The Imperial Y'azi Guntai is the backbone of the Y’azi Empire, a disciplined and highly skilled force composed of Y'azi Dragonborn and other loyal warriors. With traditions steeped in the blessings of the twin draconic gods, Fujin and Raijin, the Guntai represents a harmonious blend of martial prowess, spiritual dedication, and technological innovation.
Armament and Equipment
The Imperial Y'azi Guntai draws from centuries of traditional craftsmanship, creating a distinct style of armament for its soldiers. These weapons and armor are imbued with blessings from Fujin and Raijin, infusing them with elemental power and divine protection.
Rank-and-File Ashigaru
- Jingasa Hats: Made from iron, copper, wood, or bamboo, providing light yet effective protection.
- Do Cuirasses: Traditional lamellar or plated chest armor, offering durability and flexibility.
- Naginata: Long polearms used for sweeping strikes and versatile combat.
- Bows: Designed for precision and range, often enhanced with Fujin’s blessings to fire arrows that cut through the wind with unmatched accuracy.
Samurai
- Kabuto Helmets: Iconic samurai helmets, often adorned with crests symbolizing their clans or divine protection.
- Reinforced Do Cuirasses and Traditional Plate Armor: Elegantly designed for both protection and mobility, engraved with symbols of wind and lightning.
- Katanas: Forged with divine blessings, their edges shimmer with latent energy, able to cut through even enchanted materials.
Siege Weapons
The Guntai also employs advanced siege weaponry designed to combat larger foes such as Khaos spawn and Frost Giant.
- Fujin’s Tempest Launcher: A ballista that fires hundreds of bolts imbued with Ether-Rifting magic, creating explosive gusts upon impact to scatter enemies or topple large beasts.
- Raijin’s Thunder Cannons: Arcane cannons that harness the power of lightning, discharging devastating electrical blasts capable of stunning or obliterating massive foes.
- Stormcaller Siege-Engines: Siege towers equipped with elemental nodes that summon localized storms, disorienting enemies and providing cover for advancing troops.
Military Structure
The Imperial Y'azi Guntai operates under a hierarchical structure designed to ensure both discipline and spiritual alignment with the gods’ will:
- Dragon Emperor: The supreme commander and divine ruler of the Y’azi Empire. Currently, Ryujin Hattori holds this position.
- Dragon Priestess: Spiritual leader who bridges the will of the gods with the empire’s military strategy. Currently, Hoshiko holds this position.
- Master of Raijin/Master of Fujin: Leaders of their respective monastic orders, serving as advisors and commanders of specialized forces. Currently, Master Orochi Agatsu and Master Shen Agatsu hold these positions.
- Rikugun Taisho (General): Overall leaders of the Guntai, responsible for strategic operations. Previously, Kanzo Tatsugami held this position. Now, Akihiro Takashi holds the position of imperial general.
- Rikugun Shirei-kan (Commander): Field commanders who oversee large units and coordinate battle efforts. Currently, Tatsujiro Kazuo holds this position.
- Rikugun Taii (Captain): Leaders of smaller units, maintaining discipline and tactical execution. Currently, Tatsu Yomokai holds this position.
- Enlisted Ashigaru: The backbone of the Guntai, comprising rank-and-file soldiers trained in traditional and modern combat techniques.
Integration of Monastic Orders
The Unknown and Unknown often begin their journey within the Imperial Y'azi Guntai, honing their skills as soldiers while fostering their spiritual and elemental connection. Upon completing their monastic rites, many monks ascend to elevated positions within the military, blending their mystical abilities with strategic command.
Legacy
The Imperial Y'azi Guntai is more than just a military force; it is a symbol of unity and resilience for the Y’azi Empire. Tasked with maintaining order, defending borders, and protecting the Dragon Emperor and imperial family, the Guntai has stood as the empire’s shield against countless threats, including the relentless Tides of Khaos from the north.
Their discipline, loyalty, and fusion of tradition with innovation ensure the Guntai remains a formidable force, embodying the virtues of Fujin and Raijin as protectors of the empire’s legacy.
Imperial Y'azi Warrior (Concept Art):
Imperial Y'azi Officer (Concept Art):
