Chaqery

Les Gendarmes d’Auvergne "Nec pluribus impar" Upon the formation of House de Bretagne in the Imperium Tertius, Marcel II de Bretagne saw fit to establish a personal retinue of gendarmes (Auvergnian for Men-at-arms) both as a means of protecting his interests and to represent House de Bretagne in Orenian war efforts. Additionally, Marcel felt that the creation of such a unit would assist in this aspirations to bring about a renaissance of Auvergnian culture under the banner of the powerful House de Bretagne. Motto The motto des Gendarmes d'Auvergne is "Nec Pluribus Impar", meaning “Not unequal to many”. It is an old Auvergnian motto passed down through generations, and though it’s meaning has never been made explicitly clear, it is generally taken to suggest that the actions and abilities of these few warriors are not unequal to the actions and abilities of many times their numbers. Purpose Les Gendarmes d'Auvergne exist in a dual function: 1.) A personal defense force for House de Bretagne, trumpeting a sense of return of Auvergnian culture to the Empire at large. Due to House Bretagne’s role in the Imperial Court, Gensdarmes will serve as a peacekeeping force within the realm in times of peace, capable of rapidly deploying to maintain the Emperor’s Peace. They will never be used to forcefully advance the interests of House de Bretagne. 2.) A well-trained and effective heavy cavalry squadron for the Exercitus Imperium. All Gensdarmes are soldiers of the Empire first, and men of House de Bretagne second, if they so choose. The achievement of these two objectives is paramount to House de Bretagne, who are aware of the small population that the Auvergnian people contribute to the empire, but still desire to make a lasting impact on the Orenian war effort. Uniform Equipment: Plate Armor Gensdarmes are equipped with the heaviest armor available, offering the greatest protection possible when plunging into enemy formations. Unlike heavy infantry, who are often forced to wear plate mail in order to retain maneuverability, fighting from a saddle allows for the employment of full plate. Lance This iconic weapon for mounted warriors earned it’s reputation through sheer lethality. In the hands of a trained cavalryman, it can spell disaster for an footsoldier. Though it takes rigorous training to master, the advantages are well worth it. Broadsword After a lance charge, these blades are drawn to enter the melée. Forged with the capability to both slash and stab with equal lethality, broadswords are a cavalryman’s best friend. Their hilts typically incorporate a hand guard in the hilt to further protect the wielder. Auvergnian Charger The tales of the ancient Auvergnian heroes of old always make mention to their equally as noble steeds. It's from this mentality that the Auvergnian people take pride in the calibre of their horses. Perhaps not as quick and maneuverable as other breeds, they are strong enough to be laden with armor and heraldry themselves while carrying a fully armored gendarme into the thick of battle with deadly force and still look graceful. Solid animals of war that don't bolt when the din of combat grows to a roar, and furthermore a symbol of Auvergnian military prowess. Ranking Structure The ranks of the Gensdarmes remains relatively unaltered, though addition have been made to reflect Imperial desire to reinstate knights as true heroes of the Empire. Under the supervision of the Commandant of Cavalry, knights and the sons of noblemen are turned into capable soldiers, leaders, and gentlemen of Oren. Officers Capitaine La Capitaine des Gendarmes is the commanding officer of the House de Bretagne forces below the House Patron. Typically of gentry or lesser noble birth, he is responsible for ensuring the perpetual combat readiness of the scara. The Captain is meant to be a capable leader (preferably through example and not fear) and totally loyal to the House, and it is for these reasons that even a commoner may achieve this rank (though typically with an elevation to gentry as well) should they prove to be aptly worthy. Garde du Corps Les Gardes du Corps are the elite few of the Gendarmes deemed veteran enough to personally guard the de Bretagne famille. In a less civic role, they assist in mentoring the newest members of the squadron and in leading charges on the battlefield. Their battlefield experience makes them renown warriors and respected mentors/military advisors. They typically develop a very close relationship to the family members of the House and are often even considered as uncles or godparents to the children. There is no restriction on their birth status in order to become a Garde du Corps. Knights Paladin (Paladin (Name)) The most experience and capable knights in the realm are given the title “Paladin”. These men are martial experts, veterans of many battles from the seat of their charger or leading units of Imperial soldiers. Though technically junior officers of the Exercitus Imperium, Paladins have the greatest potential to be promoted to positions of senior command, or even the very rare chance to ascend to nobility all thanks to their proven loyalty, combat prowess, and leadership capability. Knight-Brother (Brother (Name)) Through display of combat effectiveness and developed leadership, Brother-Knights are made. Though still on their quest to glory, these men are capable of being entrusted with leadership responsibilities within the Gensdarmes, Exercitus Imperium, and Imperial lands as a whole. Knight (Ser (Name)) The backbone of the knightly ranks, these men were either born gentry or nobility or knighted by the Imperial Court for their proven dedication to the Empire. Leadership potential has also been displayed in their actions. Gendarme The standard rank of the squadron, these horsemen have passed through their training process and fully qualified to serve House de Bretagne and the Imperium Tertius alike. Deadly mounted shock troopers with noteworthy discipline, they seek to test their metal against enemies of the realm or threats to the family. Escuier Escuiers, the new (and typically) young members of the squadron are taken under the wing of a veteran in the Garde du Corps in order to learn a comfortable proficiency with the use/upkeep of heavy armor, mounted warfare, and typical Auvergnian traditions and way of life (unless of course they are of Auvergnian descent). They are not provided with their own horse yet, however, merely given the ability to practice with horses owned by the scara. When their mentor feels they are ready, they are presented with their own set of plate armor and horse, the staple of any Gendarme. Code d'Éthique An ethical code is not only paramount to Auvergnian society, it is critical of any successful military effort. La Code d’Éthique des Gendarme d’Auvergne is as follows: Fear God and maintain His Church As soldiers of the faith through service to both the Empire and House de Bretagne, Gendarmes are expected to believe in the Creator and protect the Church, including men of the faith like priests and onwards. Serve House de Bretagne and the Imperium Tertius in valour and faith Auvergnian blood has been spilt building the Empires of the past. As the military face of Auvergne in the Empire, Gendarmes are expected to be loyal and brave servants of House de Bretagne and the Imperium Tertius To protect the weak and defenceless Without honor, Auvergnian’s are nothing. It is likely one of the most critical pieces of their culture. Defending the weak, innocent, and defenseless is a staple of any honorable sort of action. To refrain from the wanton giving of offence In a realm where politics abound, one does wisely to think before speaking or acting. It is further an Auvergnian mannerism to be very sensitive to offending others. To live by honour and for glory A relatively self-explanatory staple of the ethical code of the Gendarmes, this is easily the most important. Auvergnians are honorable gentleman and ladies. This translates into every aspect of their lives, even though they do not hesitate to do what is necessary in the fury of battle. To fight for the welfare of all The blood of Auvergnians is one that flows with pride, honor, and the knowledge that one kingdom of men is not God’s will, but rather the unification of mankind into one glorious Empire. To obey those placed in authority There is a time and place to question the decisions of those in power. That is never in public or in front of others. Peace and stability is kept through trying times by maintaining the allusion of control always. To guard the honour of fellow Gendarmes In service to House de Bretagne and the Imperium Tertius, we are brothers all. Protect your brothers. To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit Quality of character is just as important as quality of arms in Auvergnian culture. Despised are the unduly wicked or cruel. To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun It is a point of honor to do what you say you will. To respect the honour of women While Auvergnian men are certainly not foreign to the female anatomy, it is in no way condoned to treat any lady with anything but respect. Never to refuse a challenge from an equal As men of the sword, it is only fitting that you potentially die by it to. Never to turn the back upon a foe Auvergnians do not run. They do not surrender ((Unlike their futuristic predecessors)), and they will fight for what they believe until death. Applications Posters and flyers are placed up all over the Empire, telling of this newly founded scara for the Imperial military as well as service to House de Bretagne. Applicants are encouraged to contact The August Marcel de Bretagne (mcname: Chaqery) and seek an audience, as well as submitting the following in a letter (forum post): OOC MCName: Skype: RP Name: Are you of Auvergnian heritage: Experience: ((That’s right, a heavy cavalry unit. It’s relatively new ground to cover, I know. If you feel up to the challenge, and are interested in immersing yourself into Auvergnian culture, feel free to submit an application. Non-Auvergnian members are more than welcome to apply as well.))