The Forge

Victory is made in The Forge

There is an axiom amongst the craftsmen of the Inleyan empire "If you hone your craft then you may become rich or legendary but if you cast yourself within the forge then you may become both.". The Forge is widely regarded as where those who have reached a certain apex of their craft go to improve it or to experiment. It was the first of the Emperor's Fingers created and is the only one that came out of the Inleyan Military. It was and is a specialized division focusing on the improvement of the technology of the Inleyan empire.

Composition

Manpower

35,000 people overall 10,000 are active military members 25,000 are production staff The supply chain is not counted amongst the Forge.

Equipment

The forge carries a unique set of tools out into the field these include a wide array of tools just for the purposes of maintaining their other equipment. They also all posses a service pistol part of the requirements to become a member of the Forge is to build it themselves.

Weaponry

The general weaponry of the Forge is more technologically advanced then the rest of the Inleyan empire and the world overall. They prefer the use of firearms both as rifles and pistols. Though they rarely use these things as many of the active service members of the forge serve as tank technicians and operators. They are also on occasion have a third position of gunner. Who's sole purpose is to operate or assist in the operation of the cannon.

Vehicles

The forge utilizes a three main tank types these being: Blackavar, Thlayli, and Wundwart. The Thlayli Tank is medium class tank and requires two crew members it is also the smallest of tanks. The Blackavar is the second largest of the tanks and also only needs two operators; its purpose is for the mass transit of goods and personnel over large distances. The Wundwart tank requires up to twelve crew members and is the largest. It is designed for extended use within sieges and is much closer to a giant cannon with an engine attached.
3000 Thlayli Tanks 1000 Blackavar Tanks 200 Woundwart

Structure

The command structure of the forge is loose and somewhat divided. Since there are effectively two branches of it one that focuses solely on manufacturing and experimentation and the other focusing on combat.

Tactics

Due to their use of heavy machinery which have difficulty turning they have difficulty doing more complicated tactics. Generally they do basic flanks or literally just go through the enemy being near unstoppable in a tank.

Training

They receive little training when they join as they are already expected/considered to be experts in their fields. The training they do receive is to operate new fabrication equipment. If they enter into the military branch then they are trained in the operation and maintenance of the tanks.

Logistics

Logistical Support

The forge as a branch of the Inleyan military receives most of its resources from the Empire. Mostly in the form of liquid assets such as steel and chemicals. These are transported to the Cinder Valley then dispersed from within the forge.

Auxilia

When people think of the forge they may follow that thought with Old Ironsides. Old Ironsides being the Iron Golem who serves as an Emperor's Finger. He often interacts with the Forge for repair and maintenance on his mode of transport Yulia. The forge also assist him as a secondary siege unit.

Upkeep

Astronomical. Thousands of tons of steel and other resources are consumed fairly regularly. The food and medical support for thousands of personnel is also staggering.

Recruitment

Recruitment for the forge is pretty tough for most people. You must submit a letter stating your interest in joining the forge with this letter you must send any recommendations that you believe would be attractive to the forge. Whether these be papers you've published or schematics for a device you've made, a letter of recommendation from a well known craftsman or former forge member, or even a small piece of work you've made. The forge reviews all this and if accepted they send you two packages and an adjudicator. The first is all the components for a device of some kind they won't tell you what it is or what it's for. 
You have to complete the reconstruction of this device within three hours with the adjudicator watching your progress. If you are able to complete the device within the required time then you are given the second package. The second package contains several blocks of material, a small package of gunpowder, and a small lead ball. These are everything you need to make your own gun which you are expected to make. You make seek help for parts of this not the parts or positions you applied for (wood carvers can't get help with the handle, blacksmiths can't for the barrel). Upon completion of your gun you are inducted as a member of the forge.

History

In 23 A.I. the organization known as the forge was created initially as a project that multiple blacksmith's were brought into. During this period the empire had expanded right into the territory of a large orc tribe. This tribe outnumbered and where capable of outfighting the Inleyan forces. The Forge was initially created to improve Inleyan armaments as well as mass produce the current armaments. The project was a success with the forge being able to create a new steel mixture that was stronger than their previous ones and were able to produce armor in fairly sufficient quantity. Seeing the value of such an organization the emperor chose to maintain it. The Forge continued to exist in various forms until 589 when it came into its current and seemingly final version. While previously its focus was either on experimentation or production now it was fairly evenly divided. It was also given its own devoted military base for the purposes of construction and experimentation.

Historical loyalties

The forge was created as part of the Inleyan Military and is loyal to Inley and will be for the foreseeable future.

Type

Mechanized

Founding

23 A.I.

Overall training Level

Professional

Assumed Veterancy

Experienced

Used by

• The Inleyan Empire

Ranks & Titles

• The Emperor's Fingers