Sapphire Glaive

The Sapphire Glaive is an elite paramilitary and enforcement order under the direct command of the Empress of the Sapphire Empire. Formed in the aftermath of the Imperial Consolidation, it serves as both a personal guard and an executive arm of the Throne, responsible for the protection of the Imperial Family, enforcement of The Sorcerer Classification and Integration Decree (SCID), and suppression of unauthorized sorcerous activity across the seventy-five Realms. Unlike the Azure Vanguard or other ministries of the Imperial Government, the Glaive operates as a sovereign institution, independent of civil or military oversight and answerable only to the Empress herself.   The corps was formally established by Empress Salena in the first cycle of her reign to unify loyalist military and arcane assets under a singular command. Its members known as Glaivesmen are exclusively selected from trained sorcerers and former veteran weave-sensitives in select military services. Recruitment is conducted through direct appointment or decree, and membership entails four year renewable contracts.   Headquartered within the Glaive Tower in the Imperial City of Athomathia, the order maintains detachments across the Realms for ceremony, enforcement, and high-threat intervention duties. As of 8 AFE, the Sapphire Glaive numbers approximately 13,000 active personnel and new recruitment is drawn solely of Alpha-Class Sorcerers, functioning as both the Empire's most prestigious honor guard and its principal instrument of weave-sensitive enforcement.  

Primary Mandates

  The Sapphire Glaive operates under direct Imperial decree with four principal mandates: protection of the Imperial Family, enforcement of sorcerous law, execution of high-level Imperial directives, and ceremonial representation of the Throne. While often visible in its ceremonial functions, the majority of Glaive activity centers on enforcement and high-threat intervention operations across the seventy-five Realms.  

Protective Mission

  The primary duty of the Sapphire Glaive is the close protection of the Empress, the Imperial Family, and designated members of the Imperial Court. This includes continuous security within the Sapphire Palace, the Glaive Tower, and at all official appearances throughout the Realms. Protective operations are coordinated through the Imperial Protection Corps, which maintains continuous watch rotations, counter-surveillance detachments, and tactical response units capable of rapid trans-realm deployment through secured Leyline Transit points. By Imperial decree, no civil or military authority may overrule or restrict a Glaive deployment assigned to the protection of the Empress or her immediate kin.   The primary duty of the Sapphire Glaive is the close protection of the Empress Salena Andrea Athomath, the Imperial Family, and designated members of the Imperial Court. This includes continuous security within the Sapphire Palace, the Glaive Tower, and at all official appearances throughout the Realms.   Protective responsibilities are centralized under the Imperial Protection Corps (IPC), which maintains two primary specialize detachments:   The Raven's Guard - The personal guard of Empress Salena Athomath, composed of the most senior member of Keshral Glaivesmen. They are permanently stationed within the Sapphire Palace an accompany the Empress during all public and inter-realm appearances.   The Nightingale Order - The dedicated protection cadre assign to Princess Irisa Athomath, the Virellia of the Everdawn. Though assigned to the Princess's household, the Order remains formally part of the Sapphire Glaive and is bound by oath to the Empress. The Nightingale Order is permanently stationed within the Nightingale court, and accompanies the Virellia during all public and inter-realm appearances.   Both formations operate under the authority of the Kesh'ari of the Glaive, but may receive direct operation directives from the Empress herself.  

Enforcement Mission

  The Glaive serves as the executive enforcement arm of The Sorcerer Classification and Integration Decree (SCID), granting it universal jurisdiction to detain, contain, or neutralize unregistered or rogue Weave practitioners. These operations are carried out primarily by the Strike Cohorts, specialized detachments trained for counter-sorcerous combat, arcane suppression, and investigative enforcement. Glaivesmen are authorized to operate across jurisdictional boundaries, and their actions supersede local authority in cases involving Weave-sensitive threats. The Glaive’s investigative apparatus also monitors high-level Weave fluctuations and intelligence concerning potential SCID violations or insurgent sorcerous movements.  

Imperial Directive Operations

  At the Empress's discretion, Glaive units may be tasked with direct execution of classified Imperial decrees, including targeted interventions, covert stabilization missions, an removal of individuals or entities deemed threats to the Imperial Order. These assignments are known collectively as Crown Directives and are executed under the command of the Kesh'ari (Supreme Commander). Such missions are exempt from oversight and recorded only in sealed archives within the Glaive Tower's Vault Records Division.  

Ceremonial and Representational Duties

  Despite its enforcement role, the Sapphire Glaive also functions as a symbolic embodiment of Imperial authority. Ceremonial Detachments serve at all major state functions, diplomatic receptions, and coronations, and accompany the Empress during inter-realm visits, Glaivesmen perform a parade known as the Diadem Guard, representing the unity of the seventy-five realms under Sapphiric rule. These ceremonies often double as demonstrations of skill and Weave control, intended to reinforce the legitimacy and continuity of the Order.  

Organizational Structure

 

Ranks of the Sapphire Glaive

  As initiates advance through training and service, they ascend through several defined ranks, each marking a deeper bond with the Weave and the Throne. Advancement is determined not by seniority but by discipline, demonstrated loyalty, and mastery of sanctioned Weave application.  

Niv’resh (Initiate)

  The first and lowest rank of the Glaive. Niv’resh are newly accepted candidates undergoing initiation within the Glaive Tower. Training emphasizes physical conditioning, discipline, and foundational control of the Weave. They serve as aides, sentinels, and apprentices under full Glaivesmen, observing live operations only under strict supervision. Completion of the Initiate Trials and the Oath of Sapphire grants advancement to Keshran.  

Keshran (Operative)

  The standard rank of a fully inducted Glaivesmen. Keshran perform the majority of field operations — enforcement of the Sorcerer Classification and Integration Decree (SCID), high-value protection duties, and suppression of rogue sorcery. Keshran often work within Circles and may specialize in disciplines such as containment, reconduction, or ceremonial service. Promotion to Val’kesh follows years of exemplary conduct and demonstrated leadership.  

Val’kesh (Field Commander)

  Experienced officers who command Circles or Strike Cohorts. Val’kesh oversee tactical coordination, enforce operational doctrine, and act as the Glaive’s primary field commanders across the seventy-five Realms. They also serve as mentors to Niv’resh and Keshran, responsible for cultivating their loyalty and discipline. A Val’kesh may be nominated to the rank of Keshral by order of the Kesh’ari.  

Keshral (High Commander)

  Senior leaders within the Glaive, forming the High Command — the Keshral Circle. Each oversees a core operational domain (Ceremonial, Enforcement, Training, or Protection) or governs activity across an entire Realm. Keshral report directly to the Kesh’ari and hold near-autonomous authority within their assigned jurisdictions. Their appointments are confirmed personally by the Empress.  

Kesh’ari (Supreme Commander)

  The highest operational authority beneath the Empress. The Kesh’ari executes the Empress’s directives, commands the entirety of the Glaive, and presides over the Keshral Circle. The title is singular, and its bearer is second only to the Throne in matters of imperial enforcement.  

Sovereign Commander (Empress Salena Andrea Athomath)

  The living apex of the Glaive’s hierarchy. All members are sworn directly to the Empress, whose will supersedes law, decree, or ministry. The Empress alone may elevate or dismiss members of the Glaive without counsel or cause.  

Auxiliary Divisions

  While unified under a single command structure, the Sapphire Glaive maintains several specialized divisions to support its enforcement, logistical, and intelligence operations across the Realms. These divisions operate semi-independently under Keshral oversight and are restructured as needed by the Kesh’ari.  

Internal Affairs Division

  Responsible for maintaining discipline and integrity within the Glaive. Conducts internal audits, investigates misconduct, and ensures compliance with Imperial directives. Reports directly to the Kesh’ari; authority extends over all other divisions during disciplinary investigations.  

Operational Intelligence Bureau

  Handles reconnaissance, counter-intelligence, and information analysis. Provides actionable intelligence for deployment planning and SCID enforcement operations. Agents from this bureau often accompany Strike Cohorts as embedded observers or field analysts.  

Logistics and Support Command

  Oversees transport, equipment distribution, and supply for Glaive operations. Manages the Glaive Deployment Wings and Sapphire Holdpoints network. Its personnel ensure autonomous sustainment independent of Vanguard or Ministry channels.  

Containment Division

  Specialized in Weave anomaly suppression, rogue sorcerer capture, and arcane hazard control. Works closely with the Ministry of Sorcerous Affairs when containment overlaps with civil jurisdictions.  

Ceremonial and Protection Detachments

  Handles state representation, imperial events, and protective security at sanctioned functions. Includes the Raven’s Guard and Nightingale Order as embedded units rather than standalone organizations.  

The Bastion Corps

  Responsible for sustaining and regulating the defensive Weave networks surrounding Imperial infrastructure, including the Sapphire Palace, Glaive Tower, and Imperial Residencies. Their work includes the upkeep of barrier matrices, anti-spatial fields, and temporal seals, as well as coordinating with the Containment Division during arcane incursions or system fluctuations.  

Training and Induction

  The Training and Induction Corps manages the intake, evaluation, and doctrinal alignment of all new members of the Sapphire Glaive. Under the provisions of the Sorcerer Classification and Integration Decree (SCID), all individuals classified as Alpha-Class Weave Users are subject to a mandatory four-year term of Imperial service within the Order.  

Conscription and Selection

  Induction is not voluntary. All Alpha-Class sorcerers identified within Imperial jurisdiction are automatically conscripted upon certification by the Ministry of Sorcerous Affairs. Candidates of exceptional record or notable discipline may be appointed directly by Imperial Decree, though the same induction process applies in all cases. Prior allegiances, civil, guild, or national, are voided under SCID Article II. The individual's legal status and authority are transferred to the Sapphire Glaive upon induction.  

Induction Cycle

  Inductees undergo a four-cycle program within the lower strata of the Glaive Tower, isolated from external contact for the duration of training. The program's purpose is to ascertain Weave assessment, refine, and synchronize prowess to Imperial parameters. Instruction centers on three principal disciplines:   Doctrinal Conditioning - Instilling obedience to the Imperial hierarchy and absolute primacy of the Throne.   Operational Calibration - Refining individual Weave resonance for coordinated application in enforcement or intervention operations.   Psychometric Regulation - continuous assessment of emotional stability, susceptibility to instability, or deviant magical patterning.  

Trial of Confluence

  Graduation from induction requires successful attunement during the Trial of Confluence, a controlled resonance testing emotional stability within the candidate and regulation of their individual Etherium Weapon. Failure results in reassignment to auxiliary duties until service requirements expire.  

Continuing Doctrine

  All active Glaivesmen are subject toe schedule recalibration cycles to ensure stable resonance with Etherium weapons and continued emotional regulation. These procedures are compulsory and archived under sealed classification within the Induction Corps' records.  

Equipment and Uniforms

 

Field Armor

  All Glaivesmen wear standardized armor issued upon induction. The suit consists of black composite plating with modular sections for different field requirements. Helmets fully obscure the face and provide sealed environmental protection. Most personnel attach robes or half-cloaks for ceremonial use.  

Helm Regulations

  Helmets are mandatory during all active operations. Removal in public or ceremonial presence is restricted to officers of Keshral rank or higher.  

Etherium Weapons

  Each Glaivesman carries a personal Etherium, the traditional weapon of all sorcerers. Weapons vary by form—typically swords, polearms, or other handheld designs—and are unique to the wielder. Upon entry into the Glaive, each Etherium is re-inscribed with the Order’s insignia. The Glaive forges maintain and restore these weapons but do not produce new ones.  

Ceremonial Variants

  Armor for Imperial events follows the standard pattern with select distinctions:   Raven’s Guard — additional winged accents on collar crests and matte-black edging denoting service to the Empress.   Nightingale Order — feature indigo inlays and feather motifs integrated into gorgets and shoulder plates for the Heir’s retinue.  

Auxiliary Equipment

  Standard field issue includes communication systems, survival packs, and Weave-user restraints. Glaive detachments assigned to inter-realm operations deploy with dedicated transport craft and vehicles maintained outside Azure Vanguard control.  

Locations

 

Glaive Tower

  The Glaive Tower in Athomathia serves as the principal headquarters of the Sapphire Glaive and the central command structure of the Order. Constructed during the founding of the Empire alongside the Imperial City, it stands as one of the first major edifices commissioned under Empress Salena’s reign. Built from the ground up upon the eastern rise of the capital’s central plateau, the Tower was designed as both a command bastion and a training center for the Empire’s newly formalized sorcerous order.   Although conceived as a practical installation, the Tower soon became a symbol of Imperial unity among Weave users. Its establishment drew criticism from parts of the wider sorcerous community, who saw the Glaive’s creation as a rejection of the traditional authority once held by the Council of Seventy-Five. Salena dismissed these objections by declaring the Glaive an Imperial guard and executive order, distinct from any former council or magical body.   The structure itself takes the form of a massive black obelisk rising from a multi-tiered ziggurat base. Its full depth is not publicly recorded, though internal surveys suggest it extends many levels below the surface. The upper levels contain officer quarters, administrative halls, and the Kesh’ari’s command chambers. The middle levels house living accommodations for active Glaivesmen and their families, as well as communal facilities, archives, and education spaces. The lower strata are reserved for training, induction, and operational coordination, including combat halls, simulation ranges, and resonance chambers.   A sealed archive known as the Vault of Records is located deep within the foundation. Access is restricted to Keshral members and the Kesh’ari. The tower also contains a fully staffed nursery and schooling wing for dependents of stationed personnel, making it a self-contained habitation complex rather than a simple fortress.   Located nearly forty minutes from the Sapphire Palace by standard conveyance, the Tower stands apart both physically and administratively from the rest of the Imperial complex. Plans for a smaller secondary obelisk have been discussed to accommodate the expanding ranks of the Order.