Crusader fists

The early military formations used by The Empire of Akoom, and the Main Crusading force through the Rebel and early Divine ages, these formations were the very symbol of Imperial power and invincibility. An image that would be shattered only twice before a need to reform.

History

Founding

First formed in 11 Rebel with the founding of Akoomtet and the birth of the Empire Proper, The large Orc force was separated into two units of a thousand men, The Fist of Akoom and The Blessed Fist of Akoom, who were the Prophet's personal guard. These fists were responsible for all major military conflicts. By early 70 Rebel this had increased to five full fists, with the second earning the name Black Flame after they led the razing of Zigarith in 73 Rebel, though a few scholars believe the name comes from the battle of Drakes way a year later.

Shame and hiding the truth

In 74 Rebel during the Battle of Drake's Way, the joint force of Phervian guards and Shifters defeated two fists, though the Empire of Akoom would spend the rest of its history trying to change the narrative to it being an Phervian mutant army and them and the Shifters were on the same side.

Image of invincability

This lie was helped by the fact that they never lost a battle after this. During the Crusade of Light, the Glorious Crusade, and the first half of the Southern Crusades the Fists were not only undefeated but victorious against much larger forces. This also saw the number of Fists brought up to eleven in number, filling a number of roles in the empire. This also saw the Blessed Fist of Akoom be separated into various duties rather than just one. The image led several armies, and if the Paladin's were to be believed, The White City, to just surrender rather than fight. This reputation was reinforced during the massacre of Sorrol when Oathbreaker Grisk led the second against a force 10 times its number and killed 9 in 10 enemies. This Image was shattered at the Battle of the Steps during Conquering the Shadow conflict when the third fist was all but destroyed by a force one-tenth its size.

Bloody war

The Fist's usefulness as a formation was being stretched to its limits, five more fists being created in quick succession. This came to a head during the Crusades of Blood when troop organization became unwieldy and several fists suffered heavy losses due to either them being out of position or needed reinforcements being out of position. With plans to take on the large unified Kingdom of Rivell, the Fist formation was retired in favor of a more professional army under local Fylkirs.

Reporpose

The separation of fists was kept in spirit as the central block of five hundred men of these new armies, many keeping the banners from their fist formations, as well as their history. However, even these would fall out of use during the Rivell revolts.
The Kingdom of Valanor reintroduced the Fists system to organize its professional force.

Formation

Each fist was made up of a thousand men split up into 10 divisions of 100 men, or 3 ships in the case of the Sixth fist. Each division had a special purpose to support the whole fist. Divisions one through nine are combat divisions, the first half of the Rebal Age was entirely Paladins but changed to divisions seven, eight, and nine were changed to forces from local areas, division nine normally being mounted.
Division One was made up of veterans of the group and gifted the best equipment, all wearing the crusader plate.
While the other paladin divisions wore plate mail, the other divisions wore what was customary, normally upgraded.
The sixth fist was unique in the fact no plate was worn by any member, preferring heavy chain instead, with shorter blades and a spiked buckler.
Division ten was logistics and supply, including everything from stewards, cooks, stable masters, quartermasters, clerics, smiths, and others needed, including engineers and siege masters.

If I wipe the name I may wipe the shame

- Fylkir Grom of Crowharrow about the 3rd Fist.

Fists

• Blessed Fist of Akoom - The Prophet's personal fist. Though it would perform guard duties for other areas.

• First 'Divine flame' Fist - Normally the front line of the major conflicts, was involved in the second sacking of Voiddoll, and specialized in fighting the undead.

• Second 'Black Flame' Fist - Famous for the 2nd sacking of Zigarith, the Battle of Drake Way, the massacre of Sorrel, and the Conquest of Shadow

• Third fist - Disbanded after Conquest of Shadow

• Fourth 'Divine Light' fist - named after Securing the Hightown, was involved in 2nd sacking of Zigarith

• Fifth 'Rapid' Fist - Mainly a cavalry force created in the lowlands, was used as the main relief force during the Bloody Crusades.

• Sixth 'Sea' Fist - Naval Force.

• Seventh 'burning' Fist - Distinguished itself during the desert crusades, under Nulgha.

• Eighth 'shadow' Fist - positioned at the Dread Wall.

• Nine Fist - consolidation force.

• Tenth Fist - Mentioned in several crusades, but never stood out.

• Eleventh 'Night' Fist - Defended against Mire of Lost Souls

• Twelve Fist through Fifteenth Fist - Created to help in the Bloody Crusade, the only notable one was the Thirteenth 'Dragon hunter' Fist who took Drake Vil.

Type

Shock

Founding

19 Rebel

Dissolution

98 Divine

Overall training Level

Elite

Assumed Veterancy

Experienced