The Mardonian Kingsguard

[Vetren54 368]

 

-=-=- THE MARDON KINGSGUARD -=-=-

His Royal Majesty of Mardon’s sovereign guard, vanguard of the Royal Kingdom of Mardon.

Drafted and confirmed by the office of the monarch - 10th of Malin's Welcome 1614

 

 

-=- History -=-

The Mardon Kingsguard’s roots to an era ripe with war, come the conclusion of the Hansetic-Courland bloodshed, had three quarters of the northerners sought refuge south. In their aspiration for new life, away from the torment of the supposed Courlandic tyranny, they sought the free lands, where the tale of Peter Sigismund, second son of Philip Frederick’s had begun. However, what more the Northerners sought, was more than a new life, it was vengeance. They lost their beloved homeland, their city-state burned to the ground, and the life they once knew was diminished into cinder and ash. Settling their wives and children into the hearth of the Blackmarsh, into the nest of their Horenian brother, Peter Sigismund opened his arms wide for his brethren’s refuge, allowing them their much needed respite.

 

However, upon the tenth age of the young Prince, the Savoyard menace came in the form of the Bastard’s Host, hired by the controversial Caius Horen. Pushing their claimant on the Blackmarsh through the Kingdom of Courland, with the Kingdom of Lorraine concealing themselves from the shadows, did they engage in open warfare, spurring the Prince into action. With enemies to his right, front, and left, he had to rely upon those who came to his cause, through open propaganda, which reveled in the hearts of young soldiers, and oppressed veterans alike. He was approached, by a cousin of his, a man, despite all odds, would become the first man to marshal the Mardonic forces against Courland in their strife for independence. Aiding his young brother, Peter Sigismund, the duo enticed the aid of many, from yonder and close- the northerners, from Barbanov to Ruthern gave their aid.

 

The war had just begun, with the Kingdom of the Westerlands remaining stoic against the war in the west against the forces of Mordring, Lorraine’s involvement became evident, as Arthur Horen, the newfound marshal of Mardon returned with daunting information. After his copious raids on the Kingdom of Courland, thrice infiltrating their capital, were the banners of Lorraine unveiled as two Kingdoms versus one ducal state. Unfortunately, despite the amassed rally of Mardon, they lost the battle, however, the war was far from lost. King Tobias Staunton saw through the puppeteering, for no strings were attached to him, and peace was promptly pursued by the ducal state of Mardon and the Kingdom of Courland. The Mardon Kingsguard was instead turned toward the Kingdom of Lorraine, who had lost the lands of Ostwick, with Frederick Augustus swearing under Peter Sigismund, who had just turned of age.

 

The King of Lorraine keeled before Peter Sigismund, who stood confident and prideful, with Arthur beside him, a deal was struck. In return for Ostwick, the King of Lorraine, Odo d’Amaury would marry his sister, Aloisia d’Amaury to Peter Sigismund, and cede the valley to-and-fro, to the ducal lands. With peace apparent, The Mardon Kingsguard lost its limelight, disbanded by Peter Sigismund upon his proclamation as King of Mardon. Then, to be reformed under the command of Tiberius Sforza, marshal of the Kingdom of Mardon.

 

A bloodied Mardonian Knight gazes over a defeated enemy host fleeing, circa 1600.

 

-=- Commanders -=-

 

1st Commander of the Mardon Kingsguard, Arthur Edwards of the House of Horen, Duke of Owessex

2nd Commander of the Mardon Kingsguard, The Rt. Honourable Tiberius Sforza

 

The Free Fight verse One

With Arthur Horen heralding the forces of Mardon, did he reign fire upon the Kingdom of Courland, through guerrilla warfare and bloody tactics. Atop his steed, with his merciless yolk beside him, they encroached upon the capital of Courland: Aleksandria, and they ransacked the city. Only withdrawing to allow the guardforce of Aleksandria to congregate in their efforts to produce a plausible force against the invasion. However, their loss was imminent, for as they set foot upon the field of battle outside their capital, they were slaughtered. The Mardon Kingsguard withdrew, allowing Courland respite.

 

The Free Fight verse Two

A peace meeting had ensued, with the High Pontiff present in their efforts to retain Mardon’s independence, or their refuge elsewhere. To forge on a new state, a papal state, wherein the Blackmarsh would be ceded to the Kingdom of Courland, and in exchange, they would cede land of their own. However, peace was at a loss, for a steadfast Prince of Courland chimed in. With the peace meeting at a loss, the High Pontiff and Charles Grey, the late regent of Mardon, took their due departure. Only to be ambushed by Undead and Courlandic soldiers alike, in their deaths, Peter Sigismind took to action post-haste, spewing words of bloodshed and violence toward the Kingdom of Courland, and he personally sanctioned a second ransack. Resulting in the Duchy of Mardon’s success.

 

The Free Fight verse Three

At the crown of of the Free Fight war, a skirmish took place, between the combined forces of Lorraine, Savoy, and Courland against the Duchy of Mardon. Who had rallied themselves a grandiose force, who rode upon the fury of vengeance. Despite the Duchy of Mardon’s loss, the  battle’s honour consists of how the northern and southern brethren came together to combat a common foe. Peace was shortly invoked between the ducal state of Mardon and the Kingdom of Courland.

 

The Ostwick Rebellion

With Anna Sophia declaring her rebellion from the Kingdom of Lorraine, it enticited much controversy, with her lack of uniformed guardsmen, let alone a rally to push her claimant for the Lorraine throne, did she, and her yolk, Frederick Augustus swear under the banners of Mardon. However, belittled, and mocked by the Kingdom of Lorraine in their sheer doubt of Mardon’s capability- they encroached upon Ostwick in a brief skirmish. A valiant force, lead by Arthur Horen, promptly thwarted their advancement, briefly securing Ostwick’s safety. Later, peace was invoked between the Kingdom of Mardon and the Kingdom of Lorraine.

 

-=- The Mardon Kingsguard Oath -=-

 

Those inducted into the Mardon Kingsguard are to recite the Kingsguard Oath:

 

I swear to be true to our Lord, our sovereign liege, and His realm, to not be silent in the face of true evil that conspires against our homeland. I swear to raise my blade against any foe, righteous or wrong, against our Lord and our sovereign liege, to not stand idle in the face of danger. I swear to cast off any traitor be it friend or foe in honour of our Lord and our sovereign liege.

 

I swear this before God and men. I bid farewell to my former life and grace my newest with my shield and blade; stalwart and ever vigilant for our sovereign liege.

 

On this, I kiss the cross.

 

-=- Enlisting & Hierarchy -=-

 

To be enlisted within the Mardon Kingsguard, one must present themselves to a ranking officer of the Kingsguard and request permittance. Through valour, loyalty, and honour, may they then train alongside their newfound brethren, and fight beside them.  New soldiers are required to serve two weeks before resigning from the Kingsguard.

 

Commander of the Kingsguard

The Commander of the Kingsguard holds the utmost authority over the Kingsguard, with the exception of His Royal Majesty of Mardon, with their foremost duty being to protect the King of Mardon at all costs. Second to that, the royal family, and the Kingdom of Mardon, including her civilians. When on duty and acting on the behest of His Royal Majesty, no vassal nor civilian may deter the Commander of the Kingsguard from his lord’s given commandment.

 

Tribune of the Kingsguard

The Tribune of the Kingsguard, which may contain of three officers, contain the right of recruitment. Wherein they may recruit individuals into the fold of the Kingsguard, accountable for ensuring that inductees to the Kingsguard are both trained and versed in martial prowess, as well as their loyalty to His Royal Majesty of Mardon, and the Kingdom of Mardon itself.

 

The Kingsguard Sergeants

Sergeants of The Mardon Kingsguard pertain the right of training and recruitment, albeit at the behest of a Tribune. However, this is only plausible when a Tribune is incapable, past this, the Sergeant of the Kingsguard are renown for their martial prowess, loyalty to the Kingdom of Mardon, and His Royal Majesty. They have proven their valour, honour, and loyalty, those of this rank are may be subject to Knighthood - with the Knight Paramount’s permission - as a lesser gentry, to pursue their nobility, or to be landed.

 

The Kingsguard Elite

The Elite of the Kingsguard, men of the Kingsguard who have surpassed initial training, as well as having served an adequate amount of time in the army. Proving their loyalty, valour, and good will through service alone, protecting His Royal Majesty, to the Kingdom of Mardon. Achieving this rank results in an audience with His Royal Majesty, as well as the minor potential of becoming His Royal Majesty’s personal squire.

 

The Kingsguard

The brunt of The Mardon Kingsguard, a prevalent force designed with the intent of pursuing His Royal Majesty and the Kingdom of Mardon’s interests. Despite the enemy, they vow to take arms, despite the aggressor, they vow to stand stalwart. They pursue valour, honour, and loyalty, to the crown of Mardon. They must prove their worth to the crown of Mardon through service should they seek a means to climb the ranks. They receive no stall tax and are given fifty percent discount on purchasing houses within the City of Lorath.

 

The Kingsguard Initiate

Initiates of the Kingsguard, trainees who are taught how to wield weaponry and wear armaments, they must prove their worth to their respective Tribune, and Commander alike, you are expected to attend training sessions and assert your position through service to the Kingsguard. This is the initiation of one’s military ascension, should they pursue this, then they may be viable to nobility, land, and various other rewards.

 

OOC:

Credit to Tsuyose for writing this

 

 

[OzYmandi 647]

"How can an old man colaborate to this?" Alfred Merkursson asks quietly as he reads the paper.

[Skylez 870]

"Ave, it lives."

 

An old and grizzled Legionnaire plans his return, to continue his unending duty to the Horen blood.

 

[ACU20 567]

"Render me impressed." - Augustus Roswell would state, nodding at the finely written paper

[Andustar 4143]

"I mean, you could've just reformed the Nauzica but okay..." a northerner would mutter

[sandey0000 216]

"My second son shall serve!" Eadwulf shouts in his palace as he hears the news of the kingsguard.

[TankM1A2 840]

"Perhaps they may live up to the legacy of the Nauzican Guard." Adelard comments.

[Dreek 1633]

Moved to The Great Library. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.

 

If you feel this is a mistake, please contact myself or any FM and we'll restore it.