Legio XXV Fidelis Constans

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Adspectus (At a Glance)

Home Realm: An Tir Dearg
Unit Web Page: Legio XXV Fidelis Constans
Motto: Fidelis Constans - Always Faithful
Created: November 2009
Members: Khalon Antonius, Tiberius Claudius Marcellus, Semtatem Rufius Clavicus, and Appolous
Location: Nisson Park in Washington, UT
Practice Time: 1800-1900 every Wednesday (right before ATD Realm Practice)

Pars in Belegartho (Role in Belegarth)

Legio XXV is one of three units in the realm of An Tir Dearg along with the Deshi and the Krayts. The Legion recreates the Roman military through the lens of the Belegarth rules set. For simplicity, certain historical ranks and personnel numbers have been removed or altered. The Legion serves as the anvil in the Realm's hammer and anvil tactics and "Three Battle" formation, and as such, focuses on heavy line infantry combat, with members serving as either heavy infantry, support infantry, or long range support. Minimum weaponry generally consists of a 24" x 36" punch shield, a single blue sword, a punch dagger, and one to two javelins for your typical Legionnaire.

Annales (History)

After multiple failed weapons creations in the spring/summer of 2009 Tiberius Claudius Marcellus created a strap tower shield from a blue plastic barrel and became the first Roman-style fighter in An Tir Dearg. He duck taped a large bed sheet to it, tried to tuck the copious amounts of material in on itself and called it good. Unfortunately, the beastly creation was 48" across. After sawing off a good foot of material with the serrated blade of a Swiss Army Knife, he re-taped the bed sheet to his now-legal shield. Once the open cell foam he used to pad it began to wear down and fall off, he re-padded with blue camp pad and sewed a proper draw string cover for the shield. It was at this time that the first shield decorations were added with yellow, white, and silver duck tape. They fell off or were otherwise destroyed by normal combat within the first 10 minutes of practice. It was another month until the designs were recreated with fabric paint and a linen tunica was sewn for minimal garb in time for Sam Hain, October 3rd, 2009. This shield served well for several months until the cover tore due to the fabric paint weakening the thread structure to normal hits.

After introducing Khalon Antonius to Belegarth and discussing their shared love of Roman history the Legion was founded in November 2009. The two men first set out to bring regimented order to their experiences with An Tir Dearg. Shortly thereafter Semtatem Rufius Clavicus, Apolous, and Drew the Russian Whore joined the ranks. Eventually, Drew left Belegarth, bringing the Legion's roster to it's current level. In his honor, the 4 lb beastly red sword he left behind was doused in gasoline and used to unsuccessfully light the pile of wooden pallets that had made up the castles at the First War of Reckoning.

The first unit practice occurred at Hidden Valley Park in St. George, UT and was held on a Saturday morning from 0800 - 1200. It was here that the Latin Drill & Ceremonies Manual that Tiberius Claudius Marcellus adapted from the Ermine Street Guard and the United States Marine CorpsDrill & Ceremonies Manual(under which he trained when he served from 2003 - 2006) was first implemented. Practice was shortly thereafter moved to Nisson park in Washington, UT (ATD's home field) on Saturday mornings from 0900-1200. Due to complications that arose, unit practice was moved to its current time, and a more dedicated focus on unit-related awards, tactics, garb & gear, and necessary discussions was taken in response to the website being created and unit rules being codified.

Constitutio (Organization & Structure)

Legio XXV has a rank structure that incorporates historical roles within the Roman Legions, adapted for Belegarth, and that is designed to both meet the needs of the unit as it grows as well as to provide opportunity and incentive for members to excel and advance. They are listed in order from lowest seniority to highest.

Apellatio (Ranks)

Tirones

Description: This is the entry level rank. Essentially this rank is a trial period as well as a training period. New Recruits are immediately given this rank. This allows them to begin their training to become Miles Gregarii (Full Members). This is a good time for the new recruit as well to decide whether this is the unit for them or not.

Requirements: Willingness to follow Legio XXV rules.

Privileges:

• Able to fight alongside Legio XXV as a Roman citizen
• May earn Copper Gladius, Copper Pugio, Copper Pilum, and Copper Scutum Decorations
  

Miles Gregarius

Description: The Miles Gregarius is a Full Member of Legio XXV. They look the part, they act the part, and they fight the part. They have shown dedication, hard work, and the desire to be a member of the Legion. This is the main rank that everyone should strive to achieve.

Requirements:

• Must Earn Copper Gladius Award
• Must Earn Copper Pugio Award
• Must Earn Copper Pilum Award
• Must Earn Copper Scutum Award
• Must Possess Full Garb (Tunica, Braccae, Balteus, Caligae)
• Must Possess Full Equipment (Gladius, Pugio, Pilum, Scutum)
• Must Pass 80% or Higher on Book of War Test
• Must Pass 80% or Higher on Legio XXV Lex Legis Test
• Must Attend 10 Legio XXV Practices

Privileges:

• Awarded Red Sash
• Awarded Military Diploma
• May Earn Decorations
• May take command of a Contubernium if their Decanus falls in battle
• May Request Lorica Hamata at Legio XXV Pricing
  

Decanus

Description: The Decanus is in charge of a 4 man Contubernium. He will receive orders from the Centurion and he makes sure that his Contubernium follows the orders. Assists in decorating his men with awards. A Miles Gregarius may challenge a Decanus for his rank. The two will then commence in several tests to see who is better fit to lead the Contubernium. These tests include a combat test, written test, and oral test.

Requirements:

• Rank of Miles Gregarius
• Rank Opening
• Must Pass 80% or Higher on Legio XXV Tactics Test
• Must Pass 80% or Higher on Legio XXV Commands Test (Oral Test)
• Must Earn Silver Gladius
• Must Earn Silver Pugio
• Must Earn Silver Pilum
• Must Earn Silver Scutum
• Must Recruit and Sponsor a New Member up to Miles Gregarius
• Must Attend 20 Legio XXV Practices

Privileges:

• Command over 4 Miles Gregarii
• Awarded Red Sash with Silver Trim
  

Centurion

Description: The Centurion is in charge of a Centuria (2 Contubernia; 2 Decani; 10 men total). He receives orders from the Pilus Prior and makes sure that his Decani follow them. Assists in decorating his men with awards.

Requirements:

• Rank of Decanus
• Rank Opening
• Must be chosen by a Pilus Prior to be one of his Centurions
• Must Pass 80% or Higher on Legio XXV Tactics Test
• Must Pass 80% or Higher on Legio XXV Commands Test (Oral Test)
• Must Earn Gold Gladius
• Must Earn Gold Pugio
• Must Earn Gold Pilum
• Must Earn Gold Scutum
• Must Recruit and Sponsor 2 New Members up to Miles Gregarius
• Must Attend 30 Legio XXV Practices

Privileges:

• Command over a Centuria
• Awarded Red Sash with Gold Trim
  

Pilus Prior

Description: The Pilus Prior is in charge of a Cohort (2 Centuria/Centurions; 4 Contubernia/Decani; 22 men total). They receive orders from the Primus Pilus, Praefectus Castrorum, or Legatus Legionis and they make sure their men follow them. A Pilus Prior also functions as a Tribune within Legio XXV. They are allowed to bring up topics of discussion and they are able to vote on such topics. There can only be a maximum of 9 Pilus Priori at any one time.

Requirements:

• Rank of Centurion
• Rank Opening
• Must Pass 80% or Higher on Legio XXV Tactics Test
• Must Pass 80% or Higher on Legio XXV Commands Test (Oral Test)
• Must Recruit and Sponsor 5 New Members up to Miles Gregarius
• Must Attend 40 Legio XXV Practices

Privileges:

• Command over a Cohort
• Awarded Gold Sash
• Awarded title of Tribune
• May vote at Tribune Meetings
  

Primus Pilus

Description: The Primus Pilus is effectively the Third-in-Command of Legio XXV. Only the Praefectus Castrorum and Legatus Legionis can give him orders and he may also give orders to any rank below him. He is to have great knowledge of Roman Tactics and Orders and is also a Tribune and may vote in Tribune meetings.

Requirements:

• Rank of Pilus Prior
• Rank Opening
• Chosen by the Legatus Legionis
• Must Pass 80% or Higher on Legio XXV Tactics Test
• Must Pass 80% or Higher on Legio XXV Commands Test (Oral Test)

Privileges:

• Third-in-Command over Legio XXV
• Awarded Gold Sash with Red Trim
• May vote at Tribune Meetings
  

Praefectus Castrorum

Description: The Praefectus Castrorum is effectively the Second-in-Command of Legio XXV. Only the Legatus Legionis can give him orders and he may also give orders to any rank below him. He is to have great knowledge of Roman Tactics and Orders and is also a Tribune that may vote in Tribune meetings.

Requirements:

• Rank of Pilus Prior
• Rank Opening
• Chosen by the Legatus Legionis
• Must Pass 80% or Higher on Legio XXV Tactics Test
• Must Pass 80% or Higher on Legio XXV Commands Test (Oral Test)

Privileges:

• Second-in-Command over Legio XXV
• Awarded Gold Sash with Silver Trim
• May vote at Tribune Meetings
  

Legatus Legionis

Description: The Legatus Legionis is the General of Legio XXV. He does not take orders from anyone save the Imperator himself and may give orders to any rank below him. He is to have great knowledge of Roman Tactics and Orders and is a Tribune that may vote in Tribune meetings. The only way to become the Legatus Legionis is for the current Legatus Legionis to step down and then receive a majority vote of Tribuni to take charge of the Legion.

Requirements:

• Rank of Pilus Prior
• Rank Opening
• Majority vote of the Tribuni
• Must Pass 80% or Higher on Legio XXV Tactics Test
• Must Pass 80% or Higher on Legio XXV Commands Test (Oral Test)

Privileges:

• General of Legio XXV
• Awarded Gold Sash with Purple Trim
• May vote at Tribune Meetings

Lex Legis (Unit Rules)

1. Legio XXV Rule Board

1.1. Conjuction with Belegarth's Rules

1.1.1. No Legio XXV rule may omit Belegarth Rules

1.1.2. Belegarth's Rules are a minimum standard. No Legio XXV Rule may change a Belegarth Rule unless it is considered to be a higher standard

1.2. Only Legio XXV members are expected to follow Legio XXV's rules

1.3. Adding or Changing a Legio XXV Law

1.3.1. Any Legio XXV Member Rank Miles Gregarius or higher may propose an addition or change to the Legio XXV Rules

1.3.2. An Addition or Change may be brought up before the Tribuni at the Tribune Meetings at the corrcet time

1.3.3. For an Addition or Change to be made the Tribuni will put it to a vote. The Majority vote is the final decision

2. Disciplina (Discipline)

2.1. Orders

2.1.1. An Order given by a superior Officer is to be followed exactly during battles

2.1.1.1. Failure to follow an Officer's Order during a battle results in Strength or Endurance Corrections, to be determined by the Officer giving the order

2.1.2. All Orders are encouraged to be given in Latin on the battlefield

2.2. Corrections

2.2.1. Strength Correction

2.2.1.1. If told to do a Strength Correction the Legio XXV member is to go to the side of the battlefield and do 10 push-ups

2.2.2. Endurance Correction

2.2.2.1. If told to do an Endurance Correction the Legio XXV member is to go to the side of the battlefield and run 2 laps around the battlefield

2.2.3. Weight Correction

2.2.3.1. If told to do a Weight Correction the Legio XXV member is to go to the side of the battlefield in full gear. They are then to hold their sword straight out from their body and hold their shield up so that there is an equal amount of space between the top of their head and the top of the shield, and the bottom of the shield to the ground. This position is to be held for 2 minutes

2.2.4. Special accommodations may be made for those that can not perform a correction. (i.e. We will not force a person to run that has asthma, or force a person to do push-ups with an injured arm)

2.2.5. All Corrections are to be performed after the battle has finished, not during

3. Constitutio (Structure)

3.1. Ranks (Most Senior-->Recruit)

3.1.1. Legatus Legionis - In charge of entire Legion

3.1.2. Praefectus Castrorum - Second in Command of Legion

3.1.3. Primus Pilus - Third in Command of Legion and Commander of 1st Cohort

3.1.4. Pilus Prior - Commander of their respective Cohort

3.1.5. Centurion - In charge of one Centuria

3.1.6. Decanus - In charge of one Contubernium

3.1.7. Miles Gregarius (Legionnaire) - Basic Soldier

3.1.8. Tirones - New Recruit

3.2. Special Ranks

3.2.1. Cornicern - Horn Player

3.2.2. Signifer - Signum Carrier

3.2.3. Aquilifer - Aquila Carrier

3.2.4. Vexillarius - Vexillum Carrier

3.2.5. Imaginifer - Imago Carrier (Bust of the Imperator)

3.2.6. Tribune - Senate Member - All Legatus Legonis, Praefectus Castrorum, Primus Pilus, and Pilus Priori are Tribuni

3.2.6.1. Tribuni all get an equal vote on topics brought up at the Tribune Meetings

3.3. Unit Structure

3.3.1. Legio - Consists of 10 Cohorts (Approximately 233 men)

3.3.2. Cohort - Consists of 2 Centuria (Approximately 22 men)

3.3.3. Centuria - Consists of 2 Contubernium (Approximately 10 men)

3.3.4. Contubernium - Consists of 4 men

3.4. Unit Roles

3.4.1. Infantry

3.4.1.1. Standard Equipment: Gladius, Pugio, Pilum, Scutum, Lorica Hamata, Gallic G Galea, and Full Garb

3.4.1.2. Main Roll: To Provide the main line of defense and offense on the battlefield

3.4.2. Ranged Support

3.4.2.1. Standard Equipment: Arcus and Sagitta, Lorica Hamta, and Full Garb

3.4.2.2. Optional Equipment: Gladius, Pugio, Parma, and Gallic G Galea

3.4.2.3. Main Roll: To Provide Long range support

3.4.3. Hastati

3.4.3.1. Standard Equipment: Hasta, Pilum, Lorica Hamata, Gallic G Galea, and Full Garb

3.4.3.2. Optional Equipment: Gladius, Pugio, and Parma

3.4.3.3. Main Roll: To Provide a heavy offensive line behind the Infantry line

4. Bellum (Combat)

4.1. Illegal Hits

4.1.1. Head Strikes

4.1.1.1. A Head Strike with anything other than a Class 4 or Class 5 weapon (see Belegarth rules 3.2.2.4 and 3.2.2.5) is considered an Illegal Strike

4.1.1.2. If a member of the Legio XXV performs an Illegal Strike to the Head they must perform a Strength Correction

4.1.1.3. If a weapon strikes a patruding piece on a helm it is not considered an Illegal hit. (i.e. Hitting the Plume on a Centurion's Helm or hitting the neck guard on the Legionare's Helm)

4.2. Weapons

4.2.1. All Legio XXV members must use Legio XXV approved weapons

4.2.2. Gladius Hispaniensis - A Class 1 Sword

4.2.3. Pugio - A Class 3 Dagger

4.2.4. Pilum - A Class 3 Thrusting and Class 4 Throwing Javelin

4.2.5. Arcus and Sagitta - A Class 4 Bow and Arrow

4.2.6. Hasta - A Class 3 Spear

4.3. Barbarians

4.3.1. In some training situations a member of Legio XXV may be asked to portray a Barbarian. Doing so exempts that member from rule 4.2.1. and may use whateever weapon they choose

4.4. Armor and Garb

4.4.1. All Legio XXV members must wear only Legio XXV approved armor and garb

4.4.2. Garb

4.4.2.1. At bare minimum all Legio XXV members are required to have and wear the Legio XXV garb during practice and events. Tirones are exempt to this rule

4.4.2.2. Tunica

4.4.2.2.1. Tunicas are encouraged to be made of 100% Linen or Wool, however it is not required

4.4.2.2.2. All combat tunics must be red. Non-Combat tunics may be undyed

4.4.2.3. Caligae - Sandles - Modern sandles are acceptable if they look period

4.4.2.4. Balteus - Belt - Belts do not require the apron. The buckle is to be worn on the right side

4.4.2.5. Braccae - Pants/Shorts

4.4.3. Armor

4.4.3.1. All Legio XXV members are highly encouraged to get their own set of armor

4.4.3.2. Galea - Helmet - Legio XXV uses the Gallic G Galea

4.4.3.3. Lorica Hamata - Chainmail - This is Legio XXV standard armor

4.4.3.4. Lorica Segmentata - Plate Armor - While this is the standard Legionnaire armor we do not recommend it due to movement restrictions

4.4.3.5. Lorica Squamata - Scale Mail - May only be worn by Centurions or higher

4.4.3.6. Lorica Plumata - Feathered Scale Mail - May only be worn by Centurions or higher

4.4.3.7. Manica - Armor Armor - At this moment Manica is to be illegal armor until further notice

4.4.3.8. Greaves - May only be worn by Decanus or higher

4.4.3.9. Bracers - May only be worn by Decanus or higher

4.4.3.10. Scutum - Main tower shield used by Legio XXV

4.4.3.11. Parma - Bucker used by Legio Support Roles

5. Aequalitas (Uniformity)

5.1. Garb and Armor

5.1.1. All unit members are to strive to obtain armor and garb that matches the roll that they are placed in

5.1.2. All garb and armor should appear as close as possible to everyone else in the unit

5.1.2.1. Armor or Garb that does not appear uniform with the unit may be deemed unfit for wear

5.2. Attention and Marching

5.2.1. All soldiers will be required at times to stand at attention. This stance should appear uniform when done

5.2.2. When entering and exiting the field at an event we will march on. Everyone is to be uniform in step as well as uniform in their appearance

5.2.3. At events we stick together. If we are camping over night we camp together

6. Stellionatus (Cheating)

6.1. Cheating will not be tolerated

6.1.1. If a member is found cheating they will be first given a warning. If it continues they will be removed from the unit

6.2. Honor

6.2.1 We win with honor, and we loose with honor. Take your hits. Not taking your hits will be considered cheating

Here is a list of awards that may be obtained by Legion XXV members:

Palma (Unit Awards)

These are the various awards and decorations that can be earned by a member of Legio XXV. Decorations can be earned for the next rank, but may not be worn until promoted to that rank. A member of the Legion must wear all earned decorations on the sash appropriate for their rank while in Dress Uniform in parades or at feast.

Tabulae (Documents)

Military Diploma - Earned by becoming a Miles Gregarius

Cinguli (Sashes)

Sashes are worn during feasts or ceremonies.

• Red Sash - Earned by becoming a Miles Gregarius
• Red Sash With Silver Trim - Earn by becoming a Decanus
• Red Sash With Gold Trim - Earned by becoming a Centurion
• Gold Sash - Earned by becoming a Pilus Prior
• Gold Sash with Red Trim - Worn by the Primus Pilus
• Gold Sash with Silver Trim - Worn by the Praefectus Castorum
• Gold Sash with Purple Trim - Worn by the Legatus Legionsis

Palma (Decorations)

Awards worn on one's sash.

• Copper Gladius - Awarded for passing a Gladius test with a score of 4/10 or higher.
• Silver Gladius - Awarded for passing a Gladius test with a score of 6/10 or higher.
• Gold Gladius - Awarded for passing a Gladius test with a score of 8/10 or higher.
• Copper Pugio - Awarded for passing a Pugio test with a score of 4/10 or higher.
• Silver Pugio - Awarded for passing a Pugio test with a score of 6/10 or higher.
• Gold Pugio - Awarded for passing a Pugio test with a score of 8/10 or higher.
• Copper Pilum - Awarded for passing a Pilum test with a score of 4/10 or higher.
• Silver Pilum - Awarded for passing a Pilum test with a score of 6/10 or higher.
• Gold Pilum - Awarded for passing a Pilum test with a score of 8/10 or higher.
• Copper Sagitta - Awarded for passing a Sagitta test with a score of 4/10 or higher.
• Silver Sagitta - Awarded for passing a Sagitta test with a score of 6/10 or higher.
• Gold Sagitta - Awarded for passing a Sagitta test with a score of 8/10 or higher.
• Copper Hasta - Awarded for passing a Hasta test with a score of 4/10 or higher.
• Silver Hasta - Awarded for passing a Hasta test with a score of 6/10 or higher.
• Gold Hasta - Awarded for passing a Hasta test with a score of 8/10 or higher.
• Copper Scutum - Awarded for passing a Scutum test with a score of 4/10 or higher.
• Silver Scutum - Awarded for passing a Scutum test with a score of 6/10 or higher.
• Gold Scutum - Awarded for passing a Scutum test with a score of 8/10 or higher.
• Copper Parma - Awarded for passing a Parma test with a score of 4/10 or higher.
• Silver Parma - Awarded for passing a Parma test with a score of 6/10 or higher.
• Gold Parma - Awarded for passing a Parma test with a score of 8/10 or higher.
• Copper Expert Gladius - Awarded for passing a Gladius test with a score of 4/10 or higher.
• Silver Expert Gladius - Awarded for passing a Gladius test with a score of 6/10 or higher.
• Gold Expert Gladius - Awarded for passing a Gladius test with a score of 8/10 or higher.
• Copper Expert Pugio - Awarded for passing a Pugio test with a score of 4/10 or higher.
• Silver Expert Pugio - Awarded for passing a Pugio test with a score of 6/10 or higher.
• Gold Expert Pugio - Awarded for passing a Pugio test with a score of 8/10 or higher.
• Copper Expert Pilum - Awarded for passing a Pilum test with a score of 4/10 or higher.
• Silver Expert Pilum - Awarded for passing a Pilum test with a score of 6/10 or higher.
• Gold Expert Pilum - Awarded for passing a Pilum test with a score of 8/10 or higher.
• Copper Expert Sagitta - Awarded for passing a Sagitta test with a score of 4/10 or higher.
• Silver Expert Sagitta - Awarded for passing a Sagitta test with a score of 6/10 or higher.
• Gold Expert Sagitta - Awarded for passing a Sagitta test with a score of 8/10 or higher.
• Copper Expert Hasta - Awarded for passing a Hasta test with a score of 4/10 or higher.
• Silver Expert Hasta - Awarded for passing a Hasta test with a score of 6/10 or higher.
• Gold Expert Hasta - Awarded for passing a Hasta test with a score of 8/10 or higher.
• Copper Expert Scutum - Awarded for passing a Scutum test with a score of 4/10 or higher.
• Silver Expert Scutum - Awarded for passing a Scutum test with a score of 6/10 or higher.
• Gold Expert Scutum - Awarded for passing a Scutum test with a score of 8/10 or higher.
• Copper Expert Parma - Awarded for passing a Parma test with a score of 4/10 or higher.
• Silver Expert Parma - Awarded for passing a Parma test with a score of 6/10 or higher.
• Gold Expert Parma - Awarded for passing a Parma test with a score of 8/10 or higher.