The Brass Coast military concerns
Overview
Most Freeborn families encourage their children to practice some martial skills. The Freeborn remember a time when the families were responsible for their own defence and they try to remain prepared in case that day should come again. Those Freeborn who are not career soldiers are by day traders, farmers and labourers, only turning to martial matters when required, though all are ready to do so.
Many families maintain a small dedicated fighting force, usually family members who have shown a capacity for martial excellence. These warriors protect Freeborn caravans and settlements from bands of raiding orcs or adventurous bandits. Families take pride in equipping their warriors with the best equipment they can afford. These family warriors often train to fight in heavy armour in close formation.
Kohan
Centuries ago, the hakima began to gather Freeborn who had been disowned and turned them into a fighting force. By serving their tribe the Freeborn were able to find a way to redeem themselves. These groups were called kohan, meaning without family, and their number has grown considerably over the years. Although they still accept those who have been cast out, most kohan are volunteers, individuals who find such joy in battle that they cannot give it up. They fight for the joy of battle, flinging themselves into combat with a blood-thirsty relish that can easily dispirit an enemy. Kohan often adopt flamboyant costume and grotesque body paint, the better to unnerve their enemies. When they are not fighting they are usually found celebrating their continued survival with that same intensity.
Imperial Armies
The Brass Coast currently fields three armies: the Red Wind Corsairs, the Fire of the South, and the Burning Falcon.
The Red Wind Corsairs
The core of this army is made up of corsairs and for centuries the Red Wind Corsairs were the closest thing the Empire had to a naval force. Many of the soldiers who serve with this army have experience serving as sailors, and the force is supported by a number of boats and ships. The army often takes advantage of this to reinforce and support difficult positions or move quickly to areas where it can do the most good. The experienced privateers who often serve as officers excel at foraging supplies and prior to the Winter Solstice 381YE, the army was known for its enthusiastic plundering of barbarian territory. After an opportunity to turn away from cruel tactics, Gonzalo i Riqueza was sent by the Freeborn assembly to encourage the corsairs to embrace the idea of ransoming their foes rather than simply robbing them - leading the army focusing less on robbery and more on daring raids.
The first Brass Coast general leads the Red Wind Corsairs, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Summer Solstice each year.
The Fire of the South
The soldiers of this army are trained in tactics appropriate to flat, open land. Often recognised by their brightly polished armour, their warriors and supply lines are trained to be especially mobile and responsive to attacks from any direction. This gives them a marked advantage over less adaptive armies, allowing them to cover great distances very quickly.
The second Brass Coast general leads the Fire of the South, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Autumn Equinox each year.
The Burning Falcon
The first army to bear the name of the Burning Falcon met their end whilst fighting to defend the academy at Ishal in Kallavesa from the Jotun in 248YE. In 384YE, the Imperial Senate commissioned the restoration of the army. It was completed shortly before the Winter Solstice 384YE. The core of the army is made up of passionate kohan willing to embrace an utter commitment to the act of war.
The third Brass Coast general leads the Burning Falcon, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Winter Solstice each year.
The Freeborn Storm (Destroyed)
This first navy since the reign of Emperor Barabbas was constructed at the Atalaya Shipways in Madruga over the course of 379YE. Enthusiasm for constructing the navy peaked during the celebrations surrounding the Imperial victory over the Lasambrian orcs in Segura, and the Synod capitalised on that enthusiasm to provide additional support to the project. The navy launched for the first time just before the Winter solstice 379YE.
The Freeborn Storm was destroyed just before the Winter Solstice 381YE during the Grendel attack on Madruga.
Army Orders
Months of wrangling with the people of Varushka over the use of the Iron Helms led to a major rift between the armies of the two nations. The Varushkan people chose to stand with the Iron Helms, disregarding the concerns of both the Brass Coast and Wintermark. As a consequence, whenever a Freeborn army is involved in the same campaign as a Varushkan army, the Vaushkans provide a tenth fewer victory points. If armies from both Wintermark and the Brass Coast are present, the penalty increases to a fifth.
During the Spring Equinox 383YE, a motion to refound the Burning Falcons was raised. The Imperial Senate did not support it, but the Freeborn Assembly sent Luis i Alamein i Guerra to enact a mandate to encourage their armies to seize the mithril they would need to support it - presumably with the intention of trying again once they could prove they had the materials. Until the start of the Spring Equinox 384YE, the Freeborn armies were on the lookout for any opportunity to acquire mithril. During that period the general of the Fire of the South was able to issue the plunder order in addition to the normal orders they could issue.
Burn Brightly
- For the next year, any Freeborn army can be given orders to burn brightly when defending a Freeborn territory
The corsairs and kohan of the Freeborn armies have been inspired by the words of the Freeborn Assembly. There is little fear of death to be found of any individual person, but there is now the will to burn so bright that the thought of ever dimming it becomes inconceivable. For the next year, any Freeborn army can take the Burn Brightly defensive order in any Freeborn-held territory.
While not necessarily a sustainable long-term strategy, the Freeborn armies could throw their all into defending their homelands from any who would seek to take it from them. This ferocious and wild display might be enough to make any invaders think twice about attacking the Coast.
- The ability of this army to defend territory is increased by three fifths
- Casualties inflicted by this army are increased by three fifths
- Casualties suffered by this army are doubled
The Freeborn are attended to by their cousins in their homeland and whip themselves into a frenzy. Any who dare to attack the Brass Coast would find themselves drowned with soldiers determined to do whatever it takes to drive the enemy out with no thought for their own survival. The ferocity and shock value is completely overwhelming to any who would seek to stand against it.
If a general issues an order to burn brightly in a non-Freeborn territory, the army will instead make a heroic stand.Further Reading
Core Brief
Additional Information
- History
- Leadership
- Economic interests
- Military concerns
- Religious beliefs
- Magical traditions
- Hearth magic
- Territories
- Children
- Music
- Archetypes
- Groups
- Egregore
Freeborn Armies