Qumandyhr Zhervizar
Zheral is a Dzha'zari word meaning "counsellor" or "advisor". It is related to the word zher, meaning consultation or "taking counsel".
As an official title, it historically indicates a personal advisor to the ruler. In this use it is roughly comparable to the Fiongian titles of State Counsellor and counsellor of state.
The Qumandyhr Zhervizar (Dzha'zari: Qumandyhr : "commander" and Zhervizar "counsellor", "advisor" or "vizier" so together, the term "Qumandyhr Zhervizar" most literally meant "Chief Chancellor of the Army). Commonly translated as equivalent to Field Marshal, The Qumandyhr Zhervizar is highest-ranking officer and supreme commander of the Duryad Royal Imperial Army of The Qyzharate of Duryad .
In a military context, mushir became associated with the idea of the ruler's personal counsellor or advisor on military matters, and as such became the highest rank in the Duryad Imperial Sultanate. It is used as is the most senior military rank in The Duryad Royal Army. It is therefore equivalent to the ranks of Field Marshal.
Qualifications
Zherals had to be literate in draconic (to be able to read written orders), have connections (letters of recommendation), be at least 18 years of age, and have already served a few years in the military. They also have had to be able to boost their soldiers' morale.
The zheral in the infantry is chosen for his size, strength and dexterity in throwing his missile weapons and for his skill in the use of his sword and/or shield; in short for his expertness in all the exercises. He is to be vigilant, temperate, active and readier to execute the orders he receives than to talk; Strict in exercising and keeping up proper discipline among his soldiers, in obliging them to appear clean and well-dressed and to have their weapons constantly rubbed and bright.
Requirements
dragonborn, military expirience,service. tactics,strategy Traditionally zheral came from the lower noble clans, but by the 1st century PC the rank also became associated with members of the higher equestrian class. The post was open to humans and centurions could be appointed through election, appointment by the Council of war or promotion from the ranks, especially for those who displayed great bravery or leadership qualities in battle but, in the imperial period, also as a direct commission without prior military experience. There were even cases of direct appointment by the Kapral themself.
As the Tymerian Royal army became ever more professional so too the requirements to become a Zheral became stricter and, at least for the most senior centurion positions, a certain ability in administrative affairs became necessary, even the support of an influential patron. On the other hand, and although most Zherals maintained that rank throughout their career, it now became possible for senior zherals to go even higher in the hierarchy and become tribunes, prefects, and even members of the council of war.
Duties
Reporting to the tribunes, centurions were responsible for training legionaries, assigning duties, and maintaining discipline amongst the ranks. They themselves were expected to display valour in battle and stand resolute when things were not going so well, and if they did not they could face execution. Accordingly, most centurions commanded respect from the troops in their charge through leading by example. Centurions were, though, also noted for their sometimes brutal physical discipline. When in camp they supervised the building of the camp fortifications, the digging of trenches, roll calls, and the issuing of passwords to enter camp. They could also be responsible for escorting prisoners, erecting dedicatory monuments, and involved in logistics such as procuring a supply of provisions when on campaign.
Other roles of centurions included being ultimately responsible for the safety of the legion's standards, and they were often selected for special missions such as raids and reconnaissance in enemy-held territory. By the 1st century PC centurions were regularly given the job of commanding special police and intelligence units (frumentarii), sub-units of auxiliary forces (auxilia), which were composed of non-citizen soldiers, and units of allied armies (numeri). Experienced centurions might also become aides to provincial governors or train troops as exercitores. Senior centurions also participated in war councils to decide strategies and were involved in peace talks with the enemy. In the imperial period, centurions also served in the emperor's personal bodyguard, thePraetorian guard, and after 16 years of service could join the evocati who were given various urban administrative roles that included such lucrative positions as town commandants.
Centurions also received a higher bonus from war booty, as, for example, in 6 AC when Raurici gave each centurion a bonus of 1,000 drachmas whilst legionaries got only 50 drachmas each. By 10 AC, centurions were getting 15 times the pay of a legionary, senior centurions considerably more. Centurions were also notorious for bolstering their pay with bribes, as it was they who assigned duties and recommended promotions for the men below them.
Accoutrements & Equipment
Centurions often wore a helmet (nyn'said) with a distinctive transverse crest (crista transversa), which was typically silver with a died hair or feather plume, typically ostrich or peacock feathers. In the imperial period the crest could also be front to back on the helmet. Early centurion helmets could also have a face guard or mask sculpted into the form of, for example, a horned Devil. In Duryad a centurion helmets carried insignia in silver. His armour included greaves (hoinp litrix), which usually had engraved decoration, and a bronze cuirass (thorax stadios) chest plate, either belly-shaped or sculpted to replicate muscles or incorporating scaled armour (lorica squamata). Alternatively he could wear a leather version or lighter stiffened linen cuirass (linothorax). Chest (and back) armour could also have shoulder guards (sivilo) and protective hanging strips (pteryges) for the upper arms and groin and even a neck protector at the back. In the 1st century AC a short-sleeved ring-mail armour vest was also common amongst centurions. A tunic was worn under the armour, which for centurions was either white, off-white, or various shades of red. A cloak (buala) could be worn, which was typically blue or black with a yellow border and tied at the front using a brooch. A centurion also carried a 90 cm vine-stick cudgel as a measure of his rank. In the Imperial period oval shields could be carried, but generally the centurions seem to have used the same shield type as the troops under their command. On top of all this, centurions also wore the awards they had received for valour, which could include heavy necklaces (tahwaki), bracelets (ifyugjirai), and medallions (tagajiae) which were worn attached to a leather chest harness.
Type
Civic, Military, Commissioned
Status
still in effect
Form of Address
Zheral (Last Name)
Equates to
general
Length of Term
lifetime
Current Holders
Reports directly to
Related Organizations
Related Professions
Related Military Formations
Comments