Youth Army of Eteokles

Boys as young as six or seven up through their teens, training under the Theban military commander, Amphitryon, and placed under the nominal command of Prince Eteokles. Discipline varies, as does professionalism of equipment. These boys clash on a near-daily basis with the Youth Army of Polyneikes, which also falls under the control of Amphitryon.

Structure

Eteokles is the Prince Commander of his army.
The army has one Prince's Therapon to act as champion, chief strategist, and second in command. The therapon, literally a "second self," is a title that can be granted by the Prince Commander to any one person at any given time, and may be changed at the Prince Commander's whim, even in the middle of a battle or activity. In the Prince Commander's absence, the Prince's Therapon has authority over the entire army or any subset thereof.
The youth army also has a Prince's Council of three members who are among the most experienced, mature, and competent soldiers in the army. These are assigned by Amphitryon and may either be older teens on the verge of graduating into the King's Army, or King's Army soldiers on liaison assignment to the Youth Army. The council reports to Amphitryon for regular debriefings, and if unanimous can even overrule any field commands of the Prince Commander or Prince's Therapon on Amphitryon's authority.

Assets

Barracks space is provided for youth soldiers whose families live outside the city. Basic arms, armor, and equipment is provided for some soldiers who do not have, or prefer not to use, their own.

History

On orders from King Oidipous, Theban military commander Amphitryon established and equipped two squads of youth or training armies, each to be nominally commanded by one of the twin princes, Eteokles and Polyneikes. Although some of their training is done in tandem by professional soldiers, the two armies spend much of their time in drills that simulate combat or offer game-style tasks such as capture the flag or sporting competition.

Type

Military, Army

Training Level

Semi-trained

Veterancy Level

Recruit

Demonym

Eteoklean

Leader

Eteokles

Location

City of Thebai

Notable Members

• Iphikles