Ghetunbalastod ast Corgastor Part 2

Corgastodmar Economics in Everos   The Ghetunbalastod ast Corgastor follows a feudal form of economic organization. This means that wealth originates at the lower levels of government, such as the minor nobles, burgesses, and clergy, and makes its way to the higher levels through taxation. The rate of taxation varies greatly based on circumstances, whether it be war, famine, blight, or other dire situations that require greater resources to overcome. There is also the set precedent that different sections of society may need to endure greater taxation for certain reasons. For example, the first special church tax was levied in 1445 when Solhes Amery the Bright called for a crusade against the Karthuuzar who had occupied northern Loryne for over two centuries. Despite the protests of clergy who considered this to be an affront against their privileged standing in the Empire, the extra money helped alleviate the normally substantial burden of war. It was the first crusade the Empire launched since its founding, and it is one of the few crusades launched by that point in Aemarda's history.   The secular branches of society must as well offer up their share of special taxes. The most regularly occurring special tax for this group is tax used for building fortifications. The Empire is rapidly expanding, and castles, forts, and redoubts all have to be built regularly to maintain the Empire's borders and protect its citizens. Other than for that tax along with other unique ones levied over the years, the majority of money goes to the feudal lord of the region. It's their job to build roads, maintain the militia regiment, repair bridges, and deal with the many possible expenditures that come with ruling land.   "Aemarda has been a greedy breed since the days of creation. It is for this reason that any wealth taken for the good of the many is scorned by the few. This means wealth that is taken from an individual or community and utilized to benefit a larger population. The noble class and merchants are most notorious, but it cannot be forgotten that even the average townsman or village peasant will jealously guard their assets. How then, can the affairs of a realm be possibly funded? I wager that there are two ways that work best: fear and faith. The former is ideal for pressuring people into making large investments in a short period of time, which can prove to be quite useful. Indeed, there are few things more convincing to a man than the looming threat of a barbarian raid, or a bandit ambush, or even worse still, a foreign invasion. Whether the threat is real or not, many cash strapped lords have made it a common practice to exasperate the fears of the average people. Once riled up, it becomes an easy task to impose a few new taxes to contend with the alleged problem. The motives are questionable, and the methods are certainly cruel, but the results are undeniably impressive. Before long the funds can be acquired to build a new fort, repair old roads, and even have enough to pad the nobles' pockets. This is perhaps a pessimistic view, but it is what I have seen. The latter is what is saved for when the former loses its effect. Fear can only motivate people for so long before it becomes familiar and no longer pressures them to action. That is when faith, whether it be in victory, Corgastor, or anything else becomes important. That is what motivates them even during the bleakest of times, and in economic terms helps levy taxes from them. This if for the simple fact that a man who believes he is Serving a greater good is known to contribute more to the state than one who is solely concerned on his own preServation. In short, if a sovereign can inspire his people to stand behind a single cause then the whole realm will prosper. If inspiration fails then fear comes close behind, forcing peoples' hands. If the combination of these methods proves ineffective, the realm as a whole shall falter, for a people lacking unity will surely fall. If there is no faith in the nation or its deity, or if there is no compelling fear over the populace, then the people will surely sit idle. A wise ruler knows that a time of idleness is time wasted, and time wasted is turned into disadvantage."     -- Historian Mildar Zellen The Laws of Wealth - 2419   The monetary system of the Corgastodmar Empire has evolved a great deal over its 2,000 years existence. In the beginning the economy was based around bartering goods and Services, with the only thing vaguely similar to money being any shiny rocks that couldn't be made into anything useful. As the administrative apparatus of the Ghetunbalastod matured, it became possible for the government to mint the realm's money, and thus create a more stable economy based on set monetary values. The only universal form of money is the golden Gissir, which is cut and weighed for uniformity. That is the primary money for business that is accepted throughout the Corgastodmar Empire. It is quite valuable compared to other potential options for money, in that a farming family may only ever have a Guilder or two to their name.   Within each province are different types of coins, such as the wrought iron themen of Loryne, or the silver and copper mixed Khelorads of Grathem, in honor of their last independent Lhenod. The values of such coins within each province differs, which has led to some confusion and difficulty in the past. Despite effort by various emperors and other administrators, the individual electors have so far refused to consent to the minting of more diverse Imperial coinage. This is in part at the behest of the various trading leagues who dominate southern Everos and lucrative trade thereabouts.   Beyond the official currencies of the national and its provinces, lesser actors have the right to mint their own coinage. Cities such as Hythe, Beyren, and Silverport process their own coins for local and international trade with the purpose of asserting some measure of economic independence. In Hythe, the local merchants deal in a currency known as wheels, which comes in varieties of brass, iron, and silver, increasing in value with each tier.   Evosmar Architecture   The Evosmar aesthetic is simple yet elegant. Most buildings are constructed with stout, compact foundations meant to achieve harmony between height and width. Broad towers are common focal points for stone edifices, with lowered, squared off wings protruding outward.   For common Corgastodmar people, dwellings occupy a more sacred position than their mere stone and timbers might suggest. One does not tear down a house nor move on a whim. Families are expected to remain in the same location as long as they capable, thus leaving a personalized mark upon the place which is their own. Over the centuries, even the domiciles of lesser families are increased in scale to impressive proportions- sporting off-shoot wings in all directions. For the mansions of wealthy families, their once humble dynastic holdings grow into dizzying palatial spaces. This evolutionary process is known as ‘organic building’ for its natural aspect. Just as a olûndari does grow from infancy to adulthood, Corgastodmar buildings grow and mature alongside their occupants.   Corgastodmar Society   The amalgamation of familial customs, strange traditions, religious beliefs, and daily rites collectively known as Corgastodmar culture is an ancient construction. It began as the common traditions of northern Aemardic people, centering on veneration of river and spring waters, filial loyalty, warring domains ruled by strong sovereign figures so invested through might as an outward sign of inward favor by Aebaster. It goes on, but as the northern Aebastodmar domains became Corgastodmar domains from the 1100s to 1500s, one-by-one embracing the teaching of that living Eshan, the definition of that culture expanded. Previously unrelated domain such as Valgorod and Loryne and Nossen came together in this common faith, bringing with them the secular traditions common to their own regions. In a process without precise guidelines or objectives, certain favorable traditions were maintained for this “Corgastodmar” culture while other more obscure or irrelevant practices fell to the wayside.   Come 1500 the idea of Corgastodmar Culture and Society was centered on the living presence of Corgastor with passing reference to Aebaster the universal father as maker of both Corgastor and Aemarda. The society became the mechanism through which the expansion of the nation was facilitated. A certain unprecedented militarism streaked through, pulling individuals and clans of the faith in closer contact while rejecting “last-gaspers” of devoted Aebastodmar faith in places such as Eroyther or Grahen. Foreigners such as Daorhu, Elivas, and Etayen were allowed into the nation for utilitarian purposes, but kept at more than a stick’s distance from integrating themselves. In effect, the Corgastodmar strengthened their own identity by contrasting themselves with neighboring races- “we are ourselves, measured in that we are not them” in simple terms. It was with this inward face and outward disdain that the period of the Ghetunbalastod’s great expansion began, bringing those same ideas into question.   Questions of Class   Social class in the Corgastodmar state is less a reflection of social connections or wealth but measured in ties to the community and recorded history thereupon. The eldest families within a community are often the highest in social class, though not always the wealthiest, in that they have direct influence over the evolution of said community.   Corgastodmar Literature   A significant portion of the Evosmar literary tradition revolves around the life of Corgastor, his exploits as a leader and unifier, and his miracles as an Eshan. The Ehrohenod is particularly vigorous in the creation and distribution of such stories. In later centuries, however, new attention was granted to the companions of Corgastor and their significance, which some thinkers argue surpasses Corgastor himself.   Music of Mehras   Among the Corgastodmar, music is considered a fundamental element of the olundi mind. It inspires, humbles, and sustains the heart. Nothing of olundi hands is purer in its beauty. As such, the Corgastodmar practice strict cultural boundaries between what styles and methods of music are experienced. The upper classes enjoy music crafted by specially trained court musicians, the likes of which are prepared from master to apprentice.   The great evolution of Corgastodmar music was the collapse of these class boundaries during the early 3000s. Indeed, the international reach of the Ghetunbalastod brought forward foreign influences and artists which cared little for such limitations.   Foodstuffs   The heartlands of the Ghetunbalastod rest upon the river Lornesse, which runs from the Balendorn mountains down to the ocean. Fishing along these riverways has been a favored means of attaining food. The Corgastodmar and their ancestors are often named, in tradition or ancient sources, as “fish peoples” by neighboring nations. It is such that preparation of these sweet meats is an expertise of the Corgastodmar, such that noble sorts from across Qadal travel to Ghethemas to partake from the fish markets. Beyond simple serving, these fillets are often spiced to perfection, and ready to eat right away.   Manners of Clothing   The common Corgastodmar is famous for a heavy woolen tunic, buttoned up the middle, which provides amble protection and warmth in the right seasons. Other garments, such as under shirts or stockings, might be woven from linen. Indeed, Corgastodmar territory is famous as the “land between wool and linens” among craftspeople. The wardrobe of central Everos is therefore more diverse than might be found elsewhere, with cloaks, hoods, heavy breeches, buttoned tunics, drooping caps, and other items easy to manufacture without extreme material costs.   Holidays   Among the civilized people of Everos, the holidays traditions of the Corgastodmar people are the most heavy-laden with contrivances, additions, exceptions, and other excesses. Each season has its days of observance while historical events are meticulously recorded, such that nearly every day can be traced back to some noteworthy exploit. Each of Corgastor’s original allies, who were once venerated as deities in their own right, have one or more days of recognition reflecting their important. Aragos and Alyth, for example, boast five days eah scattered throughout the calender. The progression of the Velgasid Etag to faithfully recorded through the year, so that one might from spring to winter follow the historical path of Corgastor and his allies as a pilgrimage or observe such from home. The list continues on, beyond the common Corgastodmar’s ability to follow without complex written guides of observance, which Solhes and other knowledgable parties are delighted to sell.   Evosmar Education   It is ancient Evosmar tradition that education should be endeavored through a relationship between mentors or tutors and students.   During the Weeping and Twilight era, the Edrastocel, known as the Seekers, rose to prominence in Everos. They were an academic organization founded to preserve history, science, and Eshanic wisdom in the prolonged aftermath of Etunas’ fall. Thinkers of every description flocked to Gledgast, plying their theories and capitalizing on precious writing resources to pen masterworks. An intellectual revolution swept across the continent, bringing with it a new school of thought to compete with the traditional tutoring norm.   The college system introduced by the Edrastocel reigned supreme in Everos for some centuries, particularly in the early periods of Corgastoria’s rise. Indeed, concepts such as centralization and uniformity were premium to a race which emerged from centuries of fragmented ruin.   For all its success, nothing reigns without resistance. The college system was no different. Come the dreadful Great Conflict in 2304 and its aftermath, skeptical minds questioned every bastion of standing order which might have wrought such devastation   In the later Imperial Era, when Corgastoria reigned supreme, it became common fashion for wealthy members of society to acquire funds for a collective tutor for their children. Scholars of fame or supreme erudition were made into celebrities. They charged towering prices for audiences with dozens of students, teaching them the latest theories of history, mathematics, Eshanic lore, Eshanic science, natural sciences, and other subjects. Love and Relationships   The institution of marriage in Corgastodmar society is odd because it reflects the desires of the couples’ community more than individuals’ preferences. Marriages aren’t necessarily arranged, but they are the transfer of a person from one community to another.   Gender and Sexuality   Broadly speaking, Corgastodmar society enjoys a significant degree of equality between the genders. Men and women are eligible for the same political and religious positions, along with inheriting property on the same grounds.   The only significant divide between the genders exists within the military context, where men dominate the professional army and militias. This derived from ancient Evosmar tradition, wherein the velgis were commonly male. In times of absolute need, however, women are eligible for service.   Childhood and Upbringing   Despite a desire to separate themselves from the other cultures of Qadal, the Corgastodmar drew obvious inspiration regarding upbringing from the Etayen. Education is the central focus, rather than rigorous physical honing or martial skills as found elsewhere in the world. It begans around the age of seven or eight years depending on the family and child. Eshanic wisdom is foremost, for knowledge and veneration of the Eshan is what keeps the Ghetunbalastod alive. Second is history, glorified to celebrate the exploits and prodigious growth of the Corgastodmar world over the previous centuries. This becomes the foundation from which a certain superiority in engendered within the youth. Next in importance are the fundamentals, language, mathematics, civic duties, household fundamentals and all else. Families are the main resources for teaching at this age, but tutors are commonplace in more recent days. A novel development, places of public education are also available now, but the details therein are elsewhere.   In adolescence, Corgastodmar youth are expected to participate in and learn the mores of society. This entrance into the Corgastodmar world proper is perhaps the most important step, for the community is foundation for economics, government, and military strength, all beneath the eyes of Corgastor. This differs from more ancient methods wherein the clans, tribes, or smaller measures of community were the boundaries for youthful experience.   Death and Rites   Corgastodmar society is a tightly communal entity. This is reflected in their practices in death. Corpses are not buried beneath the earth, cremated, or mummified. They are interred within great communal burial monument, something strangely akin to catacombs. These are known as Nhevedhemas. Everyone within a given community shares the same fate, whether Ghetunbast or common fennes. In ancient metropols such as Ghethemas, the scale of these burial houses can reach extraordinary preportions, with continual additions outward, but also above and below ground as required. Indeed, the traditional first act passed by a newly coronated Ghetunbast is to initiate expansion of the Nhevedhemas. This is a fair measure, since the expansions continue unabated throughout the entirety of the Ghetunbast’s reign, years and years. However, the system is not entirely equal. A measure of social discrepency, although nigh insignificant as aforementioned, does bleed into burial through the practice of Nhevebar. Corpses that are decomposed beyond recognition are cleared from the Nhevedhemas and the fragments are burned. Upper class individuals, or those possessing enough wealth for it, can pay a special tax to the Corgastodmar state to ‘reserve’ a burial slot for their deseased kin.   Language   Modern Corgastodmar speech is a uniquely contemporary dialect. It looks to the present and future rather than the past. Indeed, words and phrases from Etayen, Eurobasar, or Neyasi dialects are regularly borrowed to address unique gaps in the Corgastodmar lexicon.   Naming Conventions   The names chosen by Corgastodmar peoples are derived from the ancient tongue of Aemarda, so wrought eons ago by Aebaster himself as a deriviative of the Eshanic tongue. In early centuries, names such as Thedrolastor, Ghedolastor, Nahargos, Hemhored, Ledalomer, and other were popular.   Later generations of Corgastodmar formalized the ancient names, maintaining their length and beauty but standardizing their endings and soungs. Names such as Adrogast, Dhelast, Medrohest, Rodhest, Hudralast and Gherlast became popular.   Military of Corgastor's Domain   The Ghetunbalastod ast Corgastor is a vast realm with manifold interests at home and abroad. In order to maintain those immense borders, conquer new lands, protect trade routes, and influence world events, a robust military is organized and sustained. Over the 20 centuries of Corgastodmar rule, the military has developed from the primitive systems of previous centuries, where every able man was given a weapon and rallied haphazardly, to adopting what can be called military professionalism. Officers typically have training, including upper and lower-class members, and the soldiers of each county regiment are put through drill time to prepare and familiarize them. The navy was also expanded beyond the ad hoc collections of fishing vessels and trade ships pulled together during war time into a standing force that constantly patrols and protects the Evosmar shores.   Logistics   Military logistics for the Corgastodmar is a hybrid between more robust and more decentralized systems. At the heart of the system is the voluntary tax, wherein private citizens of the realm volunteer themselves and their goods as supply for the military. In return such citizens are granted bonds from the central government in Ghethemas. The written value appreciates over time, such that children might redeem twice the value in Gissir years later. In times of plenty the system works well, for any entrepaneur is eager to offer themselves, a ship, a cart, some animals, tools, weapons, or anything else in excess. Yet, in times of scarcity, more direct methods are required.   The compelled method was less popular, but of obvious necessity. The central government in Ghethemas authorized military officials to “procure” supplies at private expense. It was not complete theft, for these officials were forced to offer up-front payments or bonds of future payments to those whom items were taken. Whether these on-the-spot bonds were actually paid back proved a more difficult case throughout history. Certain Ghetunbast were attentive while others passed off bonds liberally, and liberally torched those same bonds whenever practical.   Order of Battle and Military Hierarchy   The Corgastodmar military is tasked with the formidable challenge of defending the large expanse of land and sea that the realm controls, while also being able to quickly organize offensive operations. To meet these standards the Corgastodmar domain developed a rigid hierarchy that would allow for local units to be able to operate separately from the main army. The best example in recent history that showcases the value of these organizational measures is in the defense of Drakar during the Drakayen Wars of 3451. Gheta Ezra was able to mobilize over 10,000 men from Grathem and the surrounding duchies to stall the Etayen attack and prevent the immediate conquest of the city. Other nations would be unable to react to such a large-scale attack in such a short period of time.   An order of battle is an aggregation of numbers, formations, and deployment of said formations, rather than discussing history or accoutrement, as is done later.   The way the military is organized is comparable to the feudal system that characterized the Corgastodmar government. The lowest tiers of the hierarchy are where most of the manpower is mustered. In a perfect world, each county of a duchy would be able to muster a regiment of 1,000 soldiers. For example, there is the Barrost of Balhemas, which is the regiment for that county of Loryne, or the Barrost of Stonehill for that county of Oederan. These formations are composed primarily of infantry, as that is by far the easiest type of soldier to train and equip. Many county regiments take on archers, cavalry, and other support troops to reach their 1,000-man quota. Each of these 1,000-man regiments are commanded by a Barrost, who can either by the conregest of the county or a career soldier who is appointed by the count. This direct connection between the regiment and the conregest ensures that their military duties don't fall to the wayside. It must also be noted that counties can often field forces larger than 1,000 men, but the minimum Corgastodmar levy size is 1,000.   In the order of battle, the Barrost and its lesser components are deployed as the primary combat formations. This reflects the reality that Corgastodmar armies are undoubtedly the largest formations on the continent throughout history. Karthuuzar warbands are rarely seen with more than a few hundred fighters. The Daorhu might field large armies but prefer the swiftness of lesser formations to dominate the initiative of battle. Elivas realms are not sufficiently populous the field comparable forces. Only other Aemar nations such as Anivollos or Eurobia, or the Etayen Ghalûn dare to fight in similar manner.   The next level of the hierarchy is the Ghetûn level and is where the various county regiments are formed into proper battalions. The role of the Ghetûn and their forces at this level is to augment the county regiments with any troops that they are lacking, most often cavalry, so the army is balanced. It is at this level that Amaderin Lorvelgiss are employed, artillery is assembled, and nemeshari and other Vojûnic elements can be acquired. The formations that were organized by combining the county regiments are known as Ghetod Barrobast and are commanded by either a Ghet or a high-ranking career soldier who is appointed to take his place. The average Ghetod Barrobast can range from roughly 8,000 to 12,000 soldiers under the command of the Ghetod Dhengast. These Barrobast can act independently, such as the Ghetod Barrobast of Loryne, which in recent years has been fighting the Karthuuzar in a local war to create a larger buffer of land between the Grand City of Loryne and the tribal lands. When multiple legions combine into a larger force, yet lack an Imperial commander, it is tradition that the most senior commander leads the group.   In the order of battle, the Ghetod Barrobast does not appear as a functioning unit in smaller engagements. The majority of battles require that the formation be broken into lesser Barrost, which can maneuver under their officers to flank or challenge often smaller enemy formations.   The final level of military organization is the Ghetunbalastod level. This level is where the Velgisunbast proper is formed, and where multi-branch operations occur. The Velgisunbast can range from 100,000 to 150,000 soldiers, all divided down into ducal battalions, county regiments, and other designations. In command of this massive force is either the Ghetunbast or the Ghetunbalastod Valunis. The Ghetunbalastod Valunis can be can any career soldier, so long as they have noble blood in them. The Ghetunbalastod Valunis as of 3451 is Crodell Karsten, who is merely a conregest from the Ghetod of Lohoremas, which underscores the emphasis on meritocracy rather than importance of family and connections. The Valunis can delegate the position of deputy Valunis to one of the commanders of the Ghetod Barrobast if it necessary to split the Imperial army into separate parts. The entire concept of the hierarchy is to make it possible to manage the military in a way that is logical, effective, and reflective of the feudal government of the realm.   In the order of battle, the Velgisunbast does not feature whatsoever. No conflict in the history of Corgastor’s realm has required the deployment of the whole nation’s military into a single battle. It operates as an administrative unit which marches under the banner of the Velgisunbast but breaks into lesser Barrobast once combat operations begin.   The nucleus of all this activity is the Valunast Barrobast. The role of the Valunast Barrobast within the military hierarchy is to react to crises of a scale smaller than war and be the center of the Imperial army to give guidance to the thousands of levy troops. Ramehelas, one of the grandest citadels in Everos, is the base for the Valunis's Barrobast. During times of war, command of the Valunis Barrobast typically falls to the Ghetunbalastod Valunis, but there are exceptions. In particularly large conflicts in which the entire army has to be mustered, command of the Valunast's Barrobast falls to the Sehn Valunis, who is also the Keeper of Ramehelas and manager of its daily operations. As of the year 3451, that position is held by Amengest Gholon, a Lohoremasese noble by origin. His military career is long and distinguished, having participated in everything from raids against Neyasi pirates, forays north against the Karthuuzar tribes, and scuffles with rebellious nobles. Most importantly, he's done all this and lived to pass on his experience, and for a realm fighting so many enemies, such personal experience is invaluable.   Beyond the established hierarchy of command, there exists a hierarchy of symbols within the Corgastodmar military which influences the order of battle. It centers on the use of the closed fist and the open hand, the two most well recognized icons of the Evosmar deity. The former is reserved from the military elite, though the definition of such is ambiguous. It is typically understood that regiments or companies that survive a conflict intact or vaguely coherent while having seen combat are considered veterans. At the discretion of the Valunis of Corgastor, therefore, a unit can appeal to be formally recognized as veteran, and thus gain outstanding prestige. It also gives them the right to emblazon the fist of Corgastor upon their banner.   Beneath the veteran and elite regiments are the rank and file troops of Corgastor's host, who bear the open hand upon their shields and banners. All new formations are granted the right to bear the open hand, and much work from there to achieve veteran status. The officers of such units, however, may choose to display the fist of Corgastor on their personal heraldry if they so choose.   Now, the military hierarchy is an enumeration of the various formations, details of their numbers, and the nature of command. Certain fragments might appear redundant when compared to the information written above. However, lesser formations which do not appear in the classical order of battle are explored and the aggregation of this information provides a useful reference rather than seeking through paragraphs elsewhere. Formations from the lowest warband of independent warriors to the Velgisunbast itself are ranked from first to last, respectively.   Lehas   A small squad of around 8 - 15 men, commanded by a Lehugast. When used independently, the purpose of these units is to either be a scouting force for the larger army, or to be a garrison force for a small fortification or village. The name 'lance' derives from the weapon that the commanding officer, typically a Lorvelgis, would carry into battle. It is an antiquated term now, since the military reforms of Ghetunbast Dothen changed the organization to a more effective centralized system.   Fenresc   The smallest operational formation at around 100 - 150 men, commanded by a Fenest. On the field, these units serve as the vanguards and rearguards for their regiments, as well detachments that can quickly be sent to flank an enemy force or reinforce a defensive position. It is typically only in small scale engagements or in difficult terrain that a regiment is broken up into its small-scale companies. For example, during the war against the Elivas in 3309, Ghetunbast Arelastod IV was forced to break his Barrost into Fenresc. The marshy watershed of the river Zomore made tight formations impossible, and Corgastodmar troops cramped upon shallow drought barges and set across the river while under fire from Elivas defenders. The fighting was vicious and costly, but the small Fenresc began to make beachheads on the far side, fighting tooth and nail to save themselves from being driven into the current. They succeeded, but the costs of those first battles were prophetic to how disasterous outcome of the campaign at large. Beyond pitched battles, Fenresc sized units can be deployed to garrison the Ghetunbalastod ast Corgastor's many forts that dot the hinterlands and frontier.   Barrost   The standard formation of troops at around 1,000 men, commanded by a Barrod. During a pitched battle, commander deploy men into battle by regiment, with their captain leading from the front. Beyond the battlefield, a regiment has the capability to occupy entire counties in the name of the Empire. The benefit of this is that the localized garrison can more directly deal with local threats than a battalion or a full army. Ghet Golram of Loryne is known for utilizing this strategy of regimental garrisons to effectively dominate areas of Nemrohed, depriving it from the Karthuuzar.   Ghetod Barrobast   A larger formation containing multiple regiments, around 8,000 to 12,000 men, and led by a Ghetod Dhengast. When the Ghetod themselves raise their armies, they form into these battalions. At the national level, the designation of battalion is less useful, as the Imperial army more often breaks the units down to the regimental to be deployed where needed. If the designation is used by the Ghetunbalastod Valunis, then it is typically for the garrisoning of troops on a large scale, such as the occupation of Grathem after the conquest, the occupation of the shield ports after the destruction of Nathrovas, and the short lived occuption of Etal after the War of the Semyr Sea. In the late Imperial era, Gheta Ezra of Grathem was compelled to call up the Grathon Battalion after the Etayen invasion that sparked the beginning of the Drakayen War. It was the first time Grathon warriors had been mustered since Asterod’s days.   Ghetunbalastod Valunis or Velgisunbast   This is the largest divison of warriors recognized by the Corgastodmar realm and contains multiple Ghetod Barrobast. The Ghetunbalastod Valunis proper can range from 100,000 to 150,000 men strong, or it can be serparated into multiple hosts of significant strength. Tradition dictates that the Ghetunbalastod Valunis serve under the chosen Valughest or Ghetunbast. At the domain’s peak of grandeur in 3450, the theoretical count was calculated from the congrest Barrost available from the over 100 congrest of the Ghetunbalastod, along with the Lorvelgis and retinues of the various Amaderin Lorvelgis. This only accounts for the men typically levied from the congrest during times of conflict, and not the entirely of the realm's available manpower. If every possible man were brought to arms at once, the number could swell to over 300,000 soldiers, though primarily levy quality. For the sake of perspective, this statistic is drawn from a population of roughly 20,000,000 Evosmar citizens.   The distinction between the Ghetunbalastod Valunis and Velgisunbast is that the former is a military formation while the latter is a military title. In theory, multiple Ghetunbalastod Valunis might operate on the field at the same time. This has no precedent in history, as no military conflict in Evosmar history required such a significant mustering of warriors in one place. However, if two Ghetunbalastod Valunis were mustered together, they would collectively operate as the singular Velgisunbast, being the whole military on land. For all recorded history, then, the Ghetunbalastod Valunis has been the Velgisunbast and the Velgisunbast it.   The Velgisunbast   The Velgisunbast is the shield of Corgastor, keeping his people safe from all enemies. Indeed, it is the army that maintains the vast domain that is Everos, whether it be in the cold and barren lands of northern Loryne, the broken and warped realm of the Fringe, the shores of the river Zomore on the Elivas border, or in the green plains, thick forest, and rough mountains of Grathem. Beyond the lands within the Corgastodmar borders, the Corgastodmar army has soldiers stationed across the known world. Corgastodmar troops are to be found among the jagged isles and bright peninsulas of Nevan, among the small pocket of civilization on the islands that dot Qadal, and over farmlands and rolling hills in Othos. Heedless of danger, the soldiers of Corgastor have protected Everos from all enemies since the days of Ghet Horst and shall continue to do so until the end of days. It is a strong and professional force that is bolstered by the levy troops of the various provinces.   Corgastodmar armies were not always the professional formations remembered by classical history. They endured constant evolution over the course of 2,000 years of rule. The first iterations of a coherent military force were organized by the heirs of Ghet Horst in the 1100s and 1200s.   During the Wars of Volundar between Eurobia and the Corgastodmar, the Velgisunbast encountered the deficiencies of their strategies.   Come the Great Conflict of 2289 to 2304, the Corgastodmar realm was prowling for glory. The calamitous Wars of Volundar waged throughout the late 1000s displayed the inadequacy of Evosmar arms on their own mother-continent. Now the Ghetunbalastod was prepared.   After the Great Conflict, Ghetunbast Dothen passed the most comprehensive series of military reforms in Corgastodmar history.   Formations of heavy infantry form the bulk and backbone of the Corgastodmar host. The infantry in the Imperial-era Corgastodmar army are divided up into three classifications, as ordered by Ghetunbast Dothen the Sword following the Great Conflict of 2304. The first is called the 'Valunis' Barrobast', which is the standing army of Everos. This explanation differs from the military hierarchy context of the Barrpst and regards the arms and armament of the men rather than their hierarchical rank. The Barrobast, therefore, is unique in both those cases. The number and quality of troops in this force vary over the years, depending on the immediate threats to the realm. In the months, just before the Invasion of Drakar, the Valunis' Barrobast had 15,000 professional troops spread across Everos. These troops are often the best equipped and trained among the three. The officers can expect to wear plated armor and the men wear steel breastplates over chainmail, or full steel upper body armor if funds are available. In the Valunis' Barrobast, most troops wield sword, maces, or other hand weapons, carry shields, and fight in tight ranks. In some regiments, troops are given light crossbows or javelins to increase versatility. What remains conspicuously missing from their armament are pikes and spears, weapons that Valunis Karsten deem relics of past ages. Regiments of this class are allowed to bear the fist of Corgastor on their tabards, shields, and banners, denoting them as members of the military elite.   The second class is comprised of Velgobast, in which category falls citizens who are constantly prepared for war but lead lives outside of the professional army. The laws within the individual duchies and principalities differs, but it is generally expected that towns, villages, and cities keep a healthy number of skilled, trained soldiers on reserve. In times of trouble, these men are the first to be called up alongside the professional army to quell rebellions, fight off raids, or oust foreign threats. They form the first lances and companies, and their service staves off the typical disorder that comes when able bodied men are called up to fight. The gear used between them does differ widely, based upon personal wealth and from where they hail. The average Velgobast of Corgastor can be armed with weapons ranging from swords and shields to halberds and pikes based on the situation. For armor, the poorest among them serve with hardened leather, while the better off wear chain or scale armor. Drapped over their armor is typically a wool tabard whose colors are divided in two: One side is the red field with the golden hand of Corgastor and the other side bears the sigil of their home county. This certainly helps identify friend from foe on the field but is also invaluable to the heralds sent to take count of the dead once the battle is concluded. The divided fields also help distinguish them from the more homogeneous Valunis's Legion.   "They looked magnificent, those men in their armor. The glint of their weapons shone brightly with the afternoon sun, and the light brought an even greater vibrancy to their fluttering banners. The officers upon their steeds, the banners of the their counties, their duchies, and their homeland upon their chests and on their shields; the footmen marching in perfect step to the calls of their sergeants, and the crossbowmen trailing behind with their weapons upon their shoulders looked more like images of art than men of flesh and blood. I fear for those who must fight them, for never was there assembled a more glorious and noble, yet deadly force in all of Qadal."  

Historian Gilt Aldronte on the departure of the armies

Aldronte's "History of the Fall of Grathem" - 3307   The lowest and most populous military class during times of conflict is the Fennebast, which is composed of common citizens of Corgastor's empire. These troops are only called up when a vast show of force is necessary, or if additional fodder is required on the front lines. The wars against Grathem, Karundar, and the Drakayen War are all valid examples.   How warriors are brought forth to the frontlines where required is a process unto itself. Unlike what might be expected of an empire boasting the might of Everos, the systems of requirement which bring together these warriors is rather decentralized. The most important aspect comes with the Fennebast, who possess no military tradition no obligations besides when it is most required. When each Conregest calls for their 1,000 warriors, the first round of recruitment is volunteer. Often times the Velgobast, who operate as general militia, can fill those ranks with interest and nullify further processes. If not, the forming military host much descend upon the Fennes of the territory draw the remainder how they see fit. Men and able women are dragged from their homes and given weapons. Fear becomes the crux of this tactic, whereupon commoners disdain being dragged and would rather compel one another to volunteer. The number of warriors gathered is not recorded, nor their names. What is recorded for the Conregest is that sufficient force was achieved. This fact is then recorded in a unique manner. Each Conregest possesses a simple rod known as a Belepin, which in ancient years was forged from iron but after the Great Conflict can to be formed from Viiryne. For every Barrost formed in a Conregest, the Belepin receives one notch, for a second, another notch, and so along. A dash above notches signifies a different campaign, with information often etched upon the Belepin in near illegible font. It is a matter of honor among Corgastodmar nobility to possess Belepin with numerous notches, and the more per campaign or war the better for image. Failure to produce a single Barrost is punishable by significant fine by the Ghetunbast and is additionally a black stain upon one’s personal honor. In this manner, the system supports itself by engraining responsibility into the minds of all classes of society.   ‘In Loryne, I spoke with a man who reigned over territories just north of the Balendorn, in the midst of the great perils of Doarhu and Karthuuzar country. He was fair skinned and kept good appearance, but I was disturbed by numerous scars and scratches which marred his intentional look. His clothes were universally long, more to shroud himself than combat the cold. Along his side dangled a long iron bar which I once took for a weapon. Being curious and disposed to interesting conversation, I approached and asked what design of weapon it was. He lifted it and explained that it was no weapon. It was a token of survival. He named it a Belepin, of which I had heard of by never seen, and offered it to me. It was absolutely awash with small damages, some of which were near faded, and others had text above them which I could never read no matter my eyes. The higher the cuts, the more faded and rounded they became. The lower, the more distinct. He told me with great pride that the thing was 1,229 years old exactly. His great ancestor was once a Conregest in Erehem, which he mentioned was greater then than now, and had the rod forged. It marked every campaign in which those people fought. I was impressed with its mere age, for those items are often found in vaults rather than on belts for conversation. However, the fellow, who only now offered his name as Regest Vhenolon, lamented that his line lost control of their territory in the 2000s sometime. Now he carried it in Loryne and sought lands in new reaches to reestablish this ancient lineage and greatness. This new story was less interesting to me, since many men and women seek glories here and there and chase lost legacies to where it is exhausted. Without more to ask and fully submerged in knowledge, I left him alone.’   -- Aheya Wemelost on Touring Loryne Notes of a Wandering Woman - 3014   Now, when the host takes the field, more mixed arms than melee alone must be exployed. For this reason, successive generations of Valunis and Ghetunbasts have sought perfect ranged weapons which intersect between power and rate of fire. The crossbow is the most ubiquitous weapon used by ranged troops in the Corgastodmar host. The choice of that weapon over other ranged options is strategic on multiple levels. Foremost, it takes very little time to train a man how to use a crossbow, and it doesn't take much effort to have the required strength. This makes it ideal for hastily equipping troops with them if necessary, while still remaining effective. Indeed, even the greenest of the common could be told how to point and pull the trigger. Secondarily, they are more powerful, if not as long ranged a weapon compared to bows or javelins. A bolt can cross dozens of yards at the same speed as a bow, and faster than a javelin. Moreover, a bolt can quite easily punch through most with consistency. For example, during the violent wars between the Corgastodmar Principality of Erothod and Eurobia, crossbows put into the hands of levy troops were able to mince attacking Eurobia formations. This was not because of any lack of bravery on the part of the Eurobasar or astounding bravery for the Corgastodmar but is blamed on the fact that Eurobasar troops use thrown weapons before others. By the time they got in range more than half the men were already dead. These relative advantages have ensured the weapons continued used for troops of all types and quality.   In deployment, crossbows are used almost universally as defensive units, given how slow a weapon the crossbow is compared to bows or thrown projectiles. Imperial commanders typically put them behind cover in a position ahead of the main army during the skirmishing phase of the battle, then push the rest of the army ahead of them when the time comes to charge. Once the battle begins, the crossbows must carefully target exposed units, as a bolt is unable to arc down onto an enemy like an arrow. Archers are sometimes employed, but that is most often with provincial units rather than Imperial formations. This is because they take extensive practice to become proficient, and it takes great strength to be able to use a military quality bow that can fire armor piercing arrows. Only elite units such as the Amaderin ast Nelsor are expected to be able to use the weapon effectively.   Armored Lorvelgis make up the heavy striking force of the Ghetunbalastod. The Imperial cavalry most often comes in the form of the many Amaderin Lorvelgis or independent formations of horsemen that have been established over the years. Those men are typically the best cavalry and fall upon their enemies in full plate while mounting equally heavy steeds. The cavalry beyond the Amaderin Lorvelgis are well-armed and skilled but lack the constant training and military comraderie which is prevelant among life-bound fighters. All horsemen are equipped with some sort of lance for crushing the enemy with a vicious charge. Beyond that, the individual weapons of cavalrymen vary by personal preference. The majority of soldiers choose swords for their versatility and adaptability, but there are some who see the merits of carrying an axe or mace into combat.   The purpose of the cavalry is to open an engage with a charge, exploit openings in the enemy's defenses faster than infantry could, and pursue fleeing enemies to prevent their escape. One potential setback is the fact that the Corgastodmar realm possesses irregular elements of light cavalry. This has been a detriment in the past, especially when fighting more nimble forces such as the Elivas. A heavily armored Lorvelgis can easily run down an enemy on the plains, but in rough terrain or soft ground he becomes nearly useless. A light cavalryman can at least maneuver where heavy cavalry cannot.   Dothen’s reforms remained the common doctrine throughout the Ghetunbalastod’s height. However, one more period of reform arose. The sovereign realm of Grathem was conquered in 3309, bringing the final bastions of Aemardic Everos under the Corgastodmar banner. With the continent under direct rule, vassalage, or alliance, the purpose of the Velgisunbast was destined to change. It became an occupying and policing force, quelling rebellions and ensuring stable governance in unstable realms. The official stronghold of the modern Valunis is in the great Vehem of Ramehelas, situated in the heartlands of Valgorod.   The demise of the Velgisunbast came suddenly and swiftly. Valunis Crodell of House Karsten was the commander Corgastodmar land forces as of the famous Drakaryen War of 3451, after he was appointed to the position by Ghetunbast Lothast II in 3448. It was under his charge that the Ghetunbalastod mustered forces against the Etayen invasion.   Service of Corgastor's Faithful Daughters   Military affairs are typically viewed as the purview of men. This sentiment is held across Qadal, but to varying degrees between peoples. Among the Eurobasar and Neyasi, it is uncommon to see women serve in a military capacity, while the Vestanir and Atamani have fewer qualms fighting alongside sisters in arms. The simple explanation for this difference is the perceived notions of civilization in those places and people's roles within it. Social distinctions ferment in cosmopolitan societies free from constant conflict. In Eurobia and Nevan, this translated into a militaristic sub-culture dominated by men. The professional armies of these places, therefore, focus on the prowess of male militarism rather than the strength of their people as a whole. Women are relegated to secondary military roles in these places, as nurses, messengers, strategists, and other noncombatant positions. Among the other twos groups, Vestanir and Atamani, toss types of cultural changes never took similar form. Women and men both partake in the martial culture of their people. Women serve in Vestanir levies just as they blaze across Othos in their raiding bands and migratory parties.   During the Ascension era and prior, women were relatively equal to men in military matters. Small tribes required warriors for their limited wars of looting and raiding, and including women offered that boon.   In the years after Étunas and Corgastor’s death, the world collapsed into a decline known as the Weeping era.   As the world emerged from the regressive terrors of the Weeping era, the strict laws which restricted the military capabilities of women were relaxed. This was a unique choice, for it displayed that Everos rejected the burdens of the Weeping era in favor of pursuing their own image of civilization. Circumstances were different elsewhere. In Othos, for example, the changes brought from the previous era remained and were solidified into social and legal canon. Women were barred from those militaries and an oppressive status quo developed.   In the middle centuries of the Corgastodmar empire, women were allowed into the military on the same grounds as men. They served as commanders, warriors, and fulfilled whatever other roles were required. Prosperity brought tolerance to the continent, and these evolutions were not challeneged broadly.   Come the late Corgastodmar Ghetunbalastod, women were common enough sights in military ranks.   With the destruction of the Ghetunbalastod and beginning of the Wandering era, Qadal declined into its second dark age.   Elite Corgastodmar Formations   There are a number of elite units within the Imperial military, men who by feats of arms or by training stand above all others, both friend and foe. In the midst of battle, it is expected that these soldiers fight the hardest, stand the longest, and bring the most glory to Corgastor. Below are some of these units, representing all aspects of the Imperial army.   The list set forth here is not every regiment of note in the Ghetunbalastod ast Corgastor, but just a small number of the most notable. The purpose of naming them is to illustrate their purpose. The elite formations of the Imperial army do well in complementing the average soldiers, bolstering where they are weak, holding the line when all others fail, and leading the charges that decide battles and the fate of nations. They are integral parts of the everlasting military machine that allows the Empire to survive, for without men of their caliber the enemies of Corgastor would be victorious.   Dhengast ast Taromed   This company of elite soldiers was founded in 82 by Aragos the Builder to defend the recently completed Trident. In that role they have fought honorably to defend the heart of the Empire from chaos and disorder. In 353, they personally saved Ghet Buron, keeper of the Trident, from being murdered by a Nemgarotir seductress named Rainbow Eyes; In 1545, the Trident Guard withstood the furious assault of rebel troops during the Noble's Rebellion, saving Ghetunbast Gehenor II's life by giving him time to escape Ghethemas; and in 2663, they were a key element of Ghethemas's defense against the cultists of Dion under the command of Zjolmarsil during his invasion of the Empire. Those are only to name a few of the unit's extraordinary triumphs. They are led by Lorvelgis-Captain Conley of Nornlaw.   Hegris ast Mortigast   These men come from the ancient city of Mortigast, which during the Weeping Era was a floating kingdom ruled by Ghet Mortimer. The city itself may now be bound to land, the tradition of amphibious warfare remains strong among the city's people. The Raiders of Mortigast are one of the Empire's most feared regiments, with few able to withstand the barrage of javelins that precedes their advance and the swords that come after. Their most famous exploit to date was their landing at Methven during the Imperial invasion of Vehod Lohas in 1610. Within half an hour the men of Mortigast had managed to cleave through the Eurobasar defenders and open up a beachhead for the rest of the army to land unopposed. They are led by Captain Dran the Redwave.   Rinvelgis ast Theberras   From the rolling plains and temperate forests of the central Heartlands comes the Lancers of Theberras, a regiment of nobles' sons and squires who fight for the Empire. It is an exclusive regiment that isn't directly under the control of a feudal lord. It was originally organized by Lord Alnoth of Theberras for his son as a means to practice his martial skills before his anointment as a Lorvelgis of Corgastor. The young man invited his closest friends to join him, and in short time they had assembled a respectable band of warriors. They were put to the test during the Conquest of Grathem in 3304, when the unit marched with Ghetunbast Arelastod to conquer Sedrohed. The unit fought bravely in battle after battle and was present during the slaying of Lhenod Khelorad Gower and the routing of his army, winning great glory for themselves.   Unfortunately for Alnoth, his son was killed in battle, never having won his spurs of Lorvelgast. The grieving lord took it upon himself to maintain the Theberras Lancers in his son's honor. Upon his passing the regiment was passed down to the succeeding lord, and over the years its command became a hereditary right of each lord. Now it is a renowned formation of lancer cavalry that only takes promising youth into its ranks, and from it the Amaderin Lorvelgiss choose many of their new initiates. They are led by Barrobast Angest, a graduate of Nossen's War College and renowned brigand slayer.   The Myrvelgis   In the years following the Great Conflict a problem arose for the Corgastodmar Ghetunbalastod in the form of pirates and raiders. Whilst brigands such as these are by no means a new phenomenon, the shattered islands of the Fringe gave them the perfect area of operation. This added considerably to the devastation of the eastern provinces started by the massive detonation of Lyseros's stone. It was negligible at first, and well armed trade hulks were more than enough to deal with most raids. The difficulty came when they began to organize, creating colonies among the shattered islands that were ruled by brigand lords. These villains grew rich off of Imperial trade passing into the Wolonorends. Their boldness grew with each victory until in 2310, when Ghet Ullner of Nathronisas assaulted the Shield-port of Larnac, bastion of Golenest's eastern borders. He sieged it, he burnt it, and he ruled it, if only for a time. He held it for six months before tiring of his prize and abandoning it for the sea.   To contend with the rising threat, Ehronis Menast IV of Golenest organized the Myrvelgis Company of warriors in 2311, based out of the recently constructed Vehem of Myrvelhemas. The land it stands on was held by the Lhendom of Grathem during the time of its creation but was leased to the ghet for the mutual purpose of fighting pirates. The close proximity of the area to the Fringe made it a more suitable spot than anywhere in Golenest. It survived the numerous wars of conquest that ravaged the region during the following centuries and remaining in de facto neutrality with the Gower Lhenods. The castle still stands were it was build, over a millennium later, and still houses the noble Myrvelgis.   The Myrvelgis were the first professional soldiers the Corgastodmar assigned specifically to the Nathrovayen Fringe. In its early days, the group was called "Suicide Company" for its dangerous forays into the rocky and nemeshirally tainted badlands of old Alorend. It was a fitting title, for even the simplest patrol through the islands could turn up more than a dozen casualties. Even so, they persisted and became more skilled in their sacred task. After a few years the men were skilled enough to hold their own in the Fringe with sustainable loses. By 3451, they have perfected their rapid strike tactics to wipe out targets among the islands, where on land or by ship. The best lesson they ever learned was that the less time spent on the islands the wiser.   Barrost ast Cold Hearth   Erehem suffers from being the neighbor to the often-invaded province of Loryne. The strong walls and mountainside defenses of the Vehem Bandast make an assault southward through the mountains an unviable tactic, especially given the primitive nature of Karthuuzar siege technology. This means that the only route of advance to get into the empire would be going around, which brings invaders through the eastern and western reaches of Nemrohed. That leads them through either Golenest or Erehem, and as the wealthier of the two Golenest can afford to maintain a sizable standing force and strong defenses. In contrast, the economy of Erehem is weaker, making the capacity of the ducal government to levy soldiers and maintain defenses less than what is required. That being the case, it falls to the bravery of the soldiers to shield the province from barbarian attacks.   Among the regiments raised by the lords of Erehem to defend the region is the Cold Heart Regiment from Cold Hearth region, a small and frigid place on the very northern border of the empire. The formation itself is actually a collective of troops from the small counties that line the frontier, as no single area could muster 1,000 men from the area's low population. It's named the Cold Hearth Regiment simply because that's the largest of the counties. Once formed, this regiment made a reputation for itself in the constant battles that raged in the north. Foremost among them was Chief Hallgar's war, an invasion of the empire by the Wodnost tribes that swept through the west in 3378. It brought heavy destruction and widespread suffering to the already struggling people of Erehem, but with it came determined resistance. The memories of invasions past were not forgotten.   Aedúcarrens ast Hinod   The mountains and their cold peaks are among the only regions in all the world that armies cannot conquer. The land is too uneven for battle and the conditions are so harsh that a force cannot linger for long in those places. The problem of these truths is that the mountains, if properly mastered, are direct passageways into the realms surrounding them. The Corgastodmar used that to their benefit during the war of Liberation to keep the Etayen on the offensive, and had it used against them during the wars against Grathem.   Ghetun Dhengast ast Larnac   The Guards of Larnac did not come to fame through their service to the Corgastodmar realm, on the contrary, they are well known for the opposite.   Barrot ast Alorend   During the height of the dreaded Great Conflict, around 2295, the Corgastodmar Ghetûn desired to involve themselves in the bloodshed. Indeed, a measure of national honor was at sake with Eurobasar and Etayen battling one another within miles of the border. For that purpose, however, the Ghetunbalastod was unprepared. The Ghetûn, Conregest, and Lanches required time to muster their demanded hosts, not to mention the Lorod without whom wars were made worse.   The formation which Lanches Ghemese rallied was drawn entirely from the Aemar population which yet dwelled in the western reaches of Nathrovas.   Upon arrival near Ghethemas, word reached Ghemes through messangers that Ghetunbast Dothen was unable to spare additional resources for the Barrost. What warriors were gathered for the great thrust into southern Grathem devoured foodstuffs and divided military gear. Lingering in the capital would be wasteful, and thus she was ordered back eastward to Nathrovas. Her charge was to wage a diversionary campaign against Bal’gorod heartlands which would leave Grathem isolated.   Ghemes encountered local resistance against her invasion, but these were militia formations. None among the Atysvala nor Bal’gorod were willing nor able to devote time in repelling the threat, so command was left to local commanders. However, these Nathrovayen officers underestimated the capabilities of the Barrost. It was believed that if the infantry were heavily equipped, the army would move sluggishly and be easy to intercept. If the infantry were lightly equipped, lesser warriors could defeat them in battle. The Barrost was neither, for Ghemes was clever in her planning. Her warriors carried the burdens of heavy fighters, but separated themselves from baggage trains, tent encampments, and occupations which all keep an army rooted. Each man was allowed to carry supplies in a sack upon their back with limited supplies and were expected to use it as a pillow. During the campaigning season the weather was condusive to sleep exposed.   The Barrost wandered through the western hinterlands of Nathrovas, devastating countryside villages and driving the population into over-dense cities.   The veterans of the Barrost ast Alorend returned to Ghethemas with tales of their exploits billowing their reputation to incredible heights.   The Corgastodmar Navy   The Corgastodmar Navy is the breath of Corgastor, bringing his will to all reaches of Qadal. Admiral Randar Swail is the lord of the navy. The primary port of call for the navy is the city of Ellesem in the province of Hennas. The navy is the first defense against most of the Empire's threats from abroad, and as such it is of paramount importance. The importance of the navy means that it is quite expansive, with three major fleets stationed around Everos, and a number of smaller flotillas in other regions. The largest fleet is the Imperial southern fleet, which covers the Semyr and the waters around Nevan. The Imperial northern fleet is stationed in Golenest and protects the Wolonorends and the waters around Othos. Lastly is the western Imperial fleet, which is the smallest of the main naval formations, and controls the waters of the Gismyr Sea, beyond which are lands that are unknown to peoples of the known world.   "Today the ship has been silent. In honesty, it seems as if the whole world has gone silent this day. The men have gone silent, the birds have gone silent, and it even the winds themselves have gone silent. Nothing dare make a sound, for all our men are deep in thought. It is a strange thing, but no surprise after yesterday. That was a blackest day I had ever seen. It began like every other day had for the past few weeks. Our ship, the Bright Lance as you remember, was anchored alongside a number of other ships outside of the port of Turost. We were safe aboard out ships, but the plague that has been spreading throughout the middle lands had finally reached the city. Naturally, the towns people and local nobility had no wish to have their bodies turned white and leaked of blood by the blight, but what could we do for them? Admiral Byen gave our captain explicit orders not to allow any vessels to go beyond the harbor of Turost, and he got his orders from the Valunis, who in turn got his orders from Ghetunbast Wellentes himself. When the first of the ships began to drift out of the harbor, laden with fleeing people and their belongings, we found ourselves in a dilemma. The orders demanded action, but we didn't see ourselves as murderers. We are not murderers. Our orders are our duty, and not subject to argument. As the foremost ship came upon our larboard side we could hear the cries and commotion emanating from the makeshift fleet. The children were loudest, shrieking their disapproval at the sudden and unwanted excitement. A great many of them had their arms outstretched, meekly waving their arms to the home they had left behind in Turost. The women were almost as loud, if only to try and calm the children from their panic. All the while our own men were calling out to the group, informing them that clear passage was presently blocked by order of the Emperor himself. It was quite a sight, almost comical had the circumstances not been so grim. Captain Amice came damn near close to falling right off the ship as he hollered out for them to stop. Regardless of his spirited efforts they continued onward, passing our ship and entirely ignoring us in their plight. They forced our hand by trying to run our blockade. I tell you now, and I'll tell you once I come home: We had no choice. The ships had to be stopped before they could infest other regions, so we loaded our deck ballista, the marines notched their arrows, and the large catapult at the stern was manned. Amice called for a warning shot, hoping to scare the flotilla to a halt, but to no avail. He stayed his hand for a time, but more ships were beginning to pass with each moment. Without another option he gave the order to fire. The ship creaked and shook as the artillery fired, sending a cloud of arrows and rocks upon the boats. Whilst many of the shots missed, there were a few shots that fell right upon the decks of the fleeing ships. Those that did nearly bisected the smaller vessels, like a boot stepping upon an insect. Persons and cargo slipped out of the shattered vessels like blood from a fresh wound, turning the sea a strange assortment of colors with their battered contents. Those were the lucky ones. The vessels that were not smashed by rocks were turned into floating funeral pyres by the flaming arrows and ballista shots, engulfed in fire from hull to mast. The poor wretches aboard could only run into the sea, lest they be burned alive like devils. This slaughter continued for more than 20 minutes, as all the ships in our fleet dealt with the dirty work of sinking the carriers of disease. Some men refused to go through with it, and they were either carried off or flogged on the spot by the Sergeants. In truth, I was only a moment away from joining them. Whether it was intelligence or cowardice that caused it, all I could bring myself to do was stand on the deck staring out into the debris filled sea. What broke my trance was a particularly large ship leaving the port. Its sails were drawn out wide, billowed out as it caught the coastal winds. Emblazoned on the cloth was a white hammer upon a black background, ringed with a border of knotted gold. We could tell who it was from that alone, but the ship settled any remaining doubts. You should have seen it, a beautifully built cog built of dark wood and trimmed with golden paint. It was none other than the Lord of Turost himself. His ship came up close to ours, no more than a few strides away. He called out to Captain Amice and demanded to be let past the blockade. Erring on the side of caution, Amice refused him, saying that the orders were explicit in keeping ALL ships within the port. A furious exchange followed between them, only calming when the captain threatened force against the man if he did not turn the ship around. The noble's face was a disturbing mixture of fear and anger. He turned about a slowly slithered the ship back to the city, a single ship among a sea of debris and death. I fear that we had killed another man, even if it was not by our hands. My dearest, I hope you do not think less of me for what I have told you. I seek only to be honest with what I have seen and what I have done. The choice was not mine to make, nor was there an alternative.   Letter from Lehas Halanest The Pale Blight Strikes Turost - 2047   The navy is composed primarily of large, troop bearing vessels that are comparable to floating castles. The function of such ships is to sail close enough to enemy vessels for the marines to board and clear the ship. When this isn't possible, some ships are equipped with ballistae that are useful for propelling flaming material at an enemy ship. Once an enemy ship is sufficiently weakened, boarding troops can be set on board to wipe out the remaining crew, and secure anything of value before sinking the ship. These strategies work well against other large vessels such as their own but prove to be rather ineffective when fighting smaller and more sleek craft. To make up for this deficiency, the Empire often makes use of Elivas or Neyasi mercenary ships to add that versatile element.   The utilization and mustering of these ships into a proper navy is a significant process, more so than just commanding them. In times past the system was informal. The navy was merely a collection of whatever ships the provincial lords could muster at the time, whether they be trade cogs or fishing crayers. If the threat was minor, then the government would content themselves using the weaker ships for cost's sake. In those situations, they would be stationed with marines and perhaps given a small deck ballista, but nothing more. Their purpose was to deliver troops and stall the enemy if it came to a naval battle. After the threat passed the ships would be returned to their original owner, along with a payment from the government for any damages or losses incurred.   If the threat was more than a passing dispute, then the Empire would be forced to hire mercenaries, either from Nevan or Lodon. Naturally, this put the Empire at a disadvantage during conflict with those factions, such as the Coalition War of 2899. In that war, the Corgastodmar Empire found itself completely unable to invade the Neyasi islands in the face of united Elivas and Confederation naval power. It was a humiliating defeat, costing the Empire thousands of Gissir worth of damages and reparations. It was proven once and for all that the old system could not sustain the activities of the expanding Empire. It would take time, but the gears were set in motion to professionalize the navy.   These changes came in the late 2900s, during the reign of Gottunbast Vollus II, predecessor to Lothast I Garlan. He recognized that the navy's weakness was more than just a minor disadvantage, but that it was the single greatest hindrance to the projection of Imperial power. To create a solution, he called together the Lord Admiral, Ghetunbalastod Valunis, and his favored lords with whom he confided great trust. They spoke over the matter, and in 2957 the Vollian Reforms were passed. The new laws stated that ships must now be mustered and maintained in similar style to land forces. Each ghet must be able to procure a picard, two hulks, and three cogs; every conregest must procure a hulk and a cog; and all lesSer lords must procure at least one cog. The Imperial navy proper funds the creation of the larger dramast ships to be used by a now existent standing navy. Ideally, the creation of a standing navy would help create veteran sailors and officers, as well as increase the once deplorable response time of the navy.   Tonagem   This ship is the smallest type to be seen serving in any sort of official capacity. It is a single mast ship with only a main deck level. Its low cut makes it an ideal river boat, but it is still able to take to open ocean if the conditions are favorable. It lacks defenses beyond what the men aboard have on their person, which makes it vulnerable against other ships. It's a favored option for amphibious landings and is used often by the Raiders of Mortigast during their battles.   Ketenne   The value of this ship is more in its ability to transport men and material rather than fight. It is a single mast ship with a low deck and two raised decks on the bow and stern. This gives it the ability to fend off limited attacks with strategically placed archers, though it flounders in prolonged engagements. The ship is a favorite of Neyasi traders and Evosmar guilds for its cheap cost and cargo capacity. The most common place to find a cog is along the coasts and close destination trade lines, from Nevan to Everos or from Everos to Othos.   Homenest   The hulk is an improvement from the clumsy and poorly armed ketenne. It has a nimbler cut that allows it to cruise faster than the ketenne, which is boosted by an extra sail on the bow. To protect it from pirates the average homenest is equipped with a bow ballista that rests just below the forward sail, giving it the ability to tear through weakly defended ships with flaming shot. While its fundamental purpose is still transport, the ship is able to participate in fights beyond the ability of the cog or smaller ships. Its cheaper end cost makes it a favorite among provincial lords.   Canellest   This type of ship is the most robust and versatile to be found in Qadal. Its sheer size and raised decks make it a viable warship, while the large area below decks makes it valuable as a transport ship. It is a two-mast ship, giving it speed that surpasses the cog and hulk despite its large size. It can also be outfitted with deck mounted artillery. The Imperial navy uses it as the standard convoy ship, where it acts as simultaneous freighter and fighter.   Phelogon   This ship is the most common type built for solely military purposes. The bow and stern are both raised to provide light artillery platforms, as well as infantry defense during close quarters fights. Unique to the previous ships but in common with the dramast is a raised central platform from where a heavier artillery piece can be stationed to damage ships. Unlike the dramast, the picard has limited space below deck, making it an anti-ship vessel rather than a boarding vessel. The speed gained from its smaller size makes it an excellent early stage combatant. The Port of Turost, blockaded by the navy during the Pale Blight, is a prime example of these ships in use. Phelogonod such as the Bright Lance were instrumental in eliminating infected vessels before they escaped into open waters.   Dramast   The largest ships in the Corgastodmar navy are the Dramast, which are large three mast vessels capable of carrying over 100 sailors, 50 marines, and a deck trebuchet. It was a wide main deck and two higher layers that operate as cabin areas and an armory. The front is also raised, but isn't defensed by battlements like the cog, but is rather armed with two ballistae. The massive size and strong armament makes these ships the standard warship of the navy, albeit their expense limits their usage. The navy maintains no less than 25 of these ships spread throughout the waters of Qadal. In the recent Drakayen War of 3451, four of these monoliths were destroyed during the Etayen surprise attack on the Southern Fleet. Lord Admiral Rander Swail managed to escape in his specially built dramast, the Eye of Ácolitus, before the navy was entirely surrounded and scattered.   Monelogon   Despite the broad collapse of the Corgastodmar world after 3451, technologyical innovation continued forward through the Wandering era. A result of this work was a new breed of water-going vessel- the Monelogon. It was larger than its predecessors, rising to greater height and length than the legendary Dramast of Imperial era fame. This impressive scale was countered by the relative simplicity of its design. It was over 200 feet long with high walls, significant enough to render boarding nigh impossible. The bow was raised to allow artillery of missile support. Along the hulk were three raised structures, sufficient to allow habitation but also entrench artillery atop them.   Ghetunbalor Henegast Corgastor   Known commonly by its simplified name, the Sanctuary is the fury of Corgastor, crushing his enemies with fire and the power of his Eshara. Velhronunbast Thurod is the keeper of the Sanctuary as of 3451 and has dutifully continued the work of his predecessors for over 20 years. Before that, Thurod served with the Nerod of Corgastor, where he made a name for himself hunting down rogue practitioners of Vojûn and Áckesh with Everos. His work led to the infamous purging of Loryne in 3445, where a whole section of that city was razed to the ground on suspicion of Ackeshi practices being committed. What they found there was worse than expected, to the degree that the Nerod allows no mention of it. He leads the Sanctuary from Farrien's Spire, so named after the second Velhronunbast who commissioned its construction in 2352, after the Great Conflict brought concerns of untamed powers to the forefront of Corgastodmar affairs. It is located near the village of Welda in Erehem, isolated from the rest of the world as to allow the Velhronis to work in peace. In time, the village developed itself around the existence of the spire. Welda acts as a hub from which food, timber, and other resources reach the spire, while the nemeshari there often spend idle time in the idyllic snowy village. The Sanctuary is able to use this ideal training ground to foster those with a strong grasp of Eshara to become fearsome instruments of battle for the Corgastodmar host. Without them, the untamed energy of Vojûn and the power of Áckesh would overwhelm Everos, as they had done during the darkest days of the Weeping Era.   Training with the Sanctuary is the only way for one to become an officiated Velhronis, and becoming an officiated Velhronis is the only way one can legally practice nemeshir in the Corgastodmar lands, barring special cases with the Nerod and other organizations. This ensures that the Corgastodmar Empire has a count of how many nemeshari can be mustered in times of need, so that they may be put into their own units and attached to larger formations as support. It also means the government can keep tabs on each of them. Having skilled nemeshari on the field has won the Empire many victories, more than the Imperial government is readily willing to admit.   This being said, nemeshari are an uncommon fixture to Corgastodmar forces. A single unit of a dozen or so nemeshari can slay many times their number but can only fight for a short amount of time before exhausting themselves. They are lightly armored and must be protected from enemy infantry and missiles lest they be quickly wiped out. In action, they operate in a manner cloSer to artillery than anything else, preferring to plant themselves on a vantage point and rain down fire upon the enemy. This as well keeps them safe from the enemy infantry and cavalry that would surely cut them to pieces were they to engage in close quarters combat.   Beyond their service on the field, the Sanctuary assists the Corgastodmar Empire by eliminating objects of malign power and purifying areas that have been corrupted by Vojûnic or other forms of nemeshir. After any battle where nemeshir is used, the Sanctuary nemeshari are dispatched to search the field for any items that bear nemeshiral power. They are gathered up, stored into carts, and shipped off to the Spire where they are dealt with appropriately. The common fate of these things is disenchantment and destruction, breaking them down to their base components of melted steel and ash. Those are then discarded and no longer worried about. For objects that are deemed valuable or powerful, the nemeshari place them in a secure location beneath the Spire, known as the Ebon Vault. Vojûnic energy is reduced in the presence of Viiryne, a raw type of stone that can only be mined in the Fringe. It is created by intense nemeshiral detonation, which only an event like the destruction of Lyseros's stone could cause. It can otherwise be created in small amount from strong concentration of unnatural power. The objects stored in the vault can be safety examined, and even utilized to benefit the Corgastodmar domain if circumstances require it.   To collect objects of nemeshir and hoard them is a simple matter, but to purify lands that have been corrupted by the power of nemeshir is a more difficult task. It requires the coordination of the church and the Sanctuary to properly purge an area of the nemeshir that has coalesced in the area. To execute these missions the Empire organizes war bands called Companies of Redemption. These companies are comprised of elite Lorvelgis, typically members of the realm's Amaderin Lorvelgiss, and senior nemeshari from the Sanctuary. Once the Lorvelgis clear out the troubled area the nemeshari can join their power with that of the present Solhes to conduct a Rite of Cleansing, a power spell that has the ability to break down and scatter nemeshiral energy. This being said, it has little strength in outright destroying Vojûnic energy. Its raw power prevents it from being entirely destroyed by other nemeshirs, as it was created by Atûn to be more powerful than any force before it. Qadayen, worldly nemeshir can be destroyed through the rite, but it reforms from the very essence of olûndari life, so is constantly regenerating. In time the nemeshir that is dissipated but not destroyed pools up again in dark places, but it takes years before it poses a threat.