43rd Legion, Blood of the Exiled

While most legions seek glory, the 43rd legion only wishes to make amends for their crimes and those of their ancestors. - Laius Aggrio, Tribune of the 12th Legion

Structure

Formation of the Legion

The legion consists of at least six thousand Legionaries with a hundred and thirty calvaries.

Commanding Ranks

Legatus: The Legatus or general is in charge of the entire legion under his command obeying their orders. They also have political influence as well.
Tribune: The second of the Legtus that carries out orders under them and ensures that reports on all parts of the legion are given to him when they are preoccupied with other duties.
Praefect: The third in command and in charge of maintaining the legion's supplies, equipment, and construction. They ensure that everything is in order and that the men are disciplined.
Primus Pilus: The veteran centurions of the legion that run the cohorts, each one has decades of experience and is an expert in warfare. They can act independently in battle when they see a change in a situation and adapt to it.
Centurion: The backbone of imperial officers in the legion, they ensure that their troops stay in line by any means, and most of them are respected or feared by their men.
Optio: The second in command of a Centurion that aids them in daily duties and orders. Often take over when they cannot and can read and write messages for them.

Culture

Our lines are tainted by the crimes of our ancestors. We are nothing, for we have sinned. Only through blood and suffering shall we find redemption. - 43rd Legion Pledge

Being a Member

Welcome to the legion of redemption, where you may be redeemed through service. Though your blood is Vatian, you and your kin are considered filth due to the crimes of one of your ancestors that were considered so terrible you are forbidden to set foot in your homeland ever again under the penalty of death. You are one of many who seek to restore your family’s honor and status through years of service and sacrifice. It will not be easy as people consider you filth and expendable, which means that you and your comrades will be sent off to places where most legions don’t go to protect the empire's assets at home and abroad. At least you will be able to see the world unlike most others; you have to deal with the conditions you are put through. This means you must adapt quickly and use whatever you can to survive, from weapons to equipment, since you must acquire funds to keep the legion moving. At least you have your comrades by your side as they want the same thing all exiles wish: to be able to return home, and if you survive, you and your kin will be free to return home has Vatians once more. You have to show everyone that you are willing to do what is required of you to earn the right to walk upon the land of your people once more.

What People think of You

The 43rd Legion is considered a stain upon everything Vatian and what the Vatian Empire stands for. The only reason the legion exists is that the empire needed someone to do the things that no one else would do, and that's just that. What better way than to use Corrupitque, who deserved to be punished for the crimes of their bloodline that committed acts that brought dishonor to their family and their people

Public Agenda

To serve the empire in the hope of receiving redemption for the crimes of their ancestors.

Assets

Exotic Equipment: The legion uses weapons and armor from different parts of the world to suit their needs. They are allowing more flexibility when fighting against various types of foes.
Survival Equipment: The legion has to bring special equipment with them to use resources in different environments to their full extent properly. Their equipment ranges from water siphoning to protective gear from the elements.
Telian's Raiders: A unique cohort of troops trained in guerrilla warfare and lightning tactics. They are used to cause chaos behind enemy lines through raids and ambushes, often stealing enemy supplies to feed the legion.

History

From Greatness to Dishonor

The 43rd was not always considered filth; in its better days, it was considered a great legion as their skill and the honors they received in their military service was something of a great deal as they fought against many foes and managed to win at the end. Their service to the empire granted them a place amongst their finest warriors, and they held their heads up high with the honor they received. But the legion's name would forever be stained when they committed one of the greatest sins imaginable for a legion, committing treason against the empire and not just a few dozen men amongst the officer ranks; the whole legion participated in the event. This was after the Second Vatian Civil War that tore the empire asunder and almost led to its collapse. The 43rd Legion was in the thick of the fighting during the conflict, fighting for the winner of the conflict, Emperor Titus Aurelius, also known as Titus the Lesser, due to his weak rulership as the empire had begun to lose its strength. Seeing that they were responsible for causing the current state of the empire and placing a weak ruler on the throne, they wished to save the empire. They rebelled against it in an event known as the Damien's Revolt, named after Damian Lerosian, the Legatus of the legion. The legion was able to gain a hold of a few settlements in the west near the The Spine, and many citizens who shared their sentiments joined them in the revolt, but no other legion turned against the empire. It made them the only legion in the history of the empire to rebel against it. Despite this, thousands flocked to the revolt and wanted Titus removed from the throne. Most believed the revolt would have been put down in only a few weeks since they outnumbered them and were well-equipped. But the 43rd were a resilient and crafty force to face. They used guerrilla warfare and trained militia groups, teaching them the art of warfare. What was thought to be a few weeks ended up being five years of fighting, with the revolt becoming strong and every imperial force being defeated. The revolt began to unravel after Damian was found dead in his tent, which many believed was poisoned. Without him, the rebellion was soon crushed, and those who survived were either executed, crucified, or sent into exile. The legion itself would have all of its achievements removed and nothing more remnant of what it used to be, with very few people ever joining it because of its history. It would take a century before it was reformed to become what it is today.

by midjourney

Crafty Soldiers

Rather than disband the legion, the leaders of the empire decided to exploit manpower from Corrupitque, who existed all across the empire, and to grant their bloodlines redemption and citizenship once more, which was something that they wouldn't refuse. Considering the 43rd was already dishonored, it was the best place to put them all. Of course, the idea of how to use them was something up for debate as their particular circumstances meant that they couldn't act as a regular military force like most other legions. At first, they were sent to the frontiers of the Ascar Plains back when it was lawless, and the empire had little to no power in the region due to its military forces were needed elsewhere. They left the 43rd out on their own as there were very few legions in the area at the time, and they had to cover a lot of ground. They were also underequipped for the job as well, and no one wanted to properly equip them, making them more than just Auxiliaries. But to everyone's surprise, they managed to keep control of the plains and expand their empire's influence in the region by creating a series of fortified outposts and signal systems to maintain control of the area controlled by the empire. They also began to supply themselves by living off the land and using weapons and armor that the natives would use, even some of their tactics, to fight them effectively. It was believed that the soldiers who made up the legion came from many parts of the empire provinces and combined their knowledge and experiences to enable themselves to survive in their environment. Their determination to redeem their family names made them even more determined to see their duties done. Gave the higher-ups the idea of the military to use the legion outside of Continent of Kinath to deal with the territory that they controlled in other parts of the world. Then, the legion was sent to the most remote corners of the world to protect the empire's interests.

A Legion Abroad

One of the few reasons the empire hasn't greatly expanded outside of the Western Lands is primarily due to its inability to maintain proper supply lines to keep its forces supplied, despite its logistical skills being some of the best in the world. However, due to the distance or the environment, the empire had difficulty maintaining them, leading to only small territories in other parts of the world. It now uses these outside territories as trade posts and to gather exotic resources. However, the native populations often threaten these territories, and sending legions needed at home is usually troublesome. That’s why the 43rd is sent abroad, as they cost little to transport equipment-wise, and they are expendable if they were to be wiped out. However, their ability to adapt to the harsh environments that they are sent into counteracts the negative aspects given to them. Unlike most legions, it has enabled them to succeed where others have failed as they live off the land and use everything they can to win. Resorting to fight dirty isn't beneath them either due to their situation. They sometimes worked alongside locals to aid them in their fight if needed. The legion is abroad for years without reinforcements to help them due to the distance between them. But their resilience seems to get them through whenever they need it the most. They can only return home to fill their ranks with recruits and prepare for their next assignment when their job is done. However, they will only be found in the outer lining provinces as they are not allowed to enter the empire's heart due to their status.

Redemptionis per retributionem (Redemption Through Retribution)

Founding Date

298 CA

Type

Military, Army

Alternative Names

Tainted Legion, Legion of Outcasts

Formation Type

Legionary

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Veteran

Demonym

Legionaries

Leader

Arminius Lepidus Thrace

Ruling Organization

Vatian Empire

Leader Title

Legatus

Parent Organization

Imperial Legions

Related Species

• Humans

Related Ethnicities

• Vatian

Unorthodox Tactics

by midjourney

We know that we are never going to have an advantage against our enemies unless we fight just like them by any means to achieve victory - Legatus Thrace

The 43rd rarely followed the standard tactics and style that most other legions followed across the empire. They will often use the tactics of the enemies that they have fought to suit their needs. This has allowed the legion to fight against enemies better as they are not as affected by the enemy exploiting standard legionary tactics quite as efficiently. Their form of fighting has also allowed them to become more lethal when dealing with them. They even sometimes seek aid from local populations with grudges against the enemy they are fighting or seek payment to fight with them. What better way to truly understand the environment than by having the natives show you around? They are often given a position as Auxiliaries if they wish to continue fighting for them.

Adaptable

by midjourney

We are sent to the far-flung corners of the empire, where few men ever go, so we must be prepared to brave the elements and dangers that await us there. - Grizzled Legionary

Unlike other legions, the 43rd’s unique circumstances have allowed the legion to work well in a foreign environment. They work more effectively in almost any region worldwide if told to go. Since they are often under-equipped, they must be resourceful, depending more on hunting and foraging than being supplied with rations. Their ability to find food in the most unlikely places is also quite fascinating. They seem to know where there is a game and what plants are edible without getting killed while doing it. Their clothing and armor often change with the weather and circumstances they are in, allowing them to mobilize faster and suffer less from fatigue. Their apothecaries are skilled in fighting uncommon diseases in their part of the world, allowing their soldiers to remain healthy and in proper fighting conditions.

Redeeming Themselves

by midjourney

For all of my life, I was told that I was nothing but a stain upon my people along with the rest of my kin, but I will ensure that our name shall be redeemed so that one day we shall see the walls of Vatia once more. - Optimistic Recruit

Almost all of the Legionaries in the 43rd are Corrupitque, with only a few of the officers they take orders from. They are often assigned to the legion because they screwed up in some way, but most wish they were killed and then take command of those who are considered animals in their eyes. Life as a Corrupitque is worse than being a second citizen; despite being Vatian, they are shunned and rejected by their people for the crimes of people who were long dead before they were even born. But serving in the legion means a second chance at a new life and being a fully-fledged citizen of the empire. Along with their family's name cleared so all can live better lives. They are willing to go through hell to be considered worthy of being a Vatian once more, and determination can get you far if you have nothing to lose but your life. They are strong-willed in fighting for the empire as they wish to be redeemed for all to see.