The Orders of Asmody

At the heart of Kalaido's formidable defense lies the Orders of Asmody, a military force as renowned as it is disciplined. Stationed primarily at Dover Valley and the Glen Passage, natural gateways to the nation, the Orders also safeguard Kalaido's riverways and harbors, ensuring uninterrupted trade and unassailable security.
The Orders operate within a hierarchical structure, comprising seven tiers that culminate in the esteemed Grand Order. This hierarchy operates on the bedrock of meritocracy, where distinguished warriors, formidable mages, and exceptional military strategists ascend through the ranks. The pinnacle, the revered Grand Order, welcomes only those whose ascent is sanctioned by a member of the Royal Family. Presently, the Grand Order comprises 13 distinguished seats. Within these illustrious ranks stand luminaries such as the Royal Prince Oriana Penrose and the valiant one-armed swordsman, Argos Lucius Birch. The Grand Order not only serves as a testament to individual prowess of its members but also functions as the nation's leaders in times of crisis, their authority second only to the Royal Family.
Directly beneath the Grand Order lies the Second Order, organized into forces commanded by each seated member of the Grand Order. Among these forces, the Royal Guards stands resolute, answering only to the monarch and tasked with ensuring the safety of the Royal Family, the Noble Council, and the People's Council. Exceptional individuals from lower ranks occasionally ascend directly into the prestigious Second Order or even the Grand Order, a testament to their extraordinary abilities.
Kalaido's paradoxical strength—an undefeated nation fostering a robust military—resides in its rich history and enduring cultural ethos. Before unification, petty kingdoms perpetually clashed for power. This legacy of conflict birthed a profound reservoir of military knowledge, readily absorbed and applied post-unification. Drawing upon centuries of warfare, Kalaido's earliest monarchs forged a formidable army, cognizant of potential threats from neighboring nations that had unified far earlier.
Central to Kalaido's military might is its cultural veneration for combat, an enduring tradition glorifying heroism in battle, perpetuated in the face of the relentless Remnant threat. This martial spirit permeates society, with citizens engaging in routine training of weaponry and magic combat techniques as leisure activities. Kalaido sustains this ethos through various events, including war games, jousting tournaments, and competitions sponsored by the Orders of Asmody. These multifaceted public events, serving as both entertainment and military exercises, instill discipline and readiness among citizens, ensuring the nation remains vigilant in the face of an uncertain future.
Moreover, these tournaments function as crucibles where the Orders' members demonstrate their prowess, earning promotions grounded in merit. They also serve as testing grounds for future generals and leaders, evaluating their strategic acumen as they command diverse forces of mixed civillians and lower Order members. Through these relentless trials, the Orders of Asmody continually sharpen their skills, guaranteeing that Kalaido stands as an unassailable bastion, prepared for any unforeseen challenge looming on the horizon.