Editing Nation of Zell (section)

== Military ==
It is unquestioned that Zell has the best military on the continent of Ramesh. Not only is it the largest but most experienced. On the open field, it is thought that Zell is nearly unstoppable. Yet, in recent centuries, the construction of high city walls and the use of spellcasters has slowed the once unstoppable war machine.

==== Command Structure ====
At the head of the army is the Consul of Zell. This head of the executive is the overall commander for the Zell military. Below that are the generals of Zell. Each general commands up to three divisions. Leading each division is the Retarii, a soldier who has risen through the ranks through merit to hold the position. No political figure or noble can hold the position of Retarii without first moving through the ranks. Because of this, the Retarii are some of the most respected and best fighters in the entire Zell army. Divisions are broken down in platoons which are led by Sergeants and each platoon broken down into squads which are led by a captain.

==== A Zell Division ====
The division is the primary fighting force in the Zell military. It is equivalent to a full army. Each division contains between eight and ten thousand soldiers. Among these are at least one thousand calvary, artillery, one platoon of clerics (eighty), and a battery of specially trained high magic users who specialize in area of effect magic. A division, when it sets out from base, also is given enough rations to operate without foraging for up to three months.

==== Bosporan Cavalry ====
Hailing from the area around Caer Bospora, the Bosporan Cavalry are legendary on the battlefield. Riders usually train with a given horse from early adulthood. With a bond unlike any other, the Bosporans can maneuver on the open field better than any other. Additionally, their proficiency with sabres covered in anti-coagulants means that any injury is likely to take an enemy off the battlefield. Truly though, the Bosporans are feared for their devastating charges. Armed with lances, the Bosporans have been known to crush through the flanks of their enemies. Their discipline breaks the enemy line allowing the cavalry to break, pick their targets, and pick off the enemy. In recent years, some Bosporans have begun riding elephants into combat. Although less maneuverable, the elephants allow the Bosporans to clear through buildings, other cavalry, or breaches in city walls. While few, the Bosporan super heavy cavalry are thought to be the next evolution from Bospora.

==== Ultus Regulars ====
The heart of the Zell army is made up of soldiers from Caer Ultus or Caer Minimus. Each soldier is equipped with an aspis shield, two short spears, and an arming sword for close combat. The soldiers are given a choice between leather or a chain shirt for armor. Most choose leather as the Zell army desires to be fast on the open field.

==== Paedor Soldiers ====
What soldiers Zell does not recruit from its heartland are considered Paedors. The Paedors are usually the first to enter battle or be sent on missions. They have no standard kit, as that is left up to the individual, and only basic training from Zell’s Retarii. Despite this, the Paedor fare well in battle. Using their often unorthodox fighting style allows Zell to continuously surprise their enemies.

==== Fidissaries ====
Zell is a war machine and therefore needs more soldiers than it can naturally recruit. That is where the Fidissaries fit. Every seven years, officials arrive at each town in their region. They take the strongest children from ages three to ten. The officials journey to Havell with the new recruits and drop them off at the Hammer. This is the fortress of the Fidissaries. Until age eighteen, the children are trained to warriors that are completely loyal to Zell and the Consul. Each Fidissary is trained in all manner of weapons, military tactics, politics, and magic if they show talent for the art. The training of a Fidissary is considered the most brutal in the Zell army. Fidissaries are expected to be able to lift twice their body weight over their head, be able to run fifty miles without rest, and are routinely dropped alone, naked, in the middle of the wilderness and expected to make it back to Havell (somehow). One legendary instance of this is when thirty Fidissaries were dropped on the [[Primordial Ring]]. Over the course of the next year, twenty-nine out of the thirty made it back to Havell. On the battlefield, the Fidissaries are feared. They engage with whatever equipment is best for the job (usually plate armor and a greatsword) and cut through the enemy line. Fidissaries are particularly adept at finding enemy commanders before either capturing or executing them.

==== Supply Lines ====
The Zell army has the most advanced supply system on Ramesh. With over one-hundred thousand wagons, five-hundred thousand horses, and close to a quarter million people working to manage the supply line, Zell is able to supply its army no matter where it fights on Ramesh. Often during conflict, the enemy does not try to disrupt Zell’s supply lines. It is usually a futile attempt.

==== Generals of Zell ====
The generals in the empire are treated like celebrities. They are routinely swarmed in the streets by crowds of adoring (or angry) citizens. As of 701 AR, there are three top generals. Sinclair Deodra is a commander famous for his bloody sieges. Theodora Candlet is known for her incredible skill in commanding her cavalry. Finally, Caecilius Hispallus is considered the best tactical mind in Zell. He was the only general to survive the Shaking and has a burning desire to reclaim [[Arket.]]