Painted Shields
"Some would say that trolls are savage and tribal. Whilst the Rastari Cohort certainly were, everything they did had a certain degree of class and grace carried with it. Either that, or the fact that gold covered their armour, as if they were trying to flaunt something." - Journal of an Honourbound Grunt from Dazar'Alor
Intro
Formally known as the Seventh Rastari Cohort, the Painted Shields was sent to Orgrimmar by opulent War-God Satrap no Whrugi IV to represent the very best the Zandalari Empire could offer their new allies in the Horde. They are prepared to spearhead their way towards any opportunity for glory to bring back home to Zandalar so their people may sing with pride and remind the world that their civilization is not to be trifled with.
One day, Queen Talanji shall lead the empire and all trolls to another golden era and the Seventh do whatever it takes to help execute that vision. All trolls are welcome to prove themselves in the Painted Shields to receive a chance to stand by the Zandalari Empire when their hour triumph arrives.
Unlike other Rastari Cohorts, such as the Sixth who are mainly concerned with the defense of Zuldazar and its capital, the Painted Shields operate all over Azeroth to support the Horde, but also ensure the growing influence of the Zandalari people following their re-discovery by the mainlanders at the start of the Fourth War, such as offering aid to any tribals who would accept it in their grand vision of a newly established Empire.
Aftermath of the Fourth War
It's been about a year since Kezuga became the cohort's tetrarch. Before him, tetrarch Tak'rata lead the Painted Shields when the war turned bleak for them, with the assistance of the two former talanjites T'zali and Kezuga. Kezuga carried the torch after her but this task was not without its burdens. Loyalists of Sylvanas plotted and schemed from the shadows, as well as N'zoth and his minions, and with Zandalar's strength waned after the war, their island home was left exposed to many other threats.
When T'zali fell in battle, the seventh rastari cohort has done what they can to honor her sacrifice. Not only did they help one another to remain strong and proud, but they worked tirelessly to inspire the Zandalari Empire with their continuous efforts across the globe. Remain strong and proud no matter what odds face them
Traditions
The nickname of the Cohort, Painted Shields, originates from an old tradition any of the soldiers practice once they have proven themselves in the eyes of their compatriots. Being given a personal shield upon rank ascension, each troll then reflects their individuality through war painting the barrier as a means of representing themselves as shield and sword of the Empire.
Another tradition practiced inside the Cohort is decorating oneself with great feathers, or plumes of varying color during special occasions, ceremonies, funerals, and similar events. The means of this is representing an air of superiority and beauty to demonstrate the ancient power of troll kind.
The Chain of Command of the Seventh Rastari Cohort
Queen - At the top of the Empire's society, seated on a golden throne, Queen Talanji of Zandalar oversees her realm and people, hailing a new age for trolls of all tribes.
Zanchuli Council - Defending the interests of the Queen and managing the Empire more directly, the diverse new council of Zanchul rules the realms of Zandalar.
War-God Satrap no Whrugi IV
This once-legendary warrior of the Empire has lived through his days of power and glory. Now retired he feasts in the golden halls of Zanchul, serving as an example to the Cohort's under his indirect command.
Hierarch M'jej
The Hierarch, once an honored rank within the Seventh is now occupied by the War-God's nephew, serving as bureau figure and connection between the unit and his uncle.
Tetrarch
The rank in direct command of the Painted Shields, currently bestowed onto Beni'ya. He leads the charge and mission of the Cohort and corresponds with the military officials of the Horde.
Talanjite
The right hand to the Cohort's leader, the title of Talanjite currently goes to Weaponmaster Akuh, a long-serving warrior that has demonstrated his sense of duty numerous times.
Bloodied
These venerated warriors serve as examples to their brethren and sisters in arms. Having gained the honor to paint their shields in the blood of their enemies and their own, these trusted figures supervise the Cohort when neither Tetrarch, nor Talanjite is available. Currently, this title belongs to the Raptari Ehyko, the feared and beloved Gladiator T'zekra the Hydra, and former Talanjite, War-Priestess Yuja of Krag'wa.
Shieldmon
The core of the unit, the Shieldmon fight for Zandalari and uphold the will of the Queen and Loa alike. These individuals have proven themselves to the Empire and have earned a shield to be revered among trolls and those that respect their tradition.
Unpainted
The Unproven recruits of the Cohort.
The Loa's Reprisal
The Loa's Reprisal is one of the first ships to have been built after the Battle of Dazar'alor, a testament against the dire situation the war had brought to the Zandalari. The seventh rastari cohort personally ventured out to establish trade between many civilizations such as the tol'vir and the tuskar to help fund its construction.
The mighty vessel has brought the Painted Shields to many shores swiftly and remains as their prized possession.
Di'chuka Talanji!
Type
Military Order
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Decorated/Honored
Leader
- Tetrarch Beni'ya
- Talanjite Akuh
The Loa's Reprisal
Friendly
As neighbors from the Continent of the Empire, many bonds of friendship are shared between the Caravan and the Cohort as have many adventures.
Allies
From a terrible history of war and suffering bloomed a great friendship between trolls and the Pandaren Silks, aiding each other's homelands on the regular and becoming one of the most impressive bonds of forces within the Saurfang Legion.
Allies
From a terrible history of war and suffering bloomed a great friendship between trolls and the Pandaren Although generally being subjected to an air of doubt between these two distinct races, the trolls, and elves of the Saurfang Legion have found valuable allies within each other.
Allies
Though some disagree with the occasional practise of blood magic and haemomancy, the Rastari Cohort and the Swinetusk have proven to have good rapport on the field of battle.
Allies
Although elves and trolls have not always got along, the Highblood Myrmidons and the Rastari Cohort try to put their history to one side for the betterment of the Horde. They have worked together many times to protect not only their people but those of the Horde even if the occasional insult is thrown between the ranks.
Hostile
The Trolls of the Painted Shields are to be considered hostile. Their actions have shown their xenophobic ways towards the Oronaari.
Hostile
Trolls are nothing but trouble as most soldiers say, Stranglethorn has only proven to that to be true for the Sentry.
Hostile
Condemning the Ebons as slavers and abominations, the Cohort has developed unfathomable hate after witnessing the capture of troll souls and the raising of their own into undead service. Keeping a soul from the Loa of Death and Kings means withholding power that justly belongs to the Queen, thus any that would dare raise a troll must be reduced to ash.
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
