Steel Legion
The Steel Legion, one of the three High Legions of the Dominion of Torment, stands as a testament to the traditional military strength of Demon-kind. Formed in the wake of Ashbane Aul'Karlon victory over Varoth Aul’Meras during the Age of Blood, the Steel Legion was conceived to embody the virtues of discipline, endurance, and unbreakable resolve. While the Arcane Legion delves into magical warfare and the Ash Legion masters technological advancements, the Steel Legion remains firmly rooted in the ancient arts of physical combat, emphasizing traditional warfare tactics and unrelenting defense.
In the unforgiving volcanic wastelands of Ragnarok, where survival itself is a battle, the Steel Legion has thrived as the Dominion’s staunch defenders. Their soldiers, forged in the fires of harsh terrain and constant Angelic raids, have developed into an elite force capable of weathering any storm. Though the other High Legions may boast specialized powers or war machines, the Steel Legion represents the core of Torment’s military might—a wall of strength that has held firm against countless external threats, including the angelic incursions from the High Heavens and the persistent guerilla assaults from the True Legion.
Its soldiers wield ancient weapons, honed through centuries of use, in a testament to the belief that true power lies in the strength of body and spirit rather than in technological or magical crutches. Their brutal, close-quarters combat techniques are revered throughout the Dominion, and the Legion’s battles have shaped much of the martial culture of Torment.
Structure
The organizational structure of the Steel Legion is a meticulously designed hierarchy, optimized for both battlefield effectiveness and efficient governance within the Dominion of Torment. As one of the High Legions, it operates within a stratocratic system where military leadership forms the foundation of civil governance, and every role in the Steel Legion is bound by rigid discipline, hierarchy, and an unwavering commitment to the protection of Torment and the confederation of dominions.
High Command
- Tribune. At the pinnacle of the Steel Legion’s hierarchy is the Tribune, who commands the entire legion. The Tribune not only oversees the strategic direction of the Steel Legion but also serves as a military governor over the territories under the Legion’s control, such as the Dead Wastes and the Koruna Hinterlands. The Tribune’s authority is nearly absolute within the legion and only answers to the High Imperator of Torment.
- Primus. Directly beneath the Tribune is the rank of Primus, who commands large regional forces or elite units of the Legion. Primuses act as intermediaries between the Tribune and the lower command tiers, ensuring the Tribune’s strategic orders are executed efficiently. They are often seasoned veterans with tactical brilliance and deep knowledge of the Legion’s operations.
- Centurions. Centurions command companies of soldiers, usually consisting of around 100 troops. These officers are directly responsible for ensuring the unit's discipline, battle-readiness, and execution of battlefield tactics. Centurions are the backbone of the Steel Legion’s battlefield operations, leading from the front lines and maintaining control over large groups of soldiers in combat.
- Legionnaires. Legionnaires are in charge of smaller squads of soldiers within a company. These officers oversee groups ranging from 20 to 50 soldiers and work closely with Centurions to ensure discipline and tactical efficiency. Legionnaires are often experienced combatants who have proven their ability to lead troops in smaller engagements or skirmishes.
- Lieutenants. Lieutenants support the Legionnaires and Centurions by managing logistics and coordinating squad operations. They oversee supply lines, ammunition, and communication between smaller squads, ensuring the smooth operation of their company. In battle, Lieutenants lead smaller units and execute precise orders given by their commanders.
- Shock Troopers. Mountain-folk often occupy this specialized unit, known for their immense strength and endurance. Shock Troopers serve as the Legion’s front-line assault force, breaking through enemy lines with sheer power. Mounted on war mammoths, these troops play a crucial role in large-scale battles where brute force is necessary to destabilize enemy formations.
- Cavalry Units. Cavalry in the Steel Legion consists of riders mounted on Tarratonan stags, used for rapid strikes and flanking maneuvers. Mountain-folk, when assigned to cavalry, are mounted on great white mammoths, which serve as living siege engines capable of demolishing enemy fortifications.
- Infantry Soldiers. The bulk of the Steel Legion consists of highly trained infantry, known for their discipline and ability to hold tactical formations. Their signature octagonal shields and spears are iconic, particularly in their use of the T'laeia formation, a testudo-like defense that allows the soldiers to advance while heavily protected.
- Artillery Units. Though the Arcane Legion provides most of the magical firepower, the Steel Legion maintains its own artillery corps. These units operate catapults, trebuchets, and ballistae, delivering devastating ranged attacks in both offensive and defensive operations.
Culture
Discipline and Coordination. At the heart of the Steel Legion's culture is discipline. Soldiers are trained from a young age to follow military codes and orders without question. Individual prowess is respected, but the Legion emphasizes the importance of coordination and unity. The famous T’laeia formation, a shield wall made of interlocking octagonal shields, is the embodiment of this principle. Soldiers learn to trust one another and move as a single, cohesive unit, ensuring that no matter the battle’s chaos, they remain an unbreakable force. This precise teamwork extends beyond battle into every aspect of a Steel Legion soldier’s life.
Brotherhood and Camaraderie. The sense of brotherhood within the Steel Legion is one of its defining traits. Soldiers form deep bonds with their comrades, forged through the shared experience of training and battle. Veterans pass down their knowledge to newer recruits, creating a tradition of mentorship and loyalty. This culture of camaraderie is reinforced through ceremonies, both in remembrance of fallen comrades and in celebration of victories. Soldiers support each other, not just in combat, but in every aspect of life, strengthening the collective morale of the Legion.
Endurance and Resilience. Endurance is seen as a measure of a soldier's worth in the Steel Legion. Both physical and mental resilience are paramount, as soldiers face not only fierce opponents but also the punishing environment of Ragnarok. The culture of the Legion teaches that through enduring pain, hardship, and adversity, one becomes stronger. Soldiers are expected to push beyond their limits, maintaining focus and adaptability even in the most dire circumstances. For them, surviving and thriving under pressure are the ultimate test of strength.
Survival Through Strength. The Legion’s philosophy of survival through strength is deeply embedded in its approach to warfare. Every battle is treated as a test of adaptability and fortitude. Soldiers are trained not only in the art of combat but also in the mental fortitude required to withstand overwhelming challenges. The belief is that strength is not just about brute force but the will to continue fighting against the odds. The Legion takes pride in being the defenders of the Dominion, prepared to face any enemy or obstacle with unwavering resolve.
Legacy and Tradition. The history of the Steel Legion plays a significant role in its culture. Soldiers are constantly reminded of the battles fought by their ancestors and the legacy they carry forward. This respect for the past fosters a deep sense of duty and honor among the Legion's ranks. The values, victories, and sacrifices of previous generations are honored and serve as inspiration for current and future soldiers. The reverence for tradition helps maintain the high standards of the Legion, ensuring that each soldier contributes to the lasting power of the Dominion.
Unity and Dedication to the Dominion. The Steel Legion is deeply committed to the protection and advancement of the Dominion of Torment, as well as the wider confederation of Ragnarok, including the dominions of Indulgence and Doubt. While individual glory is acknowledged, the soldiers are driven by a collective dedication to their people. Every battle and hardship endured is in service of ensuring the survival and strength of the Dominion and maintaining peace across the continent. As the military backbone of the confederation, the Steel Legion plays a vital role in defending all the dominions, upholding peace and stability through their unity and discipline, and neutralizing external threats to ensure the prosperity of Ragnarok.
Public Agenda
The Steel Legion sees itself as the embodiment of the Dominion of Torment’s military strength and unwavering resolve. To its soldiers, the Legion is more than just an army—it is the living force that secures the future of all demon-kind. The Steel Legion carries the weight of defending not only Torment but the entirety of Ragnarok, ensuring the dominions remain safe from external threats and internal strife. Its purpose, as the Legion sees it, is grounded in its unshakable duty to preserve the security, strength, and dominance of Torment and its allies.
- Guardians of Ragnarok. From the perspective of the Steel Legion, they are the defenders of the entire continent. The allied dominions of Indulgence and Doubt rely on their strength, not just for security but for their very existence. Unlike the softer dominions to the south, where trade and magic flourish, Torment's military might is the foundation upon which their prosperity is built. The Steel Legion embraces this role as Ragnarok’s shield. Whether through repelling angelic incursions, quelling rebellions like the True Legion, or patrolling the borders, the Legion sees itself as the unbreakable force that upholds peace and stability for all of demon-kind.
- Expansion on Our Terms. While the Steel Legion holds a deep respect for the allied confederation, it is not content to merely defend. The Dominion of Torment has long harbored expansionist ideals, and the Steel Legion is prepared to carry those ambitions forward. However, the Legion’s perspective is pragmatic—expansion must be balanced with the responsibilities of protecting the confederation. They believe in seizing unclaimed or contested territories beyond Ragnarok's borders, but always with a strategic mindset that does not undermine the balance of power among the dominions. For the Legion, expansion is a necessary path toward strengthening Torment, so long as it does not destabilize the greater confederation.
- Maintaining Ragnarok’s Order. To the Steel Legion, the preservation of order and stability across Ragnarok is paramount. The Legion views itself as the stabilizing force in a world that would otherwise descend into chaos. They see their strength as the counterbalance to the internal disputes within the Dominion of Torment, such as the persistent threat of the True Legion, and as the force that holds Ragnarok together amidst external threats. Through their vigilance, the Legion ensures that the dominions remain unified, and any faction or external enemy threatening that unity will be crushed.
- Power as a Warning. For the Steel Legion, military power is not just about brute force—it is also about projection. The sight of their legions marching through the streets, the sheer size of their fortresses, and the demonstrations of their martial prowess all serve as a warning to those who might challenge Torment’s strength. The Legion believes that maintaining a visible show of force is essential to keeping the peace. Whether it’s patrolling the borders, staging public drills, or reinforcing fortifications, the Steel Legion projects its strength as a deterrent, making it clear that any threat to the dominions will be met with overwhelming power.
Assets
The Steel Legion possesses considerable resources that allow it to defend the Dominion's borders and enforce its will both within and outside the territory. While less reliant on magical and technological advancements than the Arcane or Ash Legions, the Steel Legion has developed a range of assets that complement its focus on traditional military prowess. These assets are strategically deployed across key regions to ensure the Legion’s continued dominance in both battle and governance.
The Steel Legion’s primary resources include its well-trained soldiers, fortresses, and military equipment, each tailored to support its mission of defending the Dominion’s borders and maintaining internal order. Their extensive network of outposts and supply lines allows them to project force across vast and hostile landscapes, including some of the most dangerous regions in the Dominion.
- Kroth, the Fortress City. Kroth is the heart of the Steel Legion’s operations and serves as the military capital of the Dominion. It is the largest and most fortified city, housing the Steel Legion's command structure, barracks for thousands of soldiers, extensive armories, and elite training grounds. The city is an impenetrable bastion, with walls reinforced over centuries and designed to withstand prolonged sieges. Its strategic position allows for rapid deployment of forces across the Dominion, making it both a military headquarters and a symbol of the Legion’s strength.
- Fortified Outposts. Scattered across the Dominion’s harsh territories, the Steel Legion maintains several outposts that serve as defensive strongholds, logistical centers, and rallying points for military operations. These outposts are positioned in critical locations, providing a first line of defense against invaders.
- Fort Hydra. Located near the Devil's Stepping Stones, Fort Hydra was built during the Crusading War to prevent enemy incursions from the Karthan Commonwealth. Though it no longer faces immediate threats, it remains a formidable bastion, housing a large garrison and a fleet of fortified ships that patrol the Whip of Fire and protect the Dominion’s northern shores.
- Fort Cinder. Located along the Shattered Shore, Fort Cinder is often under threat from the True Legion. Its strategic importance as a defense against internal threats makes it a focal point of conflict. The soldiers stationed here are well-trained in guerrilla warfare and defensive tactics, making it one of the most critical points of defense.
- Fort Desolation. Situated deep within the Dead Wastes, Fort Desolation serves as a rigorous training ground for Steel Legion soldiers. Its location in one of the most inhospitable regions of the Dominion ensures that only the toughest recruits survive, forging soldiers who are ready for the brutal realities of war.
- War Mammoths. Used by the mountain-folk shock troopers, war mammoths are massive beasts that serve as living siege engines. Heavily armored and equipped with spiked tusks and massive chains, these creatures can break through enemy lines, trample infantry, and destroy fortifications, making them devastating assets in battle.
- Artillery Units. While the Arcane Legion is known for its magical firepower, the Steel Legion fields formidable siege engines, including catapults, trebuchets, and ballistae. These provide essential support during both defensive and offensive operations, offering powerful long-range strikes that can decimate enemy formations.
- Tarratonan Stags. The Steel Legion’s cavalry rides into battle mounted on Tarratonan stags, which are imported from Tarratona Isle, located south of the Behemoth’s Back Mountains. These massive, agile creatures are prized for their speed and versatility, making them ideal for flanking maneuvers and quick battlefield strikes. While rare, the use of these stags in battle is a key tactical advantage for the Steel Legion’s cavalry, allowing them to outmaneuver opponents with swift, devastating charges.
History
The Steel Legion’s origins can be traced back to the aftermath of the Age of Blood, when Ashbane Aul'Karlon reformed the Grand Legion into three separate branches. Tasked with maintaining the traditions of physical combat and battlefield discipline, the Steel Legion quickly became the largest and most respected military force in the Dominion. Throughout its history, the Legion has been at the forefront of every major conflict, defending the Dominion from external threats and maintaining order within its borders.
During the Dominion War, the Steel Legion played a pivotal role in defending Torment from the combined forces of Indulgence and Doubt. Their ability to hold defensive lines for days at a time allowed the Dominion to withstand a war that might have otherwise led to its collapse. In the aftermath of The Rebirth, the Steel Legion was instrumental in rebuilding the Dominion’s infrastructure and fortifications, ensuring that their borders remained secure even as the Dominion faced internal strife and external threats.
Today, the Steel Legion remains a cornerstone of the Dominion of Torment’s military strength, standing as a symbol of resilience and discipline in a land defined by its harsh conditions and unrelenting challenges. While the Arcane and Ash Legions continue to push the boundaries of Magic and technology, the Steel Legion remains firmly committed to the traditions that have sustained the Dominion for centuries.
Type
Military Order
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Decorated/Honored
Leader
Ruling Organization
Leader Title
Location
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
Furnace Marching
In the Steel Legion's culture of warfare, intimidation tactics play a crucial role in demoralizing the enemy before the battle even begins. One of the most fearsome and iconic practices of the Legion is the use of enchanted breastplates, designed to resemble glowing furnaces. These breastplates serve not only as protection but as instruments of psychological warfare. Before a charge, Steel Legion soldiers gather in tight formations, and as they prepare to advance, they begin rhythmically striking their chestplates. This synchronized act creates a reverberating metallic clang that echoes across the battlefield, a sound that signals the approaching might of the Dominion. As the pounding reaches its crescendo, the soldiers chant in unison, their voices creating an eerie and ominous chorus. The magic woven into their breastplates activates, causing thick, black smoke to billow from their chests. This magical smoke, though it engulfs the battlefield, is designed to affect only the enemy’s morale. The smoke blinds and disorients the opposing forces, while the Steel Legion remains unaffected, able to fight with full visibility and breathability. The glowing firelights within the breastplates further enhance the effect, giving the appearance that the soldiers are imbued with the very flames of Torment. The battlefield becomes shrouded in a dark, rolling cloud, with the fiery glow of the Legion piercing through the mist, making them appear as demons marching from the depths of the abyss. This tactic, known as the "Furnace March," has a devastating psychological effect on enemy forces, often causing them to falter before the battle even begins. By the time the Steel Legion charges through the smoke, their enemies are already overwhelmed by fear, giving the Legion a significant advantage. The combination of rhythmic chanting, metallic clanging, and the ominous black smoke creates an unforgettable spectacle that reinforces the Legion’s reputation as a disciplined, unyielding force.
The Steel Watch
The Steel Watch is a revered detachment within the Steel Legion, responsible for the protection of Kroth’s inner sanctums. Only the most experienced veterans are selected to serve in the Steel Watch, and they are tasked with defending the High Imperator, the Black Bastille, and the sacred relics held within Kroth. The Steel Watch soldiers are distinguished by their polished steel armor, inlaid with gold and black obsidian, signifying their status as Kroth’s ultimate defenders. They rarely leave the fortress, but when they do, it signals that a mission of utmost importance is underway.
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