Fist

The Fist is the traditional military of the Avenan Empire. It includes ground and air forces, the navy, and most special forces (ranger, rogue, and magical squads). At one time, the Fist was considered the most powerful organization in the known world, able to field nearly sixty thousand combat troops, over a hundred airships, and almost three hundred waterborne ships ranging from galleys and triremes on up to more advanced and deadly square-rigged sailing ships.

The Fist is traditionally commanded by three high ranking officers - usually two Generals and an Admiral - who report directly to the Emperor and his cabinet. The Admiral is usually in charge of the navy and the heavy air forces (consisting of the airships and the people who serve on them). One General commands the conventional ground forces and cavalry. The other commands the special forces and the air cavalry. Below these supreme officers are the local lords of the outlying cities and kingdoms who contribute their household troops to the Imperial military, and who maintain their own military organization according to their local traditions. In forces coming directly from the three capital cities on Dacia, the organization is largely merit-based, tough nobles tend to be promoted more readily than individuals from the peasant or merchant classes.

The Fist is anchored by a large core of professional soldiers and sailors, and is supplemented by levies and pressed men in times of conflict. Most Imperial soldiers receive training with short swords or spears, small shields, and medium armor. Imperial cavalry is generally poor compared to Ta-Den and Elven cavalry, with the exception of the excellent Angle cavalry from the northern part of the Empire. Likewise, while the individual Avenan soldier is often poorly equipped and poorly trained, he is supported by an utterly dominant air force, and the finest military magic in the world. The Imperial Academy at Misr produces incomparable warmages who can screen the halting advance of the stumbling peasants that make up the bulk of its forces with a raging elemental storm.

Since the destruction of the Imperial family, the three supreme officers have been the final military authority in the Empire, and have served on the Council of Regents.