The Black Guard of Arbor

[Ankalagon_ 258]

+ The Black Guard of Arbor +

 

~ The Black Guard Marching Through the Gates of Arbor ~

 

It is said, that when the Black Guard fight side by side in the line of duty, they need not speak. It is said that the bond they share with those in their Decade is so great, that orders are often not even necessary. True or not, the loyalty and dedication that members of the Guard come to feel for each other is without equal. This trust displays itself on the battlefield. Staring straight ahead as a horde of undead charge their ranks, The Black Guard stand unfazed. Despite what they may say in the tavern the next day, they felt fear in that moment. Every soldier does. Those soldiers who claim to not know fear, are the cowards that break rank and flee the field. Not the Black Guard. This feeling of fear is destroyed when they stand shoulder to shoulder with their brothers and sisters. As the undead horde sprint towards the ranks of the guard, mercilessly stampeding the slower ghouls that trip, it is the feeling of loyalty and trust that allows a Black Guard to stand strong. As if they were one synchronized being, the ranks of the Guard shift their bodies. Left foot forward, right foot back. Shield's strapped to their left arm, raised. The sound of metal shields locking together one by one rings out, as if a hundred Dwarven smiths slammed their hammers onto a heated blade, one right after the other. The horde gets closer and closer, and like a tidal wave one could begin to feel the rumble of the earth beneath their feet. Another horn blows, the first line of Guard lower the tips of their swords between the cracks of the linked shields, as the second rank lowers large heavy pikes to rest upon the shields of their kin.

Fear travels through the bodies of the Guard, a constant and dangerous reminder of the enemy horde that charges their way. Yet they stand firm, the Guard twist their plated boots in the dirt without thinking, a result of their constant training. They hold their ground, knowing should they flee, they will put the lives of their fellow Decade in danger. They remind themselves what is at stake, and in that moment fear is crushed by the weight and power of loyalty, of bond. Anger rushes through the blood of the Guard. How dare this enemy threaten the lives of their brothers and sisters. How dare these creatures think they stand a chance against the combined might of the Decades of Arbor. As these thoughts fill the heads of the Guard, suddenly the cries of hundreds of undead ring out. The pikes began their slaughter. Those few ghouls that managed to duck under the deadly spears were quickly cut down by the swords of the first rank. Disorganized and driven by a thirst for blood, not kinship, the undead were massacred where they stood. The battle was over before it could even have begun. 

 

~ Who Are the Black Guard ~

The Black Guard are the men and women who have signed on to fight as the primary legion of Arbor. They are those who fight, so that their families and other citizens of Arbor don't have to. Black Guard members range in age from 18 to 50, and may be both male and female, provided that they are able to complete basic training and pass. Some members are below the age of 18, these Trainees, start at the age of 15 and work hard to prove that when they turn 18, they are fit for the duty and possibly even early command. 

 

~ Benefits and Pay in the Guard ~

-Standard pay is given out to all Guard members in the Guard Headquarters in the form of the Pay Slip. For every Saint's day that the Guard is on duty, they will receive payment for that day. Being absent from duty will result in loss of that day's payment. 

               + Standard pay starts at 50 Mina per Saints day for the rank of Private. Pay of a full Saint's week of Service will be given in the form of a Private Standard Pay slip, (which can be found in the Black Guard Headquarters, in the box with the individual Trooper's name on it) which is worth 350 Mina. 

               + Standard pay increases by 100 Mina per rank up. Ranks below the rank of Private do not yet receive pay, until they achieve the rank of Private. Each rank's slip is respectively named; Private Standard Pay, Sergeant Standard Pay, and increases in value by 100 mina per rank. 

 

-Sub Standard Pay is given out to those that miss 2 or 3 days of Active duty. This pay is the same for all Troopers, regardless of rank, and comes in the form of a slip titled Sub Standard Pay, which is worth 150 mina. 

               + Sub Standard pay does not increase per rank, it is the same 150 mina per person. 

 

-No Pay is given out to those that miss 4 or more days of duty. If an individual receives this 'No Pay' two Saint's weeks in a row, they will be removed from the Black Guard in a dishonorable discharge. 

 

-Beyond basic pay, all those who are in the Guard and are the rank of Sergeant or higher, are exempt from taxes so long as they maintain the Standard Pay benefit.  

 

~ Service Times and Times of Duty ~

-Service Duration:

               + Those who join the Guard sign on for periods of time known as Aetate.

               + One Aetate is the minimum amount of time a Guard can sign on for. 

               + One Aetate is the equivalent of 2 Saint's Weeks. 

               + For simplicity, when an individual signs on to join the Guard, their Aetate starts on that upcoming Saint's Sunday, and that Aetate will end two weeks on a Saints Sunday. 

 

-Times of Duty ((This is ooc information))

               + Each Guard has times when they are on Duty, and not On Duty. When on duty, a guard is expected to have on their uniform entire, and unaltered. 

               + Guards who are the rank of Sergeant or lower, must have their helmets on when on duty. Lieutenants and Captains are not required to wear the helmet during on duty times. 

               + Note: 'On Duty' times, are not times that the player must be online. 'On Duty' times, are times of the day that if the player is Online, they must be On Duty. 

 

       -=Below are the time slots a Guard may sign on for to be 'On Duty.' If you do not know how EST compares with your timezone, simply put the time and EST in google, to compare it to your own time zone. 

               + Time Slot 1:     11 AM EST until 8 PM EST.  ((If your timezone is EST or CST, select this time slot))

               + Time Slot 2:     11 AM PST until 8 PM PST.  ((If your timezone is PST, select this time slot))

               + Time Slot 3:     1 AM EST until 10 AM EST.  ((If your timezone is somewhere in Europe, I recommend this time slot. Changes for European players can be arranged however))

 

~ Organization of the Black Guard ~

-Decades. The Black Guard is divided into groups of 10 called Decades. Each Decade may have no more than 10 troopers, including the Captain. 

               + Each Decade is led by One Captain, who has 9 troopers under their command.

               + Each Captain selects one member from their Decade to be Lieutenant. Lieutenants may not be ranked up or chosen instantly. Lieutenants earn their rank like all others, but there can only be one acting Lieutenant. 

               + Sergeants are the rank beneath Lieutenant. There can be no more than 3 Sergeants. Sergeants support the Lieutenant, who supports the Captain. 

               + Beneath the Sergeants are the Privates.

               + Beneath the Privates are the Guardsmen.

               + Beneath the Guardsmen are the New Bloods. 

 

-The Optimal and Best Organized Decades Look Like this:

               } One Captain, in charge of the Decade.

               } One Lieutenant, who is second in command, and works to aid the Captain in all tasks.

               } Three Sergeants, who work to support the Lieutenant. 

               } The remaining 5 troops may be a mix of Privates, Guardsmen, and New Bloods. 

 

-10 of these Decades, together form 1 Century, and is the primary term used to command a large body of troops on the battlefield. Centuries are commanded by the Leader of Arbor directly. 

 

~ Power and Duties of Each Rank, and How to Rank Up ~

               + New Bloods: This is the rank given to those who have just joined the Guard by passing basic training. They will be ranked up to the rank of Guardsmen by the discretion of their Captain, by proving they are capable warriors, and are fairly competent in basic combat and working with the rest of the Decade. 

Duties: speak to your Captain and obey all orders received. 

Uniform, Standard Uniform and Armor: https://imgur.com/XKowqHA 

 

               + Guardsmen: This rank is given to those who have proven their basic competence in handling the day to day tasks of being in the Guard. They can rank up by the discretion of their Captain if they have proven they can handle standard guard duty, and do well on basic patrols.

Duties: speak to your Captain and obey all orders received. 

Uniform, Standard Uniform and Armor: https://imgur.com/XKowqHA 

 

               + Private: This rank is given to those who have proven a strong interest and dedication to the Guard. They have also proven decent ability in combat. Once an individual obtains the rank of Private, they will be given all the keys that lead to Level 1 doors around the city. Level 1 doors include access to the gate house, barracks, and upper Guard Headquarters lounge, which is available only to the Guard. The Private will now also be given a payment box with their name on it in the Guard Headquarters payment section.  

Duties: When the individual is on duty, they are expected to be available for all training, patrols, and other tasks that a higher rank or that the Captain may assign. If there are no current orders to receive or act out, Privates are expected to go to the gate house, and man the main gate to allow citizens or visitors to come and go. Before allowing someone inside the city, the Guard on gate duty must say these things:

     -What is your name?

     -What is your purpose for entering the City of Arbor?

     -We will now search you for weapons. These weapons will be returned to you upon leaving the city. (Then search the individual and confiscate their weapons. If they refuse to give up their weapons, they may not be allowed to enter the inner city, but are welcome to stay in the Emerald District.)

               + If the individual claims to be a citizen of Arbor, ask around to confirm if they have been seen around in Arbor before. Citizens will typically use the citizen doors, so it is suspicious for a citizen to claim they don't have access to the citizen doors. 

To Rank Up: A Private must prove true loyalty, courage, ability and strength in conflict, and above all duty to their Decade. They must also show the ability and worthiness to start being entrusted with small leadership roles. An excellent way to show this, is to go out and recruit others to join the Black Guard. Privates who recruit people who are not already citizens of Arbor to join the Guard, (even if that current Decade is already full the person recruited will be assigned to another Decade) will truly show their Captains that they are capable of inspiring others, and are worthy of ranking up to Sergeant.  

Uniform, Standard Uniform and Armor: https://imgur.com/XKowqHA 

 

               + Sergeant: This rank is awarded to at maximum only 3 troopers within a Decade. It is the rank given to those who have proven strong capability in battle, courage in the face of darkness, and above all the ability for basic leadership. Those who achieve this rank are given a large pay increase, as well as the Level 2 key ring access. Level 2 keys give Sergeants and above access to more important doors, such as Jail Cell doors, office doors, and doors to the main level of the Silversteed Palace in case the noble family is in need of protection. 

Duties: Sergeants are expected to help move Privates and any lower ranks through their daily tasks. Sergeants are expected to work together within their Decade and gather themselves and the lower ranks to go on patrols, do some basic combat training, or help man the gate house. Essentially, Sergeants have been given the authority to lead the lower ranks, and help organize them, and they are expected to do so. 

To Rank Up: To rank up from Sergeant to Lieutenant is no easy feat. The Sergeant must either prove they are able to be a Lieutenant in a brand new Decade, or be a replacement to the current Lieutenant within their Decade. To achieve this, a Sergeant must at least recruit 3 individuals that are not already citizens of Arbor to join the Black Guard. If the Decade that the Sergeant is in is full, those recruits will join a separate Decade. To be eligeble for a rank up, the Sergeant must at least have recruited 3 individuals. Once they have achieved this, the Captain may begin to consider the qualities of that Sergeant and see if they are worthy of the position. If the Captain believes that the Sergeant would be a worthy Lieutenant, but that they should not replace the Decade's current Lieutenant, they may submit the info to the leader of Arbor. 

Uniform, Standard Uniform and Armor with Gold Pin upon the chest: https://imgur.com/BzNxT6T

 

               + Lieutenant: This rank is given to those who have proven excellent skill in combat, and nearly unrivaled skill as leader. They have proven to be an invaluable asset to the Captain as their second in command. A Lieutenant must work hard to maintain their position, and always prove that they are the only person in their Decade worthy of the title. Lieutenants earn the next large pay increase, in addition to the final Level 3 access key ring. These keys give the holder access to sensitive locations, including the upper halls of the Silversteed palace, and the classified locations across Arbor. 

Duties: Lieutenants are expected to be often available for whatever the Captain may need. Additionally, they are expected to be the number one force for organizing patrols, and training if the Captain is not available. As second in command Lieutenants are expected to constantly be assisting and teaching the lower ranks. Conducting group or even individual training, should be done every other day. Patrols should be organized (if not by the Captain) then by the Lieutenant. Patrols should be conducted daily by a Decade. Patrols of the Emerald district, up on the walls, and within the inner city. 

To Rank Up: A Lieutenant must show such ability in leadership, that they catch the eye of the Leader of Arbor. To even be considered for the rank of Captain, a Lieutenant must recruit at the least 6 people to join the guard that are not already citizens of Arbor (these are 6 additional people, not including the 3 that were recruited back when they were a Sergeant). They must also prove talent and skill in combat, as well as undying loyalty to their decade and the Black Guard. They must prove courage, kindness, and intelligence, to be granted such an honorable title as Captain. 

Uniform, Standard Uniform and Armor with Gold Pin and the Lieutenant's Purple Pin: https://imgur.com/o3yQoO2

 

               + Captain: The Captain is the highest rank achievable in the Black Guard. The Captains are hand picked by the Leader of Arbor. Just like other ranks, they have on and off duty times, they are not special and get to be off and on when they please. Unlike other ranks however, they receive the final pay increase in their Standard Pay. They are tasked with managing their Decade to the fullest extent. They alone are tasked with giving out the payment slips, and watching who should receive what types of payments based on how much Active Duty that person participated in. Captains may also hand out bonuses, which come straight from the Captain's own pocket. These bonuses come in the form of the Arbor Iron pendant, and are worth 100 mina each. These bonuses may be given out as a reward to troopers who have proven excellent service. 

Duties: Captains are expected to conduct the following with their Decade Daily:

          -Daily patrols. These patrols take the entire Decade (all that are available) to go on a patrol. These Patrols are to start at Arbor's main gate, go through the Emerald district, back into the interior of the city, up onto the walls of the Old Town, through the Old Town Castle, across the bridge and into the new town. Inspect equipment and straighten out uniforms at the Silversteed palace, then proceed back to the Old Town and finish at the main gate once more. Ideally, these patrols occur twice a day. They must happen at least once a day, and if the Captain is unavailable the Captain is expected to inform their Lieutenant to run the patrol for them. 

           -Ensure that their Decade is at full capacity. If a Captain's Decade is not at full capacity, that means that that Decade is under performing. Captains are expected to get to and maintain the active number of 9 troops under their command. Failure to do so, will result in that Captain's removal of rank, and the Captain will be brought down to the rank of Private. Regularly, if not daily missions with the entire Decade to go recruiting should be commonplace, to ensure that the Decade is operating at full potential. 

Captains are expected to do this on the following days:

Every Saints Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday the Captains are expected to organize that day's drill training. These Decade training sessions, will be divided into three parts. 

1) Duels, one on one combat. These fights will be duels between guards. Full armor and a dulled iron sword are to be used, to make it more realistic to actual combat.

2) Group combat. The Decade is to be split into two equal parts. Combat will proceed much like duels, except it should now be 5 on 5, the Captain should not sit out the fight. If it seems to be an unfair advantage to one side, then the Captain may alternate sides. 

3) Decade formation drills. Captains are to conduct formation drills, in which Orders One, two, three, etc. will be taught to their Decade. Formations are critical to an organized force. The ability to form up quickly and efficiently is a skill that few armies across the world posses. It is the hallmark of the Black Guard.

Uniform, Captains may wear their own style of Armor and uniform that most comfortably suits them, so long as it is very similar to the Black Guard uniform, and includes the gold and purple pins, a red sash, and a red plume upon their helm.  https://imgur.com/8TQ5iNm  Those that would prefer to wear the standard Captain uniform, can find it here.

 

~ Focus ~

All who join the Black Guard, are to declare a focus for themselves. There are three available. All Guard will be trained and be expected to posses elements of all three, however this indicates what type of soldier you wish to be within the guard, and indicates what you wish to one day master, or achieve.

 

The Warrior 

This focus is for those who want to be in the brunt of the fighting. Those who wish to master the sword, the axe, or the war hammer. Those who relish the glory found upon the center of a battlefield, would be wise to choose this focus. You will be trained to specialize in close quarters combat, and to be a force of nature.

 

The Ranger

This focus is for those who show skill and talent with a bow. Those few who can shoot an enemy from great distances, and disappear into the woods from whence they came. Those who find strength in the tension of their bowstring, would be wise to choose this focus. You will be trained to excel with the bow, and hand to hand combat. 

 

The Leader

This focus is for those who know they are capable of leadership. Those who understand that an army of dear led by lion, should be more greatly feared than an army of lion led by a dear, would be wise to choose this focus. You will be trained to perhaps one day become a leader of a Decade yourself. You will be mentored by a higher ranking officer, who will show you the way and teach you the ropes of what it means to be a leader.

 

~ Clarifications between the Black Guard and the Knights of Arbor ~

For those that have questions regarding who has command over who.

               + The standard Knights of Arbor hold no authority over any member of the Black Guard. The Knights may assist in the activities of a Decade, but must respect a Captain's wishes if the Captain wishes for it to be a Black Guard Training (or other activities). This respect of Captains applies to Wardens as well.

               + Wardens, however, have authority over some specific ranks of the Black Guard. These ranks are anything below the rank of Sergeant (including the Sergeant). However, if an order from a Warden conflicts with an order from a Black Guard Captain or Lieutenant, the Guard are to listen to the commands of their fellow Guardsmen, over the commands of a Warden. Wardens typically remain separate from the Black Guard, and work to improve the Knights of Arbor, not the Black Guard. 

 

 

~ Join The Guard ~

What is your name? ((RP))

 

Do you have combat experience? None is ok. ((RP))

 

Are you 18 or older? ((RP))

 

Are you taller than 5 foot? ((RP))

 

What is your declared Focus? ((RP))

 

Do you have Discord? ((OOC. No need to share it here.))

 

 

[Kaizer 5]

15 hours ago, L0rdT0mas said:

 

What is your name? ((RP))

Arthas

Do you have combat experience? None is ok. ((RP))

No

Are you 18 or older? ((RP))

Yes

Are you taller than 5 foot? ((RP))

Yes

What is your declared Focus? ((RP))

The Warrior

Do you have Discord? ((OOC. No need to share it here.))

Yes

 

[Volcanogirl111x 1]

What is your name? ((RP))

Lorelle Valezo

Do you have combat experience? None is ok. ((RP))

Yes, I have fought with another cities guard before this.

Are you 18 or older? ((RP))

Yes, I am 33

Are you taller than 5 foot? ((RP))

Yes, I am 5'10

What is your declared Focus? ((RP))

My Focus is the Warrior.

[Kara-Ax400 0]

                      What is your name? ((Rp))

                                Xilra Moro

      do you have combat experience? None is ok.((rp)).      Yes, I was a Guard in Haense 

                        Are you 18 or older? ((Rp))

                             Yes, I am 18.

                   Are you taller than 5’10?((Rp))

                            Yes, I am 6’0.

               what is you declared focus?((Rp))

            To protect my home at all costs.

 

 

 

(now leave me alone to cook my noodlessss Tom)

 

[Treshure 5818]

The Highway’s Men grow eager to face these opponents on the battlefield.

[Gilgarach 5]

Name: Valter Vasquez

Combat Experience: Mostly everything there is to know.

Age (18+): 74

Height (5'10+): 7'3

Declared focus: Leading the front line.

[On_Hiatus_CommissarFish 176]

 

~ Join The Guard ~

What is your name? ((RP)): Harry Ragnarson

 

Do you have combat experience? None is ok. ((RP)): Yes, good with a bow and okay with a sword

 

Are you 18 or older? ((RP)): Yes: 35

 

Are you taller than 5 foot? ((RP)): Yes, 5'11

 

What is your declared Focus? ((RP)): The Ranger

 

Do you have Discord? ((OOC. No need to share it here.)) Yes

[R3D7uP 29]

4 minutes ago, gamingfishtv said:

 

~ Join The Guard ~

What is your name? ((RP)): Harry Ragnarson

 

Do you have combat experience? None is ok. ((RP)): Yes, good with a bow and okay with a sword

 

Are you 18 or older? ((RP)): Yes: 35

 

Are you taller than 5 foot? ((RP)): Yes, 5'11

 

What is your declared Focus? ((RP)): The Ranger

 

Do you have Discord? ((OOC. No need to share it here.)) Yes

Elion Tyranor would read over the the document handed to him by the citizen, signing his signature at the bottom of the page and stating to the man "Accepted, welcome to the Arborian Blackguard."