Morrowind:Imperial Legion

thumb|left|Imperial Legion banner

The Imperial Legion, also known as the Imperial Army and the Ruby Ranks, is the main fighting force of the Empire of Tamriel. It is often pluralized as the Imperial Legions. It operates under the auspices and authority of the Emperor himself. With its vast numbers, quality training, and rigid discipline, the Legion is considered one of the best armies ever assembled in history. The primary mission of the Imperial Legion is to preserve the peace and rule of law in the Empire. Those who protect the Emperor and the Imperial Province are sometimes called the Imperial Guard and the Imperial Watch. A Legion Centurion is typically in command of the Palace Guard of the  .

In peacetime the Legion serves primarily as a garrison force — manning forts, patrolling roads, and providing guardsmen for towns, cities, counties, and nobles. They are empowered to arrest criminals and seize their property, among other things. In wartime, the Legion's responsibilities and powers are greatly increased. During conflicts, the Legion serves as an invading and occupying force, overwhelming opposition with numerical superiority and strict economy of force. For more information, see the lore article. 

The Legion is a strictly hierarchic organization. Each fort is usually commanded by a Champion  (smaller forts), or any higher-ranking Knight (larger ones). The commander of a fort is usually called 'captain' or 'General'. Only Knights may serve as generals. A Knight of the Imperial Dragon is the highest-ranking Legion officer in any District.

The Imperial Guard is an elite unit of the Imperial Legion charged with the defense of the Emperor and various of his direct representatives in the provinces. Duke Vedam Dren of Vvardenfell's rank and responsibilities entitle him to the protection of this elite unit. There is a traditional rivalry between the Imperial Guard and their counterparts in the regular Legions.

 
Joining the Imperial Legion
There is only one person in the Imperial Legion to whom you can speak for admission -- General Darius, who can be found in the Madach Tradehouse in Gnisis.  Fort Darius is the only fort in the Imperial Legion that is admitting new members at this time in Vvardenfell.

Expulsion
If you make an infraction of the rules, you will be expelled from the Imperial Legion. Speak to any quest giver for the Imperial Legion, whereupon they will tell you what is going on: "Your activities have led some to question your allegiance. At the moment there is some debate as to your continued affiliation with the Imperial Legion. Would you care to explain yourself, %PCRank %PCName? This had better be good." Saying you were a victim of circumstance will yield a fifteen-point disposition increase and readmission into the Imperial Legion: "The Imperial Legion can forgive your actions this one time only, %PCRank %PCName. Your record will be permanently marred by this incident. Now return to your post." On the other hand, bluntly stating that you don't care will produce a five-point disposition decrease and an in kind response: "I see." This will end the conversation. Following a second infraction of the rules you will be permanently expelled. Discussing the matter of joining the Imperial Legion causes a thirty-point disposition loss and an expression of disgust: "You had your chance and you blew it. Get out of my sight." This will end the conversation.

Imperial Legion Ranks

 
 

Imperial Legion Members