Akroan Hoplite

Contrary to the beliefs of the rest of Theros, not every citizen of Akros is a member of the Akroan army. Its citizens are just as equally composed of traders, artisans, merchants, and other folk going about their normal lives. The difference between the people of Akros and those of other poleis is that every Akroan citizen, when they first reach maturity, is put through mandatory combat training.   Some outsiders look on this with disdain but living on the borderlands of civilizations, the people of Akros know that being able to defend themselves is of tantamount importance. Further, the discipline of mind and body that this training gives often ignites a spark in the people, pushing them to continue their exercise long after the mandatory training has ended. Some even take so well to the training that they go on to become part of Akros' voluntary militia of guards, a member of the Akron hoplites.   Defenders of the Realm Most of Theros think that the Akroan army provides for the defense and protection of the polis, and they aren't wrong. and, should a group of monsters or another polis make the mistake of laying siege to Akros, the soldiers will defend it with their lives. But the soldiers of Akros are also relied on to venture into the mountains beyond Akros, patrolling for threats of leonin, minotaurs, and other monsters, leaving little time for them to tend to the everyday defense of the city.   Instead, this duty is given to a secondary fighting force, one composed entirely of volunteers. Known as the hoplites, these fighters act the same way that town guards might in other cities, enforcing the laws of Akros and ensuring that peace is maintained within the town walls. the hoplites also patrol the right stone alls that border the city, as well as the surrounding lowlands and its small farming villages. When lone monsters or small forces slip past the patrolling soldiers farther out, it is the duty of the hoplites to end the threat.   Soldier's Traning, King's Blessing Because the hoplites are volunteers, they are paid only a small stipend, and each hoplite has another full-time career they must attend to. Five days out of every week they spend as normal citizens, reserving two for the defense of the city. But three times each month, the hoplites must report to the Akroan training grounds, just outside the city. There they practice with each other, and receive the same training as members of the army, even sometimes sparring with soldiers to sharpen their skills.   While soldiers of Akros are blessed by the powers of Iroas, God of Victory, the hoplites wield other blessings. Instead of the divine favor of Iroas, the hoplites are each personally blessed by the king and queen of Akros, currently a married couple by the names of Anax and Cymede. Once each week, the royal family visits the training grounds to watch the progress of the soldiers and the hoplites, and to renew the blessing. Though obviously not as powerful as that given by Iroas, the blessings of the royal family still hold strength though only as long as a hoplite truly holds faith in the defense of their city.