The Thalassian Legion’s ranks are arranged into three battalions known as “Divisions”, which are each specialized for certain tasks: warfare, intel-gathering, and magic research.
After new blood enlists and is interviewed, they choose one of these three divisions to join. Depending on their choice, they will fall under a different Commander. However, fear not! No matter which battalion you choose, it will not restricted your ability to attend events that individuals in other divisions plan and post; whether a DM wants a certain division to attend and not others is strictly up to their own discretion.
Each division is led by one of the three members of High Command, and each High Commander has at least one Second-in-Command, who will have a Second-in-Command of their own (Third-in-Command to the High Commander). However, some of these battalions are large enough to feature subdivisions to further specialize their ranks.
For example:
The First Battalion: Legionnaires
The backbone of any military organization is its soldiers, and the Legionnaires are just that: the spine of the Thalassian Legion. Making up the bulk of the Thalassian Legion’s forces, the First Battalion consist of the Fourth Legion’s physical fighters, be they foot soldiers, cavalry, or archers. They are specialized for warfare in the traditional sense: fighting on the front line in battle, shedding blood and sweat where they must to protect and/or achieve the Thalassian Legion’s goals. Their considerable numbers led to them being the first of the three battalions with subdivisions.
High Commander: Knight-Commander Vandonna Voidmoon
The Legionnaires’ subdivisions are the following:
The Phoenix Guard
Second-in-Command: Oathkeeper Dawn Sunshot
Third-in-Command: None
The Phoenix Guards are the Legionnaires’ infantry subdivision. Consisting of frontline, martial soldiers of various classes and occupations, the Phoenix Guard is always the first to answer the call of battle. Theirs are the most diverse of ranks, containing anything from melee combatants and cavalry to battle-focused archers or spellcasters who sought combat over stealth or study.
The Order of the Sun
Second-in-Command: None
Third-in-Command: None
The Order of the Sun was first founded by and once reserved solely for Blood Knights. However, the Order has undergone recent reforms to welcome all Light-wielders into its rank-and-file. Be they a Blood Knight, a Sunwalker, a Prelate, an Ordinant, or simply a Paladin, all are welcome to bring the might of their light to bear against the enemies of Quel’Thalas.
The Hands of Life
Second-in-Command: Oathkeeper Ren’melorn Soulsong
Third-in-Command: None
The Hands of Life are the Thalassian Legion’s medical subdivision. Any with knowledge of healing magics, traditional medicinal practices, or even fleshcrafting are found among their ranks, and their time is devoted to the promise of preserving the life (or unlife, in the case of Darkfallen and San’layn) of their comrades. In addition to the support they provide amid and after battle, they perform house calls when needed, and may offer counsel when desired. Any new to or interested in medical work might find mentorship within their ranks.
The Second Battalion: Inquisitorious
Where numbers and force fail, intelligence and espionage is power. The Second Battalion is simultaneously a most crucial and a most dangerous group within the Thalassian Legion. Their area is that of guaranteeing the Thalassion Legion’s constant intelligence, be it through far-stridden scouting, carefully done spywork, or mercilessly inflicted interrogation. They are the eyes and ears of the Legion, unseen to their enemies and, at times, even their own allies. They often have to be prepared to make the most… dubious decisions for Quel’Thalas, even at the expense of personal losses. Their ranks are made up of those with silver tongues, keen eyes, a skill for stealth, and/or a willingness to inflict pain for the greater good.
High Commander: Oracle-General Rana Voidmoon
Second-in-Command: Second Shadow Avoli
Thirds-in-Command: Conclave Watcher Faranix Voralus and Dark Hand Apsalaria Sunshot
The Third Battalion: Magistrum
If the Inquisitorious is intelligence, the Magistrum is knowledge. Made up of a sprawling variety of spellcasters, the Third Battalion’s primary focus is less combat-centered than it is upon magical research as a whole for the benefit of not only their Legion comrades, but Quel’Thalas in its entirety. That isn’t to say they never participate in combat missions at all, though; many a mission has progressed by the hand of one of the Magistrum’s magnificent mages. However, if there is ever a magical problem, the Legion will always turn to this battalion first, whether it’s sealing away dangerous artifacts, warding the defense of a location, or decoding unknown texts.
High Commander: Head Magistrix Anara Duskstrider
Second-in-Command: First Magister Vanraen Elendras
Third-in-Command: Second Magistrix Karne Springpath