Corps of Sky and Earth

General

The Corps of Sky and Earth served as the air force within the military of the Imperii Draconi.

The Corps originally emerged from the cooperation between Dragons, Humans, and Old Ones, and as a practice - though not under this name - predates even the Old Empire.

History

As early as the time of the early Empire (0-680 A.I.D.), Dragons served as messengers and transporters. Initially, transporting other species was uncommon and generally reserved for individuals who had a close bond with a Dragon. Many Dragons in the mid-south refused, out of pride, to transport other beings or carry them on their backs during the period between 3000 B.I.D. and approximately 2500 B.I.D.. Nonetheless, this practice independently emerged in various regions, including Bantubwe, Kehda, Thôsco, Southern and Eastern Aerznia, and Quaräa.

Due to their size and ability to fly, Dragons offered significant advantages in matters of defense. Against the backdrop of emerging interspecies communities, Dragons began collaborating with other peoples in this field.

Infrastructure, such as landing sites and supply stations, was soon supplemented by crews who assisted Dragons during their flights. Eventually, an increasing number of Dragons began transporting passengers within manageable numbers. Initially, they carried them in cages or baskets, until some Dragons eventually accepted riders as well. This latter development was particularly accompanied by a symbolic elevation of 'Dragon riding', as it remained for many Dragons a matter of pride and privilege to accept riders.

The air infrastructure, and consequently air defense and warfare, were initially organized at the local level, similar to the later Imperial People's Army. However, the Corps of Sky and Earth was established before the army - in 1477 A.I.D. by a vote of the Imperial Diet - initially as part of the consolidation efforts of progressive forces. In this context, the Corps functioned as a neutral postal service and increasingly, in some areas, as a ranger and police force.

By the time all military forces were consolidated into the People's Army in 5001 A.I.D., the Corps had already established a long tradition and history of activity.