new recruites plz read

[whiterabbit]

This letter is intended to be given to each new recruit, in order to give them a crash course on the traditions, and ways and means of the empire*

Hail, and welcome Recruit,

I am pleased to be one of the first to welcome you to our order and hope that you find your time in service to the Empire, and your guild mates to be an enjoyable, and rewarding experience.

In order to ease your transition into the empire this scroll has been given to you so that you can review, and start with a basic working knowledge of the order you are now a part of. Within you will find "notes"detailing were more detailed information can be found on a particular subject mentioned. You should make it a point to further expand your knowledge of the Empire by reviewing the other information found elsewhere within the Empire’s "archives".

The Purple Guardians of Honor have long been a cornerstone of the realm. Our"origins" dates back to times before the discovery of the “Lost Lands,” “Ilshenar,” or even the realm of “Trammel”. The formation of the Empire originated from a simple group of 3 smiths, thus the traditional half apron you will soon wear. As the Empire expanded, our"Codex" was created to give order to the chaos. The Codex details almost all parts of the Empires structure, laws, government bodies, and rules of engagement. It is our law and our way. Learn it well Recruit

At its heart all things in the Empire are based upon the virtues, virtues and of course common sense. All virtues are dear to the Empire but most importantly we seek to embody the virtue of HONOR. Your every action should be taken with this in mind.

The Empires governing body is based upon the republic. Our Emperor whom is advised by a group of personally selected Magistrates leads this government. As is necessary we also have a Senate body that meets to discuss and decide on any major issue facing the empire. Within this Senate are representatives whom oversee specific areas of the empire. The seats included within the Senate are as follows:

War

Trade

Espionage

Arcane

Genesis

State

At the heart of our order is our military, or the Legion, as it will be called from here on out. The Legion is made up of several cohorts. Soon, should you prove yourself worthy, you will find yourself a member of one of these Cohorts. The Cohort you are enlisted in is based upon your defining skills as a warrior. These Cohorts can be expanded, per Codex, as forces allow.

Dragoon Cohort – Melee

Arcane – Spell Casters

Heran – Animal Trainers and Bards

Shadow Riders – Archers

The Legion is structured under a firm line of command.

1) Senator of War

2) Imperator

3) Centurion

4) Phalanx

5) Knight

Through out the history of the Empire certain tactics have been devised, implemented, tested, and either thrown out, or incorporated into our strategies. Our battle manual detailing these strategies can be found in our archives. This "Manual" was created by one of my predecessors, but its strategies still remain sound to this day.

To simplify, our strategy against your most common non-human enemies is the “Honor Wall.” The wall is what the name applies, a strong line of Dragoon warriors whom draw the enemy to them. The remainder of the cohorts supports this wall of warriors. The Shadow Riders and Heran providing fire and healing support. The Herans use their great beasts of war or their hypnotic music to defend not only the rear but to provide the heavy punch.

As a Legionnaire you will serve a probationary period. This is intended to allow you to prove yourself in the eyes of your comrades and your officers. Once approved you will move to the rank of squire were you will be assigned to a patron knight. The Decurion who is the commanding officer for all Legionnaires and Squires will watch all of your activities during this time.

Decurion

Squire

Legionnaire

As a military we are required to wear a "uniform" while in public. This uniform not only shows your rank, but also shows your loyalty to the empire. It bonds each of us together and shows the realm that the Guardians are united. Please note that our uniform is clothing driven only and that any armor defined is purely for ceremony. We wish you to be as effective as possible in combat so your battle dress (armor & weapon) is yours for the choosing.

As a Legionnaire, your uniform is a Black Doublet, and a Purple Half Apron.

Your main point for information regarding current events, hunting missions, or other various happenings will be the "Ethereal Boards". Please check the boards often so that you may be able to take part in these events. Also, every Sunday at 7 pm as the eastern skies sun sets we have our weekly meeting. This meeting is held at our fortress, Olympus.

For in-realm communication the Empire employs a system of courier pigeons (icq). You should seek to learn the roost coordinates for each of your fellow guildmates.

Lastly recruit. Report to the Decurion at your nearest opportunity. He will be able to further assist you in your transition into the Empire and may possibly have further instructions for you.

Remember, the Empire and your time in it is what YOU make of it. No more, no less.

Strength and Honor,

Steel DarKnight