Montiac Army

The **Montiac Army** (***Montiaca Exercit*** in Monti) is the primary force of the Montiac Military, the armed forces of the Montiac Empire. It is one of the most advanced armies known to exist on Narus, matched only by the Shanorin Dynasty, as well as the largest, with 712k soldiers currently in active duty across its territory.

The Montiac Army was founded in ME 78 with the onset of the Montiac Civil War. Then rebels led by Appius Salvian, the Montiac Army became the military force of the Montiac Empire following the war. The army was critical in the Empire's rapid expansion over Calast, easily dispatching tribal resistance. However, it did initially struggle in open conflict as seen in the Portan War, where it struggled to defeat the organized yet inferior Scrofan Kingdoms. The Montiac Army's first real conflict was the Northern War, lasting from ME 329 to 332. Although winning, casualties were high and the effects of the war can still be felt. However, it did allow Montiac leadership to gain actual combat experience, which it did not have prior to the war. Presently, with the emergence of the Lyrac, the Army has been overwhelmed by the bats, and mobilization has again been enacted.

The Montiac Army currently has a presence in every holding, including minor garrisons around government buildings in frontier provinces. Pollius Aperius is the current commander of the army.

## Personnel

### Recruitment

Though not required it's generally frowned upon if one doesn't serve the Montiac Military in some way, and the most common way of doing so its through the Army. Therefore, recruitment buildings are set up across the Empire. These are attached to both small and large garrisons, and those looking to join the Army can usually do so hours after signing up. 5-years of service are required at minimum, while 15 is the maximum anyone can serve. Breaks to go home are periodically given to every soldier outside of active combat.

### Conscription

Conscription is only enacted when a full mobilization is declared by the Emperor. Recruitment offices will then take to the streets and houses and select conscripts at random, based on perceived physical fitness. These conscripts are only required to serve until the mobilization has been ended, but may continue serving to the 15-year maximum.

### Equipment

Each soldier is equipped with a sword, a wrist shot, and armor. The type of armor depends on ones rank and duty. Upon joining, soldiers are measured for their armor, which then arrive within 1-3 weeks. During mobilization, soldiers are given whatever armor fits them best. Ranged troops are equipped with the same, but have a bow instead of a sword, as well as a small dagger. The standard Montiac bow is made from wood, but utilizes Human technology in its firing system, replacing the string with castlight. An archer's opposite hand holds the main section of the bow, while their dominant hand holds a small grip at the end of the main section. This grip includes a trigger, which when pressed will have the castlight form and fire the projectile.

Carabs are domesticated in large numbers to support the use of mounted cavalry. As well, Oryces are used to transport large numbers of troops and equipment, and can often be seen moving in convoys.

### Species

Due to the Empire's diverse population, many species make up the Montiac Army. Each will usually have their own role best fit for their physical capability, on top of serving as general sword and shield infantry.

Lepus are unsurprisingly the most common, and can serve in practically any role. Nibayr are assigned to scout groups, though not with Lepus. Nibayr are quite slow compared to the Rabbit-folk, and therefore are grouped with others of their kind. Petrans, exceptional shots, will typically serve as ranged troops. Canisians will make up the front of an infantry group. Though they are strong, their belief in not interfering in death means they cannot be sent into battlefield without another species. Scrofans only serve as infantry, but will be kept in their own groups. This remains one of the only remaining example of segregation in the Empire. This is mainly done due to the Scrofans' dislike of other species.

Other species serve in the Montiac Army as well, but in small enough numbers that their role has not been incorporated into actual tactics. Ursidae will usually be sent ahead of a main army to inflict heavy losses and fear, and Anurians will sometimes serve in non-combat roles.