In addition to having a feudal system where kings, barons, and knights would supply their armies to the emperor, my fantasy world’s empire will also have its own standing army. Like the French gendarmes, this standing army will not only be extensions of the emperor’s military strength but also a law enforcement organization that maintains order throughout the empire. As a whole, the imperial army in my fantasy series will be partially inspired by the Roman legions, but will be equipped with armor and weapons that are on the same level as the 13th to 14th century. The infantry will be partially based on the Greek hoplites like the Spartans, specifically their phalanx formation. The phalanx formation was a mobile and impregnable wall of shields and spears. It is what allowed 300 Spartans to hold their own against thousands of Persians in the Battle of Thermopalyae.
Grady P Brown - Author 