The Pendragon Empire maintains one of the most prestigious and ancient military traditions in the world. Its structure reflects the island’s deep bond with dragons and the long knightly culture that developed during the Demon Age. Service begins in humble scholarly duties and may rise all the way to becoming a legendary dragon rider who commands armies from the sky. Soldiers are paid in the common currency of the world: @Crack Halo, @Silver Halo, and @Pure Halo.
A Scribe is the lowest official rank within the imperial military order. Young recruits who cannot yet fight or ride dragons begin here. Scribes maintain records of dragon lineages, military maps, battle reports, and knightly orders. They also study history, dragon biology, and the laws of the empire. A scribe earns about 15 Silver Halo per month along with food and lodging in military academies. Though they rarely fight, scribes are respected because they preserve the knowledge that keeps the empire functioning.
After proving discipline and literacy, a recruit may become a Page of the Order. Pages assist knights directly by caring for armor, maintaining weapons, and learning the code of the dragon riders. Pages train in swordsmanship, horseback riding, and dragon behavior while serving their knight mentors. Their pay increases to 25 Silver Halo per month, and they gain access to formal military training grounds.
A Squire is the final training stage before knighthood. Squires travel alongside knights on patrols and smaller battles, learning tactics and leadership. Many squires begin studying dragon handling during this stage, though they cannot yet ride one. A squire earns 40 Silver Halo per month and is given a personal weapon and armor by the empire.
Once a squire proves courage and loyalty, they are knighted as an Imperial Knight of Pendragon. Knights form the backbone of the empire’s land forces. They command soldiers, protect cities, and serve as elite warriors in battle. Many knights attempt to bond with dragons but only a small number succeed. A knight receives 1 Pure Halo and 20 Silver Halo per month, along with land privileges and noble recognition.
Those who successfully bond with a dragon become Dragon Riders, the most feared warriors of Dragoon Island. A dragon rider commands both the sky and battlefield, acting as mobile artillery and elite strike force. Dragon riders lead squadrons of knights and are often deployed to crush enemy forces quickly. Because dragons choose their riders carefully, this rank carries enormous prestige. Dragon riders earn 3 Pure Halo per month, along with estates, servants, and priority access to imperial resources.
Above them are the High Dragon Riders, veteran riders who command multiple dragons and entire aerial wings. They direct large-scale aerial warfare and oversee dragon breeding and training programs across the empire. These officers earn 6 Pure Halo per month and often hold noble titles or govern major cities.
The highest military authority beneath the throne is the Grand Dragon Marshal. This individual commands all dragon forces of the Pendragon Empire and advises the crown on military strategy. The Grand Wyrm Marshal controls the empire’s aerial legions and can mobilize dragons across Dragoon Island. The position earns 12 Pure Halo per month, vast land holdings, and direct access to the imperial court.
At the very top stands the Dragon Throne, held by the emperor or ruling monarch. Traditionally the ruler must prove worthy by riding one of the ancient dragons of Dragoon Island. From this throne the ruler commands both the knights and dragons of the empire, making the Pendragon military one of the most powerful forces in the world.
Although the Pendragon Empire once possessed one of the richest and most prestigious militaries in the world, the ongoing civil war across @Dragoon Island has placed severe strain on the imperial treasury. The struggle between House Blackburn, House Goldwym, House Pyreloft, and the rising House Cinderwell has fractured the empire’s tax system, trade routes, and dragon-rider command structure. As a result, the military’s traditional pay structure has been disrupted.
Before the civil war, soldiers and officers were paid regularly in Pure Halo and Silver Halo, funded by trade, dragon transport, and taxes from the prosperous cities of Dragoon Island. Now many ports are blockaded, merchant fleets have fled the island, and noble houses hoard wealth to fund their own armies. The treasury that once supported the imperial legions is nearly empty.
Because of this, military pay has become irregular and often delayed. Scribes and pages sometimes receive their wages months late. Squires and knights are often paid partly in Crack Halo or equipment instead of proper coin. Some garrisons survive entirely on food supplies rather than money.
Dragon riders still receive the highest priority for payment because dragons require expensive feeding, care, and armor. Even so, many riders now accept reduced wages or land promises instead of full Pure Halo payment. In several regions, dragon riders are rewarded with captured enemy treasure rather than official salary.
This financial strain has also pushed many soldiers to seek work outside the empire. Some knights secretly accept contracts with the The Adventure League, while others serve temporarily as mercenaries to keep themselves and their dragons fed.