith, The Tyrant, who personally trained the first members of the legion. As the legion progressed, they quickly became the vanguard force alongside The Matriarch's Legion. The vanguard legions were the first in and last out. They were the primary infantry used alongside the standing army of Ozlith.

They carved their way through the battlefield, screaming at their enemies in a way that most would take offense to. These insults and taunts were nothing of the sort. They were commands directed at their opponents in an attempt to make them better fighters for a more entertaining fight. Those deemed worthy by a tyrant would be taken into the legion if they survive the battle. If they did not, the tyrants often found the body of the warrior they respected so much and would place a coin onto their forehead. The coin was made of copper and depicts a centurion with his gladius held across his chest. From that point on, the body was to remain untouched and looting was forbidden by penalty of death. They would cross into the afterlife intact and with dignity.

The Fate of The Tyrants

During The Exodus from Ozlith, the tyrants stayed behind and defended their land from the forces of The Infernum. Now, long dead, it is unlikely that they're teachings withstood the test if time. None made their way to The Provinces of Mhirriah

A new life, A second chance

This practice became a symbol of both the tyrants and the matriarchs and as such, they were seen as the most honorable of the seven legions. In the later years of the empire, honor was a major factor that played into recruitment. A nameless empress established a law stating that anyone could find a second chance if they joined the ranks of The Tyrants. Criminals were often trained if they desired though certain criminals were barred from entry.

Those barred committed crimes that Ozlith considered particularly dishonorable such as rape, domestic violence, murder within ones family, and theft due to greed. The legion retained its loyalty to their patron god, the tyrant, but the actions of the empress led to a new found loyalty they kept as well.The Tyrant always had a soft spot for the reigning empress of Ozlith. A payment for the second chance they were given.

I have watched them fight on the fields. Sometimes it was from afar but on occasion I moved as close as I dared. I fell in love with them.
I loved how they never charge. They walk to their enemy. They do so casually and with confidence.

I decided that it was time for a new dream to follow. I wouldn't stop until I could fight with them at my side..."

— From The Journals of Mhirrah, Chosen of Mhirriah

Structure and Culture

At it's highest, the legion consisted of an estimated 7000 active members along with 3000 in reserve. These reserves often stayed within the empire to guard its borders. A Tyrant had little more than the armor they wore in equipment. Some may have had cloaks for colder climates. Their helmets came with a removable metal mask that depicted The Tyrant himself.

The standard weapon used was the gladius. Shields Spears and daggers were rare as the tyrants were never paid for their service and could rarely afford it. The legion was divided into several smaller divisions and further divided into squads. Each squad had a sergeant and each division had a Primus.

when the armies clashed I remember seeing enemy soldiers flying back as the tyrants formed an impenetrable wall. The primus himself fought the enemy general. The primus simply stepped to the side after each swing and screamed.
"Weak and predictable!" And stepped back to allow his opponent a second chance. The general was livid. He swing violently again and again until the primus fought back.
He lunged forward and used his free hand, throwing a punch that connected with the enemies jaw. He drove the gladius into him and screamed,
"Axnum Felundum." Its a curious statement. Translated literally it means "Some blood can stain the blade"
In this context it is intended to say "Your blood is not worthy of this blade."

— From The Journals of Mhirrah, Chosen of Mhirriah

Training

Anyone can volunteer to join the tyrants. Most who attempt to join do not survive training. Training is often done on the job under the tutelage of a mentor assigned by a sergeant.

When they enter battle, apprentices fight alongside their trainers and employ the tactics they learn. When nit in battle the two often train in each technique until the mentor feels the apprentice is ready to be inducted.

The induction itself is a formal affair where all sargents in the division spar with the student to test their worth. One must gain the approval of each sergeant to be inducted. Recruitment generally favored condemned criminals, and undesirables as most never survived training.

Those recruited must be male and exhibit some aptitude for battle. Those who did survive often showed a fanatic devotion to the legion and we're themselves changed and pardoned of crimes.

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by forged in fire

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Type

Infantry

Overall training Level

Elite

Assumed Veterancy

Decorated/Honored