The Empire of the Avalon, or The Avalonian Empire

Founded upon the destruction of the Gorian empire, with its capital in the newly-constructed city of Avalon in Nagrand, Draenor, the Empire is less than a decade old. However, thanks to extensive modeling off of the ancient and widely successful Roman Empire in Ancient Time on Earth, it is well-formed and quickly growing more comfortable with itself.

 Its first Imperator, the former Earth-Born human (Harry Potter), claimed the throne of the Gorian Empire according to ancient ogre tradition. However, in a symbolic gesture, he announced its disbandment and the equally symbolic destruction of its ancient capitol, Highmaul. This was done to provide a proverbial 'clean slate' as the new Imperator did not want his House to be tarnished by any association with the long, cruel and bloody history of the Gorian Empire.

Furthermore, it is not a true dictatorship in the classical sense, in that while the Imperator still has absolute power, there is an established Senate, formed of members of every race that is a member of the Empire, even the defeated Ogres. Each Senator must swear an oath under truth potion to never proliferate corruption, to never ferment unlawful rebellion, and to do his utmost to aid in the betterment of the Empire and the happiness of its people.

The Imperator also establish a Great Charter, based on the Magna Carta of Middle-Ages England and the Constitution of the United States. This document is to ensure that the Sovreign Rights of The People are not violated in any way, shape, or form. It also established a once-a-month audience with the Imperator and The Senate, where The People might bring forth problems or requests that they feel need to be answered. This Audience last five days. Finally, it establishes a State of the Empire address, which is essentially the State of the Union for the USA.

The Military of Avalon answers directly to the Imperator, NOT to the senate, although the senate is given significant leeway in advising the Imperator in matters of war as well as politics. This military is based off of the greatest eras of each individual method of battle. Ground combat is based around the Roman Legions and Pike phalanxes of old, while the navy and limited air force are based around early to mid world war two.

The Equipment of an Imperial Legionnaire of Avalon

Each combat infantry solider of the Avalonian Empire, referred to as Legionnaires, has the same equipment as a general rule*. Certain members who have proven themselves above and beyond may be gifted with specific, named weapons of higher quality. However, legendary weapons such as these are normally reserved to the Legatus such as Hellscream, Doomhammer, and the like.

Each soldier is equipped with a full suit of armor, forged from either Blackrock Ore, or the Crystal-forge of the Draenei, in a style similar to that of the Roman Empire, with full plate protection to the torso, shins, knee joints, and forearms/hands. This plate is augmented by a dense chain mesh on the upper thighs, and the upper arm below the shoulder. The helm follows the design scheme of the plumed Corinthian-style helms made so famous by the Spartan hoplites of Ancient Greece.

Centurions, to signify their rank and make identifying them easier in the havoc of battle, wear crimson cloaks trimmed with gold, and the plums on their helmets are crimson as well.

For weapons, each solider is armed with a a mid-length spear called a pilum, which is able to be used as a javelin or a conventional spear depending on the situation. This is their default weapon when marching and first engaging in combat.

Secondary weapons are usually based on preference, though most prefer swords and axes over maces.

Furthermore, each soldier has three magical seals on their gauntlets, all three on the right hand. These seals contain a Welsh-style longbow, a Swiss-style pike, and the third would, when the bow was drawn, magically summon arrows to the string of the bow. This wide array of weaponry, so easily and conveniently stored, allows the Legion to respond to essentially any form of threat at any given time, as well as ensuring that each soldier is capable of assisting in anyway during battle. This is especially useful for the rear, un-engaged ranks of a legion, as they can support the front ranks with arrow fire. The pikes are best used against cavalry, naturally, but are sometimes utilized in combat against enemy formations, forming the center whilst legionnaires using their default weaponry would form on the flanks and wings.

Each soldier is also equipped with a long rectangular shield, again based off of the Roman legions. However, in order to add to the deadly arsenal of the legion, it was specifically designed do be more curved that its Earth counterpart, allowing the nine spikes that adorn it to be used as weapons when in close-combat situations. A legionnaire can thrust the shield towards his enemy, potentially causing fatal harm with these dangerous protrusions.

In magically-created bottomless bags, each soldier has their own tent, 'civilian clothing', basic supplies and first aid kits, as well as whatever few personal keepsakes they were allowed to bring along.

Combat Structure of an Imperial Legion of Avalon

While there is some variation from Legion to Legion, based on several factors, the majority of Legions keep to the following organization.

A Decuria is used only during scouting operations, and consists of ten or so soldiers.

A Centuria is the smallest official combat unit in a legion. Contains 120 Combat Infantry Soldiers.

A Cohort is composed of ten Centuria, for a total of 1,200 Combat Infantry Soldiers.

A Legion is composed of ten Cohorts, for a total of 12,000 Combat Infantry Soldiers.

All Legions have approximately 400 Mounted Troops in support, though the composition of this mounted support does vary somewhat. Legions Legio III Invicta have heavy cavalry in full plate for support, while legions like Legio I Infernus are more prone to light, fast cavalry support.

Each legion also has approximately  100 Skysong-class aerial support, ususually mounted on Wyverns or Rylacks. In addition to this number are four Dragonfire-class aerial support, mounted on drakes (post commencement of the Azerothian Campaign).

All Legions also have their own support staff, consisting of cooks, armorers, blacksmiths, stablemasters, etc. These are not counted in the overall strangth count, however, as they are non-combatants.

Command Structure of an Imperial Legion of Avalon

While each legion has its specialty, due to the clans of Draenor that make up its ranks having said specialty, each is equally deadly in any field of battle and are organized in much the same way.

Senior Command Staff

Legatus Legionis: the overall commander of that particular legion. usually the chieftain of the dominant clan, but not necessarily. Also the most experienced and deadly combatant of the Legion, who nevertheless is well-protected when the engage in combat, as their first priority is management and control of their legion during pitched battle. Legatus Legionis also act as provincial governors when necessary. Modern equivalent would be a Four Star General. Referred to in general conversation as the Legatus


Tribunes Primus: The second in command of the Legion, the Tribunes Primus has nominal command if the Legatus cannot be reached, dies, or is otherwise incapacitated. naturally, is the second most experienced and lethal member of the legion. Modern equivalent would be a Brigadier General or a Major General. Referred to in general conversation as the Primus

Praefectus Castorum: the Camp Prefect, he is in charge of the staff that manages the day-to-day affairs of the legion, such as supplies, setting up the encampment, etc. Third in overall command, the closest equivalent would be a Colonel.


Tribuni Secondari: The staff of the Praefectus, they serve as the administrative staff for the higher ranking officers, handling the day-to-day affairs of the Legion and keeping the Legatus informed of the details. Modern day equivalent would likely be Majors. Reffered to as the Tribuni in general conversation.

Primus Pilus: the "First Rank" is the most senior officer of the general infantry in the Legion. While is is 'only' a centurion, he is the most experienced of the group and commands the First Cohort and is on the short list for a Command rank. Equivalent would be that of a Captain or a Major in a modern military.

Mid-Level Ranks

Centurions: Each Centurion commands one of the Legion's Centuria, a group of 80-100 combat troops. Each Centurion is promoted through the ranks of their Cohort (a group of !0 Centuria) before being promoted into the lowest rank of the next Cohort. In other words, the Centurion of the 6th Centuria, 10th Cohort, works his way ip to Centurion of the 1st Centuria, 10th Cohort. This makes him the highest ranking officer of the 10th Cohort. he can then be promoted to 6th Centuria, 9th Cohort, etc. Modern equivalent would be a warrant officer through to captain, ddepending on which centuria and cohort they were in/commanded.

Low-level Ranks

Principales: Modern day equivalent would be non-commissioned officers. Respected veterans that the younger officers listen to for advice and counsel. There are several levels of Principales.

1. Aquilifier: A highly prestigious and respected post, this soldier is tasked with carrying the emblem of the Legion, and entrusted with its well-being. From here, a soldier is promoted to Centurion Rank.
2. Signifier: Bascially that Centuria's quartermaster, he is responsible for the men's pay and supplies. In combat, he would carry the flag of each individual Centuria or Cohort, depending on his position. Like the Aquilifier, this was an important post.
3. Cornificen: This soldier, or soldiers, have the task of passing on commands from the officers to the general soldiers, usually from his position by the signifier. Until the advent of radios, this post could best be compared to that of the bugler or the drummer, as each series of balsts is a different command.

Everyone Else
here you have your run-of-the-mill soldiers, support staff, and supply train. Essential to the working of each Legion, since they form its overwhelming majority, but none are any greater than the other.

The Companions of the Imperator

As the lovers and wives of the Imperator, as well as his closest friends and comrades, The Companions of the Imperator take their name from the meaning of the ancient word Hetaira and its most popular use, the Companions of Alexander the Great. While the Companions of Macedon were all in fact male, they were Alexander's close friends and elite bodyguards. The Companions of the Imperator simply take the "bodyguard" aspect one step further into the carnal and romantic field.

Widely respected and honored, the Companions never travel without at least a half-dozen guards, though all of them are perfectly capable of defending themselves long enough to escape any ambush that was foolish enough to attack them, if they did not simply crush it off-hand. each speaks with the authority of the Imperator Himself in all matters, whether they be personal or affairs of State.

In the military field, each is regarded as second only to the Imperator himself, and any orders from them are to be obeyed as such.

Attempts to get 'familiar' with one of The Companions is tantamount to a death sentence, as each member is deeply loyal to their husband and sister wives, and defend that bond with vigour bordering on savage brutality. Indeed, it is considered better to be caught by the Imperator or one of the Legates themselves, as they will most likely simply kill you. The Companions, however, are more likely to make one suffer.


List of the Companions of the Imperator (Partial to avoid Spoliers)
Alleria Windrunner
Vereesa Windrunner
Sylvanas Windrunner
Yrel
Nimue
Luna
More To Follow

Luna

Like Nimue, Luna is not usually involved in pitch combat, instead acting as an adviser and supportive presence to the Imperator. However, her main benefit to Avalon is her connection to Elune, and through her to the Night Elves. This allows her to remain deeply informed of Alliance activity, as well as the happenings on Azeroth in general, making the intelligence she provides utterly invaluable. She is widely regarded as a Seer by both the Draenei and the Orcs, though the sun-worshipping Arrakoa view her connection to the moon with some amusement, or even outright contempt in the more lunatic fringes.

Amusingly, of the Companions numbers, she is the one the ogres fear most. After one of them attempted to kidnap her in an effort to claim the title of Imperator for himself, she not only freed herself but, in a vicious display of Charms and Transfiguration, fused him, still alive, with the arch above the main gate of Highmaul, a carved placard under his name detailing what would happen to the next idiot that tried to hurt her family.

Any attempts to claim the throne halted from that day forth.

Rarely engaging in combat due to her advisory status, she is nonetheless a powerful mage in her own right and more than capable of holding her own for the sake of her loved ones.

Height: 5 foot 9 inches
Weight: About 135 pounds
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Blonde
Likes: her family, her friends, the Mother Moon, and the Night Elves
Dislikes: Cruelty, Evil, Bullies

Nimue (Nymphadora Tonks)

Taking on a new name, the former Nymphadora Tonks became known as Nimue, after the legendary Lady of the Lake. While she is out of her depth in the fields of field army-level strategy and tactics, her studies as an Auror have given her a firm grasp of small-unit tactics. This, in particular her training for Infiltration and Recon, combined with her innate ability transformed her into the most dangerous spy and assassin that Avalon possesses, greater even than Garona and her Shadows.

While her specialty usually doesn't involve pitched combat, but rather ambushes or assassinations, Nimue nevertheless enjoys the thrill and dance with danger that comes with being in the middle of a heated, brutal struggle with an adversary.

Like many of the other combat-trained Companions, she is considered a part of the last line of defense should any threat make it past Tenth Legion.

Height: Variable, usually about six feet
Weight: variable, usually about 175 pounds
Eyes: Variable, usually hazel
Hair: Variable, usually dark brown with deep purple stripes
Likes: Harry, Luna, sister wives, a good fight
Dislikes: Boredom, The Burning Legion, generalized evil actions

Name: Pronounced Nym-uh-way

Legio XII Fulminata

Led by the self-exiled eldest brother Frostwolf, Fenris Wolfbrother, aka Fenris the Hunter, the Legion of Lightning has a significantly lower infantry complement than most of the other clans, as their clan providers the vast majority of the War-Wings that form the Legion's heavy air support. As such, their few ground forces act as heavy cavalry, riding their massive war-elekk into battle to support the faster wolf-riders and smaller Elekk knights.

Legio XI Lupus

Formed mostly from the members of the Frostwolf clan and their frost wolf companions, The Wolves act as scouts, skirmishers, and wolf-riders in support of the units led by the Legio I Infernus.
Durotan, the oldest of Garad's sons still in the Frostwolf Clan, is still young but has learned much of war and leadership during the campaigns across Draenor.

Legio X Imperator

Much like the legendary Legio X Equestris, Ceasar's Tenth Mounted Legion that later formed the original Praetorian Guard, the Imperial Tenth is the personal guard of the Imperial Family and of their seat of power, the fortress of Highmaul. As such, they are lead by the First Companion of the Imperator, Alleria Windrunner herself, and take as their symbol the rampant gryphon of the Potter family. As the Imperator has no desire to show favoritism to any of the sub-groups in his newly formed Empire, the Tenth has members from every single one of those subgroups, although any Ogre members are placed in cohorts with higher numbers of orc and draenei to ensure that said ogres do not try anything stupid like attempting to harm the Imperator or his Companions. Each member is hand-picked by the leader of their clan or faction, and as such are amongst the most elite of combatants alive.

Legio IX Immobilis

Formed almost exclusively of Draenei Protection Paladins, with it's commander, Yrel being one of the few, if not the only, Retribution Paladins in it's ranks. Hardly, if ever, deployed to the first or second lines, the Legio IX Immobilis, the "Unmovable Ninth" not only has the duty of protecting the spellcasters and rear echelons, but of forming a walking wall should the assault legions be forced to withdraw from the field. With their significant physical defense abilities, combined with their incredible Light-given defenses, they can slowly retreat in order to ensure the protection of their wounded, retreating comrades.

Legio VIII Gravis

When the Gorian Empire's former leadership fell with the death of Imperator Mar'gok, his killer became the new Imperator, according to ogre tradition. As such, the now-Imperator Harry gave trusted warrior and brother of Durotan Ga'nar leadership of the only ogres allowed to bear arms, that of the 7th Legion. Living battering rams, the ogres and their ogron and gronnling minions form the pentultamite problem solvers of the Legions of Avalon. Essentially used as living battering rams, they are sent in whenever an enemy line or fortification is proving more stubborn than usual, or an allied force needs immediate, heavy relief.

Legio VII Percutio

Led by the long-lost son of Terokk, Rukhmari, the Legio VII Percutio is the somewhat under-strength heavy rapid-strike support legion of Avalon. Given their avian natures, the Arakkoa are less inclined towards the line of battle, and instead were dedicated to ambushes, scouting, or mid-night air raids in support of the War-Wing flights of the various Orc clans.

Legio VI Rapax

The Devouring Legion, led by the shamaness called Kaz the Shrieker, is so named not for any cannibalistic traditions, but the fang-filled skulls that they wear over their faces ask masks, in remembrance of their fallen. Primarily Laughing Skull orcs, this legion forms the second center line, supporting any wounded or exhausted units from the primary line and plugging gaps where needed.

Legio V Revinco

Let by the Draenei Vidicator Maraad, one of the most legendary Paladins of that race, the Draenei Fifth Legion is one of the supporting legions to the cavalry flankers, alongside the orcish Legio I Infernus.

Legio IV Victrix

 Led by the renowned warrior, Orgrim Doomhammer, this primarily Blacrock-composed legion assists in the forming of the center line, taking up position on both sides of the Legio III Invicta. While a few members of this clan joined Blackhand in his failed attempt to kill Harry and his companions, Doomhammer challenged the older orc to a deathmatch, and killed him to claim the title of Warlord.

Legio III Invicta

Lead by the legendary warrior and warlord, Grommash Hellscream, this legion is made up mostly of the members of his own clan, the Warsong, and forms the solid, unbeatable center line of Avalon's battle formations. The Warsong are always the first ones into the fight, and the last ones out, and that is just how they like it.

Legio II Umbra

"The Shadow Legion", as it is sometimes called, is composed Primarily of the powerful shamans of the Shadowmoon Clan, led by their highly respected and powerful leader, Ner'zhul. Given their lack of brute strength melee fighters, they fill a greater support role, taking their place with the magic-wielders and the archers.
This does not, however, make them any less dangerous than the close-combat clans, such as the Warsong or the Blackrock.

Legio I Infernus

Formed primarily, though not exclusively, from members of the Burning Blade clan, Legio I Infernus takes great pride in their duties. While not members of the heavy, center line legions such as the Blackrock or Warsong, they never the less are of drastic importance due to their assignment as the infantry support for the flanking cavalry pincers.
Lead by their Warlord, Azuka, after she slew her own father in Mok'gora over the issue of joining Harry's faction.

The Council of Twelve

Made up of the Orcish and Draenei leaders that swore their aid and fealty to Harry Potter, the Council of Twelve are Harry's highest advisers (besides his lovers, naturally) and highest-ranking officers of war. While to an outsider it may seem unbalanced in favor of the orcs, this is far from true. given the more cohesive leadership of the Draenei, due to the fact that it was Velenara alone who led them from Argus to Draenor. This, as opposed to the Orcish clans being separate entities, has lead to only four of The Twelve being members of that race. The other eight members are the chieftains of the various Orcish tribes that were smart enough to listen to one Harry Potter when he showed up and warned them about the Burning Legion's trickery. Those tribes that refused were the first to suffer punitive action for siding with the Burning Legion.

The Council is made up of the following members:

ORCS:

Grommash Hellscream: Chieftain of the Warsong.

Durotan: Chieftain of the Frostwolves.

Azuka: Chieftain of the Burning Blade.

Ner’zhul: Chieftain of the Shadowmoon. Highly respected.

Orgrim Doomhammer: Chieftain of the Blackrock.

Kaz the Shrieker: Chieftain of the Laughing Skull, second mate of Durotan.

Rexxar: Chieftain of the Mok’Nathal. Technically more of a philosophy than a clan, but many are half-ogre.

Fenris the Hunter: Chieftain of the Thunderlord, eldest Frostfwolf sibling.

DRAENEI:

Prophet Velen: Overall leader of the Draenei

High-Priestess Ishanah

Vindicator Maarad

Vindicator Yrel

Yrel

Amazing Photo Used With Permission by Krysdecker on Deviantart!

Born in the ancient temple-fortress of Karabor, Yrel was originally training to be a priestess, like her uncle-figure and mentor, Vele. However, that changed when a being introduced only as Catalyst appeared before the Draenei. He described the coming events that he had forseen, including the deaths of many thousands of Draenei to a demonically-controlled Orcish Horde. While many amongst the Draenei favored a preemptive strike, Yrel advised her "uncle" that it would be far better to convince the orc clans of the evil posed by the Legion, starting with their neighbor and highly-respected orcish leader, Ner'zhul.

The meeting with Ner'zhul was disrupted almost devastatingly by a pack of eredar, summoned by Gul'dan secretly, pretended to be Draenei and attacked the meeting. The three guards that had come with her and Velenara were slain, as were Ner'zhul's own guards, and as the last eredar prepared to strike down Velen, she claimed the crystal war-mace of a fallen Vindicator and slew him.

From then on, she swore to defend the innocent from the Legion, and immediately began training as a paladin. Taking to the training like a fish to water, she quickly rose both in power and rank, until she was personally handpicked along with Maraad to be the military leaders of the Draenei, subordinate only to Catalyst himself and, technically, to Velen.