Decaris

Among the ranks of the Dercian legions, the Decaris is a prestigious and challenging position, during times of conflict, it's the officer rank that experiences the highest casualties as the Decaris are expected to lead from the front and therefore often place themself in the most danger. Soldiers who have joined the legion and have passed the physical and mental challenges for joining the Empires legions. These soldiers will over the next 5-10 years gain experience, learn the tactics of the legion and master the use of the array of weapons the legions use, both in open battles and as part of sieges, it is also during these years that they display discipline, bravery and leadership qualities that put them in a position were their superiors notice them. Being recognised and if there is an open spot in the legion, the soldier will be promoted to Optio, the second in command for a Decaris, having reached this position the soldiers' tasks are those of shadowing the Decaris of their unit, learning from them and honing their leadership skills. A bonus for reaching the position of Optio also has the advantage that they are excused for labour, such as setting up camp during marches, on the downside they have an increased amount of other duties. For the Soldier to advance to the level of Decaris, the newly minted Optio will have to wait for a position to open among the Decaris ranks, a position that only becomes available due to death, retirement or further promotions among these ranks. When a position becomes open, the Legate of the Legion will look at the Options in the legion and select the most promising among the candidates for promotion to Decaris. Some Decaris have reached the rank through the patronage or recommendation from influential figures among the nobility, while this does have the risk of lowering the level of discipline in the legions due to incompetence among the Decaris that have brought the position, the high casualty rate of the position does tend to weed out those that lack the skills needed to survive. Soldiers who reach the rank of Decari receive better pay than regular soldiers, and better quarters in the legions camp and those Decari who excel in the job can hope to reach the rank of Primus Decari, the highest ranking Decari with responsibilities such as being the acting camp prefect. Those that do reach the rank of Primus Decari are equally raised into the social class of equities, giving their children the option of raising further in the Dercian society.

Once promoted, a Decaris commands a century of 100 soldiers.
Their responsibilities include:

Training: Ensuring their men are battle-ready, disciplined, and skilled.
Discipline: Upholding the code of the legion and administering punishments or rewards.
Combat Leadership: Leading their century in battle, making tactical decisions on the frontlines.
Logistics: Managing supplies, camp duties, and unit readiness.
Representation: Acting as a liaison between their soldiers and higher command.

Type

Civic, Military, Not Commissioned

Related Military Formations