Rostordian Royal Guard

The Rostordian royal guards are the protectors of the royal family of Rostordia. They can also be seen protecting messengers, dignitaries, officers or other people the current regent has decided warrants the attention of these elite guardians. The royal guards are dedicated to their job and few of them would hesitate to give their lives. Selected for toughness, strength, devotion and bravery, the royal guard stands tall against even the most dangerous and fearsome enemies.
In battle, they attempt to keep foes at bay with their riflebards, first at range and then in melee. If enemies get within close range, they also have a shortsword to fall back on. In close combat, they rely on their armor and personal toughness to keep them alive. If their charge is threatened, however, they can rapidly reposition themselves to attempt to intercept attacks.

Composition

Manpower

The Rostordian Royal Guard number in the low hundreds at the best of times.

Equipment

The Rostordian royal guards uses high quality and heavy armor. They are also dressed in cold-weather uniforms to protect against the low temperatures.

Weaponry

The halberd used to be the weapon of choice, but in modern times, the hybrid riflebarde has become a weapon of choice.

Structure

The royal guards are often divided into squads of five, with one of those five designated as the commander. Three to five squads are usually assigned to the queen, depending on the royal guard's estimate of current threats. Units of up to thirty elite guards may assemble under a single commander for deployment on the battlefield.

Tactics

The elite guards are bodyguards first and foremost. Their highest priority is the safety of the Rostordian royal house, but the current ruler may choose to assign some to guard persons of import. In battle, royal guards seek to place themselves between their charge and any possible threat. Royal guards are dedicated to their duty to the point of bordering on fanaticism and most would gladly sacrifice their life if needed.

Training

Candidates selected for training to become royal guards are trained in the specific arms and armors the royal guard uses. They are also trained in efficient bodyguard techniques, from spotting and identifying threats to how to most effectively interrupt attacks, using their own body to block them if need be.

Logistics

Logistical Support

As the royal guards are mostly deployed at the capital, they rarely are concerned about supplies. When the royal house of Rostordia takes to the battlefield, they rely upon the supply lines of their fellow soldiers to keep them going.

Upkeep

Due to their importance, royal guards are well-paid by the royal house of Rostordia and work full-time as soldiers. Their gear is all paid for and for those who live long enough to retire, will be granted a monthly stipend until the end of their days.

Recruitment

Captains of the royal guards select potential recruits from the veteran elite guardsmen. To even be considered, these guards must have demonstrated endurance through trials, courage in battle and loyalty to their country. Even then an evaluation awaits to see if they are fit for duty. Guardsmen can decline the honor, but most jump at the chance.

History

When Isaac of Rostordia founded the country in 2599 AIT and became its first king, he was well aware that royals were an endangered species in Vastiaria. Thus to ensure the continuation of his line, he choose the best soldiers in him employ to guard himself and his family. These were technically the first royal guards. However, it would be Isaac's daughter Jaden who in 2634 formally created the unit, setting rules for who could and could not become members, dedicating part of the treasury to paying the full time and setting up a training program.

Historical loyalties

Loyalty has been to the royal family of Rostordia foremost for much of its initial existence. However, in 2840, the royal house was divided between the heir, Donovan, and his sibling, Danni. Danni convinced the royal guard that Donovan was unfit to rule and would only harm the land, causing the royal guards to turn on the heir and dethrone him. Since then, the loyalty has been to the royal family and country in equal measure.

Type

Infantry

Founding

2634 AIT

Overall training Level

Elite

Assumed Veterancy

Decorated/Honored