Gazing Dyads
I felt my stomach fall out as I layed defeated on the ground. I was hoping this day wouldn't come, that Greed wouldn't knock back on the door. I had never seen creatures so atrocious and much less expected to be killed by one. They had only been part of ancient stories of our people. And in these situations, one would always believe that the only hero would win. That they're the only hero. But apparently I couldn't see myself in that role anymore.
Then I saw both of them. Two brown-cloaked figures came out of nowhere.
One, sword in hand. The other shielded, to a ridiculous point. They vaulted off each other, taking profit of the opportunities the other created, entwining in a blossom of carnage I had never seen before. A brilliant confluence of purpose and skill. I could die happy now, knowing that somebody else could save the tribe. Two heroes it is then...
As one traverses the many mountains of Gwarn Bala, home to the belligerent and infamous Tearlord, it becomes very evident that there's a strict system in place throughout the whole section, organized around the different monastic orders, born from different ideals. As the Thousand Rivers devout themselves to the study of the elements and the climate and the followers of The Last Star keep notes of the planes colliding with Barenae, painting images of plenty of different skies and stars, one might stumble upon these very serious, rugged-looking warrior, wearing brown coats.
These are the adepts of the Steel Seeds, masters of weapon crafting, and general use of weapons. As these always walk in pairs, they give an unsettling impression of connection. While to the foreign eye this sensation might be less concerning to the sight of twins, siblings, or pairs, it's very true that the Order trains each warrior next to their most perfect fit. Such is the nature of a Gazing Dyad, sent to observe and take action where required, never one without the other.
Composition
Manpower
A Gazing Dyad is composed of two individual warriors. These can then, in turn, be organized in groups of 9 Dyads, for a total of 18 Steel Seeds.
Equipment
Their normal equipment includes easily recognizable attire from the Order, a standard tent for two, a first aid kit, survival tools, and textile sizeable bags to keep their belongings, such as hiking and climbing equipment (due to the geographical nature of Nereidai) and basic forging utensils (to keep their weapons refined and ready). From there, the actual equipment wildly depends on the individuals that form the Dyad and their current situation (duo travel, duo mission, army mobilization... ).
Weaponry
The teachings of the Steel Seeds lead their initiates through the path of steel and blade, giving them the tools to learn almost any weapon available in Barenae. This leads the warrior to use a varied group of lethal arms, which they carry and treat with extreme care. These range from polearms to firearms, including the most experimental weapons designed in the armories of the rest of Nereidai.
Given the dual nature of the dyads, normally their weapon choices tend to be complementary. If one specializes in ranged combat, the other will tend to go over protective disciplines. If one goes for a very nimble and quick style, approaching enemies from the back, the other might specialize in drawing the attention of said enemies.
Structure
The two members of a Dyad, when working alone (in any other case they'll follow the chain of command by mastery and rank stipulated by the Steel Seeds) make use of a simple system to assign roles: one of them is the Left Eye and the other is the Right Eye. Left Eye is in charge of patrols, lookout duty, travel planning, and general attention and caring for the pair. Right eye is all about report writing, decision making, battle preparation, equipment control, and restocking. However, as there is hardly any control over who does what and all the Steel Seedlings are equally capable, these roles are highly exchangeable.
Tactics
In terms of approaching a battle, the Dyad will take any approach that suits them, even using dirty tricks and taking advantage of anything they can, while not being unfair if the enemy is not deserving of death or particularly deadly. However, the strongest point of the combat strategy of a Gazing Dyad is their use of each other. Each member of the Steel Seeds has a partner, who they're highly compatible with in military terms. From their weapon choices to the way their movements are always synchronized, as in an elaborate dance. They'll even jump over each other's backs and do many other acrobatic movements to find the most advantageous position, usually making a close-range specialized Dyad almost unapproachable.
Logistics
Logistical Support
Whenever a Gazing Dyad stops in any monastery belonging to any of the Orders of Nereidai they will be offered shelter and provisions for as long as they need them. However, they are expected to work in exchange for the place where they're staying.
Upkeep
The only contemplated upkeep is refilling their provisions whenever they stop in any temple of the Steel Seeds and paying their salaries, which should be accessible anywhere the Temple may have power.
Recruitment
Entering the Steel Seeds is a voluntary choice by those enthusiastic about being initiated in the monastic traditions of Gwarn Bala while being especially drawn to conflict, the craft of weapons, or the teachings of the Tearlord.
History
While the Steel Seeds have participated in a high number of conflicts under various banners, some Dyads themselves are noteworthy for their actions. These are some of the most remarkable:
In 1301 D.R, one of the first non-Nereidaian Dyads was formed and tasked to end the life of a particularly evil dragon that terrorized the land. They were so successful the dragon actually turned into a spring of life, in the middle of a garden.
In 1435 D.R, in the middle of a battle, two persons who had lost their respective Dyads coincidentally found they were highly compatible. They then proceeded to lead their army to victory, followed by one of the most spectacular funerals recorded in the Order's records.
In 1522 D.R, a Dyad kept alive a specially important political representative, facing around a hundred mercenaries for hours.
In 1619 D.R, a Dyad looking for a special artifact managed to not only retrieve said artifact but also control it, solely through the strength of their bond.
In 1786 D.R, after losing their companion, a gazer actually became greatly synchronized with a pet, raising the question if there should be a whole independent variation of the art through the bond with a creature.
Although there should be many more records of these kinds of actions, many of these were destroyed by the Zephyr Operatives that infiltrated the Order around the 2220s D.R.
Historical loyalties
The allegiance of the Steel Seeds has drifted slightly sometimes. Although they were created right after the signing of the Moleras Treaty, unifying all of Barenae, they remained loyal only to the Funost, since they didn't think that would be the last war between them and the Megevan. Once the Coalition solidified itself, it became apparent that military organizations were less vital to the entirety of the place. In this situation, the Seeds turned to the Tearlord himself, to find purpose in his teachings of conflicts and keep themselves ready for any trials the future might hold.
Even if their presence was required every now and then in the Tearlords personal conquests, the time where they would have been needed the most to defeat the invading Zephyr Empires, the leader of the Order and various other operatives sabotaged any effective action, which led the order almost to be dismantled since the troops became highly rebellious and attempted (with little success) to reform under officials loyal to the Coalition.
Given the unconditional support the Tearlord gave to the Zephyr's crusades, the Steel Seeds felt betrayed and found a helping hand in one of his daughters, The Weepers, named, Makeila, Minor Ailan of War.
And as such there shall be a Left Eye and a Right Eye, and they shall cry in solitude, for they're not complete without the other.-The Tearlord
Type
Special Forces
Founding
1257 D.R (Founding of the Steel Sisters)
Overall training Level
Elite
Assumed Veterancy
Veteran
Training
Any willing individual that spends their time entering one of the many monastic orders of Gwarn Bala and ends up initiating themselves in the Steel Seeds Order will soon start to learn all about military tactics throughout the ages and the use of many weapons. Not only this, but the person also learns to forge and keep their equipment in perfect conditions.
Once the initiate forges their first masterpiece for a weapon of their choice, they are tested as long as it takes for them to find their perfect Dyad. The pair then goes on to learn the dual style of fighting characteristic of the Order, until they are ready to take on every Dyad of teachers in the main temple of the Order. Once this test is finished, the Gazing Dyad is then ready to begin duty.
Any training for this unit is to perfect the synergy between the members of it, be it through actual combat training or any activity that might help the two gazers to be better synchronized with each other.
-"Try to keep up, old woman!"
-"Hey Akalu, screw you and your ancestors too. Nobody tells me how to walk, specially my Left Eye."
-"Oh, Rinaa. I love you too, you don't even have to say it. We're so connected. Now let's see who makes it first to the top of that hill. Last one is Left Eye for the night watch!"
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