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Hello Folks,


I'm not the expert on the CSIO that many here are, but I've dabbled elsewhere. The differences between the social structure of the CSIO and Rome are very valid.
Example.
Rome lost 3/4 of that 70,000 men at Cannae, and this was after lossing the bulk (2/3 or better) of several previous armies and then would go on to lose several more. Despite this the armies kept getting raised, trained, equipped, officered (despite losing so many), and then Rome invaded Cathage and won. Then Rome went on a year later to start a 200 long conquest of Spain that cost Rome at one phase (153-133 BC) around 150 to 200,000 men! It's known for certain that Italy's population actually DECLINED from the war's costs at this time (Rome's population by an overall 65,000 despite huge immigration and high birthrate!)!
No medieval society would substain this, only a densely populated, nationalistic, and dedicated population with a percieved stake in victory would endure such losses and keep going. Rome effectively militerized it's population in Italy. And while fighting in Spain conquered North Africa in the 3rd Punic War, Greece, Macedonia, Illyria, Gaul, ect. with OTHER armies. Yeeesh.

No Medieval society in Europe (the defacto trope for the CSIO area, unless I'm mistaken) or even Byzantium from 700AD on could handle such losses. A similar defeat at Manzikert nearly destroyed Byzantium as that was the only effective field army she had! Byzantium was a by that time a psuedo Medieval army and when a ruler called up all trained resources he had all his assets in one spot. Thus total defeat often meant TOTAL defeat. Hence why Agincourt and Crecy were such decisive battles: in both the French nobilty was all but wiped out. It took a generation each time for France to totally recover.
Also Medieval society had a much shallower manpower pool to call on. Medieval farming was very manpower intensive and thus this manpower could only be called up for brief periods and only in certain seasons (emergencies withstanding). Of course to lose this manpower in a total defeat would be a disaster. Knights and the trained men at arms were a SMALL percentage of the population, often less than 10%. Of course, men at arms and mercenaries who could did outfit themselves as knights (but lacked the title and spurs, and pay). Outside of the knights and professional retinue soldiers, the bulk of a STANDING medieval army was mercenaries. Any army for invasion of foreign territory more mercenaries will be hired. Ironically the vast majority will be of the rulers own subjects, but at least they're likely to be loyal! Edward III, and Henry Vs armies to invade France were his Household troops and mercenary troops of English and Welsh origin. Longbows were so common in both cases because they were cheap!
Now, when the fecal matter hit the air circulation device the ruler calls up every body who can fight and has equipment. England actually had laws about every so many households supporting a militia man with a minimum of equipment, while towns and the middle class raised militia units and purchased gear and trained regularly. After the 14th century archery became a mandated activity. However tradition demanded pay for foreign ventures and contracts to be made (Captains recieved contracts to raise so many men) and thus they served as mercenaries, but for defending the realm, they were conscripts. Contrary to popular myth, no noble would throw his untrained, ill-armed, un-motivated serfs or peasants into a fight (he'd lose a fortune and starve that winter if nothing else) when he had a at least partially trained militia to use.

Now due to this, If the CSIO is a feudal society and has little direct control over the countryside outside of oaths of fealty and tribute, then even with 20,000 able bodied males, the number of actual citizens (subjects, or whatever) out this number in active service at any one time will be relativley small. On the other hand many will be in various militia units.
I picture a Byzantine/ Italian City State arrangement where citizens who can afford it are under a great deal of peer pressure to by gear, recieve training and belong to a Company (yeup, where the military AND commercial unit got it's name). These men will only fight to defend the CS when she's invaded, or if hired as individuals (or as a unit if the unit so votes) for a foreign venture by the IO. The poorer citizens may join a mercenary unit licensed by the city directly or the small regular Army that basicly is really the Household Guard of the IO. Otherwise they have little to do with the fighting, rather they provide labor and services to keep the city and the war effort going (i.e. keep working as always or serve as porters and labor in the army). The bulk of the CSs army at any time will be mercs in the end.
It must be noted that a Late Republic Roman legion was the private army of the general, so either way you look at it, these are mercs as well. Same for most medieval armies, as the Captains were menbers of the King's Household!

This is how I understand this at this time, and I'm heavily simplifying things to boot I know. Let me know what you think.