Overview The Nyssians have no strategic depth and are known for the stout defense of their walled cities, highly mobile strike forces, and engineering prowess.

Organization The estimated strength of the military is 77,400 professional soldiers and sailors. In wartime they are supplemented by slaves and local levies. The army is divided into the Northern and Southern. Each army has two permanent divisions, the North’s are named after Tylar (god of war) and Kali (goddess of disease). The South’s are named after Raidan (god of darkness) and Scy (god of death). If the Pharaoh leads his troops into battle he does so from Raidan’s division.

The army is divided into three distinct branches: garrison, strike, and engineers.

• Garrison troops are called “Turtles”. They man and help maintain the fortifications and walled cities of Nyssia and are skilled at siege warfare.
• Strike troops are known as “Cobras”. Highly mobile troops designed to harass enemies and disrupt their supply lines. They cannot stand toe-to-toe with a sophisticated enemy in open battle. During peacetime they keep internal order and raid to capture slaves for the state.
• The engineers are called “Scarab Beetles.” They maintain the fortifications and the integrity of the waterways. Often attached to Turtle or Cobra units. In wartime they help maintain or open supply lines to besieged cities.

Scorpions: The special operations unit that works directly for the Pharaoh. They vary widely, performing such missions as recon, subversion, guerilla warfare, and direct action. Often used to repress internal dissent.

Crocodiles: The naval arm of Nyssia, built for raiding.

Equipment The Nyssian army is lightly armored, although some heavy units (generally maille) exist. Light armor is often a linen gambeson and helmet. Common weapons are spears, composite short bows, and wooden shields. Levies are usually armed with a shield, perhaps a helmet, and a spear.

The Turtles have artillerists who operate siege equipment including ballistae, catapults, and trebuchets.

The Cobras are mainly horse troops: mounted infantry, light cavalry, and limited heavy cavalry.

Tactics The Nyssian army is not built for invading and occupying other countries. Its wartime mission is to wear out enemy incursions until the costs get too high and they retreat.

The Turtles’ job is to hold and wear down the enemy. While they can engage in limited offensive operations like sorties, raids, and counter-attacks, their main mission is to survive and maintain the integrity of the defenses.

Cobras then attack the logistics and rear areas of the fixed enemy forces. Using hit and run tactics, they disrupt and exhaust the enemy and impair their ability to continue the fight.

Scarab Beetles are responsible for maintaining or opening supply lines to the besieged using the river system, and supporting the efforts of the other units.

History During peacetime the military is used to sustain the state. The Turtles and Scarab Beetles maintain the structures and the Cobras enforce discipline and provide slaves.

Nyssia generally retains good relations with the Five Banners Kingdoms. While one of the Hill Tribes may raid into their territory, they don’t have the sophistication to threaten cities or fortified structures. The most frequent enemy is The Orkan Horde, either retaliatory strikes triggered by Nyssian slave raids or ambitious tribes looking for loot.