The Royal Mounted Guard

The Royal Mounted Guard are an elite unit of guardsfolk responsible for the personal safety of the king of the Hippean Mounted Court of Crisel.

Selection

Guardsfolk are selected to be part of the Royal Mounted Guard based on their prior experience in soldiering or guarding. They are typically already members of the Hippean Guard with at least five years of experience, or are soldiers from outer Hippean clans that have had combat experience against monsters or invaders. Because the Royal Mounted Guard is a small, elite unit, it is difficult to be put on the selection list for the position. One must demonstrate exceptional bravery or skill in one or more areas vital to the Mounted Guard; equestrianism, weapon handling, strategy, and leadership are all examined carefully.

Once selected, preliminary examinations are held to determine how well a candidate can work under pressure or in extreme situations, as well as evaluate one's teamwork and ability to take charge of a situation. These are all vital to the role of a Royal Mounted Guard, as they are personally responsible for the king's safety. Candidates that pass these tests are accepted into the ranks and each is assigned to a senior member of the Mounted Guard as their mentor, from whom they learn how the job itself is done. When their mentor decides that their mentee is ready, they are allowed to operate as a full member of the Royal Mounted Guard.

Duties

The primary duty of a Royal Mounted Guard is to protect the king. This can even mean sacrificing one's own life to save the king's. To do so, guards are rotated in shifts, with one pair directly beside the king and another keeping watch from outside the tent or from farther away. Guards are never left without a partner. When the king meets with visiting dignitaries, an additional pair is stationed with the secondary pair.

Because of the nomadic nature of the Hippean folk, the Mounted Court often moves from one location to another. When it is time to move the Court, the Royal Mounted Guard helps the Court to pack tents and supplies, and then escorts it to the next location. When travelling, a patrol of guards is sent ahead to ensure the way is safe, while the rest of the Fuard flanks the Court on all sides to protect against ambushes.

The Royal Mounted Guard can also be dispatched in times of war or emergency to any location that the Guard command sees fit. Like the rest of the Hippean Guard, they are subject to these orders. Many are instructed to remain with the Court in order to protect it, but in times of need the highly trained members of the Royal Mounted Guard are essential to the success and safety of Hippeas and her folk.

Compensation

To be a Royal Mounted Guard is a highly coveted and distinguished position among the nomads of Hippeas. Members of the Guard never want for anything. They are provided with the same food that the Mounted Court is served, and given high-quality tents in which to lodge while the Court is stationary. Their horses are equally well cared for, given the highest quality feed, and cared for by the Guard's own horse tenders. When one is appointed to the Royal Mounted Guard, one is given a uniform of good, sturdy material, and one's horse is outfitted with the finest saddle and tack, all emblazoned with the crest of the Mounted Court itself.

Although it is uncommon for members of the Guard to have families of their own given the demands of their assignment, when they do have families, they are also well cared for. These families are allowed to travel with the Mounted Court, albeit slightly separated as appropriate, and are able to share in the meals and tents of their soldiers. Simply travelling in the vicinity of the Mounted Court allows these families to have access to the trading clans with high-quality materials and trinkets for which they can trade.

Members of the Royal Mounted Guard and their families are treated with the highest respect. For the Hippeans, it is an honor to serve their Mounted Court in such a vital role, and the skills necessary to be a member of this elite unit put these guards far above the caliber of other Hippean guard units. For many guards, it is a dream to one day be a part of this Guard and to serve their king and their folk in such a high capacity.