The Imperial Military would have several branches: A small, elite cadre that ride birds (probably not predatory birds, because those are hard to keep fed during times of peace). The common soldiery, many of whom only serve for a few weeks each year, just enough to keep them from forgetting all of their training (they're called up en masse in the event of a major military action, but that hasn't happened in years). Some elite ground forces, probably big rats in heavy armor. And a lot of archers and artillerymen.
One branch that's almost completely independent from the normal chain of command, though, is the Imperial Hunters. These soldier/bounty hunters are employed to keep the Imperial larder filled with exotic meats. As the nobles have become more decadent over the years, the demand for such treats as stewed snake brains or fresh honey has grown. The hunters are the folks employed to provide this stuff, and it's dangerous work.
As a result, while they're technically part of the military, in practice they're more like licensed big game hunters than soldiers. They can get military weapons and training, but they're paid in bounties rather than a set wage.
Also, because creatures of the sort that they hunt tend to have been exterminated in the areas around the capitol, they generally have to ply their trade on the outskirts of the empire. So you'll find the occasional hunting outpost on the edge of the empire, crewed by tough but undisciplined warriors. They do their own hiring and firing and their membership changes regularly... if the bounties paid weren't so large, they'd probably all desert... they're much too far removed from the central authorities for the empire to really keep track of them.
It's also a way for adventurous types to earn some cash... even if you aren't a member, it's easy to find a hunter who's willing to split the bounty with you since you've already taken all of the risks yourself.
Posted by Kiz at May 14, 2005 11:47 PMCommentsPost a comment