"It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience." -Julius Caesar

The first armed soldiers fielded by Nero where the "Unchained", slaves purchased when he was but a boy meant to protect him. Orthrus, his personal slave was made armor with assistance from the finest armorers that his father Caesar had given him command of. A former slave Centurion named Orion who lead the charge into Alexandria was honored by the Senate and chosen as a potential candidate for Legate status for their regional power in the Creole. A final Slave being called merely "Minotaur" was to eventually join the triumvarate and lead the Vexillatio to be formed by Nero's own hands. These first warriors under heavily armored command where to be known by the name Velites.

Their unforunate name was chosen as they had to be armed with what he had dug up for them from long discarded records found in Alexandria. National guard armories with antiques meant for parades were taken from long buried containers and rearmed. Museums were raided for their potential technological schematics and easily made armor was found in the armory of antiquity. Slim pickings and not a lot of great gear for men that would have to serve as a young General's proof of right to become the leader of Alexandria, and perhaps ascend to second in command for his father one day. The more eagle eyed Velites were given better than bolt rifles and double barrel shotguns, gifted Garands from a limited stock meant once for parades. The more vicious and nimble of velites would be granted the honor of carrying a thermal hatchet, with a blade that would sear clean through all but the best of raider armor. All under Nero's command where to wear a Phoenix upon their war gear to denote them as loyal first to Nero. 300 fighting men were armed from people Nero promised to help reclaim their homes, take revenge upon the raiders who had driven them out, or who honestly believed in the young song of the Legion's leader gentler hand leading to a brighter tomorrow for them. Time would mark these men as having been smart to believe in the young rising Phoenix.

Armory jury rigged and forged by  blokfort

Body armor for this piece is a mix of experimental body armors used by the allies. The Melee shield wielding man is primarily US military experimental, while the garand wielder is using british body armor though made with thicker metal plates than originally. (apoligies for lack of fuzzy whammen I couldn't squeeze one in :C)