Armory and Military

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"It is easier to lead men to combat, stirring up their passion, than to restrain them and direct them toward the patient labors of peace." - Andre Gide
THE ISLES MILITARY

The military of the Kingdom of the Isles is among the most diversely trained in the world. Trained to function as both guards and a standing army, the infantry are trained in the use of multiple weapons. After the creation of the Hundreds’ Years Alliance, the isles found itself entering a period of prolonged peace without much need for a standing army. In order to avoid the dangers of a large number of soldiers with nothing to do during peace time, the army was incorporated into the formerly separate guards. This gave the guard a massive increase in numbers, which in turn led to a sharp decrease in the amount of crime.

The seasoned guards instructed the former infantry in the tactics and techniques used by their number, as instructors from the army did the same for the guard. From that point onwards, the army and the guard have been one and the same. To this day the only difference between the two is the equipment they are issued. The archers of the army became assimilated into the ranks of the archers that served as guards on the walls and towers.

CALVARY

Calvary in the Isles is a bit of a rarity due to the low numbers of warhorses in the Isles. This is also due to the lack of enough open ground for calvary charges on most of the islands. While horses are more commonly used for riding or as a pack animal, the few war horses of the Isles are fiercely loyal and respected. Trained to trust their rider, so much so, they will charge headlong into unknown dangers. This trait, that goes against the very nature of horses, is what separates these horses from others in the Isles. It is also for this reason the horses are so well respected, as are those who train them. Even though the infantry and calvary have a bit of a friendly rivalry with each other, no member of the Isles infantry would intentionally show disrespect to a warhorse, even if they would show it to the rider. The warhorse and rider share such a close bond the warhorse is treated more like a member of the rider's family than anything else. It has been known that while unintended disrespect to a warhorse may or may not be forgiven by the rider, intentional disrespect to a warhorse results in very violent reactions, not only from its rider, but often from other members of the military as well.

SIEGE

Siege engineers are specialized members of the army trained to design and construct siege engines. Originally called on when siege weaponry was needed to breach enemy defenses, since the merging of the army and guard, they also are responsible for the construction and maintenance of siege engines added as permanent additions to the defenses of a walled settlement. They will also man the weapons in many cases, though not all.

When serving as part of the army, siege engineers hold three general ranks. Apprentice Engineers are the lowest rank and are those who are in training. They mostly spend their time learning about the different types of siege engines and their construction and maintenance. They also assist in the construction, repair, and maintenance of the weapons. Siege Engineers are fully trained and often oversee a single team of engineers. When assigned as part of the guard, they oversee a single siege weapon as well. When part of the army, they are in charge of the team that build and man a single siege engine in the field. Senior Engineers are veterans in matters of siege combat and are in charge of all individual teams, whether guard or army. When assigned as part of the guard, there is only one of these individuals assigned to a single walled settlement. When part of the army, they oversee all the teams of engineers and also work with the one in charge of the army in the area to determine what siege weapons would be best suited to breach the target, and how many of them are needed.

THE GUARD AND RANKS

Among the guard there is a clear hierarchy, embellishments can be seen studding some helmets. These indicate the rank of the given guard. Common guards have no embellishments at all. One stud around the sides indicates a Patrol Sergeant, one who leads a single patrol group of four to six guards. Two studs around the sides indicate a Neighborhood Lieutenant, one who oversees all guards in a single local neighborhood, which is typically one to two city blocks. Three studs around the sides indicates a Sector Captain, one who oversees a sector which typically is three to five city blocks. Four studs around the sides indicates a District Captain, who oversees an entire district, which is an entire subdivision of a settlement. A district can be the part of town the poor can be found, the Merchant's District, the wealthy part of town, etc. Four studs around the sides with another stud centered at the top of the helmet indicates Overseers. An Overseer oversees an entire district the same as a District Captain; however, an Overseer also oversees the District Captains. Their job is less about maintaining law and order, and protecting the city, though they do that as well. Their primary job is to keep the guards they oversee in-line, whether they are a common guard all the way up to a District Captain. They answer directly to the Constable, who in turn answers to the Chief Constable, who is the constable of Deavel. The Chief Constable answers to the Mistress of Law.

THE ARMY AND RANKS

When assigned to the army, the curved plate fastened to the armor over the shoulder of the primary weapon hand marked the rank of the individual based on the color the dyed leather. General infantry soldiers serve as part of a squad of eight individuals, and are represented by an undyed leather shoulder guard. These are the equivalent to common guards. A Sergeant is next, represented by the color green, who commands a single squad. The Sergeant is the equivalent to a Patrol Sergeant in the guard. A Lieutenant is represented by the color blue and commands a platoon, which consists of three squads. A lieutenant is equivalent to a Neighborhood Lieutenant among the guard. Represented by the color red is a Captain who is roughly equal to a Sector Captain and commands a company which consists of three platoons. A Major is represented by the color orange, and is the equivalent to a District Captain in the guard. A Major commands a battalion which consists of three companies.

The equivalent to an Overseer is a Colonel who is represented by the color purple, all Majors answer directly to the Colonel. Colonels answer directly to the Commander who is equivalent to the Constables of the guard. They act mostly as specialists and tacticians, some are even strategists. They are represented by a sash that is silver in color, and work at a desk and file reports to the General. The General is represented by a sash that is gold in color and is the advisor in all military matters, answering directly to the Marshal of the Queen’s Council.

ARMOR OF THE KINGDOM OF THE ISLES
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Standard Guard Cuirass
Guards across the Isles wear the same basic armor; a cuirass, a helmet, and carry a shield. The standard cuirass is simple pieces of hardened leather laced together in lamellar fashion. While not overly protective, guards more often than not deal with minor crimes such as brawls, thieves, and related occurrences. For this reason, they are deemed to not require very much protection from day-to-day. This armor is designed to provide a degree of protection against blunt-force blows such as punching, kicking, and maybe the occasional chair leg or such. It is only designed to protect the most vital organs and little else.

The cuirass also provides easy identification of which island one is on. The individual lamellae is dyed to match the primary color of the noble house that rules the settlement the guards are assigned to. The cloth used to lace the lamellar together is died to match the secondary, and possibly any tertiary colors of the noble house as well. A simple glance at the cuirass provides a quick reference for which noble house oversees the settlement one is in.
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Standard Guard Shield
The standard shield is carried by members of the city guard everywhere in the Isles. Little more then a wicker shield with leather stretched over it for added protection, these shields are primarily designed to deflect simple projectiles without much force behind them such as thrown rocks or pieces of broken furniture. In more extreme cases, it can also be used against opponents carrying knives by knocking the knife hand away. The shield is primarily used defensively, though it can be used to deliver slapping blows. Of course slapping blows will only last for so long with the wicker; however, the shields rarely see use most days.

The shield also bears the emblem of the Kingdom of the Isles on the outer, leather-covered face, along with the colors of the kingdom. This shows everyone what kingdom they belong to, or what kingdom they might be visiting.
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Standard Guard Helmet
Made of hardened leather, the standard-issue guard helmets provide basic protection for the head against simple blunt objects such as rocks or sticks. It provides roughly equal protection for the head as the standard-issue cuirass does the body.

Like the cuirass, the helmet's color can be used to identify where one is. The nose-guard, bottom edge of the helmet, and the reinforcing straps of the helmet are colored based on the size of the settlement the guard is found in. Examples of this would be: gold for the capital, silver for a city, dark gray for a town, green for a village, blue for a hamlet, and red for any sort of outpost, fort, colonies, or other smaller settlements. This primary color that covers the rest of the helmet indicates which settlement one is in. Constables are members of the guard; however, they spend their days behind a desk. They are basically the administration and bureaucrats of the guard. They don't wear armor; as they are rarely, if ever, at risk of attacks. However, they still have their symbols of office. They wear a slip-on vest which is the primary color of the house they serve. This vest also has a colored ribbon laced through the vest to give the appearance of lamellar without being actual armor. To reflect the city they serve, they wear a sash across their chest. The middle of the sash is the same color as the primary color of the helmets of the guards, and the trim on both sides of the sash match the secondary color of the helmets of the guards.
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Standard Wall Archer Helmet
The standard issue helmet of archers assigned to the walls of settlements wear a wicker helmet with leather reinforcement in places to protect their head. It also has a wide circular brim as well which provides a little extra protection, but more importantly keeps the guard's eyes shaded. This helps in keeping lookout from the ramparts and towers.

Standard archer helmets are colored and studded the same way as guards on the ground.
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Armored Guard Cuirass
Constructed and colored in the same fashion as the standard cuirass worn by guards, the armored cuirass differs only slightly. The normal leather lamellae are replaced by steel lamellae wrapped in hardened leather for additional protection against proper weapons.
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Standard Infantry Shield
The standard issue shield used by the infantry of the Isles is a round shield of hardwood with a steel rim and boss. They are either left unadorned or bear the colors of the house they serve. All infantry use these shields, though guards are also given these shields when they are actively under attack, such as during a siege when better defenses are required.
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Armored Guard Helmet
Having the same design and color scheme as the standard guard helmet, the armored guard helmet differs in that is is made completely of steel and has a longer nose-guard.
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Armored Archer Helmet
Resembling the standard archer helmet for guards, the armored archer helmet is used by guards when more protection is required like during sieges. It is also the standard issue for archers deployed in the standing army of the Isles.
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Standard Infantry Armor
Standard-issue armor for the army of the Isles is one of the few examples of armor that isn't lamellar. Instead it consists of multiple layers that protects the majority of the body, though not all of it. The first layer is a padded shirt to provide basic protection, though mostly to provide a barrier between the body and the outer layers. The next layer is a chainmail shirt which ranges from the collar to the mid-thigh and is also long-sleeved. Over this is the final layer, the armor proper. This armor is large metal plates sandwiched in hardened leather which is riveted securely in place. Multiple plates are connected to the inner layer of leather and comes in a total of six parts. The first protects the chest, stomach, upper thighs, and a bit of the crotch. The second protects the upper and lower back, and the upper buttocks. The next two pieces protect the forearms. Next one protects the entire off-hand arm, typically the left. And the final piece protects the shoulder of the main weapon hand.

After the padded shirt and chainmail are put on, the first two pieces are attached. They buckle together at the top; typically they are left buckled, when not in use or for storage. There are also straps along the sides of the body to secure the cuirass in place. Next, the two bracers are strapped onto the forearms, then either of the remaining two pieces can be attached next. The shoulder piece simply buckles to the front and back of the cuirass. The final piece covering the majority of the off-hand arm buckles in the front and back of the cuirass near the shoulders, straps then secure the 'sleeve' under the arm in a similar way to how the bracers attach.

The standard armor is originally uncolored and is decorated with the emblem of the Kingdom of the Isles, or with the sigil of the house one is in service to. Where the sigil, whatever it is, is decorated from the start any additional decoration or coloring is done by the owner based on what they can afford. The plate covering the shoulder of the main weapon hand is colored based on the rank of the soldier, with the natural color of the leather being the standard for common soldiers.
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Standard Infantry Helmet
Covering more of the head than the armored guard helmet, the standard issue infantry helmet is solid steel and is designed to protect against serious weapon blows. It is also left undecorated.
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Standard Guardian of Onimoria Armor (Full)
The armor worn by the Guardians of Onimoria is the most distinctive and standardized in the Isles. Not only is there no variation in appearance from individual, to individual, it is also the only armor in the entire kingdom that covers every part of the wearer's body from head to toe. Some knights try and use parts of the armor worn by the Guardians, but it is forbidden for anyone who is not a Guardian to wear the full armor. As a result, knights will often wear either the armor used by standard soldiers or they will wear the armor of standard soldiers and include the parts of Guardian armor that covers the parts of the body the standard armor doesn't cover.

The armor of the Guardians is the only true 'heavy armor' used in the Isles, Guardians go through additional training to help them become accustomed to not only the weight, but also the increased heat their body generates in the armor. The inner-most layer is a padded shirt and pants, over which is a set of chainmail pants and long-sleeved shirt. A thick leather shirt and pants made from heavy hardened leather. This provides the largest amount of protection of any kind of leather armor, including the hardened leather used in all other types of armor. Next is a coat of plates, consisting of dozens if not hundreds of steel rectangular plates that are 'pillowed' between two layers of heavy hardened leather. This not only acts as a cuirass for the armor, it also provides protection from the waist down to the bottom of the knees, as the steel plates can be found throughout the entire garment. Heavy hardened leather boots with steel plates riveted over the shins of the boots as well as the toe of the boots are also present to protect the feet. Steel plates are strapped to the knees to provide protection where the boots and coat of plates meet. Steel spaulders with a couple of attached lames protect the shoulders. A steel plate strapped to the forearm served as bracers leaving a distinctive solid steel helmet to completely cover the head, leaving a chainmail hood to further protect the head and also help protect the neck. A heavy cloak which descends down to the ankles is attached to the neck, and while cloth, it provides additional neck protection, and also provides extra warmth in colder climates. For this reason the cloaks are rarely seen worn within the borders of the Isles. Finally, a solid steel round shield is also used. The shield is emblazoned with the emblem of the Onimoria faith, a symbol that takes up the entirety of the outer face of the shield.

Guardians of Onimoria also wear a pouch on their belt for everyday items; the leather strap worn across the chest with three pouches serve their profession more. Each pouch contains items needed to perform rites and other religious matters the Guardians are charged with. Each pouch contains the items needed for one of the three Patrons.
WEAPONS OF THE KINGDOM OF THE ISLES
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Forked Spear
The forked spear is rarely seen as it is used exclusively by guards manning the walls during times of siege, who are not archers. These guards are to protect the archers from anyone trying to get onto the walls. For this reason, the forked spear is more of a short spear; balancing the reach to grant a ranged advantage to the wielder, while also being short enough to be reasonably functional in the relatively close quarters on the tops of the walls. The reason for the fork, while fully functional, also helps guards to push siege ladders away from the walls by catching some part of the ladder between the prongs of the fork, and also using the reach of the pole to push the ladder far enough away to cause it to fall down without causing the guards to expose themselves too much to enemy archer fire.
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Guard Sword
The most commonly seen blade in the Isles, the guard sword is a sword that is only two feet (60 centimeters) in length. It serves as a reserve weapon for guards and is part of their standard-issue gear. Designed to be used in close quarters when other weapons either have been lost or are too large to be handled safely, these weapons are made of steel with a leather grip of some type. They are undecorated and is a symbol of office for the guard, as the guards are the ones most known to use them. Some in the regular infantry are known to use these swords as well, though it is still less common as an infantry weapon compared to others.
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Baton
Little more than a stick, the baton used by the guards of the Isles are part of their standard issue gear. They are used to subdue violent or highly uncooperative criminals. While they can be lethal, they are typically used until the target is knocked unconscious or surrenders. A leather strap is attached to the bottom of the grip to make it harder to disarm the guard. The baton is typically around 10 inches (25 centimeters) long and kept in a belt loop at the hip of the guard.
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Spear
The most common weapon used by the infantry of the Isles. Unlike most spears, the spear of the Isles is designed primarily as a slashing weapon, though is also capable of thrusting. The shield used in the Isles has a handle designed so that one hand can hold both the handle of the shield and the haft of a spear at the same time.

When settlements come under siege, guards most commonly use the spear. This grants a strong advantage when the guards are lined up in the streets. Using phalanx formations, defending guards will use the walls to protect their flanks leaving a wall of spears, the foremost of which are capable of both slashing and thrusting at attackers. Between this and the speed at which guards can deploy anywhere in the walled settlements means that guards can quickly move in to block off all access points from gates and wall breaches making it very hard for attackers to enter the settlement proper to do harm to the citizens. Combined with the efforts of the archers on the walls, this has made the settlements of the Isles very hard to attack, raze, or conquer by outsiders.
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Dagger
The standard-issue back-up weapon for archers on the walls are daggers. Steel weapons with a leather grip - there is nothing overly special about the daggers used by the guard, as they are designed for functionality. During times of direct threat such as a siege, the archer will normally trade in their dagger for a guard sword, for the added reach.
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Bow
The archers of the Isles use a recurve bow made from two types of wood to grant it superior strength and arrow speed. As a result, the archers of the Kingdom of the Isles have become very skilled in firing arrows rapidly. This combined with the increased speed and force granted to the arrow by the recurve of the bow is what has made the archers of the Isles some of the most feared in the known world. The shorter length of the bow also allows it greater range of use in multiple environments. The way the two types of wood are attached together uses methods that can endure large amounts of heat. Cold, however, is the main problem for these bows; but as of yet, the Isles military hasn't really faced an enemy in extremely cold areas that have posed enough of a threat to be a problem.
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Arrows
Arrows are used with bows, and the Isles make use of a wide variety of arrowheads based on the need. Among military archers broad head arrows and armor piercing arrows are the most common.
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Ax
Paired with a shield, the ax is the second most commonly seen weapon used by the infantry of the Isles. Having a very practical, unadorned design these axes are single-handed and grant the wielder both the chopping action of the axehead as well as the penetrating option of the spikes on the end of the haft and the reverse of the axehead. A leather strap is also present to provide a loop to make it harder for the wielder to be disarmed, if needed.
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Calvary Sword
The least common weapon from the Isles is the calvary sword. As the calvary of the Isles is designed to charge into the fray to break up formations, riders use a slightly curved sword which allows them to quickly slash at enemies on the ground to the left or right of their mount. For this reason, the calvary sword; which is a total of three feet (90 centimeters) long, has the most distinctive look of all the swords of the Isles
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Standard Sword
What is called the standard sword is more commonly referred to as the Guardian Sword. Basically a longer version of the guard sword, the standard sword is most often seen in the possession of the Guardians of Onimoria, where it is part of their standard-issue gear. Three feet (90 centimeters) long, the standard sword is one-handed and is one of the most expensive weapons available in the Isles. Along with the calvary sword, the standard sword is mostly owned by the wealthy. The Guardians being the sole exception as the sword is provided for them by the faith. Having a more generous crossguard and a heavier pommel to help balance the weight of the weapon, a skilled wielder is very dangerous indeed. This sword is designed for prolonged close-quarters combat. A primary weapon by design, unlike the smaller guard sword.
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Crossbow
With a wooden stock and steel for the bow and mechanism, the crossbow packs the most power of any weapon used in the Isles. It has a shorter range than the bow, but packs more power over the shorter range. It also includes a piece of steel attached to the top so that when the crossbow string is pulled back into the firing position, the bolt can be loaded and the steel clasp on the top ends up resting atop the back end of the bolt. This clasp touches the bolt gently enough so it doesn't interfere with the function of the weapon, while also touching the bolt firmly enough so that the crossbow can be pointed down without the bolt falling off. This makes the crossbow easily used from the tops of walls or towers.
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Bolts
Bolts are shorter versions of arrows designed to be used with crossbows. The Isles make use of bolts with heads with the same variety as the heads used on their arrows. Use the bolt head that best suits the target, though armor-piercing heads are most commonly used.
SIEGE WEAPONS OF THE KINGDOM OF THE ISLES
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Ballista
Easily manned by two people, the ballista allows a crossbow-like machine to propel projectiles roughly the size of short spears over very large distances, and still provide a powerful blow to the target. Most commonly seen atop the walls of larger towns and cities, the ballista is not only a good defensive weapon, but also an offensive one. Its relatively small size allows the ballista to be easily deployed in the field of combat, and some have even been given special mount points on the ships of the Isles to aid in attacking enemy vessels.
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Catapult
The common catapult used by the Isles can easily be manned by four individuals. Constructed when needed, it is little more than a framework resting atop a pair of support timbers with a large number of ropes twisted around with a piece of timber threaded between the ropes. The ropes are twisted via a cranking mechanism to tighten them more and more until the arm of the catapult is in the downward position. A sling of leather on the end of the arm is loaded with rocks or other small projectiles; then the tension of the ropes is released sending the arm upwards and the contents of the sling flying through the air at high speed to smash against walls. While these catapults are relatively small, they are quicker to build and still do damage over time leaving the rest of the army to deal with attackers. Their relative small size also allows these catapults to be placed atop towers of cities and towns to act as an additional defensive benefit.
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Siege Ram
While any heavy piece of timber can be used as a battering ram during a siege, when it is required, the Isles military will construct a siege ram. The ram itself consists of a heavy piece of timber, often with a steel-plated spike, though not always. The ram is suspended by sturdy ropes in a wooden framework with wooden wheels to allow movement. The sloped top of the ram is covered by leather to provide added defense against both arrows and fire coming from overhead. The siege ram is basically rolled up to a wall or gate; and a team ranging from six to 12, though most commonly eight, they swing the ram on the support ropes to break through gates or crumble walls.