The Solstice Guard

[dandan1350 479]

The Solstice Guard

The bannerforce of Savoy

 

 

History

 

During the reign of his Majesty, King Olivier de Savoie, the first founding of the Band of Esheveurd occured. Thinking in the best interest of the crown and his family, with permission from his Majesty, Prince Gereon de Savoie began a journey. He set out from the sanctuary of the Felsen walls into the depths of the crownland, where his search began with an idea set firmly in his mind. He would recruit a loyal group of elite soldiers who would answer directly to himself and the King. These men would become his personal retinue, acting militantly on behalf of Savoy and the Crown. As his months of travel passed, his followers began to grow, each town and tavern he met those who would come to form the band together, loyal and rag-tag but the best at what they do. Though starting as a patchwork Royal Retinue during a time of strife, these original members soon composed the first Kingsguard of His Majesty Olivier’s reign.

 

 

Come the creation of the palace, the Kingsguard made their home there alongside their new Lord Commander Gereon and began to organise themselves from the rag-tag band they were before. Their training became stricter and more common, marches, combat drills, protection drills. After many months the once rag-tag band became a proper force and uniformed force worthy of their titles, morn and night they would spend perfecting their stances and skills they were chosen for. It was on the collapse of what was priorly known as the Felsen Banner that the Band of Esheveurd extended their force to encompass something more than a Kingsguard. The elite retinue soon found themselves extending past the Haven of Ashford to keep the peace within the streets. This, however, stretched the retinue far too thin. The force could not effectively protect and serve House Ashford while also having to garrison the capital alone.

 

The Solstice guard, upon the conclusion of the Duke’s War on the 13th of the Grand Harvest, 1521, was formed by Gereon de Savoie and his loyal Kingsguard of the Band of Esheveurd on the decision of the Savoy’s strength needing a true physical form to both protect the people of its land and to serve the crown itself. Loyal and steadfast, the men of the Solstice Guard wear the Savoie colors with true pride as they serve his Majesty valiant upon the battlefield and within his cities, protecting his people and fighting his enemies. The brothers of the Band of Esheveurd, now more commonly known to the masses as the Kingsguard, took control of the newly formed Solstice guard, dubbed the protectores and lieutenants of the guard as they dutifully lead the the men as ranking officers during times of war when the King rides out with his retinue, but return to their duties once the march ends. The Band of Esheveurd are now considered part of the Guard, but noted as another tier entirely.

 

 

It seemed Olivier’s reign would be simple and peaceful upon the conclusion of the Duke’s War, but his death shattered that hope. The tragedy struck the Kingdom of Oren and shook the Kingsguard, leaving many to mourn for their fallen king. The Band of Esheveurd were a Kingsguard with no monarch to protect. They departed from the palace they had constructed in the trail of the de Savoie family. Upon reaching their lands, the oaths to the family were renewed, and the hardy men took up the mantle as the personal guard and levy of Savoy. The Band of Esheveurd remain well-disciplined, strong veterans, among the elite of the forces of Oren, and alongside the newly formed Solstice Guard.

 

It was under the coronation of His Majesty, kin to the House Ashford de Savoie, King Guy Ashford de Bar, that the Band of Esheveurd were re-enlisted as a Kingsguard once more. Although now residing with and primarily serving the House de Savoie, The Band would continue to patrol and protect Felsen. In addition to such, flank their newly crowned King during official proceeding in unison with the Vindicators of the Ashen Dawn.

Role

The Solstice Guard is a military residing on the lands of Carinth. Garrisoned within Ashebourne, a fief on the county lands and home to their liege family, is a large keep situated just north of Felsen’s walls. Serving as the base of operations to the Solstice Guard, it offers the soldiers shelter and security. Loyal to the House Ashford de Savoie, these men act as Savoy’s military and work towards the defense and armament of the county, also in turn assisting in the safety of the Orenian capital of Felsen.

 

Alongside their role as a garrison, the Solstice militant’s keep also acts as a layer of defense for the capital of Felsen, providing a sentry and level of defence against any invading parties that would march from the north. It watches over the roads leading into the depths of the Westmarch and towards Felsen, protecting the trade caravans and travelers from common banditry and other such unsavoury behaviour.

 

Ranks

 

Lord Commander - A man presiding over both the militant order and brothers of the band. This position was created solely to be held by his Lordship. Commanding the loyal but rag-tag band of men, he shows his wealthy knowledge of strategy and swordsmanship to lead the band.

 

Brother Prefect - Stalwart and steadfast in his duties to his Lordship this position is a most honorable and rare one. Shown to have both strong heart and mind he has proved his skill, loyalty, knowledge and dedication to the band, he is placed over others as the only rank above the brothers of the band. His duty is to lead and organise his Lordship’s soldiers with the utmost dedication by guiding and instructing his brothers beside him.

 

The Band of Esheveurd - A position above all else, they are the family’s sole protectors. These brave men devote their lives to the safety of the Ashford de Savoie line. They are those who would dive into the pits of hell and face death with strong footing to follow, protect and serve their sworn lord, ready to abandon political placement, swear off titles, land holding and all else that may influence their loyalty. Hand-picked from the elite of the guard, becoming a member of the band is a high honor. The Band of Esheveurd answer only to the Brother Prefect and Lord Commander.

 

Sergeant - A promotion given only to the most loyal and proven soldiers of the Solstice guard, they are officers and commanders within the guard, deemed fit and worthy of a leadership role. Within his Lordship’s forces, obedience, respect, and discipline is expected of the ranks beneath them. The Sergeant is granted the honor of his promotion by a member of the de Savoie family personally to cement their gratitude for the Sergeant’s service.

 

Man-At-Arms - Man-At-Arms, dressed in the finest plate the guard offers, are the steel-hardy and professionally trained soldiers of his Lordship, a true representation of de Savoies strength. Above the footmen and deemed worthy enough to ride upon horse, they command the lower ranks and spur them on to battle. Trained and battle hardened, they are well skilled with a variety of weaponry and horseback tactics.

 

Footman - Footmen are fully initiated soldiers of the Solstice, granted right to wear uniform and ride to battle with his Lordship’s personal retinue, and tasked with the defense of his lands. They are the backbone of the military itself, raising arms in defense of the crown and its people.

 

Initiate - The Initiate is the lowest rank among the guard. Upon joining, they will undergo their basic training, being tried and tested to see if they are worthy of serving under de Savoie. Loyalty and obedience is required of these fresh men. Upon passing the trials and tribulations given to all initiates, they are recognized as true soldiers of the Solstice, worthy and ready to serve de Savoie and sally against its foes.

 

 

Specialty Ranks

 

Decurion -  A disciplinarian of the Guard. These men are in charge of the training and disciplining of the guard, instructing constant drills to harden and perfect the soldiers in their formations and swordplay for the battles ahead of them. A decurion also acts as a peace and law keeper within the Solstice, enforcing the codes put out to them and stopping the wrongdoings that would persist in times of war.

 

Surgeon - One of the most important roles within the military. They are the holder of life and death in the battlefield. Surgeons, renowned physicians who have the courage to operate upon the wounded in the midst of battle. They place their own lives upon the line as they try to save others. Often performing rash and ill-equipped surgeries to attend to the wounded soldiers in the middle of blood soaked fields they are amongst the highest respect in the military due to the lives they save.

 

Architect - A strange role within a militant order, an architect is hired into the ranks for times of both defense and siege, able to construct the most hearty and strong barricades in short notice to create a hold point for the Solstice in times of defense but also able in the field of battle to spot the weaker and more flimsy points in the defense of their enemies barricades and castles. They provide key Intel to the band and with their skill also control the erecting of war camps, play part in the planning of attacks and lead the organisation of defense when in need.

 

Honor titles

Champion of Esheveurd- A representative, a born warrior. Informally known as the Brother Champion, the man granted this title is dubbed the strongest, most skilled fighter within the Band and Guard. To be given such a great honor, the man in question must prove his valour in both battle and single combat. Each brother of the band is called forward with blade in hand to face the champion to be, should he beat all those who challenge him then he has proved his worth and might within the order and is presented before the Lord Ashford de Savoie to take a knee and swear himself His Lordship’s champion. The Champion’s duties are simple. As the finest warrior the Band possesses, he will be the ultimate representative of the Band’s strength, fighting for de Savoie in trials of arms.

 

Ensign - Truly one of the highest honors within the Solstice, granted through extraordinary service, Ensigns are given the high honor of riding into battle with the standard in hand, holding the Savoie colors as they ride into war. While the banner stands high in the midst of the bloodshed so does the morale of the troops around it, boasting the Ensign’s skill, bravery, and loyalty.

 

War gear

Towershield - The band, from their previous service in the late Majesties service, found the large and bulky tower shield to be one of the most effective tools for a soldier to be equipped with. Not only offering near full body protection, they also allow for the creation of different formations with the locking of shields. They are employed into effect by each Solstice guard user, providing a near unbreakable defense.

 

Pike - Used in conjunction with the towershields, the length of a pike provides an effective addition to the many defensive formations, giving deadly reach as well as solid defense. The pike is a sturdy weapon, designed to push the enemy back and keep them at length, halting them from ever reaching the guard’s heavy shields.

 

Arming Sword - The backbone of all weapons, one near all soldiers train in and wield in battle. These are given as a side armament to the guardsmen. Deadly and reliable, the arming sword hangs sharp at a guard’s flank. The sword supplements the rest of the guard’s weaponry.

 

Arbalest - The arbalest serves as a heavy ranged weapon, trading speed for pure piercing power. The large crossbow is used to shock and break enemy forces from a distance, giving the guard power at any position on the field.

 

Misericorde - The Misericorde is a long, sharp dagger used for coup de grace. The fatal blows dealt by the weapon serve as a finishing blow for wounded soldiers, piercing through armor gaps to end the victim. The knife lies at the guard’s belt, for easy access in volatile close combat scenarios.

 

Medals

Sun’s Smile (Five year service) - This medal recognizes devotion to the guard, being adorned by only those who have served for five years.

 

Black and White Cross (Ten year service) - The Black and White Cross is the second tier of service recognition, resting proudly on the breasts of those who have served for ten years.

 

Ashen Star (Fifteen year service) - The Ashen Star is the highest tier of service recognition, marking those who wear it to be the elite, hardened and most-experienced soldiers of the Guard. The Star is granted upon fifteen years of service.

 

Lucien’s Heart (Act of valor) - The Lucien’s Heart medal is granted to those who perform true acts of heroism upon the battlefield. The soldiers of the guard will know that the bearers of this medal are brave and true.

 

Medals are worn upon the ceremonial uniform during times of celebration such as parades or feasts.

 

The Solar Lapel - Unknown to many, this badge is presented to each and every single server within the elite Band of Esheveurd. This lapel is never removed and always worn on the preferred place by its wearer, often the dollar of a coat. The lapel is a sign of service in his elite and is kept worn even into the depths of retirement.

 

Wages

Initiate - N/A

Footman - Granted one-hundred and fifty minae upon the end of each Saint’s Week.

Man-at-arms - Granted two-hundred minae upon the end of each Saint’s Week.

Sergeant - Granted two-hundred and fifty minae upon the end of each Saint’s Week.

Ensign - Granted two-hundred and fifty minae upon the end of each Saint’s Week.

Surgeon - Granted two-hundred minae upon the end of each Saint’s Week.

Quartermaster & Decurion- Holding either position allows for a fifty minae increase of wage alongside the current dependent on rank.

 

 

Retirement

Twenty five years. After twenty-five years of faithful service, a man of the Solstice Guard is offered retirement including a severance package.

A home of moderate size fitting up to a family of four is given to them in full ownership, they are free of all taxes within the land.

Sum of five hundred mina is added to their final wage as funding to live on.

 

Thirty five years is the longest one is fully asked to serve in the guard, a miracle they haven't fallen in battle. They are granted a greater severance package for their unfaltering loyalty to the guard and Savoie family.

A home of moderate size fitting up to a family of four is given to them in full ownership, they are free of all taxes within the land.

Sum of one thousand mina is added to their final pay as funds to live off after their service.

A suitable stretch of land is attached to the house for farmland to feed their family and themselves.

Application

 

Out of Character:

 

Mcname:

 

Skype name:

 

Do you use TS?:

 

In Character:

 

Name:

 

Why do you wish to serve?:

 

Are you aware of the duties you must fulfill?:

 

Military experience/Background:

 

Specialist role: (if not applicable leave blank)

Skills/Profession:

 

 

 

 

[Emenzi 1069]

 

 

Out of Character:

 

Mcname:

Emenzi

Skype name:

Jonnythebill

Do you use TS?:

Yes

In Character:

 

Name:

Eddin Stanner

Why do you wish to serve?:

I’m tired of being out in the cold wandering around without a purpose, my uncle has often offered me a place and purpose but it’s not until now that I realize that he is true in his ways.

Are you aware of the duties you must fulfill?:

I am.

Military experience/Background:

I’ve been all since I was but a boy by my uncle and old  caretaker, Ser Brann Marwood and I was brought up within the Stonne Company, I’ve never been in any real military except that but I am disciplined and well versed with the arts of war.

Specialist role: (if not applicable leave blank)

 

Skills/Profession:

I suppose I’m a fairly decent tracker, I was also left for as a child living with a stonemasons family when  Ser Brann was gone for a few months and I was taught some of his trade.

[The Womping Wizard 400]

This current Guild has been deemed inactive and has hereby been moved. If you wish to appeal this decision you must present evidence to myself proving the guild is still active.