Post by Queen Celestia on Apr 14, 2015 9:08:14 GMT -7
Because our forum is war based, I have been meaning to post this for some time now. If you are interested in becoming a soldier for my army, there are a few levels of rank you should be aware of. That being said, all ranks higher then the normal MUST be discussed with the Queen first. Or in any case, message me. Well, here they are. 
Oh! One more thing! Being separate from the other Empire's, The Solar Empire is different in the ways of ranking, therefore no Empire is the same with levels. Thank you for your loyalty!
Solar Military Forces:
The official Military force of the Solar Empire, in service to the crown and the nation rather than the church. While the Military and the Church often work together, they are two separate entities, serving the same master, her majesty Queen Celestia.
Ranks:
Militia: To avoid stretching it's forces too thin, the Solar Empire employs it's own Militia. A volunteer force comprised of peasants. Anybody may sign up for a Solar Militia, though you must provide your own weapons, armor, and are expected to work for free. The Militia is very rarely ever seen on the front lines, though they are tasked with defending villages in times of invasion, or to plug holes left by the main Military force.
A band of Solar Militia, ready to fend off bandits, brigands and Lunar Rebels.
Training Program:
Private: When a recruit serves a few months in the camp guard, they are offered the choice of joining the City Guard on the Path of the Sentry, or becoming a full fledged Private on the path of the Soldier. For those who chose the Path of the Soldier, a Private is the most junior rank. Privates make up the majority of the Solar military force, and are the backbone to any attacking Solar army.
Privates in the Solar Empire are adorned in leather armor, with an under layer of chainmail and an iron helmet. They commonly wield a six foot spear, a wooden kite shield and an iron short sword.
Private 1st: An honorary title at best, the rank of Private 1st is given to Privates who have proven their worth, and served for many campaigns, though the officers don't feel as if he or she deserves a full fledged promotion as of yet. A Private 1st is still a Private, and for all intensive purposes is on equal footing, though a Private 1st does receive a pay increase for their loyal service.
Specialist: A more advanced solider with special and useful skills. A Specialist is trusted with more important tasks than their Private counterparts, such as digging sap holes during a siege, scouting out ambush points, and managing siege equipment.
Specialists are usually seen in brown cloaks and hardened leather armor. They are usually less armored, due tot he fact that their primary concern isn't direct combat.
Corporal: The first major promotion from Private, a Corporal is responsible for relaying orders from the Sergeant, to their squad, and lead the squad when the Sergeant is unable to. The first real position of command in the Solar Military, Privates who stand out as potential leaders and in some cases, Squad Leaders from the training program are considered for this position.
Corporals are better armored than a Private, often seen in chainmail and leather with a plate breastplate, and iron helmet.
Sergeant: The rank of Sergeant is the next step up from Corporal, and is a position of great responsibility. A Sergeant is responsible for leading a squad of twenty nine Privates, and one Corporal. On the battlefield, the Sergeant's word is law. Disobedience or miscommunication could lead to the deaths of every member of the squad. Because of this, Sergeants must be decisive, intelligent and stern.
A battle hardened Sergeant of the Solar Military.
Sergeant Majors: A Sergeant Major is the one in charge of organizing the lower Sergeants, and relaying orders from the Lieutenant to the Sergeants. A Sergeant Major is the most junior rank permitted to enter the command tent and attend the war councils, and have limited input on the army's strategy and maneuvers.
Commander: The second in command in the military rank system. The Commander is the leader of their respective camps, and the head of that camps war council. Every camp decision is ultimately decided by the Commander, and major orders from a Captain or even the Queen herself are passed down by Commanders. The organization and defense of the camps are this man or woman's responsibility, though when leading attacking armies the Commander often takes a back seat to the Captain or Queen.
A Commander is often seen in heavy plate armor, and uses a greatsword as his or her badge of office.The plume on the top of their helms are also an easy way to spot a Commander.
Captain: There are five Captains, responsible for leading the entire Solar Empire's Military Force. These Captains are a separate position from the Captain of the Guard, and hold much more authority. The Captains are master strategists, and take their orders directly from Queen Celestia herself. The absolute best that the Solar Military has to offer, these men are often seen leading mighty war hosts in the name of the Queen.
The Captain's are adorned in the best armor bits can buy, with an iconic horsehaired crest atop their helms. This crest is a symbol of their position and authority.
The Church of Celestia:
The Church of Celestia, while primarily a peaceful organization, does have it's own soldiers completely separate from the Solar army. Members of the Church and members of the army are often seen aiding one another, though high ranking officials from either organization have no real authority over each other. The Church of Celestia serves the Queen, believing her the physical manifestation of the Sun Goddess. While the church has been established for decades prior to the civil war, it took Luna's betrayal for the organization to officially militarize. The rankings go as followed, lowest to highest:
Initiate: An Initiate of the Church of Celestia is the entry level position, and lowest on the totem pole. Anybody from the Solar Empire may apply as an Initiate, as it is a volunteer position, with no pay offered. Instead of bits, Initiates are promised favor with the Sun Goddess herself, and if they prove themselves, they may be promoted to higher positions in the church. To become an Initiate, you must take a holy vow of service to Celestia, relinquishing all of your earthy possessions and pledging yourself to serving the church above all else. While Initiates hold now real influence or responsibility in the church, their duties comprise of studying the holy scriptures, menial labor around the holy buildings such as cleaning, and serving the officials above them. Initiates are also tasked with taking to the streets, and spreading the good word of Celestia.
A typical Initiate is permitted to wear red or brown robes, and a single golden sun pendant.
Priest: Once an Initiate proves him or herself as a righteous and loyal soul, who has memorized the scriptures, they will be offered the position of Priest. A Priest or Priestess of the Sun is the first position in the church with any real duties other than chores and study. A Priest and Priestess of the Sun are responsible with holding weekly sermons, collecting donations and teaching Initiates the ways of the church.
Warrior Priest: In these harsh times of war and strife, the Church of Celestia is often called upon to preform unfortunately violent tasks. While the Church's primary concern is not violence, in the end, they are there to serve the will of Celestia. If the Sun Goddess wishes for the Lunar heathens to be struck down, the church shall strike them down. The most physically able of the Initiates are often promoted to a Warrior Priest rather than a regular Priest. A Warrior Priest and a regular Priest share the same duties, and for all intensive purposes, are of equal standing. The only difference between the two positions, is that when the Church must field an army, the Warrior Priest's act as the foot soldiers.
The holy Warrior Priests of Celestia are often fielded with a pike and a sword, with plate armor, yellow robes and golden symbols of the sun.
Oh! One more thing! Being separate from the other Empire's, The Solar Empire is different in the ways of ranking, therefore no Empire is the same with levels. Thank you for your loyalty!Solar Military Forces:
The official Military force of the Solar Empire, in service to the crown and the nation rather than the church. While the Military and the Church often work together, they are two separate entities, serving the same master, her majesty Queen Celestia.
Ranks:
Militia: To avoid stretching it's forces too thin, the Solar Empire employs it's own Militia. A volunteer force comprised of peasants. Anybody may sign up for a Solar Militia, though you must provide your own weapons, armor, and are expected to work for free. The Militia is very rarely ever seen on the front lines, though they are tasked with defending villages in times of invasion, or to plug holes left by the main Military force.
A band of Solar Militia, ready to fend off bandits, brigands and Lunar Rebels.
Training Program:
Trainee: Congratulations Trainee, you have begun your first step in joining the Solar Military. A Trainee is the lowest of the low, fresh new recruits still yet to complete their training. Almost never seen actually fighting the enemy, save for extreme situations. A Trainee must undergo unarmed and armed training, and official drills and formations. A unit of Trainee's are broken up into squads of twenty, with one squad leader and one Drill Instructor.
The standard trainee uniform, made of cheap leather. Designed to soften the blow of wooden swords and spears.
Drill Instructor: To be a Drill Instructor, you must be firm, harsh and unforgiving. It is up to the drill instructor to turn a rabble of untrained boys, into a unit of disciplined Solar Infantrymen. The Drill Instructor's duties include running drills, teaching new recruits military formations, and showing them how to use a multitude of weaponry. A Drill Instructor is in charge of a group of twenty Trainees.
Camp Guard: The Camp Guard is a way of testing out newly graduated Trainee's, providing them with real world experience on the field. All Soldiers must serve several months as a Camp Guard before being promoted to Private. Their primary duties are to stand watch at camps and forts, as well as accompany the more experienced soldiers on patrols.
While it's far from the most glamorous position, Camp Guard is a vital one. Not only does it provide real experience for fresh recruits, it also keeps Solar camps safe when the regular soldiers are away.
Path of the Sentry
The standard trainee uniform, made of cheap leather. Designed to soften the blow of wooden swords and spears.
Squad Leader: After the first month of Training, each Trainee is given a performance review from the Drill Instructor, and are all ranked against each other. The Trainee that is ranked #1 in his class, is promoted to Squad Leader. The Squad Leader is responsible for leading the other Trainees in their formations and drills, and is selectively trained in leadership, and military command procedures. While the Squad Leader is in no way guaranteed an officer position when they graduate, they are immediately put at the front of the line of consideration.
Drill Instructor: To be a Drill Instructor, you must be firm, harsh and unforgiving. It is up to the drill instructor to turn a rabble of untrained boys, into a unit of disciplined Solar Infantrymen. The Drill Instructor's duties include running drills, teaching new recruits military formations, and showing them how to use a multitude of weaponry. A Drill Instructor is in charge of a group of twenty Trainees.
Camp Guard: The Camp Guard is a way of testing out newly graduated Trainee's, providing them with real world experience on the field. All Soldiers must serve several months as a Camp Guard before being promoted to Private. Their primary duties are to stand watch at camps and forts, as well as accompany the more experienced soldiers on patrols.
While it's far from the most glamorous position, Camp Guard is a vital one. Not only does it provide real experience for fresh recruits, it also keeps Solar camps safe when the regular soldiers are away.
Path of the Sentry
City Guard: When a recruit serves a few months in the Camp Guard, they are often given two options: Join the main army as a full fledged Private, or join the City Guard. This choice is vital, as it will determine the soldier's career path for life. The City Guard is the first step on the path of the Sentry, and it's duties are fairly simple. Defend the city when it is under siege, and police the population. Members of the city guard are only seen on the front lines in times of extreme desperation, as they are first and foremost sentries.
Members of the City Guard are afforded better arms and armor than members of the Camp Guard, and are more experienced. They are typically seen with a six foot spear, a round wooden shield, and an iron short sword.
City Lieutenant: A City Lieutenant is typically responsible for a unit of fifty City Guard. They are responsible for leading their men, setting patrol routes, and dealing with matters that are above the pay grade of a simple grunt. To qualify for a City Lieutenant, one must have a minimum of fives years experience in the City Guard, and must undergo an entirely new training program.
A veteran City Lieutenant, tough and experienced.
Path of the Soldier:
Members of the City Guard are afforded better arms and armor than members of the Camp Guard, and are more experienced. They are typically seen with a six foot spear, a round wooden shield, and an iron short sword.
City Lieutenant: A City Lieutenant is typically responsible for a unit of fifty City Guard. They are responsible for leading their men, setting patrol routes, and dealing with matters that are above the pay grade of a simple grunt. To qualify for a City Lieutenant, one must have a minimum of fives years experience in the City Guard, and must undergo an entirely new training program.
A veteran City Lieutenant, tough and experienced.
Captain of the Guard: The Captain of the guard is in charge of the entire City Guard in their respective settlements. City Lieutenants get their orders straight from the Captain of the Guard. Answers only to the lord of said settlement, or to the Queen herself. Only the most veteran and proven Lieutenants are chosen to be Captains.
Captain of the Guard is fitted with much better weapons and armor then the Lieutenants.
Captain of the Guard is fitted with much better weapons and armor then the Lieutenants.
Royal Guard: The highest and most sought after position available in the path of the Sentry, the elite Royal Guard serve as the personal bodyguards to Queen Celestia herself. Only a select few hand picked by Celestia ever get the privilege of being a Royal Guard. Fitted with the best possible arms and armor, combined with their deadly skills and experience, make the Royal Guard debatably the best warriors in the Solar Empire. The Royal Guard has come under some flak by the Church of Celestia, as the Church believes that it would be better suited to guard the Queen. Nevertheless, these are Celestia's chosen protectors.
Royal Guardsmen are required to be completely silent at all times, unless addressed by the Queen herself.
Royal Guardsmen are required to be completely silent at all times, unless addressed by the Queen herself.
Path of the Soldier:
Private: When a recruit serves a few months in the camp guard, they are offered the choice of joining the City Guard on the Path of the Sentry, or becoming a full fledged Private on the path of the Soldier. For those who chose the Path of the Soldier, a Private is the most junior rank. Privates make up the majority of the Solar military force, and are the backbone to any attacking Solar army.
Privates in the Solar Empire are adorned in leather armor, with an under layer of chainmail and an iron helmet. They commonly wield a six foot spear, a wooden kite shield and an iron short sword.
Private 1st: An honorary title at best, the rank of Private 1st is given to Privates who have proven their worth, and served for many campaigns, though the officers don't feel as if he or she deserves a full fledged promotion as of yet. A Private 1st is still a Private, and for all intensive purposes is on equal footing, though a Private 1st does receive a pay increase for their loyal service.
Specialist: A more advanced solider with special and useful skills. A Specialist is trusted with more important tasks than their Private counterparts, such as digging sap holes during a siege, scouting out ambush points, and managing siege equipment.
Specialists are usually seen in brown cloaks and hardened leather armor. They are usually less armored, due tot he fact that their primary concern isn't direct combat.
Corporal: The first major promotion from Private, a Corporal is responsible for relaying orders from the Sergeant, to their squad, and lead the squad when the Sergeant is unable to. The first real position of command in the Solar Military, Privates who stand out as potential leaders and in some cases, Squad Leaders from the training program are considered for this position.
Corporals are better armored than a Private, often seen in chainmail and leather with a plate breastplate, and iron helmet.
Sergeant: The rank of Sergeant is the next step up from Corporal, and is a position of great responsibility. A Sergeant is responsible for leading a squad of twenty nine Privates, and one Corporal. On the battlefield, the Sergeant's word is law. Disobedience or miscommunication could lead to the deaths of every member of the squad. Because of this, Sergeants must be decisive, intelligent and stern.
A battle hardened Sergeant of the Solar Military.
Sergeant Majors: A Sergeant Major is the one in charge of organizing the lower Sergeants, and relaying orders from the Lieutenant to the Sergeants. A Sergeant Major is the most junior rank permitted to enter the command tent and attend the war councils, and have limited input on the army's strategy and maneuvers.
Lieutenant: The Second in command of any military camp, the Lieutenant is a battle hardened veteran. To be considered for a Lieutenant position, one must have a minimum of three years experience as a Sergeant, and two years as a Sergeant Major. Only in very rare cases are prodigies considered for the position without the prior experience. The Lieutenant may temporarily take full command of a Camp when the Commander is away.
A proud Lieutenant of the Solar army. Lieutenants are permitted to wear heavier armor than their Sergeant Major counterparts, and their words carry much more weight in war council meetings.
A proud Lieutenant of the Solar army. Lieutenants are permitted to wear heavier armor than their Sergeant Major counterparts, and their words carry much more weight in war council meetings.
Commander: The second in command in the military rank system. The Commander is the leader of their respective camps, and the head of that camps war council. Every camp decision is ultimately decided by the Commander, and major orders from a Captain or even the Queen herself are passed down by Commanders. The organization and defense of the camps are this man or woman's responsibility, though when leading attacking armies the Commander often takes a back seat to the Captain or Queen.
A Commander is often seen in heavy plate armor, and uses a greatsword as his or her badge of office.The plume on the top of their helms are also an easy way to spot a Commander.
Knight: A specialist rank, a Knight's authority in the Solar Empire outstretches a Commander's, though a Knight must answer to a Captain and the Queen. A Knight may only be appointed by being personally Knighted by the Queen herself, making it a very lucrative position. More often than not, a Knight is a member of a Lording family, or somebody else of high standing. There are exceptions to this however, as mere commoners have been knighted in the past. Much like a Legate from the Crystal Empire, a Knight holds the authority to enter any Military Camp, and take over the Commander's position.
The great majority of Knights are covered head to toe in custom made, ornate plate armor.
The great majority of Knights are covered head to toe in custom made, ornate plate armor.
Captain: There are five Captains, responsible for leading the entire Solar Empire's Military Force. These Captains are a separate position from the Captain of the Guard, and hold much more authority. The Captains are master strategists, and take their orders directly from Queen Celestia herself. The absolute best that the Solar Military has to offer, these men are often seen leading mighty war hosts in the name of the Queen.
The Captain's are adorned in the best armor bits can buy, with an iconic horsehaired crest atop their helms. This crest is a symbol of their position and authority.
The Church of Celestia:
The Church of Celestia, while primarily a peaceful organization, does have it's own soldiers completely separate from the Solar army. Members of the Church and members of the army are often seen aiding one another, though high ranking officials from either organization have no real authority over each other. The Church of Celestia serves the Queen, believing her the physical manifestation of the Sun Goddess. While the church has been established for decades prior to the civil war, it took Luna's betrayal for the organization to officially militarize. The rankings go as followed, lowest to highest:
Initiate: An Initiate of the Church of Celestia is the entry level position, and lowest on the totem pole. Anybody from the Solar Empire may apply as an Initiate, as it is a volunteer position, with no pay offered. Instead of bits, Initiates are promised favor with the Sun Goddess herself, and if they prove themselves, they may be promoted to higher positions in the church. To become an Initiate, you must take a holy vow of service to Celestia, relinquishing all of your earthy possessions and pledging yourself to serving the church above all else. While Initiates hold now real influence or responsibility in the church, their duties comprise of studying the holy scriptures, menial labor around the holy buildings such as cleaning, and serving the officials above them. Initiates are also tasked with taking to the streets, and spreading the good word of Celestia.
A typical Initiate is permitted to wear red or brown robes, and a single golden sun pendant.
Priest: Once an Initiate proves him or herself as a righteous and loyal soul, who has memorized the scriptures, they will be offered the position of Priest. A Priest or Priestess of the Sun is the first position in the church with any real duties other than chores and study. A Priest and Priestess of the Sun are responsible with holding weekly sermons, collecting donations and teaching Initiates the ways of the church.
A Priest of Celestia rarely leaves the Church itself, and is often seen wearing white robes with gold trim.
Warrior Priest: In these harsh times of war and strife, the Church of Celestia is often called upon to preform unfortunately violent tasks. While the Church's primary concern is not violence, in the end, they are there to serve the will of Celestia. If the Sun Goddess wishes for the Lunar heathens to be struck down, the church shall strike them down. The most physically able of the Initiates are often promoted to a Warrior Priest rather than a regular Priest. A Warrior Priest and a regular Priest share the same duties, and for all intensive purposes, are of equal standing. The only difference between the two positions, is that when the Church must field an army, the Warrior Priest's act as the foot soldiers.
The holy Warrior Priests of Celestia are often fielded with a pike and a sword, with plate armor, yellow robes and golden symbols of the sun.
Missionary: A missionary is charged with the vital task of traveling to distant lands, military camps and prisons, to spread the word of Celestia. Only a Priest who has served several faithful years can be considered for a Missionary position, and as such, Missionaries have years of experience preaching the good word.
A travel hardened Missionary with years of experience. Missionaries are adorned with red robes, an large Sun pendants, as well as their traveling equipment.
Order of the Golden Knights: To the public, the Order of the Golden Knights doesn't even exist. A mere shadow of a rumor. In reality however, the order is very much real. The primary task of the Golden Knights is to venture out into the world, and hunt down enemies of the Church. Whether this threat is an emerging cult, or a full fledged Demon from Tartarus, the Golden Knights are trusted with tasks deemed top secret, and vitally important. Demon hunters and loyal beyond question, the knights are often comprised of battle hardened Chaplains, or in extremely rare cases, Warrior Priests that have proven themselves above and beyond what was expected of them.
As the name would imply, the Golden Knights wear golden plate armor, said to be blessed by Celestia herself.
A travel hardened Missionary with years of experience. Missionaries are adorned with red robes, an large Sun pendants, as well as their traveling equipment.
Chaplain: A Chaplain is an senior member of the Church, responsible for leading the Warrior Priests into battle. They must be stout warriors, and utterly faithful to the Church. To be considered for a Chaplain position, you must have a minimum of four years service as a Warrior Priest (With three successful campaigns), and five years as a Missionary. You must also be in prime physical and spiritual condition.
A seasoned Chaplain, leading the Warrior Priests into battle against the Lunar heathens. Wielding a fiery mace, and ornate plate armor. A Chaplain must have a shaved head, as a symbol of their position.
A seasoned Chaplain, leading the Warrior Priests into battle against the Lunar heathens. Wielding a fiery mace, and ornate plate armor. A Chaplain must have a shaved head, as a symbol of their position.
Order of the Golden Knights: To the public, the Order of the Golden Knights doesn't even exist. A mere shadow of a rumor. In reality however, the order is very much real. The primary task of the Golden Knights is to venture out into the world, and hunt down enemies of the Church. Whether this threat is an emerging cult, or a full fledged Demon from Tartarus, the Golden Knights are trusted with tasks deemed top secret, and vitally important. Demon hunters and loyal beyond question, the knights are often comprised of battle hardened Chaplains, or in extremely rare cases, Warrior Priests that have proven themselves above and beyond what was expected of them.
As the name would imply, the Golden Knights wear golden plate armor, said to be blessed by Celestia herself.
Bishop: The Bishops are the leaders of the Church of Celestia, and the second highest rank one could hope for. There are ever only seven positions available amongst the Bishops, and are comprised of the seven most senior and seasoned members of the Church. Bishops are often well versed in magic, and are second only to the Arch Bishop, and Celestia herself.
One of the Seven Bishops of Celestia, powerful and wise.
One of the Seven Bishops of Celestia, powerful and wise.
Arch Bishop: The Arch Bishop is the single highest authority in the Church, save for the Goddess herself. A righteous man, he is responsible for everything the church does. The Bishops act as his council, though in the end the Arch Bishop has the final say in all of the major decisions. He is truly a prophet, sent by Celestia herself to guide us into a new age of spiritual enlightenment.
The Arch Bishop himself, adorned in the holy armor of the Goddess, the most holy items not possessed by Celestia herself.
The Arch Bishop himself, adorned in the holy armor of the Goddess, the most holy items not possessed by Celestia herself.
