Imperial Legion

"Long live the emperor! Long live the Empire!"

- The Legion's Oath

The Imperial Legion, Imperial Army, or Ruby Ranks is the main armed force of the Reman Empire and the Third Empire of Cyrodiil, and is a large military organization in  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. In, 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,, featured the Legion, yet gave the Hero of Kvatch no opportunity to sign up as a legionnaire. In, 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.

Alessian Empire
The predecessor to the Imperial Legions were the Alessian Legions. These Legions were led by Morihaus during their siege of the White-Gold Tower against the Ayleids. The Alessian Empire had slave camps, where people who had to be serve as slaves were brought to. During one of the cohort patrols in High Rock, some Legionnaires got killed by a band of mercenaries. The mercenaries had little succes, as their attacks were parried and blocked, while getting cut down. In Skyrim, the Legions fought against Kjoric the White, and succesfully killed the King during the Battle of Sungard. While the Pact of Chieftains was electing his succesor, the Legions were also reclaiming the southern lands of Skyrim that it had lost. One of the key elements marking the end of the Alessian Empire was the failed invasion of the Colovian Estates. The Emperor Gorieus, following years of disease and the king of Skingrad being new, thought to unify Cyrodiil through the use of the Legions. He marched to Skingrad with overwhelming numbers, but was ambushed. When King Rislav of Skingrad spoke to the Emperor, he led his eagle fly, a signal his archers had been waiting for. While the Legions were in the pass, they had nowhere to go and were easy targets for the Colovian archers. After a long chase by the Legions in an attempt to slay Rislav, they met the army of Kvatch, the Legions likely still outnumbered their foe, but they were exhausted and morale was low. After an hour of fighting, they fled to what is now the Imperial reserve, and went further north and east from there. Another noteworthy battle in High Rock is the Battle of Glenumbra Moors, where the Direnni and the Bretons fought against the Alessian forces. Hoag Merkiller, High King of the Nords, was also slain in this battle.

Blackwater War
During the First Era, the Imperial Legion existed as part of the Reman Empire. 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. Their Argonian opponents, however, were easily able to use the Legion's ineffective equipment and tactics in the swamps to their advantage.

By 1E 2820, the forces in Black Marsh had been destroyed. By 1E 2823, the Legion had adapted to Black Marsh's climate with more fitting equipment and tactics. 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. However, by 1E 2837 the Legion had won the war and officially claimed Black Marsh for the Empire.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Their success is attributed due to them attacking at night and due to working with a spy. 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.

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 and the Vile Manse with Colovian Legions and were making headway to conquering Vinedusk Village. Their forces used in their assault of the village were stationed in an encampment located just outside the city. The Legion also held some minor territory in Malabal Tor, in the Crimson Cove. These soldiers were known as Crimson Raiders, and were originally suspected to be pirates. They had been raiding ships of the Dominion, sometimes up to a dozen a month.

Ebonheart Pact
Unlike the Dominion and the Covenant, the Pact was nearly untouched by the Legions' forces, with their only location being the White Rose Prison in Shadowfen. This was only a small garrison of prison guards, who were cursed to stay at the Prison.

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. 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, while others, including Queen Ayrenn, took to calling it a massacre and labeled the Captain as a war criminal. The bulk of this Legion was eventually sent to retake the city, 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. 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, 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 as a result of the Legionnaires stationed there going rogue after the Empire's collapse. The reason as to why the rebellion broke out is not clear. One of the rebel leaders claims it is for domination over Cheydinhal and nothing else, the other claims it was because the soldiers forced the townsfolk to keep them fed, and because of forceful enlistment.

Tiber Wars
After the Alliance War had ended, Tamriel was at relative peace. Tiber Septim, who had been a General of Cuhlecain in the past, became Emperor after the death of his lord. The Tiber Wars were a result of Tiber Septim being set on his path to conqeur Tamriel by the Greybeards. It started in 2E 854 or 2E 855 and lasted until 3E 0.

After Tiber Septim beat the Nord-Breton alliance at Sancre Tor, he had the troops needed to conqeured the Heartlands from the Imperial Battlemages. After Cyrodiil had been unified Cuhlecain died. Talos was then crowned Emperor by Zurin Arctus, his battlemage. Septim found the initial administration of a fully united Cyrodiil a time-consuming task, as such, he sent the Underking to deal with the Imperial expansion into the provinces of High Rock and Skyrim.

High Rock was easily conqeured by the Empire, and the Bretons were largely welcoming of the new Empire. The governor of High Rock, Titus Alorius, put down most rebels in the land, and resolved the fueding between kings with tact and skill, which resulted in the Empire being seen positively. By 2E 864, High Rock was solidified by the Empire.

Skyrim's conqeust is largely unknown. What is known is that Hammerfell's conqeust made Skyrim's look like a ballet. It is also known that the Warchiefs of Danstrar fought against Septim's forces. After Skyrim was conqeured, the Nord Kings expected to outlast Septim's Empire, just as they had done with the previous ones.

Black Marsh was the third nation to be invaded and conqeured by Tiber Septim. Combat between the Legions and Argonians was recorded in 2E 861. Tiber Septim invaded the coastlines of Black Marsh, but avoided the unimportant inner swamps. Most of Black Marsh eventually joined through a treaty.

Hammerfell was the next nation to fall to Talosian conquest. The High King of Hammerfell, Thassad II, feared Imperial invasion. In order to prevent the Empire from invading Hammerfell, he signed a pact with the Forebears to ensure unity. After the death of Thassad, this pact turned void, as the Crowns and Forebears both tried to claim ownership over Hammerfell. The Forebears were losing the war, and when defeat was certain, they signed a pact with the Emperor, to allow his Legions to claim parts of Hammerfell in return for his aid during their Civil War. When Baron Volag disappeared at the end of the war, these terms were rendered void, and all of Hammerfell was claimed by the Empire. After a civil war on Stros M'Kai proved succesful, Sentinel followed in its steps. Tiber Septim, not wanting Hammerfell to rebel against him, came to Stros M'Kai to negotiate the terms of the Treaty of Stros M'kai with Baron Volag and Iszara.

With Morrowind surrounded by Imperial territory, Septim decided to launch an invasion on Morrowind. The Legions assembled at the border between Cyrodiil and Morrowind, and invasion fleets prepared in Skyrim. The Dunmer were not united in their ideas of how to act. The Telvanni remained neutral, Hlaalu proposed accomodation, while the Dres, Redoran, and Indoril wanted to fight until the death. Small border skirmishes took place between the Legions and Dunmer in Black Marsh, but the swampy terrain did not suit either for warfare. To combat the Legions near Blacklight, Kragenmoor, Cormar View, and Silgrad Tower, the Dunmer only had small militias aided by Redoran Mercenaries and House nobles, alongside Buoyant Armigers and Ordinators. This became even more troubling for the Dunmer when only the Redoran wanted to defend the western border, as the Indoril and Dres wanted to wage a guerilla war against the Empire. One of the battles that took place during these wars was the battle of Mournhold, which laid waste to the city. When Vivec himself appeared to announce that Morrowind would join the Empire under gracious circumstances to the native people, he was met with an awkward silence. The Dres and Indoril still stood strong in wishing to resist to the death, while the Redoran, who now had an excuse to not lose most of their territory, joined the side of House Hlaalu in supporting accomodation. The Telvanni, seeing which way the situation was going, also joined the Hlaalu in supporting accomodation. Many of the Indoril, after being forced into joining the Empire, commited suicide, resulting in the Hlaalu gaining a lot of power in Morrowind.

The next province to fall was either Elsweyr or Valenwood.

Elsweyr had a pact with the Second Aldmeri Dominion, a millitary alliance. The city of Senchal was raided by the Third Legion after the city had refused to surrender. When Elsweyr fell exactly is unknown.

Valenwood had joined the Dominion as a result of the Thalmor gaining power in Valenwood with the support of Camoran Anaxemes. When the Third Empire started to take shape, the Dominion tightened its grip on Valenwood, Bosmer tribes fought against Colovian forces along the Strid River, until the Empire became unified. Both sides then made up camp at their sides of the border, both waiting for the decisive battle. When the Dominion tried to fight the Empire's forces they lost a great many times, with the Colovians calling them the "Old Mary Dominion", as a reference to the weak offense the Dominion offered on the land. Contrary to the land battles, at sea the Aldmeri Navy crushed the Imperial Navy, and ruled the seas from the Cape of the Blue Divide until the Topal Bay. Both Valenwood and the Summerset Isles fell to Tiber Septim when he used the Numidium to conqeur the remaining provinces of Tamriel.

Third Era
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.

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
One of the noteworthy events is the Umbriel Invasion. 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. The Imperial Mages cast Levitation spells so the Legion could reach Umbriel. Unfortunately, the Umbriel War Machine proved too great a force, and the Legionnaires were killed off before they could breach Umbriel. After the Oblivion Crisis and the Umbriel Invasion, the Legion was greatly weakened, and the once great fighting force had declined greatly. As to how the Legion was weaker than before is unclear.

Great War
Some 130 years later, the Aldmeri Dominion attacked the Empire in what is known as the Great War. With the Legions in a weak state, and the Empire unprepared for the vicious Aldmeri assault, the Legion suffered heavy casualties. Initially the Legions had heavy losses, losing most of Hammerfell and nearly all of Colovia. Morale in the Legions was so low that when the Emperor regrouped in Skyrim groups of Nordic deserters abandoned the Legion, thinking it was doomed. In the Battle of the Red Ring, the Legion surrounded and destroyed Lord Naarifin's forces stationed in the Imperial City. Though 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, members of the Legion and Blades alike recognised that if the war had continued the Empire would likely have lost. The Concordat was meant to buy the Empire time to recover before the next war with the Dominion takes place.

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. As of 4E 201, the Legion holds 4 Holds (Haafingar, Hjaalmarch, Falkreath Hold and The Reach) under full Imperial control, with Whiterun being marked as "Imperial" but being neutral. When General Tullius got sent to Skyrim in 4E 201, he really turned things around for the Empire. Under his leadership the Legion started massacring the Stormcloaks and slowly pushing them back. Tullius managed to capture Ulfric Stormcloak at Darkwater Crossing in an ambush, after which Ulfric was scheduled for execution at Helgen. However, due to Alduin returning, Ulfric managed to escape. The Legion is currently stationing soldiers in the Rift, threatening Ulfric's southern flank, and (unsuccessfully) attempting to conquer Winterhold, so that Ulfric's forces have to stay at Windhelm.

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.

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. Imperial Soldiers also patrol the roads of the Imperial provinces, protect nobles, and are allowed to seize property of arrested criminals. Under normal circumstances the Imperial City has at least one Legion stationed within.

Training
The Legion looks for upstanding citizens who show superior endurance, soldierly virtue, and a trustworthy personality. A Legion soldier is supposed to be a model of the duties of Imperial citizenship.

To be able to join the Legion each soldier must be trained and become proficient in the skills of Long Blade, Spear, Blunt Weapon, Block, and Heavy armor. Imperial soldiers must be able to block quickly and move quickly while in heavy armor. Soldiers are also trained to be able to march long distances with heavy packs and to preform the complex maneuvers that soldiers will preform in real battle.

Furthermore, knights are trained to be able to block blows with just their heavy armor, no shield.

If the Nerevarine or the Last Dragonborn join the Legion neither of them have to undergo any type of training. Although, in both cases the Legion was in desperate need of new soldiers.

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!"

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 ,Diamond Formation, Wedge Formation and Shield Walls. They further are mighty warriors, no one can defeat them when they march in rows in open fields, however, in the Ashlands and the wilderness, the Dunmer are able to defeat them.

Some sources suggest the fighting strength of the Imperial Legion: The Infernal City mentions that a Legion numbers 5,000 Legionnaires, and given the highest Legion mentioned is the 18th Legion, then the Imperial Legion has at least 115,000 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. 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
 * Commander
 * Legate
 * Captain
 * General

Ranks (Online)

 * Auxiliary
 * Private
 * Sentinel
 * Legionary
 * Knight
 * Praefect
 * Dreadnaught
 * Sergeant
 * Centurion
 * Major
 * Tribune
 * Lieutenant
 * Legate
 * Captain
 * General

Ranks with unknown status

 * Centurion
 * Fort Commander
 * Praefect

Highest Rank

 * Commander of the Imperial Legion

Legion Ranking Stature

 * Commander of the Imperial Legion
 * General
 * Captain
 * Legate
 * Major
 * Lieutenant
 * Tribune
 * Centurion
 * Sergeant
 * Dreadnaught
 * Praefect
 * Knight
 * Quaestor
 * Evocatus
 * 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. The Legion also uses Battlemages, artillery, and levies. As well as rams. During the Third Era, Imperial Battlemages also used Dragons, but it is unknown if the Legion still has any Dragons remaining.

Commander of the Imperial Legion
The highest achievable rank, appointed by the Emperor/Empress. This rank commands every officer and legionnaire in the Imperial legion. They take orders directly from the Emperor. There can only be one Commander at a time, if one is to fall in battle or by other means, a General would usually take the position.

General
One of the highest achieveable ranks in the legion, appointed by either the Emperor, High Chancellor, or Commander. Generals carry out the duties assigned to them by stated ranks. Under normal circumstances, a General commands one Legion,    however, a General is also able to command several Legions at a time.

Captain
Captains are the commanding officers of town garrisons.

Legate
Legates are the right hand to the Captains of the Imperial Legion, carrying out tasks and duties presented by the generals. As well as acting as an extra set of hands. They also command cohorts of a Legion.

Lieutenant
Lieutenants are tasked with commanding larger groups of soldiers usually several cohorts at a time.

Centurion
Imperial Centurions are in charge of the Palace Guard in the Imperial City. They also command Imperial Cohorts of a Legion.

Sergeant
The first officer rank and the most common in the legion. These are basic officers commanding multiple troops at a time, usually a small cohort.

Types of arms and 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.

Heavy armor is used for the frontline infantry, heavy cavalry, foot knights, pikemen, troopers and officers. The most common materials for heavy armor are iron and steel, with dwarven, orcish, ebony and daedric being rare. 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. 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. In the event of a crisis behind enemy lines, Legion Soldiers may sell excess materials to noncombatants. These materials must not have a significant military application. The gold required in this manner must be used to secure swift passage back to the Legion that the soldier belongs to.

Uniforms
The armor used by the Legion is different in between many timelines: Upon retiring from the Imperial Legion, soldiers are allowed to keep their Legion armor.
 * In 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 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 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 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 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 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. The soldiers in Skyrim are mostly a millitia, as they largely consist of scouts and skirmishers instead of soldiers meant for full-on combat.

Types of weapons in the Legion
The Imperial Legion mainly uses the Imperial Sword         or Steel Swords for its army, however the Legion also makes use of some other weapons, such as pikes, the Imperial Broadsword, the Imperial Shortsword,, spears  , claymores  and the Imperial Bow. In, another Imperial styled weapon is wielded by General Falx Carius. This weapon is Champion's Cudgel, a warhammer which has the symbol of the Empire engraved onto its side. Other Imperial styled weapons also exist in. These weapons are axes, maces, great swords, battle axes, mauls, daggers, and staffs.

The designs for many of the weapons used by the Legion are quite advanced compared to the Roman Military, which is what the Imperial Legion is based off of. The Imperial Sword and the Imperial Shortsword both have similar designs. Both swords start off thinner than the end of the blade is. This gives the broadswords greater hacking strength, while the Imperial Shortswords have a greater thrust damage due to how light the blade is. All three Imperial swords possess wooden handles. An advanced design feature that is possessed by all three swords is that on both sides of the weapon a thin strip of metal has been removed. This decreases weight of the sword while taking away very little durability to the blade. Finally, the Imperial Broadswords and Shortswords have unique blade guards. Instead of having a traditional blade guard that stops a blade upon hitting it, these swords have curved blade guards that cause other blades to slide off and away from the sword and its owner. These technological advantages could very well be a major contributing factor to why the Imperial Legion remained the best fighting force on Tamriel for centuries.

Types of siege engines in the Legion
The Imperial Legion is known to use four siege machines, the catapult, battering ram, trebuchet and ballista.

The Imperial Siege Engine is a card in Legends that has the image of a battering ram. It is manned by an unknown amount of Imperial soldiers, but it has two heavily armored soldiers manning the front of it. Furthermore, it appears to have an armored roof, and its ram consists of a log with a metal spike attached to the end of it.

During the events of the Skyrim Civil War, the Legion made use of simple wooden catapults. The catapults appeared at the Battle of Windhelm, and were at the Imperial camp to the east of the city. The catapult could be manned by one person. When the catapult is activated, it will fire a projectile. Upon activating it again, a small crank will begin to move and the catapult will be brought back to the firing position to be loaded. The Legion generally uses firepots for their catapults, as well as their trebuchets, though normal boulders are also used as ammunition for catapults.

Divisions
As of the Fourth Era, average fighting strength of each Legion comprises of 5,000 Legionnaires.
 * Legion Zero – involved with Molag Bal's invasion of the Imperial City.
 * Second Legion – partially stationed in Valenwood which was used to guard Imperial War supplies.
 * Third Legion – involved with the Tiber Wars.
 * Fourth Legion – commanded by Augurius Bucco; fought in the Blackwater War in Black Marsh
 * Fifth Legion – involved with the Invasion of Akavir.
 * Seventh Legion – involved with the Invasion of Akavir.
 * Eighth Legion – fought during the Great War
 * Ninth Legion – involved with the Invasion of Akavir.
 * Tenth Legion – involved with the Invasion of Akavir and the Great War.
 * Twelfth Legion – appears in.
 * Fourteenth Legion – involved with the Invasion of Akavir.
 * Fifteenth Legion - involved with the defending of Orsinium during the Fourth Era.
 * Seventeenth Legion – involved with the Invasion of Akavir.
 * Eighteenth Legion – mentioned nominally in.
 * Hawkmoth Legion – an Imperial Legion stationed in the city of Ebonheart during the Third Era.
 * West Weald Legion – involved with the expansion of Imperial territory into Reaper's March.
 * Legion of Chorrol – an Imperial Legion situated at the city of Chorrol.
 * Deathshead Legion – an Imperial Legion which was located in Gnisis during . The only Legion garrison in Morrowind that didn't have its full strength.
 * Shadow Legion – the Battlemage division of the Legion.
 * Imperial Guard – the elite guard division of the Legion, tasked with the protection of the Emperor and his representatives in the provinces.

Forts and Bases
The Imperial Legion has secured many strategic locations for their forts to control the vast amounts of land in the Empire. During the events of Online the Legion made use of many different kinds of bases. In Morrowind, the Legion made us of many large forts that were in prime condition. Oddly, the Imperial Legion in Oblivion makes no use of any forts. In the Skyrim Civil War during the events of Skyrim the Legion occupied old forts, many of which were falling apart and had to be repaired using wood defenses.

Forts and Bases in Elder Scrolls Online

 * Bangkorai Garrison
 * Martyr's Crossing
 * Nchu Duabthar Threshold, but only during the quest The Parley
 * Old Tower
 * The Gates of Craglorn
 * The Vile Manse

The Legion also had a strong presence in the following cities, Arenthia, Cheydinhal, Dune, Elden Root, Imperial City, Rawl'kha, Satakalaam, Vinedusk Village, and Wayrest.

Forts and Bases in Morrowind

 * Moonmoth Legion Fort
 * Fort Pelagiad
 * Hawkmoth Legion Garrison
 * Buckmoth Legion Fort
 * Fort Firemoth
 * Fort Frostmoth
 * Fort Darius

The Legion in Morrowind also had a strong presence in the cities of Pelagiad, Gnisis, and Mournhold.

Forts and Bases in Oblivion
The Legion in Cyrodiil had only one base during the events of Oblivion, the Prison District of the Imperial City. The old forts that dot Cyrodiil seem to have no value to the Imperial Legion and they are instead occupied by various bandits and necromancers.

Forts and Bases in Skyrim

 * Castle Dour
 * Fort Neugrad
 * Fort Snowhawk
 * Fort Sungard
 * Eastmarch Imperial Camp
 * Rift Imperial Camp
 * Winterhold Imperial Camp
 * Pale Imperial Camp

The following forts are only under Imperial control if the Last Dragonborn sides with the Legion during the Skyrim Civil War.
 * Fort Greymoor
 * Fort Hraggstad
 * Fort Amol
 * Fort Dunstad
 * Fort Greenwall
 * Fort Kastav

Artifacts
The Imperial Legion has several artifacts, this is a list of the known artifacts.
 * Lord's Mail
 * Chrysamere
 * Ward of Akavir

Commanding ranks for a Legion
The Imperial Legion has had multiple different ranks commanding a Legion, the most common one being a General.

Normal Commanders

 * In there is a normal Legion Commander of Legion Zero.

Generals

 * In General Darius commanded the Deathshead Legion.
 * In 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.
 * In The Eastern Provinces the Legions of Black Marsh and Morrowind are recorded to have been led by Generals.
 * The Seventh Legion's Captain was led by the Magnus General Septima Tharn.

Captains

 * During the Alliance War a Captain commanded a Legion.

Legates

 * During the Great War a Legate commanded the Tenth Legion.

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.
 * Second Cohort Orders – The orders for the Second Cohort of the Seventh Legion which conqeured part of Bangkorai during the Alliance War.
 * Eyewitness to the Wall – A journal regarding the rebellion of the Second Legion, led Varen Aquilarios, against the Longhouse Emperors.
 * The Fall and Rise of Reman's Bluff – A book describing the Legion's deeds and needs located at Reman's Bluff during the First Era.
 * Arx Corinium — First Seed Report – An Imperial report describing the failure of a Legion fort in Black Marsh.
 * An Ancient Love Letter – A love letter written by a member of the Second Legion.
 * On the Spirits of the Hel Shira – A letter to Septima Tharn, informing her that a Legion member has learned how to control the spirits of Hel Shira.
 * Septima Tharn's Leadership Maxims – A book describing how the important figures of the Imperial Legions should behave when at war.
 * Report: Quality of Recruits – A book describing the training of people who used to work for the temple, with a request to use these troops as healers instead of normal soldiers.
 * Imperial Condolences – A letter from the Imperial Legion informing Lu'ah Al-Skaven of her husband's death for the Empire.
 * Rislav the Righteous – A book describing how an Emperor along with his Alessian Army got defeated by the Kings of Skingrad and Kvatch.
 * Imperial Recall Orders – A military order by Captain Virgilus ordering all men under his command to head to the Imperial City during the Alliance War.
 * A Looter's Paradise – A book describing how Fort Sphinxmoth became a looter's paradise when its Imperial garrison left.
 * Thibaut's Cairn and its History – A book about how the Cohort under the command of Thibault of Kvatch became the cause of a crypt being built.
 * Cohort Briefing: Arenthia – A briefing for the West Weald Legion regarding the invasion of Arenthia.
 * The Ivory Lord: A Hero Born, V. 1, V. 2, and V. 3 – A book series about how a Breton and a band of mercenaries fought Alessian forces.
 * Arms and Armor of the Imperial Champion: Hall Steward Longinus Attius – A book detailing the arms and armor used by the Imperials, including Third Legion Centurion, Longinus Attius.

Appearances


