Organiztion of the Holy Roman Empire

REMINDER:  You will never have responsiblity thrust upon you, your commanding officers watch closely and are to ensure that you get only what you can handle.  If you're having a problem, please consult your commanding officers using the Chain of Command listed below.  If you want more responsiblity, ask your commanding officer how you can be awarded more responsiblity for each rank involves and increasing amount of responsibility.  Failure to meet the duties of your rank/office will result in punishment up to and/or including your demotion or dismissal.

Augustus or Imperator/Emperor

Ø      Flavius Ætius Avetus or Flavius Ætius Avetus Darkonius (to his family) aka Dino R. LaMana

Ø      Flavius Ætius Avetus commands the Comitatus (Imperial Field Army )

_{Note:  This is not an appointed or elected position.  Only the current Imperator can name his/her successor.}

Praetorian Prefect (Praefectus Praetorio)/ Leader of the Praetorian Guard

Ø      Position Unfilled

Praetorian Guard (Cohortes Praetoriae)/ Bodyguard of the Imperator

Ø      This is a special Legion whose sacred duty was to protect the Emperor and Rome from all enemies both foreign and domestic, signified by Purple tunics instead of Red or White.

Magister Utruisque Militum or Magister Militum/Master General

Ø      If the Imperator is not present, this is the person that will run the country, followed then by the Praetorian Prefect.

Ø      Commands Legio II Parthica based at Albanum (originally in Italy)

Dux Bellorum/General

Ø      Each Dux Bellorum oversees 2 legions, when the number of standing legions raises above this, another Dux Bellorum will be added.  (Ex.  There are currently 2x Dux Bellorumii and 4x Legions.  In one of those Legions, an Optio Ad Spem Ordinis rises to the rank of Centurion and starts his/her own Legion.  That new legion is temporarily placed under the Magister Militum until 1 or more additional legions are formed.  When another Centurion takes his/her place and starts a second legion the following advancements occur.  The Magister Militum and the Imperator meet to determine who, of the current officers, will be the next Dux Bellorum.  The new Dux Bellorum will oversee his/her own legion and one other legion.

Note:  When it states that you oversee a legion, this means you make sure its members are equipped, fed, informed, trained and disciplined.  You DO NOT usurp control of that legion, doing so will result in your IMMEDIATE termination and reduction in rank (usually to Legionnaire) and transfer.  For first time offenders, you may be able to climb the ranks again, but it will be severely more difficult.  Should you make it a second time and repeat the offense, you will be stripped of all titles and reduced to probatí for 1 year and never again rise above the rank of optus.  Yes, it is a severe punishment, but the officers have to think of Rome first – as should any Roman worth his weight in gold!

Legatus/Colonel

Oversees the military and administrational duties of a Legion.  This is where the administration and military branches meet within the Legion.  From this point on up the Chain of Command, these individuals may submit individuals for awards.

Comes(i)/Major

This is the second in command when it comes to the administration of the Legion, they delegate responsibilities to the tribunes, but are ultimately responsible.  Comes are either experienced tribunes or a child of a powerful family.  Comes do not handle, nor can they delegate military responsibilities.

Tribune(s)/Lieutenant

These are young senators that handle administration of the Legion they are attached to.  Tribunes have usually served in the Legion at some earlier time.

Centurio Primus Pilus/First Sergeant

The head of all the centurions (usually the senior ranking centurions), leader of the first century of the first cohort.

Centurion(s) or Centurio/ Sergeant(s)

So, now you are an absolute (How did Imperator Dominus put it?) badass on the field.  In addition you exemplify what it is to be Roman.  You have met the challenge and are now, if you so choose, ready to start your own Legion (becoming a Tribune until their commanding officers feel they can handle the responsibilities - thus becoming a Comes and finally a Legate)!  If you decide not to, your Commanding Officer will be more than glad to have you in his or her own Legion.  You inspire fear in your enemies – they should know you by sight/name.  Centurions carry a twisted oak cane as a sign of their station (aside from the Centurion’s helmet).

Optio Ad Spem Ordinis/Pre-Centurion

These are optiones (plural for optio) that meet the qualifications for becoming a centurion, but either do not want the title or have not completed the Roman Officer Training Academy .

Optio Primus Pilus/Senior Corporal

The senior ranking optio of the Centurio Primus Pilus, of the first century of the first cohort.

Optio/Corporal

Optiones serve as aids to the centurions they are attached to.  Optiones are chosen by the centurio they are to serve, however, the centurio’s senior officers have the final say.  This ensures that only the best-qualified soldiers have positions of authority in the Legion, and not your friends.  Only optiones have the ability to become centurions, so only accept this title if you want to become a centurion!  Optio carry a large wooden staff used to keep other soldiers in line.  Optio march in the rear of the legion they are attached to so they can relay their centurions orders to the rear and keep their fellows in check.  Optio can wear helmets with crests, but it is the short special service crest that they wear.

Signifier/Standard Bearer

A legionnaire that carries the Legion’s standard or eagle into battle.  They usually have a wolf’s pelt covering their armour over the shoulders.

Legionnaire/Private or Soldier

At this point you receive citizenship in the Holy Roman Empire and gain a voice, albeit a small one – but a voice none the less, in the Senate.  Legionnaires are the backbone of our army, but if we are made entirely of Centurions (because of advancement) we are not top-heavy, we are unstoppable!  You have passed the first test put upon you and I look forward to seeing you at the War Council (made entirely of Tribunes and above).

Petitioners of the Holy Roman Empire or Mercenaries/Probatí

This is where everyone in the Holy Roman Empire spends at least the first six (6) months of his or her life in the Holy Roman Empire's Legions.  Probatí are not citizens of the Holy Roman Empire, they are mercenaries, ex-slaves, outcasts, petitioners, etc.  Though this does not mean Roman Citizens are allowed to mistreat any probatí, it just means that they are not allowed a vote in the Senate or have a voice.  If a probatí has any questions or concerns, they are to see their Centurion Commander immediately.  Then and only then (unless the problem is their Centurion Commander) can you go up the Chain of Command.