The Honorbound Legion

Origin Story of the Honorbound Legion: Half a century ago, on Taro during a time that it was plagued by asuran daemos, a half-orc named Gromak Bloodaxe swore an unbreakable oath of vengeance. The brutality of a marauding band of monsters had ravaged his homeland, leaving devastation in their wake. Fueled by rage and a desire for justice, Gromak united a band of warriors who shared his determination to protect the innocent and bring retribution to those who preyed on the weak. With a deep sense of honor and duty, Gromak named this newly formed organization the Honorbound Legion. Their goal was clear: to stand as a shield against the forces of chaos, to ensure that no one would ever again suffer as he had. As their ranks grew, the Honorbound Legion became renowned for their unyielding dedication to righteousness and their unwavering defense of those in need.

Overview of the Honorbound Legion: The Honorbound Legion is a formidable mercenary group forged in the crucible of vengeance and tempered by an unbreakable code of honor. Founded by Gromak Bloodaxe, the half-orc who turned his pain into a force for good, the Legion has spent the past five decades battling against the forces of darkness. Here's an overview of what the Legion strives for and represents: Vow of Protection: Members of the Honorbound Legion are bound by a solemn oath to protect the innocent and uphold justice. They are known for their unflinching courage in the face of danger and their readiness to stand between harm and those they defend. Code of Honor: The Legion adheres to a strict code that emphasizes integrity, loyalty, and fairness. Their reputation for honesty and ethical conduct sets them apart from other mercenary groups, earning them respect from both allies and adversaries. Struggle Against Tyranny: The Legion has a history of opposing oppressive regimes and villainous organizations. They actively seek out and confront tyrants, warlords, and those who perpetrate injustice. Training and Discipline: Legionnaires undergo rigorous training that combines combat prowess with tactical acumen. The focus on discipline ensures that every member is not only a skilled fighter but also a leader who can make quick decisions on the battlefield. Contracts with Honor: When taking contracts, the Legion prioritizes missions aligned with their principles. They refuse jobs that involve needless harm or exploitation, always considering the greater good. Diverse Membership: The Legion is open to beings of all races and backgrounds, united by their shared commitment to their oath. This diversity brings a range of perspectives and skills to the organization. Quest Hooks: Adventurers who ally with the Honorbound Legion might be tasked with liberating a town from a cruel warlord, protecting a vulnerable settlement from marauding monsters, or infiltrating an enemy stronghold to gather critical information.

Current Quest Givers: Legionnaire Kendrick Hightower and Legionnaire Myla Surefoot

Initial Quest: Help the people of Arctem fend off the constant raids from the orcs coming from deeper within the Skovahn jungles.

Structure

High Marshal: The supreme leader of the Honorbound Legion. Sets the grand strategy, oversees all Legion operations, and maintains ultimate command over all military actions. Represents the Legion in diplomatic affairs and acts as the primary liaison with rulers, governments, and other military bodies. Final arbiter of the Legion’s code of conduct and discipline. Commander: Leads significant postings or fortresses and is responsible for large-scale tactical decisions within their jurisdiction. Manages multiple officers and ensures the execution of the High Marshal's directives. Oversees training programs, resource allocation, and strategic planning for their posting. Responsible for the welfare, preparedness, and morale of the troops under their command. Captain: Commands a company of legionnaires and reports directly to a Commander. Leads troops in battle and is accountable for the success of their missions. Manages the day-to-day operations of their company, including logistics, discipline, and training. Responsible for individual development and mentoring of subordinates. Lieutenant: Second-in-command to a Captain, often leading specialized units or smaller squads within the company. Executes specific orders from the Captain and assists in operational planning and execution. Handles administrative duties and may preside over smaller outposts or detachments. Sergeant: A senior non-commissioned officer role, leading a squad of legionnaires. Enforces discipline, leads training exercises, and ensures the readiness of their squad for combat. Acts as a bridge between the lower ranks and the Legion's leadership. Often mentors initiates and younger legionnaires, instilling in them the values of the Legion. Legionnaire: The backbone of the Honorbound Legion, serving as experienced soldiers. Carries out the orders of their superiors and is responsible for upholding the Legion’s reputation and ethos. Engages in combat, participates in patrols, and contributes to the Legion's mission. May take on additional responsibilities based on experience and expertise, such as training initiates or managing equipment. Initiate: The entry-level rank for new members of the Legion. Undergoes rigorous training and is schooled in the Legion’s history, values, and battle tactics. Assigned basic duties and observed for potential and skill development. Assists legionnaires and is integrated into the Legion’s structure through mentorship. Squire (Optional Rank for Those on a Knightly Path): Apprentices to higher-ranking officers, learning leadership, combat skills, and the tenets of knighthood. Assists in administrative tasks and is groomed for future officer roles. Participates in battles under close supervision.

Large Outpost Hierarchy Commander: 1 Commander who is the highest-ranking officer at the outpost, responsible for overall leadership and strategy. Captain: 1-2 Captains who manage the day-to-day operations and report directly to the Commander. Each Captain might be responsible for different aspects, such as defense and supplies. Lieutenant: 2-4 Lieutenants who lead specialized units or platoons. Their number could vary based on the operational requirements of the outpost. Sergeant: 4-6 Sergeants who are senior non-commissioned officers leading squads. They are instrumental in maintaining discipline and executing the Captains' orders. Legionnaire: 20-40 Legionnaires who form the main fighting force. They would handle various tasks from patrolling, guarding, and engaging in combat, to training and mentoring lower ranks. Initiate: 5-10 Initiates who are new recruits in the process of training and integration into the Legion. Their number would be based on the rotation of new recruits through the outpost for training. Squire: 0-2 Squires if the outpost is a training ground for future knights or officers. They would be personal aides to the higher-ranking officers, learning from them directly. The outpost might also have a small staff of non-combat personnel for tasks like cooking, healing, blacksmithing, and logistics, who may not necessarily fit into the military hierarchy but are vital for the smooth operation of the outpost.

Small Outpost/Peaceful Outpost Hierarchy Commander: 1 Commander who oversees the entire outpost and maintains communication with the higher command. This individual would likely handle multiple roles, including strategic planning and local diplomacy. Captain: 0-1 Captain who assists the Commander in managing the outpost. In very small postings, this role might be omitted, with duties falling to the Commander and Lieutenants. Lieutenant: 1-2 Lieutenants who manage specific areas such as training, local patrols, or community relations. They would take on more responsibility in the absence of a Captain. Sergeant: 1-3 Sergeants who are key NCOs overseeing small groups of Legionnaires and Initiates. They ensure the daily routines are followed and might also handle logistics and supplies. Legionnaire: 10-15 Legionnaires who serve as the primary force for local patrols, community assistance, and any required military action. They must be adaptable, capable of performing a variety of duties. Initiate: 2-5 Initiates who are in training. In peaceful areas, their training might include a focus on community engagement and support, in addition to standard military preparation. Squire: 0-1 Squire, if any, who would be learning directly under the Commander or Lieutenant, gaining experience in leadership and Legion operations in a low-threat environment. In such a posting, every member might be expected to take on multiple roles. For instance, a Legionnaire might also need to have skills in diplomacy, basic medical aid, or engineering to help with local projects. Initiates might be given more responsibility than usual to accelerate their learning and adaptability. Sergeants would act as mentors and trainers as well as leading their squads. Additionally, the presence of a cleric, mage, or other specialist roles would depend on the needs of the local populace and the nature of "aid" the Legion is expected to provide. These specialists might not fit into the traditional military hierarchy but are attached to the outpost for their expertise.