The Disciples of Akumu

**Leading officer:** Brigade General Erling Hon of Tovi Lineage.

**Size:** Brigade.

Part of the Third Imperial Division.

**Motto:**

***"Death smiles at everybody. We smile back!"***

## History

The brigade is one that has its roots in the Great War. With the invasion of the Water country into the western part of the present day's Fire Province, the first to try to defend against the incursion were the Scylding and Cho clans. Fierce fighting took place in the regions where the invasion force landed. Eventually, the invasion force of the Water country managed to occupy some parts and push forwards to the north, starting the battles against the Hon clan. Determined and ready, the Hon and Scylding put up a long and grim fight against the invaders. Managing to repel the incursion with some reinforcement, at last, the veterans would be formed together at the dawn of the Akinian Empire to create a brigade. Many officers in the ranks of the brigade are veterans of the battles, sieges and skirmishes that took place within the western part of the Fire province during the Great War.

Filled with more Hon and Scylding, the brigade would function as a force in a traditional style of these respective clans.

Being completely filled up by Chonobi, the unit has gained some reputation among the three clans of the respective culture. The reputation that many of its leading officers have as ruthless and cunning hasn't, however, made many others consider it an honour or pleasure to work with the brigade. Something that doesn't seem to bother either the brigade or its members.

## Equipment

* **The heavy infantry:**

They are equipped with the Akinian oval shields, but their weaponry differs. Some companies are equipped with pikes as main weapons while others sport swords, axes and maces. Their armour consists out of padding material, chainmail hauberks and steel lamellar vests over the hauberks. Some of the heavy troops within the present brigade wear a steel segmented cuirass, consisting of metal strips ("girth hoops" fashioned into circular bands), fastened to internal leather straps.

* **The light infantry:**

Equipped with oval shields, the light infantry is quite lighter. Their armour consists out of padding material and is often reinforced with wearing some hard boiled leather armour for additional protection as well a steel helmet. They are armed with javelins, to perform ranged attacks, while being equipped with sidearms such as axes, picks and maces.

* **The skirmishers:**

Geared with chainmail and steel helmets, the skirmishers are armed with longbows as primary weapon. Their sidearms range from swords, axes to maces.

* **The cavalry:**

The cavalry present within the brigade are geared with the same kind of armour as the heavy infantry. This makes them excellent melee and shock cavalry. This is further emphasised by their weaponry. Most of them have a lance as primary weapon, capable to use it to deliver shocking charges. Their sidearms consists of swords or axes, while having a round shield hanging at their back - to be used in melees.

## Purpose

All round brigade, with capable of performing defensive as offensive tactics. There is a light emphasis on managing to hold or else overcome an enemy with the good protection and gear.

## Ranks

The Disciples of Akumu use the standard Imperial Akinina military ranking.

* **Brigade General Erling Hon of Tovi Lineage, leading the Bloodwave Battalion**

Erling is an individual distinct by his pride. While some may consider Erling, a pretentious bastard, the man is quite capable of fighting and leading. Understanding warfare, he has earned the begrudging respect of his troops due to delivering victories and sharing the glory as loot with them on multiple occasions.

* **Colonel Koike Hon of the Atsushi Lineage, leading the Foot Companions**

The leader of the Disciples of Akumu, Koike, is a colonel that has earned his place with various feats - in the early stage of the campaign in the far east, against Rong. His heritage has made it easier for him to socialise and earn the cooperation of the high ranked officers within the 13th brigade.

* **Colonel Adils Scylding of the Halftan Lineage, leading the Bear's Wrath**

Adils is a man of few words. His subordinates, however, respect him to the point that his orders are rarely ever questioned - let alone challenged.  According to those who serve underneath him, his skill with the longbow and spear are the stuff of 'legends'.

* **Colonel Otrygg Scylding of the Virnor Lineage, leading the Dreaded Blades**

An old 'fart', Otrygg is one of the most respected officers within the 13th Imperial brigade. His old age tends to be the target of endearing remarks and nicknames, while his proficiency in fighting as leading earns him both the respect and obedience of his subordinates. One of the popular monikers is 'Papa Otrygg'.

* **Colonel Arnljot Hon of the Gæirmund Lineage, leading Hallr's Shields**

Arnljot is a leader that reigns with care instead of fear or an iron fist. While this would raise the question of why many don't challenge his leadership, many of Arnljot's subordinates have gained a fierce loyalty for him and will rise to defend him at any chance.

* **Chief Officer Scout, Reyn of Aldinn**

The chief officer of the scout unit attached to the 13th Imperial Brigade, Reyn, is a fiercely independent and capable leader. She and her scouts' abilities rival that of various specialised units within the 13th Imperial Brigade as that of other Imperial units.

* **Chief Medical Officer, Styr Cho**

Styr is a polite and most respectful individual. He is pretty level-headed, which is most likely a requirement with his position, but he tends to constantly be pressured to deal with the rather rugged members of the 13th Imperial brigade. His expertise and knowledge of medical ninjutsu have earned him the respect of his staff and his patients.

## Regimental Traditions

The members of the 13th brigade are notable proud of their regiment. This pride is usually due to the various traditions that have made many bonds together, creating a sense of crude honour to the banner of the 13th brigade. Many practices are moderated by a high ranking officer but tend to be organised by lieutenants and captains.

### Valdar's Demand

Honour and strength are valued highly within the 13th Imperial brigade. But it is not uncommon that individuals can't come to the same agreement. Slights are usually settled with a sort of assembly - formed by officers who attempt to see the feud concluded peacefully instead of allowing a brawl. If this can't happen peacefully, those slighted will be challenged to perform physical activities. These activities can range from lifting heavy rocks to arm wrestling or other martial prowess activities from point A to point B.

### Oath to the Standard

Whether they are recruits to the ranks of camp supporters, Newcomers are required to pledge a custom oath to the standard of the 13th Imperial brigade. These ceremonies are taken quite seriously and often end with a small celebration to welcome the newcomers adequately. Usually, these ceremonies are followed by various challenges in allowing the brigade members to blow off some steam.

### Trial of the Spear

It started with spear throwing, but the 13th Imperial brigade has organised more sport-like activities within its regiment. These events have allowed more bonding as platoons are formed to indulge in various sport-like events. Usually, the 13th Imperial brigade keeps these events for themselves, but they aren't too shy to invite or challenge other companies or Imperial units when possible.

### Blood of the 13th

It is expected of a regiment's members to stick together. But the members of the 13th have made it in a tradition, which they refer to each other as honorary sisters and brothers in arms. On top of that, the 13th members will face dishonour upon leaving fellow 13th members in times of requiring to retreat or such. Any individual that is seen doing this will be considered a traitor. The only way to regain their honour is by performing a feat that will back the trust of the other members of the 13th.

## Composition

Total heavy infantry: 2250

Total light infantry: 1500

Total skirmishers: 1750

Total cavalry: 750

(Total numbers: 6.250 )

The Bloodwave Battalion of Erling Hon of Tovi Lineage.

* Skirmish company,
* Skirmish company,
* Heavy infantry company,
* Heavy infantry company,
* Heavy infantry company.

The Foot Companions battalion of Koike Hon of the Atsushi Lineage.

* Skirmish company under Torrad Sarutobi leadership.
* Skirmish company under Tardo Sarutobi leadership.
* Heavy infantry company under Skuli Hon leadership
* Heavy pike infantry company under Gardo Sarutobi leadership.
* Heavy pike infantry company under Hallr Hon leadership.

The Bear's Wrath battalion of Adils Scylding of the Halftan Lineage

* Skirmish company
* Skirmish company
* Skirmish company
* Medium infantry company
* Medium infantry company

The Dreaded Blades of **Otrygg Scylding of the Virnor Lineage**.

* Heavy cavalry company
* Heavy cavalry company
* Light infantry company
* Light infantry company
* Medium cavalry company

Hallr's Shields of **Arnljot Hon of the Gæirmund Lineage,**

* Heavy infantry company
* Heavy infantry company
* Heavy infantry company
* Light infantry company
* Light infantry company