The Frostguard

The Frostguard represents the pinnacle of orcish military prowess, demonstrating exceptional combat skills, tactical expertise, and unwavering loyalty to the defense of Thrumgol.

Composition

Manpower

While the exact number varies, the Frostguard regularly maintains 30-50 highly capable warriors.

Equipment

The Frostguard is equipped with specialized gear and equipment tailored for mountain warfare. This includes lightweight yet durable armor designed for mobility, warm fur-lined garments to combat the cold, and snow-resistant footwear for surefootedness. They are equipped with high-quality weapons, including orcish-forged blades, bows, and a variety of siege weaponry, ensuring they have the necessary tools to defend Thrumgol effectively.

Frostforged Armor:

The Frostguard wears Frostforged Armor, a specially crafted armor designed for both protection and mobility in the mountainous terrain. This armor is forged from orcish-forged steel and incorporates elements of reinforced leather or fur, providing a balance between defense and flexibility. Frostforged Armor is designed to withstand impacts and harsh weather conditions, offering protection against both melee and ranged attacks while also insulating the wearer against the cold.

Iceweave Cloaks:

To combat the biting cold of The Rush, the Frostguard wears Iceweave Cloaks. These cloaks are made from a combination of enchanted ice-infused fabric and fur, providing insulation against extreme temperatures. The Iceweave Cloaks are lightweight and resistant to snow and ice buildup, allowing the Frostguard to move freely without hindrance. Additionally, the cloaks can adapt to the environment, providing limited camouflage by blending with the snowy surroundings.

Frostbite Gauntlets:

Frostbite Gauntlets are specialized hand coverings worn by the Frostguard. Crafted from a combination of orcish-forged steel and enchanted materials, these gauntlets provide protection for the hands and enhance gripping strength even in freezing conditions. The Frostbite Gauntlets are designed to resist frostbite and maintain dexterity, allowing the Frostguard to handle weapons and equipment effectively while enduring the extreme cold of the mountains.

Snowfall Goggles:

Snowfall Goggles are protective eyewear worn by the Frostguard to combat the glare of the snow and ensure visibility in blizzard conditions. These goggles have lenses treated with magical enchantments to reduce glare and enhance vision, allowing the Frostguard to see clearly in snowy environments. The goggles also provide protection against wind, debris, and harsh weather conditions, enabling the Frostguard to maintain visual awareness during combat.

Froststeel Weapons:

The Frostguard wields Froststeel Weapons, orcish-forged weapons crafted with a unique blend of steel and infused with enchantments associated with ice and cold. These weapons are renowned for their durability, sharpness, and ability to retain their edge even in freezing conditions. Froststeel weapons are effective against adversaries wearing armor and can sometimes inflict frostbite upon contact, providing an additional advantage in combat.

Frostbite Traps and Snares

: To defend and secure their positions, the Frostguard utilizes Frostbite Traps and Snares. These specialized traps are designed to incapacitate or slow down intruders. Frostbite Traps may include enchanted spikes embedded in the ground, triggered by pressure or movement, which freeze and immobilize the target. Snares are strategically placed nooses designed to entangle and restrain unsuspecting enemies, making it easier for the Frostguard to neutralize or capture them.

Weaponry

Frostblade:

The Frostblade is a distinctive weapon wielded by the members of the Frostguard. It is a carefully crafted Orcish longsword, renowned for its exceptional strength, durability, and balance. The Frostblade is forged from a combination of traditional orcish techniques and infused with enchantments that enhance its effectiveness in combat. Its blade is often etched with frost motifs, symbolizing the unit's connection to the snowy mountains of The Rush. The Frostblade grants the wielder an advantage in the cold, enabling them to channel elemental frost energy into their strikes.

Avalanche Bow:

The Avalanche Bow is a specialized longbow used by the archers within the Frostguard. Crafted from a combination of sturdy wood and reinforced with orcish metalwork, the Avalanche Bow boasts exceptional power, accuracy, and range. It is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of The Rush, including strong winds and heavy snowfall. The arrows used with the Avalanche Bow are tipped with specially crafted arrowheads, capable of penetrating even the thickest armor or creating debilitating frost effects upon impact.

Stormcaller Gauntlets:

The Stormcaller Gauntlets are unique gauntlets worn by a select few members of the Frostguard. These gauntlets are embedded with rare crystals found within the mountainous region of The Rush. The crystals have innate electrical properties, allowing the wearer to channel and manipulate lightning. The Stormcaller Gauntlets grant the wearer enhanced strength and agility, while also enabling them to unleash devastating electrically charged attacks, creating powerful shockwaves or emitting lightning bolts.

Frostfall Shields:

The Frostfall Shields are shields specifically designed for the Frostguard. These shields are crafted from a combination of reinforced orcish metal and sturdy hide, providing excellent defense against melee and ranged attacks. The shields are further enchanted to create a frost aura that surrounds the wielder, offering additional protection and slowing down adversaries who come into contact with it. The Frostfall Shields enable the Frostguard to maintain a strong defense while engaging in close-quarters combat.

Thunderpeak Hammers:

The Thunderpeak Hammers are formidable weapons utilized by the heavy assault units within the Frostguard. These massive war hammers are forged with orcish strength and imbued with elemental power. The Thunderpeak Hammers can generate concussive shockwaves upon impact, creating devastating tremors that can disorient opponents and even shatter structures. The sheer force of these hammers, combined with their lightning-infused enchantments, makes them formidable tools of destruction in the hands of the Frostguard.

Vehicles

Icewing Gryphons:

Icewing Gryphons are majestic creatures that have been magically adapted to the frigid mountain environment of The Rush. These magnificent beasts possess a combination of avian and reptilian traits, with powerful wings and sharp talons. Icewing Gryphons are highly maneuverable in the air, enabling the Frostguard to engage in aerial reconnaissance, swift strikes, and hit-and-run tactics. The gryphons' natural resistance to cold makes them well-suited for flying amidst the snow-covered peaks, providing the Frostguard with aerial support and an advantage over their adversaries.

Frostfang Wolves:

Frostfang Wolves are large, agile, and fiercely loyal creatures that have been tamed and trained by the Frostguard. These wolves possess dense, insulated fur and sharp teeth, perfectly adapted to the snowy environment of The Rush. The Frostfang Wolves can effortlessly navigate the treacherous terrain, swiftly moving through the snow and tracking targets with remarkable precision. They serve as both companions and mounts for the Frostguard, providing them with increased mobility, heightened senses, and a fearsome presence on the battlefield.

Avalanche Chargers:

Avalanche Chargers are robust and muscular creatures specifically bred by the Frostguard for their strength and resilience. These formidable mounts possess tremendous power and endurance, allowing the Orcish warriors to charge through the snow and rocky terrain, crashing into enemy lines with great force. The Avalanche Chargers have thick, reinforced hide and powerful legs that help them traverse challenging mountainous landscapes. Mounted Frostguard soldiers atop Avalanche Chargers strike fear into the hearts of their adversaries, using their momentum and sheer strength to break through enemy defenses.

Structure

High Frostwarden:

The High Frostwarden is the overall leader and commander of the Frostguard. This position is held by an esteemed Orcish warrior who has proven exceptional skill, experience, and leadership. The High Frostwarden is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Frostguard, overseeing its operations, and making critical decisions. They coordinate with the city's governing body and maintain a close connection with the Clan Council, ensuring alignment with Thrumgol's overall defense strategy. The current High Frostwarden is Kragor Iceheart.

Frostwarden Captains:

Underneath the High Frostwarden, there are several Frostwarden Captains who hold positions of authority within the Frostguard. Each Frostwarden Captain leads a designated squadron or specialized unit within the Frostguard. They are experienced commanders chosen for their tactical acumen, combat expertise, and ability to lead troops effectively in the challenging mountain environment. Frostwarden Captains are responsible for the training, discipline, and readiness of their respective units.

Frostwarden Lieutenants:

Assisting the Frostwarden Captains are Frostwarden Lieutenants, who serve as second-in-command to each captain. They provide crucial support in overseeing the operations of their assigned units and help ensure effective communication and coordination among the Frostguard ranks. Frostwarden Lieutenants often possess specialized skills and act as advisors to the captains, assisting in decision-making, strategy, and training.

Specialist Sergeants:

Within each squadron or specialized unit, there are Specialist Sergeants who hold expertise in specific areas such as archery, scouting, siege tactics, or close-quarters combat. They serve as leaders and trainers for their respective specialties, guiding and mentoring the Frostguard members within their assigned areas of expertise. Specialist Sergeants play a crucial role in honing the skills and proficiency of the Frostguard soldiers in their specialized disciplines.

Frostguard Soldiers:

The backbone of the Frostguard is formed by its skilled and dedicated soldiers. These are the frontline warriors who undergo rigorous training, exhibit exceptional combat abilities, and demonstrate unwavering loyalty to the defense of Thrumgol. They follow the orders and guidance of their superiors within the command structure, carrying out assigned missions, and upholding the values and traditions of the Frostguard.

Tactics

Ambush and Hit-and-Run:

The Frostguard excels in ambush tactics and hit-and-run maneuvers, taking advantage of their intimate knowledge of the terrain and the element of surprise. They utilize the rugged mountain landscape to their advantage, setting traps, creating chokepoints, and launching sudden assaults on unsuspecting enemies. Their swift strikes are followed by quick disengagements, disappearing into the mountains before the enemy can mount a counterattack.

Skirmishing and Guerilla Warfare:

Given the challenging mountainous terrain, the Frostguard is adept at skirmishing and guerilla warfare tactics. They engage the enemy in small-scale encounters, exploiting their agility and knowledge of the surroundings. The Frostguard soldiers utilize their exceptional archery skills, hit-and-fade attacks, and terrain-based advantages to harass and weaken enemy forces, demoralizing them with relentless hit-and-run tactics.

Mountain Path Control:

The Frostguard maintains a network of mountain pathways and routes that they are intimately familiar with. They strategically position themselves along key routes and passes, using natural chokepoints and defensive positions to control movement and restrict enemy advances. By establishing control over critical mountain paths, they can effectively deny or delay enemy access to Thrumgol, allowing for better preparedness and potential reinforcements.

Adaptive and Evasive Maneuvers:

The Frostguard is skilled at adapting their tactics to the changing mountain environment and the evolving dynamics of battles. They leverage their agility, stamina, and knowledge of the terrain to execute evasive maneuvers, utilizing natural cover and the rugged landscape to their advantage. The Frostguard can quickly change their positions, disorient adversaries, and exploit vulnerabilities in enemy formations, maintaining a constant element of surprise and unpredictability.

Coordinated Defense and Shield Walls:

In instances where the Frostguard is required to defend specific areas or structures, they employ coordinated defensive formations, including shield walls. The Frostguard soldiers lock their shields together, creating a formidable barrier that shields them from enemy projectiles and provides a solid defense against frontal assaults. This disciplined and coordinated defense allows the Frostguard to hold crucial positions and buy time for reinforcements or counterattacks.

Combined Arms Tactics:

The Frostguard leverages the diverse skills and expertise within their elite unit through combined arms tactics. Archers provide cover and ranged support, while melee warriors engage in close-quarters combat. Specialists in siege tactics operate catapults and other siege equipment, allowing for effective assaults on enemy fortifications. The Frostguard's ability to seamlessly coordinate and combine their skills and resources ensures a multifaceted approach to defense.

Training

Members of the Frostguard undergo a rigorous selection process based on physical prowess, combat aptitude, and demonstrated dedication to the protection of Thrumgol. Once selected, they undergo intensive training regimens that encompass a variety of combat techniques, survival skills, and specialized mountain warfare tactics. Training often takes place in harsh mountain conditions, honing their abilities to operate effectively in the snowy and treacherous terrain.

Physical Conditioning:

Frostguard candidates undergo intense physical conditioning to develop strength, endurance, and agility necessary for the demanding mountainous environment. Training includes activities such as long-distance runs through rugged terrains, climbing steep slopes, carrying heavy loads, and enduring harsh weather conditions. Physical conditioning aims to ensure that Frostguard members possess the physical fitness required to endure the challenges of mountain warfare.

Weapons Proficiency:

Frostguard trainees receive comprehensive training in weapons proficiency. They learn to wield a variety of Orcish weaponry, including swords, axes, spears, bows, and shields. Training sessions focus on mastering offensive and defensive techniques, precision strikes, weapon maintenance, and developing speed and accuracy. Trainees are taught to fight with efficiency and adaptability, utilizing their chosen weapons effectively in various combat scenarios.

Mountain Survival Skills:

Given the harsh mountain environment of The Rush, Frostguard candidates are trained in mountain survival skills. They learn essential techniques for traversing difficult terrain, scaling cliffs, navigating through snow and ice, and identifying potential hazards. Survival training includes snow and ice survival, shelter-building, fire-making, and foraging for food and resources in the mountains. These skills ensure the Frostguard can operate effectively in extreme conditions and sustain themselves in the wilderness.

Tactical Training:

Trainees undergo extensive tactical training, focusing on both offensive and defensive maneuvers in mountain warfare. They learn to execute ambushes, coordinate attacks, and utilize the terrain to their advantage. Tactical exercises involve simulated combat scenarios, strategic planning, and practicing teamwork and communication. Trainees develop their ability to adapt to changing situations, make sound decisions under pressure, and act as a cohesive unit in the field.

Stealth and Reconnaissance:

Frostguard candidates receive training in stealth and reconnaissance techniques, allowing them to operate covertly in the mountains and gather vital intelligence about potential threats. They learn to move silently, blend with their surroundings, and conduct surveillance without being detected. Training includes camouflage techniques, observation skills, map reading, and tracking, enabling the Frostguard to gather crucial information and maintain situational awareness in the mountainous terrain.

Mental Resilience and Discipline:

Training to be a Frostguard requires mental resilience and discipline. Candidates undergo rigorous mental conditioning to develop focus, determination, and the ability to overcome physical and mental challenges. They are taught to remain calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and adapt to unpredictable situations. Mental resilience training instills a sense of unwavering loyalty, camaraderie, and commitment to the defense of Thrumgol.

Overall training Level

Professional

Assumed Veterancy

Decorated/Honored