Vexillum
Each Dominus has ten Vexillum, one to lead each Crusade of the Dominus. These soldiers form the mouth piece of the communication from Legate down to the common troops. Orders sent by the Primus, Legate, or Tribune to the Legate are sent to the Vexillum, who in turn signal their Custodi into formations. Each Vexillum is also expected to be able to lead their Crusade on missions independent of the Dominus, and to observe the situation of the battle at hand to make their own tactical decisions when those decisions do not contradict the orders of a superior.
Qualifications
Five years of prior service in the military.
Minimum one campaign as Custodi.
Requirements
In order to become Vexillum a soldier must serve five years in the military, and complete one campaign with their Dominus in the possition of Custodi. Further more there is a one year Academic training course that must be completed to satisfaction which instructs the soldier in the particular drills, calls, and signals needed to be an effective Vexillum. A candidate is allowed no more than three errors in their testing, or they are denied the position for a minimum of one year of service.
Appointment
Any Custodi who meets the qualifications can apply to their Prefect for temporary leave in order to pursue the training to become Vexillum. The Prefect also denotes who has passed or failed said training course. When a Vexillum retires, is promoted, or dies in battle the Legate will review the most senior Custodi who have applied and completed the training. After review the Legate chooses the new Vexillum.
Duties
The Vexillum maintains the combat readiness of his or her Crusade and over sees the Custodi and Optios in their drill of each Castellan. Being the standard bearer of the Crusades banner, or even the standard of the Dominus, the Vexillum also sees to the morale of the soldiers. A Vexillum is expected to carry themselves with the honor and dignity of their army, as represented by the banner they bear.
Responsibilities
Training, drill, and general preparedness of the Crusade they are attached to.
Maintenance of the standards and signaling banners.
Vexillum also serve as judge for those soldiers who commit crimes against the Dominus, and met out sentencing for breaking rules set by the Legate, or for deserters and cowards.
Benefits
Vexillum make a modest wage, enough to puchase a tenable plot of land, or a middle class house in the city. Reaching the rank of Vexillum is considered an honorable point to leave the military and retire to other jobs, or even to enter the senate with a modest chance of taking rank higher than Questor. It is generally considered to be the last office held for a successful military career if one does not aspire to become Legate, and such people are viewed as responsible and dependable, and afford respect for their service.
Accoutrements & Equipment
Upon becoming Vexillum the soldiers breastplate is taken and stamped with the Herald banners of the Dominus.
Each Vexillum is handed in ceremony the standard of the Crusade, and the signalling banners.
Their helmet is painted with a red stripe along the top, and the brow is marked with the symbol of their Crusade, a mark they will bear even if they reach the rank of Primus. The helmet is also equipped with a specialized mouth piece designed to amplify the Vexillums voice in combat.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
A Vexillum who allows their standard to be captured, and who is not killed in combat, is stripped of their title. Their breastplate and helm are taken and placed in the care of the Prefect. Until the disgraced Vexillum is able to regain the standard, by any means necessary, they are barred from service in the military and the senate. Retrieval of the standard, no matters the means, restores all honors to the Vexillum.
A Vexillum who flees from battle without his Crusade may be dismissed by his Custodi for the duration of the battle. The Legates review is needed to uphold this decision, or to reinstate the Vexillum. This situation does not apply to Vexillum calling for a strategic retreat, or those who leave the battle when their Crusade is in route. Though they may face other penalties if they cannot regroup their routed Crusade.
Type
Civic, Military, Commissioned
Alternative Naming
Standard Bearer, Vex, Signaler Primus
Source of Authority
Legate
Length of Term
A Vexillum serves for ten years. After this term they may retire with honor, or pursue the possition of Prefect.
Reports directly to
Related Organizations
Related Military Formations
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