The Crown Guard

Dedicated to protecting the Crown of Ohm, the Crown Guard stands guard at the Crown Citadel and patrols the entire island of Eiriel.

Composition

Manpower

The Crown's total soldier count is just under 10,000; about 500-1000 of these make up the Elite Crown Guard.

Equipment

Soldiers in the Guard wear magic-resistant hooded cloaks over master-crafted Plessian armor. Their armor is equipped with bionic enhancements created in secret labs in Thoril, which gives them advantages such as superior speed, strength, and agility.
Elite members wear masks to shield their faces and identities from the public. Their glowing eyes are fueled by the elemental magic gained from their recruitment rituals.

Weaponry

The Crown Guard wields elemental swords forged in Plessium by master smiths, infused with magical energy with the help of Thorilian artificers and Eirielian mages.

Logistics

Recruitment

There are many barriers to becoming a member of the Crown Guard.
First, one must be naturally born with magical abilities. Many have tried to learn magic through study with hopes of joining the Guard, but insofar, no exceptions have been made.
Second, those who wish to join the Guard must endure one of four elemental trials. They may partake in the trial of their choice and must specialize in the element they choose.
In the Trial of Fire, they must navigate the volcanic vents of Plessium to retrieve a lava fruit without perishing from heat exposure, burning alive, or succumbing to the monsters that lurk in its depths.
In the Trial of Water, they must sail to the Isle of Song to the west of Saram and retrieve an ice scale from one of its wild dragons, taking care not to drown, freeze, or be slain along the way.
In the Trial of Lightning, ___
In the Trial of Stone, they must venture through the Forest of Bloodlust in Muha and defeat a stone golem to retrieve its jewel. (Alternatively, they may find a special plant. I will decide which.)
Once the initiates return, they must consume their trophies whole. The process has been described as "the second most painful and agonizing experience ever endured", trumped only by the healing process of the Lotus Plague. If the initiates survive, their bodies will be infused with the power of the element they imbibe.
Finally, the newly infused initiates will be sworn to an oath for the Crown and a binding rune inscribed upon their foreheads. If they betray their oath, the rune will activate, immediately piercing their third eye with their body's elemental energy. Fire guards will be burned from the inside out, Water guards will be frozen, Lightning guards will have lightning surges through their spines, and Stone guards will be turned to stone (or poisoned if I decide to go the plant route instead). The traitor will die instantly.

Art Disclaimer: I am aware of the controversy surrounding AI artwork, and I do not, nor intend to, profit from AI-generated work. These images are intended to convey ideas and concepts and will serve as placeholders until I obtain original and/or commissioned work to use in their place.

Type

Security

Overall training Level

Elite

Assumed Veterancy

Veteran