The Honor Guard of Lorraine

[Archduchy of Lorraine 287]

THE HONOR GUARD OF LORRAINE

 

 

Prestigious upholders of the law, conduct, and military tradition throughout the Southern Realms;

The Bannermen of Amaury

 

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“I shall find a path, or I shall forge one for myself.”

 

Archduke John d’Amaury in public audience to his court, date unknown.

 

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HISTORY

 

The united forces of Archduke John’s Honor Guard and the Courlandic host, date unknown.

 

The origins of the Honor Guard stem from the events preceding the Duke’s War, when Lord Marshal Augustus d'Amaury’s nascent noble house was granted a considerate holding in the former fiefdom of Adria. The hardened bannermen of the Lord’s personal retinue remained staunch servants to the strong leader, and continued to serve him in the newly formed county of Amaury as the first of his prestigious entourage. Garrisoned alongside their liege within the imposing keep of Summerhall, the veterans were offered service by the Lord Marshal- to form an Honor Guard with the goal of maintaining order in the county and protecting the House d’Amaury if need be.

 

This company of stalwart and honorable men consists mainly of the experienced cavalrymen and halberdiers that saw service alongside the King Hughes during the Ruthern Rebellion, though apt newcomers in search of virtuous employ are encouraged to join the ranks of the capable band. Serving the House d’Amaury as Metz’s peacekeepers and their liege lord’s elite bannermen, the Honor Guard is tasked with maintaining order in times of internal and external turbulence.

 

With the untimely demise of Hughes d’Amaury and the subsequent dissolution of the Grand Army of Lorraine, the Honor Guard finds itself placed in the competent hands of Leufroy d’Amaury, cousin of the Archduchy’s previous King Hughes.

 

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ROLE IN AMAURY

 

Portrait of Augustus d’Amaury, founder of the Honor Guard and the first Archduke of Lorraine, dated 1545.

 

Since the birth of the intrepid House d’Amaury, the Honor Guard have been charged with protecting the Archduchy of Lorraine and ensuring stability over their Lord’s holdings. Patrolling the burgh- oft on horseback - the brave men of Metz watch over their lands with a vigilant gaze, protecting the denizens of Amaury from ruthless bandits and savage marauders.

 

The men of the Honor Guard are also graced with the task of guaranteeing their the safety of their lieges, the honorable aristocracy of House d’Amaury. Acting as an armed escort and guard force when the need arises, the soldiers garrisoned within Metz city walls serve the Archduke and his kinfolk with zeal and ardor, upholding the virtues of their commander while protecting his family.

 

Comprised mostly of the tested veterans of the Ruthern Rebellion, the Honor Guard is gracious to bear a large number of weathered combatants under its service. The brave footsoldiers of a vicious and bloody conflict, the Archduke’s banner force boasts a capable number of courageous and valiant combatants who are well-suited to fighting wars with skillful organization and unfaltering loyalty.

 

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DUTY TO THE LORDS OF LORRAINE

 

Depiction of assorted Lorrainian nobility, date unknown.

 

In seeing the military largely centralized, lords who chose to contribute men to the Honor Guard are given more than just respect; they receive protection, save minae on wages, and save resources in our arming of these men.

 

Lords of the realm will receive, upon request, a number of men to come protect them. Patrols will be sent through the lands as well to ensure the continued safety of all fiefs who contribute men to the force. Men who have risen to the esteemed rank of Honor Guard will also serve lords personally, acting with the authority and regal manner of a knight, but with the servitude of a page. A lord may suggest someone to act as their first Honor Guard, but all subsequent Honor Guards in service to such a lord would have to opt into it.

 

Guardsmen will uphold the law of the Duchy wherever they are or are sent, and may actively garrison a fief if need be. Lords may approach the Commander to negotiate/make requests at any time.

 

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FEATS OF BRAVERY

 

Archduke Augustus leads the men of Oren and his Honor Guard in the siege on Barrowyk, date unknown.

 

Feats of Bravery are acts of an extraordinary nature that showcase the merits of the soldier who performed them as well as their willingness to fight against impossible odds. The Feat itself does not have to follow a strict format, but is often required to be an act of incredible daring or unsurpassable skill, such as being first over an enemy’s fortress wall or successfully capturing an enemy leader. Feats of Bravery are often rewarded with promotion, medals, or more fungible rewards such as bonus pay, all of which are determined at the discretion of the Marshal.

 

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CHAIN OF COMMAND

 

King Hughes d’Amaury leads the Grand Army of Lorraine - accompanied by the Bastard’s Band - in the Ruthern Rebellion, date unknown.

 

HIGH COMMAND

 

Marshal

 

The Marshal is the leader of the Honor Guard, and he has the final say in all matters. Though the Marshal is generally expected to leave the more trivial affairs of the Commander of the Guard, he may intervene as he pleases, and once he has spoken the matter is no longer up for discussion. Commanding a seat on Lorraine’s Privy Council, the Marshal also enjoys a great deal of political power, and thus must be able to navigate the murky and often dangerous political waters of Oren; in fact, he spends just as much of his time acting as the face and advocate for the Guard as he does overseeing its military matters. The Marshal answers only to the Archduke of Lorraine.

 

Commander of the Guard

 

The Commander of the Guard is the manifestation of authority in the Honor Guard, and is the principal overseer of the military and its progress. He answers only to the Marshal and the Duke, and is often tasked with leading flanking forces in battle. The Commander must not only be a skilled leader, but a master logistician; for wars are won by efficient supply more than they are won by acts of gallantry.

 

OFFICERS

 

Captain

 

The rank of Captain commands both respect and unflinching obedience. They are steadfast leaders who are expected to inspire the soldiers they lead and encourage the officers under their command to greater feats of bravery and wit. The Captain’s duties include leading the troops, recruiting new members, distributing the payroll, and overseeing disciplinary action. The Captains also serve as advisors to the Marshal and Commander of the Guard.

 

Lieutenant

 

A lieutenant is an officer who has proven, time and again, that they can excel in a leadership role. Lieutenants may command a detachment of soldiers, and are often responsible for leading training drills, recruiting, inspecting the troops, and assigning patrols and guard duty. A lieutenant may promote members of the enlisted - excluding the promotion of sergeants - with the approval of the Marshal. Additionally, officers of this rank are eligible to become quartermasters or drill instructors.

 

ENLISTED

 

Man-At-Arms

 

Often regarded as the more gifted and skilled counterparts to the footmen, the Men at Arms of Lorraine boast considerable competence and are proficient soldiers. A service of considerable longitude under the Lord Marshal is usually rewarded with this respectable ranking.

 

Footman

 

Those who have been tested as able-bodied and loyal levies of the House d’Amaury, the Honor Guard’s Footmen make up the auxiliary of the force, and carry out their duties with coordination and devotion.

 

Conscript

 

The starting rank of the Honor Guard. This rank is given to the fledgling guardsmen who have recently began their tenure within the Honor Guard, and as such they have yet to prove their aptitude and valor. As befitting of their fledgeling status, conscripts do not earn pay.

 

SPECIALIZED POSITIONS

 

Quartermaster

 

The Quartermaster is more of a role and necessarily not a rank as the quartermaster may serve as a fellow soldier while fulfilling his duties as Quartermaster at the side of Honor Guard duties. The Quartermaster is charged with the task of supervising and coordinating supplies and provisions in the garrison.

 

Standard Bearer

 

The Standard Bearer is an individual in the guard delegated with the esteemed task of bearing the Archduke’s own colors of Amaury - serving as a beacon to galvanize the men of the Honor Guard in

battle.                            

                       

                                    Vandalier

 

The Vandalier is a member of the guard responsible for documentation, management, and collective consolidation of forces and gear. A direct tepresentative of professionalism and organization throughout the guard.

 

Disciplinarian

 

The Disciplinarian of the Honor Guard is responsible for making sure the soldiers are disciplined and follow orders given by their superiors. The Disciplinarian would commonly be a Sergeant or a higher ranked commander. The Disciplinarian has the authority to hand out punishments to soldiers who break the Honor Guard’s Code of Conduct, as long as the soldier if below the Disciplinarians own rank. Should an Honor Guard from a higher rank break the Code the Disciplinarian would forward this to the High Command, preferably the Marshal.

 

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AWARDS AND HONORARY TITLES

 

A noble lady escorted by a mounted unit of Honor Guards, dated 1537.

 

Honorary awards or titles may be presented to men of the Honor Guard through direct service or through a vassal levy by the personal discretion of the Archduke. These medals serve to distinguish individual soldiers with the recognition they so well deserve.

 

Great Oak

 

The highest condecoration someone may earn. Reserved for those showing great valor in the field of battle.

 

St. Lothar’s Cross

 

The second highest condecoration in the military, awarded to those who have done great deeds for the realm or undergone courageous missions and survived.

 

Pendant of Valour

 

Awarded to those who put their comrade’s well being above their own and have shown themselves ready to sacrifice all for Lorraine.

 

Bannerman’s Pendant

 

Awarded to those who achieved the rank of Man-At-Arms. They’re often seen as the most experienced and reliable soldiers in the army.

 

Pendant of Service

 

Awarded to those who have completed their service of four years in the army.  

 

Ashford Sun

 

Ring of the golden ashford sun, symbolic in those who do great deeds in the name of Savoy.

 

Tab of Recruitment

 

Awarded to those expressing exemplary enlistment of recruits.

 

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LEVY ORGANIZATION

 

Each title bearing landowner shall be able to opt into having a levy. Each levy shall use the colours of the house which they’re under to identify and distinguish them from other levies of the guard. Those who do not serve any lord in particular and directly wish to serve his Highness may do so, they shall bear the colours of d’Amaury. Each Levy will proceed to follow the ranks, customs, and rules of the Honor Guard.

 

        A levy can consist of no fewer than four total men including the Leader, and they may only be commanded by someone of the rank or higher than a Footman.

 

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CUSTOMS

 

Saluting

 

Squeeze the right hand, forming it into a fist. Place the fist over your chest, keeping your arm bent at the elbow. Hold until you are saluted back or dismissed.

 

Addressing Nobles

 

When in the presence of a noble, whether of Lorraine or another, if you are unaware of their position you are to address them as ‘Sir/M’lady.’

 

Addressing Superiors

 

When speaking to those of higher rank. You always will address them as ‘Sir.’

 

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PAY

 

Pay is regarded on the amount of effort and time a soldier devotes to the Guard - regardless of rank or title.

 

Battles/Warclaims

 

Sixty minas.

 

Skirmishes

 

Thirty minas.

 

Guard Duty (Events)

 

Twenty minas.

 

Gate Duty (Events)

 

Ten minas bonus on Guard duty pay.

 

Honorable Recognition

 

One hundred minas or a special item or weapon..

 

Recruiting

 

Fifty minas (Recruit stays over one elven week)

 

The right to refuse pay based on service is granted to all Commanders.

 

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ENLISTING

 

OOC:

 

Minecraft Name:

Skype:
Do you have Teamspeak:

 

IC:

 

Name:

Age:

Profession:

Prior service:

 

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[bickando 3967]

ENLISTING

 

OOC:

 

Minecraft Name: Edeldrache

Skype: you've got it
Do you have Teamspeak: yes

 

IC:

 

Name: Kristoff Stafyr

Age: 25

Profession: Fisher

Prior service: Ruthern War, Lorraine-Dunamis War under King Hughes as Baron of Reims

[Vege 4804]

"Doesn't Lorraine need honour to have an honour guard?" asks Jim the Lifeguard as he nails one big piece of wood to another big piece.

[hudsun202 233]

OOC:

 

Minecraft Name: TheLemonHead

Skype: You got it ya spaz
Do you have Teamspeak: Mhm

 

IC:

 

Name: Alexander Silverberg

Age: 69

Profession: Chef and Leatherworking

Prior service: None

[Tapman 6]

2 minutes ago, Vege said:

"Doesn't Lorraine need honour to have an honour guard?" asks Jim the Lifeguard as he nails one big piece of wood to another big piece.

0

 

"Don't believe anything was stated about an, 'Honour Guard?' Although good sir, if you'd wish to join we do accept those into the Honor Guard." An Amaury bannerman would state

[Holyland 3651]

 

OOC:

 

Minecraft Name: Inquisitioners

Skype: You've got it, Proddy. Sam here.
Do you have Teamspeak: Yes.

 

IC:

 

Name: Wilfred Volkilford

Age: Around fifty. 

Profession: Blacksmith/Miner at the moment as well as a Soldier of the Grand Army and the Order of Saint Peter.

Prior service: Towards the late King Hughes D'Amaury!

[Rammer 388]

Minecraft Name: RammerJammer73

Skype: You have it
Do you have Teamspeak: Yep

 

IC:

 

Name: Ian Highwind

Age: 42

Profession: Blacksmith

Prior service: Honor Guard under King John prior, during, and following the Coalition War's

[Chorale__ 2147]

Lorraine is back as an Archduchy? Neat.

 

[Publius 4098]

1 hour ago, Chorale_ said:

Lorraine is back as an Archduchy? Neat.

 

0

 

 

Sad*

[mitch dharma 438]

OOC:

 

Minecraft Name: omnipotent_rage

Skype: You've got it
Do you have Teamspeak: Yes

 

IC:

 

Name: Pepin de Bar

Age: Eighteen

Profession: N/A

Prior service: N/A

[Proddy 2415]

Observing the first handful of what he prayed to be many more enlistment forms to come, Karl Summers would smile - the Marshal pressing quill to ink, and then pen to paper as he'd scribe separate responses to each applicant, hastily deploying them by raven.

 

16 hours ago, Edeldrache said:

ENLISTING

 

OOC:

 

Minecraft Name: Edeldrache

Skype: you've got it
Do you have Teamspeak: yes

 

IC:

 

Name: Kristoff Stafyr

Age: 25

Profession: Fisher

Prior service: Ruthern War, Lorraine-Dunamis War under King Hughes as Baron of Reims

1

 

 

May GODs blessing be upon thee. Your application for enlistment to the Honour Guard of Lorraine has been ACCEPTED. For prior military service to the former kingdom and state you are hereby granted the rank of MAN-AT-ARMS. Make your way to the city of Metz to receive your standard, arms and crib.

 

16 hours ago, Inquisitioners said:

 

OOC:

 

Minecraft Name: Inquisitioners

Skype: You've got it, Proddy. Sam here.
Do you have Teamspeak: Yes.

 

IC:

 

Name: Wilfred Volkilford

Age: Around fifty. 

Profession: Blacksmith/Miner at the moment as well as a Soldier of the Grand Army and the Order of Saint Peter.

Prior service: Towards the late King Hughes D'Amaury!

1

 

 

May GODs blessing be upon thee. Your application for enlistment to the Honour Guard of Lorraine has been ACCEPTED. For prior military service to the former kingdom and state you are hereby granted the rank of LIEUTENANT. Make your way to the city of Metz to receive your standard, arms and crib.

 

16 hours ago, TheLemonHead said:

OOC:

 

Minecraft Name: TheLemonHead

Skype: You got it ya spaz
Do you have Teamspeak: Mhm

 

IC:

 

Name: Alexander Silverberg

Age: 69

Profession: Chef and Leatherworking

Prior service: None

1

 

 

May GODs blessing be upon thee. Your application for enlistment to the Honour Guard of Lorraine has been ACCEPTED.  You are hereby granted the rank of CONSCRIPT. Make your way to the city of Metz to receive your standard, arms and crib.

 

16 hours ago, Rammer said:

Minecraft Name: RammerJammer73

Skype: You have it
Do you have Teamspeak: Yep

 

IC:

 

Name: Ian Highwind

Age: 42

Profession: Blacksmith

Prior service: Honor Guard under King John prior, during, and following the Coalition War's

1

 

 

May GODs blessing be upon thee. Your application for enlistment to the Honour Guard of Lorraine has been ACCEPTED. For prior military service to the former kingdom and state you are hereby granted the rank of COMMANDER OF THE GUARD. Make your way to the city of Metz to receive your standard, arms and crib.

 

20 minutes ago, mitch dharma said:

OOC:

 

Minecraft Name: omnipotent_rage

Skype: You've got it
Do you have Teamspeak: Yes

 

IC:

 

Name: Pepin de Bar

Age: Eighteen

Profession: N/A

Prior service: N/A

0

 

 

May GODs blessing be upon thee. Your application for enlistment to the Honour Guard of Lorraine has been ACCEPTED.  You are hereby granted the rank of FOOTMAN. Make your way to the city of Metz to receive your standard, arms and crib.

[FlemishSupremacy 6115]

ENLISTING

 

OOC:

 

Minecraft Name: FlemishSupremacy

Skype: Y'all have it
Do you have Teamspeak: yes

 

IC:

 

Name: Nicolas Rubens

Age:Too old for this ****

Profession: Lord Treasurer

Prior service: Some time in Lorraine. Fighting against flays.

[Banard 116]

OOC:

 

Minecraft Name: Valekiarihn

Skype: ; ^)
Do you have Teamspeak: do u?

 

IC:

 

Name: Claus de Bar

Age: Twenty-four

Profession: blad

Prior service: blad

[Unknown User 316]

ENLISTING

 

OOC:

 

Minecraft Name: Mullraugh

Skype: Mullraugh
Do you have Teamspeak: Yeah, somewhere in my porn folder.

 

IC:

 

Name: Ser Alister Ross

Age: 43

Profession: Infantryman, Mercenary, Bounty Hunter, Cavalryman, Commanding Officer of the "Men of the Marsh."

Prior service: First Switzer Routier Regiment of Foot under Oren during its battles against Courland. 

[10001110001001 98]

Enlisting

OOC:

Minecraft Name: Jrodbazinga

Skype: You got it my dude

Do you have Teamspeak?: yes

 

IC: 

Name: Edmund Northbroek

Age: 28

Profession: Miner, Merchant, scholar, and architect

Prior Service: vassal of lotharingia, fought in lorraine/ruthern warclaim of courland