To the south and west of the city of New Jerusalem lies the great Mine of Kenicaut. This seemingly bottomless pit provides much of the copper used in Deseret, on top of other materials. However, Kenicaut serves another purpose; the great buildings carved next to the roadway leading down are the headquarters of Zion’s Legion- the largest military in Western America. The Legion is known for its discipline, as well as its ancient warchant/dance, the hakka.
Composition of Zion’s Legion
The Apostates- Comprised of Church members who have been excommunicated but have been given a chance at redemption. Their chance- serve as front line troops in the Legion. Given the bare minimum of equipment, the Apostates have little chance at survival. If they live, their excommunication is lifted; if they die, they are made famous for their bravery in battle.
The Moabites- From the scrublands of southern U’tah, near the settlement of Moab, come the Moabites. Hardy men on short, strong horses, Moabites provide the majority of the Legion’s cavalry. Armed with a short-bow or spear, as well as a sword and a small cavalry shield, Moabites have a variety of uses in the Legion, mainly as support/scouts for the infantry.
Mountain Men- Descendants of the radical splinter sects of Mormonism, the Mountain Men live in the high hills in isolated communities. While they act as bandits and general outlaws during times of peace, when their communities are threatened they offer their services as skirmishers to the Legion. Usually armed with a bow and skinning knife.
Legionnaire- The average infantryman of the Empire. Some are trained in bows, though most wield spears, swords, and shields. Their armor is based off of old paintings of Nephite soldiers. Well-trained; those who receive a calling to be a soldier are put on a strict regimen.
Apostalic Guard- Some of the best Legionnaire’s are promoted to the Apostalic Guard. Loyal to their own assigned Aposlte, the Apostalic Guard has been known to carry out dirty work for their individual masters.
Temple Square Guard- The elite of the elite. The Temple Square Guard protects the heavily fortified central Temple district of New Jerusalem. Armed with halberds, the Temple Square Guard double as the guard corps for the President.
Associated with Zion’s Legion
Stake Battalions- Organized at the Stake level, the Stake Battalions are ill-equipped but have great enthusiasm. Usually equipped with spears and axes- cheap, everyman’s weapons, though former Legionnaire’s may have brought their swords home with them.
High Priests Quorum- The most veteran soldiers in the Stake are assigned to the High Priests Quorum. There, they guard the Stake President and the Stake Center (capitol of the Stake). Armed similarly to Legionnaires.
Priests Guard- Individual bishops need to have some support at home. Thus, the Priests Guard; tasked with protecting the bishop and the Ward. Equipped more like a Stake Battalion than a High Priests Quorum, but more likely to have more advanced body armor.
Salt Disciples- Wandering priesthood holders are a staple of Mormon life. However, some of these individuals are radicals; they can rile up their people near the firesides where they conduct their meetings, and can convince them to “tread out the salt that has lost its savor”. These “Salt Disciples” give Deseret a somewhat tarnished reputation; when your citizens burn other nations towns to the ground and slaughter everyone above the age of 8, it tends to hurt your peaceful diplomacy.