The people of Yellowia see the military as a force to protect them from other nations, from monsters, and from organized evils like the cults.  It has traditionally been very well respected and received by the nobles and the peasantry.  Although the Padwell dynasty has dulled the sharp image of the military slightly by their alterations in its traditional positions, placement and use, the military still remains a hallmark of the kingdom’s greatness.

The military is completely voluntary, and has never had need of a draft.  It boasts members from all walks of life, and except for the reign of the Umanin, has never been biased.  Every member enters at the lowest rank, and works his or her way up the ranks through achievement and seniority.  The average soldier stays in service for five years, down to a minimum of two.

While the general population of Yellowia is diverse with a human majority, the military is truly diverse.  Only forty percent of the military is human.  The military is the one place where a noble can be ordered by a peasant.  For that reason alone, it attracts members.  If that were not enough, the military also pays a king’s wage, offering more than any apprenticed craftsman would make for years.

The current system of organization of the military of the kingdom dates back to the fall of the Umanin dynasty.  The Umanin had drastically changed the old ways and put in place a system based on nepotism, bribery, and bigotry.  When the Harticutt dynasty began, they redesigned the military, combining some of the old ways with some of their own ideas.  King Michael Harticutt I is credited with the military’s design.  Since his time, eight hundred years ago, the only changes have been to the names of the ranks, which have been altered through the years.

The military is divided into five armies, one of which is the navy.  The other four armies are as follows: the Midlands Army, the Northern Army, the Western Army, and the Central army.  Below that, the army is broken up according to table 6.

    Military Divisions

Every soldier or sailor starts at the first rank, that of green.  Before a soldier or sailor in rank, he or she must meet two requirements, a time requirement and a merit requirement.  The time requirement is listed next to each rack.  The merit requirement is decided upon by a superior.  Only a superior that is two ranks above a soldier’s current rank can grant the merit portion of the promotion.  Once the rank of general is reached, only the king can promote a soldier.  For the navy, the Grand Admiral replaces the king, who only promotes when there is a need for a new grand admiral.  Landed Nobles are considered to be Captains, while High Nobles are considered to be Full Colonels.  City Nobles hold no honorary rank.

    Military Ranks

In addition to ranks, each soldier can be awarded one of four awards.  The letter listed next to the award corresponds to where the golden chip that represents it having been earned on Figure 2.

1. Having won a personal duel with monster, beast, or being in the service of the military.
2. Having lead at least a Brigade in a sound victory.
3. Attributed with some military innovation.
4. Killed in service, or permanently wounded in service.