Cestian Empire/Military Organization

OverviewFactbookTradeAI**Military Organization**

Relying upon mass warfare and small elite forces which can break through enemy lines, the Cestian Empire places an emphasis on bodies over skill and overwhelms its opponents with vast numerical advantages. Organized strictly by levels of training and worth, the military is one of the few institutions which allows for rapid hierarchal ascension; a fact that ensures its ranks are always flushed with recruits wishing to prove themselves. Preferring static defenses and luring enemies into disadvantaged engagements, the Empire holds a strict adherence to hierarchy to ensure cohesion and allows autonomy during emergency situations.

## Army

### Organizations and Units

Elites
* **Celestial Legionary's -** Religious icons and unmatched veterans in the Empires armed forces, Celestial Legionary's are the God-Emperors personal guards and enforcers within the nation. Personally picked by the God-Emperor for their talent and experience in battling the Empires enemies, Celestial Legionary's share a blood pact with the Emperor himself and hold absolute loyalty to him alone. Acting as commanders and leaders within the Cestian Legion, these troops are reserved for decisive battles and engagements that can turn the tide of war, each one being worth a normal Legionnaries in the hundreds.
* **Celestial Rangers -** Elite Levatti which have arisen to an unprecedented level of experience and skill, Celestial Rangers are religious and military forces which embody the God-Emperors will and devotion to the Cestian peoples survival. Highly adaptable and capable of long range combat, rangers are employed in both times of peace and war as peacekeepers, snipers and scouts which further the Empires agenda.

Professionals
* **Legionnarie -** Professional troops trained by the Empires greatest officers, Legionnaries are the bulk force of the Cestian Legion and make up a vast majority of their soldiers. Molded into perfect warriors through years of tranining and discipline, Legionnaries have considerable survival skills and the tactical knowledge to effectively combat enemy forces. Made to be versatile and fill a variety of roles, Legionnaries are the backbone of the Imperial armies and its main force for combating hostiles.
* **Levatii -** On par with Legionnaries in strength, Levatti are veteran levies which have survived multiple engagements and arisen to the Levments elite. Equipped with advanced weaponry and gear, the Levatti are able to conduct joint operations with Legionary forces without the risk of being funneled into a support role. Acting as rallying forces for the weaker levies, Levatii lead by example and take a paternal role to their subordinates.
* **Levat -** Seasoned levies which have earned considerably more reliable gear and training, the Levat are skilled combatants capable of taking on Legion recruits and petty officers within their own ranks. While vastly outmatched by most other professional forces, they are able to competently coordinate operations with a level head and maintain cohesion in the heat of battle without disciplinary action.

Militia
* **Ceyta -** Levies stationed to protect their homeworlds, Ceyta are significantly better equipped forces made up of volunteers and conscripted serfs. Tasked with operating planetary defenses and fending off invading forces, Ceyta are versatile units which are trained in a variety of tactics for prolonged engagements. Able to live off the land and maintain their defenses, many serfs join the Ceyta willing for the better conditions and life skills they learn from serving.

Conscripts
* **Levies -** Conscripted from among the serf populace, Levies are trained infantry which use mass produced equipment and gear meant for single engagements. Making up the majority of the Levments armed forces, levies operate in support roles when combined with Legionarries and take frontline positions when operating independently. Driven by their experienced officers and the chance for hierarchal ascension if they prove themselves, levies rely on their devotion to wade them through heavy losses which are common among their contingent. Returning to civilian life following armed conflict, levies despite their inherent weakness are valuable assets to maintain as their survival directly impacts the postwar economy. Maintaining a small force in peacetimes to assist Legion operations, the majority of Levies act as reservists for emergency situations.
* **Branded -** Felons and criminals taken from the Imperiums various prisons, the Branded operate similarly to slaves as in they are given limited training and outdated gear prior to active duty. Staffed with wardens that oversee their operations, the Branded are primarily a volunteer force which attempt to prove themselves in battle to reduce their sentences. Few remain in active duty following armed conflict and act as a reservist force in the event of a national emergency.
* **Slaves -** Forcefully recruited from among the Empires slaves, these troops are scarcely trained warriors picked for their combat capabilities. Used as labor to build fortifications and foot soldiers in the heat of battle, each contingent is supported by a group of slave commanders and drivers which instill loyalty and maintain morale. Given the bare minimum training required to utilize their weaponry and coordinate in battle, most slave units act as supports to professional forces and can't hold their ground alone. Usually outfitted with older equipment, these units earn better gear by proving themselves in the field with elite slave units being known as Blooded.

Other
* **Celestial Automations -** Specialty crafted machines made with the intent to kill, Celestial Automations are religious icons within the cult of Erdash and its primary combatants in times of war. Decorated in Imperial regal and markings, these machines are largely employed with Levment forces and host a small contingent of dedicated engineers which maintain their combat capabilities. Controlled by an advanced AI housed within the unit, each machine is protected by a series of firewalls and are commanded locally by a senior engineer. Able to be adjusted for combat or espionage roles, they are versatile and reliable units which support Levment operations.

### Army Formations

The chain of command for Cestias armies tends to work like this: