Ranks of the Stormguard
Recruit: The basic entry rank shared by all specialisations. Almost every new applicant will have this rank. Recruits must strive to prove themselves worthy of the Stormguard main force, as they can be discharged at any time if officer ranks do not find them suitable. Their authority and purpose is minimal; rather they are expected to listen and learn from their superiors.
If Recruits are found worthy of promotion, they will be given a rank according to their role on the battlefield. All ranks that follow are equal in authority.
Tracker: The scouts and light infantry of the Stormguard, skilled in subterfuge and infiltration. Trackers are unique in that once they obtain this rank, they are considered outside of the regimented drill structure; while they must still listen to a superior officer's orders, and show correct courtesies, they are not required to attend formations and drill unless specified otherwise.
Battlemage: Magi that have chosen to use the arcane on the battlefield obtain this rank. Dressed in blue robes, they assist the footsoldiers from behind the front lines, and lend magical assistance in non-combat matters of convenience. As they are strategically important in combat, battlemagi must still attend drill and formations. Magi are required to submit to a checkup by a ranked apothecary once per month, to avoid the corruption arcane magics can bring.
Apothecary: The combined medicine and spiritual healing branch of the Stormguard, apothecaries bring a wide range of medical assistance and are a coveted rarity to the injured. First-aiders, medics, doctors and priests of the Light will be given the apothecary rank. Apothecaries are not normally expected to fight in combat and are exempt from being ordered to do so, as well as drills and formations. In medical emergencies, Apothecaries have the power to overrule standing orders given by superior ranks for up to one hour, until such a superior can be present on the scene.
Footman: The primary Stormguard infantry rank, the footman has access to the heavy imperial plate and wields a sword and shield by default, though they can expect to be trained in other weapons, especially spears and polearms as the situation demands. Footmen are subjected to rigorous formation and combat training exercises to ensure their efficiency on the battlefield. Only footmen can raise to ranks above Corporal in the current ranking structure.
After these ranks, the ranking system resumes a combined, ascending order, regardless of specialty.
Corporal: If the numbers of specialised ranks are high, a corporal will be assigned to oversee the specifics of that specialisation (i.e. Battlemage Corporal). Otherwise, corporals are soldiers that have shown a lasting dedication to the Stormguard, reliability and discipline, but are not considered Sergeant material. Corporals have a limited authority to instruct other ranks if a Sergeant or higher rank is not present.
Sergeant: The primary officer rank of the Stormguard, Sergeants are veterans of many campaigns, well-acquainted with the rigours of war and army life, and exceptionally skilled in combat. Sergeants are expected to maintain regular training events with the troops, to responsibly lead detachments in combat scenarios, and to ensure discipline throughout the company. Sergeants may be given a specialisation (such as Tactical Officer) to further define their leadership role.
Lieutenant: A rarely seen rank since Amarae's promotion, the Lieutenant has power second only to the Captain. Expected to represent the Stormguard on a proffessional and diplomatic level, as well as organise the Sergeants and carry out the directives of the Captain, Lieutenants are the highest rank and most responsibility a soldier can work their way up to.
Captain: The commanding officer of the company, and the ultimate decision maker in matters of company direction, affiliation, battle-planning and discipline. The Captain is in charge of maintaining the discipline of officer ranks, dealing with injustices inside of the company, bestowing promotions, and issuing dishonourable discharges. As leader of the company, it also falls to the Captain to represent the Stormguard on a political level, and take responsibility for the actions of the company.
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