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Message: <blockquote data-quote="kigmatzomat" data-source="post: 1762669" data-attributes="member: 9254">I don't classify generals the same.  Or more accurately, I don't think some of that is work for a General.  Tactical combat commander: Captains & Majors.   Unit size: <500 menTypical mission: attack west flank, capture unwalled cities or small walled towns.  The highest rank most skilled fighters will recieve in most militaries.  While many Fighters/Rangers/Paladins have the skills to command units of a dozen men (i.e. lieutenant), few will have the skills to manage the distributed combat that will occur at this level. This is the highest rank likely to be routinely assigned combat missions.  Barons (the lowest ranked of the typical lordly nobles) default to the rank of Major due to the troops they personally command and you'll note it is convenient that a Baron's ranking military man is often given the title of Captain.  local strategic commander: ColonelUnit size: ~1,500 menTypical mission: hold a pass, secure supply lines, prioritize cities for captureColonels have proven themselves as tactical commanders and have the logistical and management skills to handle larger forces with long term (i.e. strategic) projects.  Colonels will more often than not signify the existence of an HQ, simply by the number of troops and supplies required.  A colonel's command almost always requires a supply train.     Nobles of Count status or higher rarely have ranks lower than Colonel simply due to the number of troops they would personally bring to the field in the case of war and because it would be politically unwise to send out these nobles on patrol.  Note that a Count will bring a few baronies worth of troops.    Truth of the matter is that many Counts will likely stay home to guard the county and protect his people while sending off Barons to represent them.  Regional strategic commander: GeneralUnit size: ~10,00 menTypical mission: secure a region, siege a cityThis rank is one not handed out lightly.  The amount of destruction 10,000 men can cause is immense.  (BTW a 10,000 man force was fairly common at least by the 1600's)As a result it is as much a political appointment as a command decision.  A ruler is often judged by his generals since they indicate the type of war he will wage.     Because of the communication issues, Generals will often be in the field near the battle, preferrably on high ground where they can see as much as possible.  A general will see much fighting, though it should not often reach him.    Generals are always knighted and often made Thanes (i.e. the King "loans" him a title) with a rank equivalent to Duke. This ensures they are given the respect they need.  Dukes also tend to "inherit" the title of General simply by fielding many thousand troops.     A duke will often take the field, allowing the majority of Counts to manage the homefront relying on a few combat-proven Counts for his HQ and a large cadre of barons for tactical commanders.  Overall strategic commander: Field MarshallUnit size: ~20-50,000 menTypical mission: invade a country, secure the western frontMost king's reserve this rank for themselves but those few leaders who find a commander able to handle the tasks are most grateful.  The field marshall is often mobile, visiting regional HQs to get a feel of the front.  Field Marshall's delegate to Generals and Colonels, providing tactical tips but leaving the actual tactical implementation of strategy to them.  It is assumed they are competent which would make it rude to do otherwise and being rude to a proud nobleman is a great way to have him do something stupid in the name of honor.  (Remember how I said it was a political appointment?)   Field Marshall's are virtually always given the the title of Duke and in many cases are given command of many of the king's personal troops, further solidifying their political rank.  It's one thing to kill a messenger from someone of equal rank and deny knowledge, it's another to kill the Royal Guardsmen.</blockquote>

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