Overview
The
Eoion Empire has used the
Ilyannoi for war since they were created by the
Shiroko Dynasty's founder
Ilya Shiroko.
Over the last 700 years, the Ilyannoi have become integral to the running of the empire and particularly the military. While the general population has very little direct interaction with the creatures, many in the empire's armed forces work with them daily, especially the riders.
These people have been specifically trained to ride the more aggressive of the creatures, many of whom are modelled after large cats and horses. As such, they make up a specialized section of the empire's cavalry force, along with acting as speedy messengers across the country.
General Outfit Characteristics
Head
- Helmets made from steel or other hard metal are common. The basic helmet is domed, with two side plates coming down on either side of the head for protection on the cheeks.
- Scarves are worn around the neck and often have small squares of plate armor sewn into them.
Torso
- While several layers are worn, they need to be easy to move around in and this calls for square plates rather than large single sheets.
- The closest layer to the body is generally a cotton tunic. While sleeve length and size is central to Eoin culture, a large, billowing sleeve would be counter productive in battle and thus the military are the only ones outside of the poor and slaves who have sleeves close to the body.
- On top of the tunic, the cavalry wear a thicker tunic, crossed at the neck like regular Eoin robes. These fall down to the knee.
- Shoulder plate armor is inscribed with the soldier's rank, along with colored stripes to denote their squadron designation.
- Lightly armored gloves are worn on the hands.
Legs
- Thick cotton pants are worn on the legs, two layers of them as protection against the chafing of the saddles. On the outside, there is layered plate armor hanging from the waist and sitting on the outer thigh.
- The front of the calf is protected by a single plate.
- A belt hangs from the waist that can hold scabbards or holster for a spear, the most common weapons for the cavalry.
Feet
- Light shoes with minimal armor are worn to allow the greatest range of movement.
Rankings (low to high)
- Steedren
- Corps Rider
- Vice Commander
- Commander
Variations
- Ceremonial- When presenting themselves at royal inspections or during other formal events, the cavalry will wear ceremonial versions of their uniform. These include any medals won by the soldier, along with decorated armor. The most common motifs are images of the base animal of the Ilyannoi they ride, flowers, or simple golden designs. Higher ranking officers will also have jewels inlaid into their helmets and shoulder armor. The tunics and pants will often be in lighter colors and embroidered.
- Ritual- There is minimal armor worn during ritual activities. Only the soldiers who work with Ilyannoi have this variant. Ilya is considered a demi-god and his birthday is a holiday. His descendants are thus seen as partly divine by a sect of Bolugama and the birthday of the reigning monarch is also celebrated as both a secular and religious ceremony. The ritual uniforms are only worn during these two occasions. Along with minimal armor, a third tunic is worn over the first two, often made from brocade or intricately woven silk.
Changes Over Time
- Rankings have become more stratified as the empire grew and the military increased.
- Originally, there was only one version of the uniform. The two main variations were later added as the military took part in more ceremonies.
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