The Emperor’s Blades were the former military force of Fastheld. In 626 ATA they were decomissioned and folded into the Imperial Watch. The Blades were separated into the Horsemen (cavalry) and Bladesmen (infantry). Most of these soldiers were commoners who would never hold a rank of importance higher than Guardian, although commoners could, through seniority, become Guardian Leaders, Marshals and even Captains.