Military

Isstia's military consists of 2 separate entities, the Sentinel and the Imperial Knights.

Sentinel

The command of the Sentinel is: High General Avitus Comitianus

The Sentinel are responsible for protecting the empire and its people from outside threats, both foreign and domestic. It is a structured military affair, with five achievable ranks. The first year of a soldier’s career they are considered Recruits. Should a recruit be successful in their enlistment, they will climb to the rank of Corporal, making them an official, vetted member of the Emperors Sentinel.

All members of the Sentinel of Recruit and Corporal ranks are tasked with patrolling the city, keeping the peace and upholding the laws of the land, a duty termed 'Watchmen'. Watchmen positions are often referred to as ‘Earning your Marks’, as many watchmen spend a large portion of their time breaking up drunken disagreements and calming angry mobs.

Once a Sentinel reaches the rank of Lieutenant, they then join their fellow soldiers in protecting the empire and its people from outside threats, both foreign and domestic.

In Short...

Rank 1: Recruit/Corporal (Watchmen) -- Rank 2: Lieutenant (Military) -- Rank 3: Commander (Military) -- Rank 4: Captain (Military)

Imperial Knights

The Imperial Knights are a completely different affair from the Sentinel. The Knights are not selected by anyone, nor is it a status one can work up to. Instead, the title of Imperial Knight must be won. Once a year a competition is held during the Celebration of Flowers, when men and women from all clans and all walks of life have the opportunity to put their strength and minds to the test to complete for one of two Imperial Shields.

The challenges test the physical, mental and spiritual resistance of the contestants, pitting them against man and beast. To win the Imperial Knighthood is to earn honor that and is reserved only for the bravest and most honorable of men. Imperial Knights are considered the personal protectors of the Imperial Family, and the most capable fighters in all of Isstia. These individuals enjoy a life of privilege, but they also ride at the head of all battles, meaning that the life of an Imperial Knight is one of wealth, honor and excitement, but it can also be a short life.

Though the Knights report directly to the Emperor, they also often take command from the High General.

There are five Imperial Knights.

Anyone over the age of 18 who calls Isstia home has the right to take part in the Imperial Call, including the Clanless and Exiled.

Winners of the Imperial Call receive the Imperial Shield, wealth and house in the Imperial Court and a steed of their choosing.

The Imperial Call is a brutal match, during which many men and women lose their lives or return with crippling injuries.