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Heraldry of the Imperial Legion as seen in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
- "Long live the emperor! Long live the Empire!"
- ―The Legion's Oath[src]
The Imperial Legion, Imperial Army[1], or Ruby Ranks[2] is the main armed force of the Reman Empire and the Third Empire of Cyrodiil, and is a large military organization in The Elder Scrolls universe.
Background
Based on the concept of the Roman military, the Imperial Legion similarly proclaims itself to be the most disciplined and effective military & police force in history, and that it preserves the peace and rule of law in the Empire.[3] In The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, the Nerevarine may join the Legion, perform tasks for them, and eventually rise in rank up to the highest one, the "Knight of the Imperial Dragon". While playing heavily into the previous installment of the series, Morrowind's sequel, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, featured the Legion, yet gave the Hero of Kvatch no opportunity to sign up as a legionnaire. In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the Dragonborn can join the Legion regardless of who they sided with in "Unbound." The Legion also captured and attempted to behead the Dragonborn upon entering Skyrim, beginning the game, because they believe that they are affiliated with the Stormcloaks, along with Lokir, Ralof, and Ulfric Stormcloak.[4]
History
First Era
Alessian Empire
The predecessor to the Imperial Legions were the Alessian Legions.[5][6] These Legions were led by Morihaus during their siege of the White-Gold Tower against the Ayleids.[7]
Reman Empire
Blackwater War
During the First Era, the Imperial Legion existed as part of the Reman Empire.[2] A notable war in the First Era called the Blackwater War erupted around 1E 2811, during which the Fourth Legion attempted to take and maintain control over Black Marsh.[8] Their Argonian opponents, however, were easily able to use the Legion's ineffective equipment and tactics in the swamps to their advantage.[9]
By 1E 2820, the forces in Black Marsh had been destroyed.[10] By 1E 2823, the Legion had adapted to Black Marsh's climate with more fitting equipment and tactics.[11] In 1E 2828, the Legion accidentally started a massive fire known as the "Great Burn," which destroyed a significant portion of the province during its three-year rampage, again forcing the Legion to retreat.[12] However, by 1E 2837 the Legion had won the war and officially claimed Black Marsh for the Empire.[13]
Second Era
Three Banners War
During the Alliance War, the Imperial Legion was mostly fighting the Daedra invading the Imperial City. Despite this, the Legions were also fighting the other alliances, mainly the Daggerfall Covenant.
Daggerfall Covenant
In the lands of High Rock, the Seventh Legion held the Bangkorai Garrison, effectively blocking off half of the Bangkorai region from Covenant reinforcements.[14][15] The Legion was also making headway to capturing the city of Evermore, largely through the aid of spies and its duke, Duke Renchant, being cooperative.[16] However, this attempt failed, and in a supposed parley, Septima Tharn demanded the unconditional surrender of Evermore. Queen Arzhela tried to stab Septima in her rage, but Septima was using an illusion, after this the Seventh Legion tried to kill the Queen.[17] In this same region, they raided the Knights of Saint Pelin at Martyr's Crossing, and stole their supplies. They did this due to Martyr's Crossing being an important trade route between north- and south Bangkorai.[18] The last of the Legion's known successes is the capturing of Hallin's Stand, also in Bangkorai, due to the Hall of Heroes being located close to it.[19] Their succes is attributed due to them attacking at night and due to working with a spy.[20] High Rock wasn't the only province plagued by the Legion, in the province of Hammerfell, the Legion held Satakalaam, due to them being in league with the Withered Hand.[21]
Aldmeri Dominion
While nowhere near as significant as its victories against the Covenant, the Legion also held a bit of territory in Aldmeri lands. The Legion held the city of Arenthia[22] and the Vile Manse with Colovian Legions and were making headway to conquering Vinedusk Village.[23] Their forces used in their assault of the village were stationed in an encampment located just outside the city.[24] The Legion also held some minor territory in Malabal Tor, in the Crimson Cove.[25] These soldiers were known as Crimson Raiders, and were originally suspected to be pirates.[25] They had been raiding ships of the Dominion, sometimes up to a dozen a month.[25]
Ebonheart Pact
Unlike the Dominion and the Covenant, the Pact was nearly untouched by the Legions' forces, with their only possible location being the White Rose Prison in Shadowfen. This was only a small garrison of prison guards, and they fled the prison an unspecified amount of time before the events of The Elder Scrolls: Online.[26]
Cyrodiil
In the province of Cyrodiil, a lot of the Legion was in active duty. Legion forces were scattered across the wilds to keep an eye out for Pact, Covenant and Dominion movement. The Legions also engaged in combat with Covenant, Pact and Dominion units. Specifically, the Legion under the command of Captain Jena Apinia, who eventually fled the Imperial City when her Legion was on a break, due to the Planemeld starting.[27] In their retreat they exterminated over half of Bravil's population, due to what they considered was the only way possible to prevent the people (and soldiers) from starving,[27] while others, including Queen Ayrenn, took to calling it a massacre and labeled the Captain as a war criminal.[28] [27] The bulk of this Legion was eventually sent to retake the city,[27] adding more Legion soldiers to the fight on the Imperial Bridges, who were trying to kill Molag Bal's Daedra despite being unable to get over to the island through normal means.[29][30] In the Imperial City itself, the vast majority of Legion Zero had already betrayed the Empire, and sworn loyalty to Mannimarco and his Worm Cult, as well as Molag Bal[31], except for a handful of Legion soldiers, who made an improvised garrison in the Nobles District. In the city of Cheydinhal, a rebellion broke out, which resulted in Legion soldiers being sent to the city in order to reclaim it.
Third Era
The modern Imperial Legion was born from the great army of Tiber Septim, which he used to conquer Tamriel.[citation needed] The Legion remained the greatest fighting force on Tamriel and possibly on Nirn for over 400 years after the death of Tiber.[citation needed]
The Legion fought in several wars and conflicts during the Third Era, among them the War of the Red Diamond, and they also fought in the conflict of the Camoran Usurper.[32][33]
Emperor Uriel Septim V used the Legion in his conquest of the island kingdoms between Akavir and Tamriel and for his disastrous invasion of Akavir itself, which completely killed two legions off, including the Emperor himself.
The Legion met, perhaps, its greatest trial during the Oblivion Crisis in which Oblivion Gates opened all across Tamriel, and the Legion was called to combat the Daedra.
Fourth Era
A member of the Imperial Guard as seen in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.
One of the noteworthy events is the Umbriel Invasion.[OOG 1] The Flying City of Umbriel, the city that devoured souls in the early Fourth Era, had a course directly for the Imperial City, and as it neared the Heartland, the Imperial Legion, along with the Synod and the College of Whispers, tried to mount several attacks upon the Flying City.[OOG 1] The Imperial Mages cast Levitation spells so the Legion could reach Umbriel.[OOG 1] Unfortunately, the Umbriel War Machine proved too great a force, and the Legionnaires were killed off before they could breach Umbriel.[OOG 1] After the Oblivion Crisis and the Umbriel Invasion, the Legion was greatly weakened, and the once great fighting force had declined greatly.[34] As to how the Legion was weaker than before is unclear.
Great War
Years later, the Aldmeri Dominion attacked the Empire in what is known as the Great War.[35] Unprepared for the vicious Aldmeri assault, the Legion suffered heavy casualties.[35] However, in the Battle of the Red Ring, the Legion surrounded and destroyed Lord Naarifin's forces stationed in the Imperial City.[35] It was a prominent victory that halted the Dominion's invasion, and gave the Empire the leverage necessary to sign the White-Gold Concordat and end the war.[34]
Skyrim Civil War
Several years after the Great War, part of the Legion would be dispatched to Skyrim to stop the Stormcloak Rebellion and end the Civil War.[34] As of 4E 201, Legion holds 4 Holds (Haafingar, Hjaalmarch, Falkreath Hold and The Reach) under full Imperial control,[36] with Whiterun being marked as "Imperial" but being neutral.[37][38] When General Tullius got sent to Skyrim in 4E 201,[39] he really turned things around for the Empire.[39] Under his leadership the Legion started massacring the Stormcloaks[40] and slowly pushing them back.[41] Tullius managed to capture Ulfric Stormcloak at Darkwater Crossing in an ambush, after which Ulfric was scheduled for execution at Helgen.[39] However, due to Alduin returning, Ulfric managed to escape.[42] The Legion is currently stationing soldiers in the Rift, threatening Ulfric's southern flank,[43] and (unsuccesfully) attempting to conqeur Winterhold,[43] so that Ulfric's forces have to stay at Windhelm.[41]
Duties
Intended as the sole militaristic force behind Cyrodiil's seat of power, the Legion operates in conjunction with the Imperial City's police-force, the Imperial Watch. Their headquarters are situated in the Imperial City.[44]
The Legion is the primary fighting force of the Cyrodilic Empires, Cyrodilic cities and towns most often have City Guards, while Nordic cities and towns have Hold Guards, which are Legion soldiers serving the counties and Holds for police duties and law enforcement in the Imperial provinces.[45][46] Imperial Soldiers also patrol the roads of the Imperial provinces,[34][44] protect nobles,[34] and are allowed to seize property of arrested criminals.[47] Under normal circumstances the Imperial City has at least one Legion stationed within.[48]
Oath
New recruits must take the oath binding them to the service of the Emperor and the Legion:
"Upon my honor I do swear undying loyalty to the Emperor...
and unwavering obedience to the officers of his great Empire.
May those above judge me, and those below take me, if I fail in my duty.
Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empire!"[34]
Battle organization and ranking
The Legion fights only on land. Aquatic operations are carried out by their counterpart, the Imperial Navy. To better defend against magic-using foes, the Empire employed the use of Imperial Battlemages, these battlemages form the Shadow Legion. The Legion also makes use of the Phalanx formation[49],Diamond Formation[50], Wedge Formation[51] and Shield Walls.[OOG 2] They further are mighty warriors, no one can defeat them when they march in rows in open fields, however, in the Ashlands and wild places, the Dunmer are able to defeat them.[52]
Some sources suggest the fighting strength of the Imperial Legion: The Infernal City mentions that a Legion numbers 5,000 Legionnaires [OOG 2], and given the highest Legion mentioned is the 18th Legion, then the Imperial Legion has at least 110,000 troops when at full strength. Each Legion is further subdivided in Cohorts which are given orders by a centurion.
As of Skyrim, the rank structure is similar to that of the historical Roman Empire. Excluding the potential recruitment of the Last Dragonborn, there are 10 Legates within the province of Skyrim.[34] Historically, a legate commanded a legion. Additionally, the rank of General actually did exist, and it was applied to someone who generally commanded more than one legion. As there is no mention of exactly how many legions were in Skyrim, the actual fighting strength of the Imperial Legion in Skyrim is, in fact, unknown.
Ranks (Morrowind)
- Recruit
- Spearman
- Trooper
- Agent
- Champion
- Knight Errant
- Knight Bachelor
- Knight Protector
- Knight of the Garland
- Knight of the Imperial Dragon
Ranks (Skyrim)
- Auxillary
- Private (mentioned by Captain Aldis)
- Quaestor
- Praefect
- Tribune
- Legate
- General
Ranks (Online)
- Auxiliary
- Private
- Sentinel
- Legionary
- Knight
- Dreadnaught
- Sergeant
- Lieutenant
- Captain
- General
Ranks with unknown status
Highest Rank
- Commander of the Imperial Legion
Legion Ranking Stature
- Commander of the Imperial Legion
- General
- Captain
- Legate
- Lieutenant
- Tribune
- Sergeant
- Centurion
- Dreadnaught
- Praefect
- Knight
- Quaestor
- Legionary
- Sentinel
- Private
- Auxiliary
Types of soldiers in the Legion
The Legion uses a variety of soldiers, which consist of the following units, light and heavy cavalry, heavily-armored knights, berserkers, skirmishers, archers, scouts, pikemen, troopers and foot knights.[56][57][3] The Legion also uses Battlemages and artillery.[58][59][60][61] As well as rams.[62] During the Third Era, Imperial Battlemages also used Dragons, but it is unknown if the Legion still has any Dragons remaining.[63]
Types of armor in the Legion
The Legion uses a variety of materials. Light armor is used for scouts, skirmishers, archers and light cavalry. The most common materials for light armor are fur, leather and chainmail armor, which are readily available throughout the Empire. Mithril, elven and glass are considered rare.[57] Heavy armor is used for the frontline infantry, heavy cavalry, foot knights, pikemen, troopers and officers.[3] The most common materials for heavy armor are iron and steel, with dwarven, orcish, ebony and daedric being rare.[57] The Legion uses many materials for their arms, which are listed from cheapest and least desirable, to most expensive and most desirable: iron, steel, silver, dwarven, elven, glass and daedric.[56] Enchanted weapons and armor are also used by the Legion, but since the Mages Guild was used to enchant armor, it is unknown if the Legion still uses enchanted armor.[57][56] In the event of a crisis behind enemy lines, Legion Soldiers may sell excess materials to noncombatants. These materials must not have a significant millitary application. The gold required in this manner must be used to secure swift passage back to the Legion that the soldier belongs to.[64]
Uniforms
The armor used by the Legion is different in between many timelines.
- In Redguard the Legion made use of leather, chain/steel and bronze/gold/dwarven armor. These armors seem to be lighter than in the later games, most likely due to the desert climate.
- In Online the Legion made use of iron, steel, orcish and higher tier heavy armors, most of the Legion made use of Orcish-Imperial armor. They also made use of various light and medium armors. The type of armor usually depended on the rank, location and mission the soldiers were on.
- In Morrowind the Legion made use of a lot of steel and chain armor, while also making use of studded, dragonscale, newtscale, Templar, boiled Netch leather and Silver armors. In Morrowind the Legion's armor looks very similar to that of the Roman Legions. The armor used in Morrowind most likely got its high variety due to the Legion being on the frontier.
- In Oblivion the Legion made use of steel plate armor. The armor looked like a combination of medieval armor and Roman armor, though the Imperial Watchmen made use of the Imperial Horseman Helmet, which looked more like a hoplite helmet. The palace guards also had more decorative armor than the normal Legion soldiers. The Legion's armor is most likely more suited for appearance than combat, due to Cyrodiil being the main province of the Empire.
- In Legends the Legion made use of steel plate armor, more similar to the armor in The Elder Scrolls Online than the plate armor in Oblivion.
- In Skyrim the Legions makes use of leather, studded and steel armor. The appearances of the light armors is similar to that of the Roman auxillaries in border provinces of the Roman Empire. Most of the Legion in Skyrim makes use of the light armors instead of the heavy armor, this is likely due to Skyrim's terrain. It is also likely that the soldiers in Skyrim are mostly scouts and skirmishers instead of soldiers meant for full-on combat.
Divisions
As of the Fourth Era, average fighting strength of each Legion comprises of 5,000 Legionnaires.[OOG 2]
- Legion Zero – involved with Molag Bal's invasion of the Imperial City.[65]
- Second Legion – partially stationed in Valenwood which was used to guard Imperial War supplies.[66]
- Third Legion – involved with the Tiber Wars.[67]
- Fourth Legion – commanded by Augurius Bucco; fought in the Blackwater War in Black Marsh[8]
- Fifth Legion – involved with the Invasion of Akavir.[58]
- Seventh Legion – involved with the Invasion of Akavir.[58]
- Eighth Legion – fought during the Great War[35]
- Ninth Legion – involved with the Invasion of Akavir.[58]
- Tenth Legion – involved with the Invasion of Akavir and the Great War.[35]
- Twelfth Legion – appears in An Elder Scrolls Novel: Lord of Souls.[OOG 2]
- Fourteenth Legion – involved with the Invasion of Akavir.[58]
- Fifteenth Legion - involved with the defending of Orsinium during the Fourth Era.[OOG 2]
- Seventeenth Legion – involved with the Invasion of Akavir.[58]
- Eighteenth Legion – mentioned nominally in An Elder Scrolls Novel: The Infernal City.[OOG 1]
- Hawkmoth Legion – an Imperial Legion stationed in the city of Ebonheart during the Third Era.[68]
- West Weald Legion – involved with the expansion of Imperial territory into Reaper's March.[69]
- Deathshead Legion – an Imperial Legion which was located in Gnisis during The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. The only Legion garrison in Morrowind that didn't have its full strenght.[70]
- Shadow Legion – the Battlemage division of the Legion.[71]
- Imperial Guard – the elite guard division of the Legion, tasked with the protection of the Emperor and his representatives in the provinces.[72]
Artifacts
The Imperial Legion has several artifacts, this is a list of the known artifacts.
By game
- Imperial Legion (Redguard)
- Imperial Legion (Morrowind)
- Imperial Legion (Oblivion)
- Imperial Legion (Skyrim)
- Imperial Legion (Online)
Books
The following are books related to the Imperial Legion.
- Centurion's Signet – A note regarding the fist Orc to become a Legion centurion and Orcish honor.
- The Great War – A book detailing the war between the Third Aldmeri Dominion and the Third Empire in the Fourth Era.
- Ordo Legionis – An introduction to the Imperial Legion.
- Manual of Armor – A book detailing which kinds of armor should be reserved for which Legion soldiers.
- Manual of Arms – A book detailing the weaponry used by part of the Legion.
- Letter to the Grand Marshall of the Imperial Legion – A letter to the Grand Marshall regarding the invasion of the Battlespire.
- The Blackwater War – A 7 volume book series regarding the invasion of Black Marsh by the Second Empire.
- On Morrowind – A book detailing the conqeuring of Morrowind.
- The Butcher of Bravil – A journal of a Legion Captain detailing why she and her Legion massacred the population of Bravil during the Alliance War.
- The Wolf and the Dragon – A book about Kvatch defending itself against numerous invasion attempts by Anvil.
- The Founding of Southpoint – A book about Governor Zantonius of Southpoint and his deeds in the Legion.
- Basic Provisioning Guide – A book detailing how Imperial Soldiers should gather provisions.
- Eulogy for Emperor Varen – A note by Abnur Tharn celebrating the victory of Emperor Varen Aquilarios over Emperor Leovic.
- The Holds of Skyrim – An introduction to the province of Skyrim, meant for use by Legion officers from Cyrodiil.
- Report: Disaster at Ionith – A book detailing the invasion of Akavir under the command of Emperor Uriel Septim V.
- Ice and Chitin – An account of how a Legion commander was able to escape from a Nordic ambush during the Tiber Wars.
- The Battle of Sancre Tor – A book detailing how the Imperial General Talos was able to achieve victory against a Nord-Breton alliance in the battle of Sancre Tor.
- Yours for the Taking! – A pamphlet used by the West Weald Legion to justify an Imperial invasion of the Arenthian Vale, as decreed by the Count of Skingrad and the Elder Council.
Commander rank for a Legion
The Imperial Legion has had multiple different ranks commanding a Legion, the most common one being a General.
Normal commander
- In The Elder Scrolls Online: Imperial City there is a normal Legion Commander of Legion Zero.
Legates
- During the Great War a Legate commanded the Tenth Legion.
Generals
- In The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind General Darius commanded the Deathshead Legion.
- In The Elder Scrolls Online the Legion of the West Weald was commanded by a General.
- The Second Legion was commanded by a General.
- The Third Legion was commanded by a General.
- The Legion under the command of General Takar tried to invade Umbriel.
- During the Blackwater War, the Fourth Legion was commanded by a General.
Captains
- During the Alliance War a Captain commanded a Legion
Appearances
- The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard
- The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- The Elder Scrolls Online
- The Elder Scrolls: Legends
References
- ↑ The Wolf Queen, Book VI
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Pocket Guide to the Empire, First Edition: Cyrodiil
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Ordo Legionis
- ↑ The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- ↑ Picnic at Pelin (A Horror Story)
- ↑ The Royal House of King Eamond
- ↑ Cherim's Heart of Anequina
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 The Blackwater War, Volume I
- ↑ The Blackwater War, Volume II
- ↑ The Blackwater War, Volume IV
- ↑ The Blackwater War, Volume V
- ↑ The Blackwater War, Volume VI
- ↑ The Blackwater War, Volume VII
- ↑ Dialogue with Septima Tharn during The Parley
- ↑ Appearance of Bangkorai Garrison in The Elder Scrolls Online'
- ↑ Imperial Infiltration
- ↑ The Parley
- ↑ Raiders at the Crossing
- ↑ Regarding the Hall
- ↑ Dialogue with Yarah
- ↑ Imperial Incursion
- ↑ Events of The Colovian Occupation
- ↑ Events of Oath of Excision
- ↑ Events of Down the Skeever Hole
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 Dialogue with Glanir during "Naval Intelligence"
- ↑ The Ones Left Behind
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 The Butcher of Bravil
- ↑ Dialogue with Razum-dar during Debts of War
- ↑ Dialogue with Captain Priscus
- ↑ Events of The Elder Scrolls Online: Imperial City'
- ↑ Dialogue of Legion Zero soldiers
- ↑ Brief History of the Empire, v 3
- ↑ Pocket Guide to the Empire, Third Edition: Eras
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 34.4 34.5 34.6 Events and character dialogue in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 35.3 35.4 The Great War
- ↑ Civil War Map in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- ↑ Dialogue with Balgruuf the Greater
- ↑ Dialogue between Irileth, Balgruuf the Greater and Proventus Avenicci
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 Dialogue with Hadvar
- ↑ Dialogue between Galmar Stone-Fist and Ulfric Stormcloak
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 Dialogue with General Tullius during "Season Unending"
- ↑ Events of "Unbound"
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 Dialogue with Ulfric Stormcloak
- ↑ 44.0 44.1 Events and dialogue in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
- ↑ Dialogue of the Skingrad Patroller in The Elder Scrolls: Legends'
- ↑ Combat dialogue with Whiterun Guards
- ↑ Public Notice (Oblivion)
- ↑ Appearance of Legion Zero in The Elder Scrolls Online: Imperial City
- ↑ An Elder Scrolls Novel: Lord of Souls P18
- ↑ An Elder Scrolls Novel: Lord of Souls P313
- ↑ An Elder Scrolls Novel: Lord of Souls P314
- ↑ Morrowind Lore topic in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
- ↑ Palace Break-In?
- ↑ Appearance in Imperial Forts in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- ↑ Imperial Condolences
- ↑ 56.0 56.1 56.2 Manual of Arms
- ↑ 57.0 57.1 57.2 57.3 Manual of Armor
- ↑ 58.0 58.1 58.2 58.3 58.4 58.5 Report: Disaster at Ionith
- ↑ Catapults seen during the Skyrim Civil War
- ↑ The appearance of Siege Catapults in The Elder Scrolls: Legends
- ↑ An Elder Scrolls Novel: Lord of Souls P91
- ↑ The appearance of Siege Engines in The Elder Scrolls: Legends
- ↑ Starlover's Log
- ↑ Dialogue with Antonia Gratas
- ↑ Events of The Elder Scrolls Online: Imperial City
- ↑ Sanctuary: Weapons Report
- ↑ Attrebus' page on the Official Archived Redguard Website
- ↑ Ebonheart dialogue option in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
- ↑ Yours for the Taking!
- ↑ "Join the Imperial Legion" dialogue topic in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
- ↑ Intro of An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire
- ↑ "Imperial Guard" dialogue option in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
External links
- The Imperial Library has articles on the Imperial Legion