Chapter 72: The Corps Takes Form
Major General Tatsuo Ryujin let his gaze rest upon the two remaining Clash Commanders who awaited their assignments within the new Black Dragon Corps structure: Sir Reeldos Umbra and Baron Kael Elmsworth. The hall remained silent, every officer present focused on their lord's next words.
"Sir Reeldos Umbra," Tatsuo began, addressing the meticulous strategist, "your intelligence and organizational skills are invaluable assets that must be positioned effectively. You will retain your rank of 1st Class Clash Commander."
He paused, locking eyes with Reeldos. "You will serve as Second-in-Command of the 1st Flame Division, directly under Chief Vanguard General Rota Uno. Your specific command will encompass 2,000 soldiers: the full 1,000 veterans of the Drake Battalions, the 500 Human Scouts, and Sir Ehdeec's 500 Hobgoblin Scout and Hunter Battalion. Your primary role will be coordination, intelligence gathering, and ensuring the vanguard division's operational readiness."
Reeldos stepped forward, bowing slightly. "I understand my duties, Your Highness. I will serve Vanguard General Rota faithfully."
Tatsuo then detailed the rest of the 1st Flame Division's senior command structure. "Sir Alaric Stoneheart," he called, "for your proven leadership of the Lion Cavalry, I promote you to 2nd Class Clash Commander. You will command a force of 2,000 cavalry, consisting of your original 500 Lion Cavalry bolstered by 1,500 of our newly trained cavalry recruits."
Alaric saluted sharply. "Thank you, Major General!"
"Commander Damien Blackrose," Tatsuo continued, "your experience is vital. I promote you to 2nd Class Clash Commander. You will command 2,000 soldiers: your 500 Elite Blackrose Cavalry, 500 new cavalry recruits, and 1,000 elite infantry. You will form a fast, hard-hitting element within the 1st Flame Division."
Damien nodded, accepting the command. "I will lead them effectively, Major General."
Tatsuo glanced at Rota. "Chief Vanguard General Rota will personally command Sir Jiasraal's 1,000 Hobgoblin Cavalry, forming the core shock troops of the division."
Having structured the 1st Flame Division, Tatsuo turned his attention to the Blackrose Division. "Within the Blackrose Division, under Senior Vanguard General Valerius Blackrose," he announced, "further assignments are as follows:"
"Sir Ziri Scarmarked," Tatsuo said, addressing one of his original guards, "for your steadfast loyalty and resilience, I promote you to 2nd Class Clash Commander. You will command the division's 2,000 heavy infantry." Ziri stepped forward, his scarred face resolute, and bowed.
"Sir Sokzal Steelwall," Tatsuo addressed another original guard, "your defensive prowess is exceptional. I promote you to 2nd Class Clash Commander. You will command 2,000 troops, comprising 1,000 core infantry from the former Blackrose Brigade and 1,000 archers and crossbowmen." Sokzal accepted with a firm nod.
"Sir Gust Farstrike," Tatsuo declared, acknowledging the skilled marksman, "you already hold the rank of 1st Class Clash Commander. You will serve as Second-in-Command of the Blackrose Division under Count Valerius. You will directly command 2,000 troops: your 1,000 Gunners, the 500 Elven Archers, and 500 Elite Archers and Crossbowmen. Your focus will be ranged superiority." Gust bowed deeply, honored by the trust placed in him.
"Senior Vanguard General Valerius will personally command the remaining 1,000 core infantry of his former brigade," Tatsuo concluded for that division.
Finally, he addressed the commanders assigned to the Guard Division under Junior Vanguard General Ragnar Sternguard.
"Baron Kael Elmsworth," Tatsuo said, meeting the young baron's gaze, "you will retain your rank of 1st Class Clash Commander. Your experience integrating and leading the Hobgoblins is crucial. You will serve as Second-in-Command of the Guard Division, under Vanguard General Ragnar. You will directly command 2,000 Hobgoblins – primarily the heavy infantry formations under Sir Jaastort." Kael nodded firmly. "I understand, Your Highness. I will support Vanguard General Ragnar."
"Sir Proggor Stoneclaw," Tatsuo called to his fourth knight, "your strength is undeniable. I promote you to 2nd Class Clash Commander. You will lead 2,000 troops, consisting of 500 Hobgoblin Berserkers under Sir Tramurx and 1,500 elite human infantry." Proggor stepped forward, his stony face showing fierce determination.
"Sir Nick Crushguard," Tatsuo said with a slight smile, acknowledging the uniquely enthusiastic warrior, "your... vigor... is noteworthy. I promote you to 2nd Class Clash Commander. You will take command of the core 2,000 'brutal men' of Ragnar's original Brigade." Nick grinned broadly, accepting the promotion.
"Junior Vanguard General Ragnar will personally lead the remaining 1,000 Hobgoblins, including the Axearm and Shield/Spear battalions, forming a powerful reserve," Tatsuo finished.
He surveyed the room, the new hierarchy of the Black Dragon Corps now established. Vanguard Generals led the Divisions, supported by newly promoted Clash Commanders leading massive regiments or acting as seconds-in-command, with Rare Commanders leading the battalions beneath them.
"These are your commands," Tatsuo stated, his voice resonating with finality. "Familiarize yourselves with your troops and your fellow officers. Prepare your Divisions. The Black Dragon Corps has been forged. Now, we prepare it for war."