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.

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 succes 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 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.

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, 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. The Legion remained the greatest fighting force on Tamriel and possibly on Nirn for over 400 years after the death of Tiber.

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
Years later, the Aldmeri Dominion attacked the Empire in what is known as the Great War. Unprepared for the vicious Aldmeri assault, the Legion suffered heavy casualties. However, in the Battle of the Red Ring, the Legion surrounded and destroyed Lord Naarifin's forces stationed in the Imperial City. 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.

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 (unsuccesfully) 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.

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 wild places, 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 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. 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

 * Centurion
 * Fort Commander
 * Praefect

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. 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.

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. 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 millitary 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.
 * 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.  It is also likely that the soldiers in Skyrim are mostly scouts and skirmishers instead of soldiers meant for full-on combat.

Types of weapons in The Legion
The Imperial Legion uses mainly the Imperial Sword for it's army, however the Legion also makes use of some other weapons, such as pikes, the Imperial Broadsword the Imperial Shortsword, and of course, the Imperial Bow. In, another Imperial styled weapon is wielded by General Falx Carius. This weapon is Champion's Cudgel, and it 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. However, it should be noted that it is never specified if the Imperial Legion actually uses any of these weapons outside of The Elder Scrolls Online.

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 much less thick than the end of the blade is. This gives both swords greater hacking strength, however the Imperial Shortsword has a greater thrust damage in game than its chop which is strange considering the design. All three Imperial swords possess wood handles. This design greatly improves grip on the sword when in combat. A metal handle when covered in blood is hard to hold onto, but a wooden one can be gripped much easier. Another 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 Sword has unique blade guards. Instead of having a traditional blade guard that stops a blade upon hitting it, the Imperial Sword has 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.

The Legion mainly uses steel for its weapons, but other materials have been used. These materials are iron, orichalcum, and dwarven. The higher tier materials are very rare and are rarely seen outside of The Elder Scrolls Online. This is most likely because of the durability and quantity of steel on Tamriel. While not as durable as ebony or orichalcum, steel still provides its user with ample durability and it is much cheaper than higher tiers.

Types of Siege Machines in the Legion
The Imperial Legion is known to use two siege machines, the catapult and battering ram. However, other armies have been known to use other siege machines, such as ballista.

The Imperial Siege Engine is a card in The Elder Scrolls: 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 heavy duty, consisting of a massive log and 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. These catapults could launch explosive fire lamps extremely long distances. Often times when the Last Dragonborn would fire the catapult the lamp would fly far over Windhelm and hit the mountains behind the city. The catapult could also be manned by one person. When the Dragonborn activates the catapult it will fire that lamp, 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. This easy to use and effective catapult would be an extremely effective tool for any ancient fighting force.

Ballista were used in the Alliance War by each of the three alliances. Though the Legion has never been seen using a ballista other armies have used this and it would be strange to see the Legion without it.

Just like the ballista, the Trebuchet has never been seen being used by the Legion, but again other armies used it in the Alliance War and Nords used a different Trebuchet (Legends) in The Elder Scrolls Legends so the Legion would most likely want and use one as well.

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 strenght.
 * 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.

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

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 there is a normal Legion Commander of Legion Zero.

Legates

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

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.

Captains

 * During the Alliance War a Captain commanded a 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 book series about how a Breton and a band of mercenaries fought Alessian forces.

Appearances


