The Imperial Legions were the military units under the command of the Emerald Champion, [1] who chose a Commander of the Emerald Legions to act on his stead. [2]
Origins[]
Emperor Hantei Genji founded the Imperial Legions in 156 in the midst of his sweeping reforms of Imperial law throughout the Emerald Empire. The Emperor began requiring all loyal families to send soldiers to join the Imperial Legions to patrol the Empire, assist in carrying out the Emperor's will, and mediate conflict whenever necessary. The legions were even tasked with collecting taxes and tribute when necessary. Imperial decree dictated that the most adept, well-trained soldiers from each clan served in the legions. [3]
Structure[]
There had always been ten distinct legions with the capability of fielding up to ten thousand soldiers each, although the actual size of the legions had varied over the years. Each legion was subdivided into ten regiments, which were further separated into five companies each, with platoons below that. Commanders were drawn from the Seppun family as well as the best and brightest the clans could offer. Most of the samurai in the legions were fielded from the Lion Clan. The ashigaru who made up these legions signed up for a renewable six-year term. The Otomo family provied the bureaucracy required to maintain, coordinate, and equip so many soldiers, with help from the Miya and Seppun, with additional support from the Great Clans. In times of peace, the Imperial Legions might be repurposed to complete public works. [4]
Soldiers[]
When invited to join the Imperial Legions, a prospective soldier received a message from the office of the Emerald Champion, delivered by a Miya messenger, and was given eighteen days to provide a response. Upon acceptance, an ashigaru was expected to serve six years in the Imperial Legions, though their role might shift during those years and they might renew their service at the end of their term. A samurai served for twelve years, or until they reached the age of retirement. [3]
Emerald Legions[]
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An Emerald Legion
In 1123, the Emperor's forces included ten celebrated legions called the Emerald Legions. Each legion had its own reputation and specialty: [3]
- The First Legion: No specialization, but the most prestigious and celebrated
- The Second Legion: Spearmen and archers
- The Third Legion: Swordsmen and duelists
- The Fourth Legion: Berserkers and rōnin
- The Fifth Legion: Shugenja
- The Sixth Legion: Scouts and light infantry
- The Seventh Legion: Superior officers and tacticians
- The Eighth Legion: Cavalry and mounted shugenja
- The Ninth Legion: Naval units
- The Tenth Legion: Warrior monks and engineers
Some of the Emerald Legions were based at or near Otosan Uchi, the Imperial Capital; others were stationed in areas that demanded constant attention, such as the Shinomen Forest; and still others patroled the Empire's roads and territories. Additional strongholds of the Imperial Legions included Lost Traveler Castle, Naishō Fort, Toshi Ranbo, Shiro Yogasha, and Sunrise Keep. [5]
Known Commanders[]
- Kitsu Chiemi - 1123 - Present
References
- ↑ Her Father's Daughter, by D. G. Laderoute
- ↑ A Call to Leadership (Lion Clan letter)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Fields of Victory, p. 12
- ↑ Emerald Empire: The Essential Guide to Rokugan, p. 54
- ↑ Fields of Victory, p. 13
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