Azure Vanguard
The Azure Vanguard is the primary military force of the Sapphire Empire, responsible for defense, order, and projection of power across the 75 Realms. Formed during the unification of the Empire, it is a symbol of the Empress’s authority and the martial extension of her will. While each Realm maintains localized civic enforcement and minimal defense personnel, the Azure Vanguard alone operates as the sanctioned inter-realm military structure empowered to act anywhere under imperial jurisdiction.
The Azure Vanguard is divided into two primary operational theaters:
Realmward Forces – Ground-based military divisions distributed across the 74 terrestrial Realms. These forces provide planetary security, enforce imperial mandates, and respond to crises ranging from rebellion suppression to natural disasters. Troops are permanently garrisoned in every major metropolitan center and regularly rotate through training cycles within the Imperial City.
Imperial Fleet Command (Avalon) – The only spacefaring division of the Vanguard, stationed exclusively within the Realm of Avalon. Operating out of the massive yards and installations surrounding Galbon, Mars, and the Jovian spheres, this fleet defends imperial assets, maintains space-based patrols, and absorbs former national navies such as the United Ranger Core. Ships are non-translocatable between realms due to the nature of realm barriers, making Avalon’s theater strategically unique.
The Vanguard operates directly under the Ministry of Defense, with overall command held by the Imperial High Marshal, who answers solely to Empress Salena. Vanguard personnel are drawn from across the Empire, with prestige, housing, and lifetime security guaranteed to those who serve with distinction. Integration programs through the Public Welfare Ministry frequently guide disenfranchised citizens into military service.
The Vanguard is not merely a war machine—it is an instrument of order, loyalty, and integration, engineered to reinforce the Empress’s vision of a seamless, unified Empire.
Structure
Imperial High Marshal of the Vanguard – Supreme commander of the Azure Vanguard; appointed directly by the Empress.
Strategic Command Nexus – Core command council, made up of theatre and sector commanders from across the 75 realms.
Realm Defense Commands (RDCs) – Regional high commands assigned to specific realms or clusters; coordinate fleet and garrison operations.
Fleet Divisions – Spacefaring military wings divided into numbered fleets (e.g., 3rd Azure Armada oversee space superiority and defense.
Planetary Garrison Commands – Troop-focused ground defense, peacekeeping, and integration forces. Stationed at critical settlements and world capitals.
Integrated Forces Wing – Contains former nationalized militaries absorbed into the Azure structure (e.g., the URC forces).
Support Corps – Logistics, medical, engineering, psyops, transport, and communications units.
Imperial Officer Academy (Athomathia) – Highest military training institution for Vanguard officers.
Public Agenda
Ensure the military protection of all 75 Realms under the Sapphire Empire.
Maintain internal peace and inter-realm stability.
Provide humanitarian and logistical support during crises.
Integrate all remaining non-imperial forces into a unified command.
Represent Imperial might and benevolence at all planetary fronts.
Assets
Total Personnel: Estimated 500 million active service members across all Realms, with additional reserve and auxiliary forces.
Fleet Assets:
Over 15,000 vessels (light to super-capital class, Avalon)
200+ dreadnought-class flagships (Avalon)
Ground Forces:
Integrated planetary garrisons on every capital and hub world (Avalon)
Vanguard Drop Legions and mechanized infantry
Armored shock regiments and leyline hub divisions
Command Centers:
Azure Bastion (Imperial City, Athomathia)
Sector War Halls on key military worlds (Avalon)
Mobile Command Arrays for Quantum operations
Training Facilities:
The Crucible (Orbital training world for heavy ops, Avalon)
Celestis Vale (Honor guard and psychological conditioning facility, Avalon)
upport & Logistics:
Dedicated resource routes secured by the MoD
Access to all Avalon-based repair yards and starship foundries
Full integration into UNIS-based tactical data grids
History
The Azure Vanguard was established during the First Sapphire Assembly following the unification of the realms by Empress Salena. Formed as the official military arm of the new Sapphire Empire, it quickly absorbed and reorganized loyalist units, took operational control of national fleets, and begin integration of sovereign forces.
Within the year 3 AFE, the Azure Vanguard has secured the entirety of Imperial territory, transitioned to UNIS-command battle systems, and begun construction of its own fleet infrastructure.
By Stars and Flame, We Endure.
Founding Date
0 AFE
Type
Military Order
Capital
Alternative Names
The Azure Corps, The Vanguard, Imperial Vanguard Forces, AVF
Predecessor Organization
Training Level
Professional
Veterancy Level
Decorated/Honored
Demonym
Vanguards, Azures, Sapphires
Founders
Head of Government
Parent Organization
Location
