Blade

Blade is the title given to those in charge of a smaller unit of soldiers, usually no more than two dozen, but often less than that. This could be one in charge of a set of cavalrymen or pikemen or similar. Blades are officers within the Commonwealth's military and report to their respective Blade Commanders.
Notably, even the most lowly common soldier may rise to the rank of Blade even without a formal education. This is different from other ranks. Although it is possible for one to rise to the rank of Blade Commander, it is exceedingly rare. With the promotion to a full Blade in the Order of Blades, one's social status increases greatly.
Keeping that in mind, those who have formal education and training (often of the more wealthy nobility) almost always begin their military career as a Blade believing that their superior training makes them ready to lead squads of other soldiers. In such cases, the importance or the number of other soldiers appointed to the Blade shows how much he or she is actually trusted.

Qualifications

A Blade has proven his or her worth in the military and has shown ability in leading other men and women. Rising to this rank shows a trust put into the individual by the Blade Commanders and Blade Lord.

Requirements

One must prove his or her self to rise to the rank of Blade. It is often also appointed to those who go through formal education and training, putting the belief that those with formal training are ready to lead.

Appointment

Those who graduate with formal education and training are almost always appointed as a Blade as soon as they begin their service in the Order of Blades. Otherwise, common soldiers may rise to the rank by proving themselves.

Duties

The duty of a Blade is to lead his or her men on their mission and assure that they have all they need to complete their task.

Responsibilities

A Blade is responsible for both success and failure of the ones they command.

Benefits

For commoners promoted to the rank of Blade, the benefits are exceptionally great. In addition to being far better pay, the status of such a rank often allows for better marriages and acquisitions of lands. Also, as the glory of your squad's success falls squarely on your shoulders (as does its failure), it provides opportunity for winning accolades and rewards from the higher nobility.

Accoutrements & Equipment

Blades receive a badge of their office as well as superior equipment as befitting their rank and importance on the field of battle (if they are in need of such equipment). Often a Blade Commander will also take interest in training newly promoted Blades that do not have formal education or training -- this is of course dependent on the Blade Commander and Blade Lord's whim. Of course, having better trained Blades under your command can only help your own reputation.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Dismissal as a Blade often results in dismissal from the military altogether or demotion to such a lowly position that one usually quits anyway. This is often the result of simply poor leadership -- the inability to control one's men, poor decision making, a bad showing on the field of combat. This is more common than perhaps it should be as nobility often are unready to be leaders fresh out of school.

Type

Nobility, Military

Form of Address

Blade

Equates to

Colonel or similar

Length of Term

One is a Blade as long as he or she is able to perform their duties or until promoted or retirement.

Reports directly to

Blade Commander

Related Organizations

• Order of Blades
• Commonwealth Astoria