Shavichehis guards

Historically, the Shavichehis apothecaries have always travelled with at least one an accompanying guard. Their promary function is to protect their healer from aggressive or predatory gigafauna, but - on more than one occassion - they have been called upon to protect an apothecary from a powerful client who doubts the healer's commitment to discretion. The physical requirements for the guards means that they are entirely yutaaq or ljudoy.
In addition to being trained in armed combat, the guards are also educated in defensive magic, emergency first aid, and recognising the signs of infections or otherwise dangerous diseases. Although therianthropy is not endemic to Iasteron, similar conditions exist and various plagues remain a risk.
Atypically for guards, Shavichehis guards are not encouraged to kill atackers but to deter them, deescalate situations, and to remove their healer from harm. This training means that retired guards are highly sought-after as peacekeepers, sherrifs, and civil officers, and a letter of recommendation from the Apothecaria is sufficent to ensure that a guard is never out of work for longer than they wish.

Composition

Weaponry

Guards are supplied with weaponry suited to the threats they are likely to encounter in their region of operation, with an emphasis on protecting against animal attacks. They retain a short sword for close-quarters combat but this is strictly a weapon of last resort.
A typical guard operating in Eastern and Western Iasteron would carry a 12.7×99mm double rifle in addition to a sidearm. They may be equipped with a semi-automatic rifle of similar calibre if they are going further afield, especially towards the South, and explosive 'nitro' cartidges if they are expected to have to travel through the Vare mountains during autumn and spring.

History

Historical loyalties

The Shavichehis Guards are loyal to the Apothecaria. In cases where an apothecary and the Apothecaria are conflicted, the guard is supposed to side with the institution, though this has not always been the case.

Type

Escort

Overall training Level

Professional

Used by

• Shavichehis Apothecaria