Garde des rois

Every royal family of the Western Kingdoms has a royal guard. Without exception, they are drawn from the most talented warriors in the kingdom. The Aquitanians however pride themselves on the Garde des Rois (Kings Guard) who seem to be even more rambunctious than other units of the same type.
In 1372 PD, the king of Aquitaine supplemented his already formidable Gard des Rois with the new black powder weapons, and over the decades the unit has developed a reputation for flamboyance and some would say arrogance regarding their skills.
Traditionally the Gard des Rois reports directly to the king, though in practice they are also assigned a high ranking member of the intelligence community. Indeed this position may be the origin of what is known as the Laison Officer, a tradition that caught on in other military traditions. This officer advises them about current affairs and sometimes about political pitfalls. Lately, this job has become more and more important as the influence of High Priest Caladeaux becomes increases in the capital, and his intentions toward the royal family seem to run counter to theirs. They are quite aware of the queen's indiscretions and are trying desperately to keep their king and queen from doing anything ill advised.
The Gard take pride in being there directly for the king and queen, in almost any capacity they need. They are protective of this closeness, and since they are in charge of any auxiliaries assigned to them (such as any The Knights of the Deorum Hominis ) they tend to push them to secondary roles or put them with less auspicious members of the family.
In combat, the Gard des Rois seem to thrive on maneuvers that would get other warriors killed.  Swinging from chandeliers, and provoking enemies into mistakes with witty barbs.  They are well trained with black powder weapons in combat, and deadly with the rapier. They are quite daring, and while not truly fearless

While I was in Lutetia I happened upon one of the Gard des Rois in a barfight.  I have never seen anything like it in my life.  The man swung from the supports of doors, used a loaf of bread to pummel his enemies, and then laughed at them to goad them into more.  I can only imagine what he would have been capable of had he decided to use his rapier or pistol.  When he had won the fight, which I must say was a forgone conclusion, he then proceeded to drink as much as the hardiest dwarf!  Is it any wonder they have a reputation for arrogance?
~ Professor Vivian Lecht of the University of Heidelburg

Type

Special Forces