THE VANGUARD OF KAZ’ULRAH
“Stand fast against the oncoming storm, for those who live will have tales to tell until the end of their lives, and those who die will forever feast amongst our ancestors. Let them come! The Vanguard never runs!”
Verthaik II Frostbeard, prior to the Battle of Jornheim Fields, 1634
Since the formation of the first New Jornheim militia, the Dwarves of Kaz’Ulrah have strived to create an efficient, powerful and disciplined fighting force, capable of defending the borders of their beloved nation. The Vanguard is the direct successor to the former military of Kaz’Ulrah; The Order of Dungrimm’s Folk and much of how it is run will be based upon the old order.
The Vanguard aims to protect Kaz’Ulrah’s borders and ensure the safety and integrity of the nation. Their primary job is to ensure the laws of the Kingdom are enforced, and that in times of war the enemy forces never threaten the capital of the Kingdom.
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NOTABLE BATTLES
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Battle of Prince Philip’s Crossing
1626
The Battle of Prince Philip’s Crossing was the first battle fought by the Vanguard. A large battalion of Frostbeards, Blackaxes, and Goldhands led by Verthaik II Frostbeard marched out to meet their Romstun allies by Prince Phillip’s Crossing. As the force assembled, an army of Orenians with a small force of Urguanite bureaucrats appeared across the river. Alchemical fire and arrows flew back and forth across the river almost instantly. The battle raged for hours, but the Kaz’Ulrah-Romstun forces were outnumbered and the battle was won by the Orenian coalition.
Battle of Jornheim Fields
1634
As the Vanguard and its allies prepared for the march to Kal’Omith, the men of Haense gave free passage to the Urguanite forces, and the Oren-Urguan coalition met the armies of Kaz’Ulrah out in the fields of Jornheim. While Warhawke skirmishers threw alchemist fire on the Urguanite flank on the mountainside and Orcish cavalry ran down Orenian skirmishers in the snowy field, a heavily armored Vanguard battalion met woefully under equipped Orenian soldiers in the center, crushing them.
Siege of Fort Kovakirr
1635
As the Oren-Urguan force retreated back towards Kal’Omith, the Vanguard hastily pursued them and quickly pinpointed their location as Fort Kovakirr, located at the border between Haense and Urguan. The armies of Kaz’Ulrah constructed a siege camp and pelted the southwest corner of the fort with trebuchet payloads while elite soldiers dropped alchemist fire on Urguanite siege weapons from above using experimental flying wings. By the time the full army got inside the fort, the Vanguard had already destroyed the remaining Orenian garrison.
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RANKS
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UPPER COMMAND
Grand Marshal
The Grand Marshal is the leader of the Vanguard and is responsible for ensuring the efficiency and strength of the military is up to Kaz’Ulrah’s standards. During times of war, he, alongside the High King, is in charge of leading battles.
Commander
The Commanders are the second in commands of the Vanguard. Their role is to ensure the will of the Grand Marshal is spread to the lower ranks, and they are also charged with ensuring that trainings take place often enough so that the ability of the soldiers does not deteriorate.
LOWER COMMAND
Captain
Captains assist Commanders in trainings and various other areas of work that are required to ensure the military is being run properly. Captains are selected based on merit, leadership ability and how long they have been with the Vanguard. In addition, Captains can only be selected from Ironguard and up.
VANGUARD SPECIAL RANKS
Vanguard Chef
The Vanguard Chef is in charge of ensuring that the army is well fed and has all their culinary needs satisfied. The Chef is required to maintain high sanitation within his kitchen, and periodic checks will be carried out to ensure the safety of the food being provided to the Vanguard. The Chef answers only to the High Command.
Vanguard Disciplinarian
The Disciplinarian is charged with ensuring that discipline is on a high level amongst the Vanguard. In addition to dishing out punishments for those who are not following orders, the Disciplinarian is also in charge of recording the honor of every member of the Vanguard in a public location so all can see. The Disciplinarian coordinates with the Lower and Upper Command, and is allowed to enforce punishments only with their consent.
Vanguard Smith
The smith is charged with ensuring that the Vanguard is will supplied with all types of arms. From armor, to swords and shields, to arrows. This person will work closeley with the Kingdom of Kaz’Ulrah Forgemaster to help ensure the soldiers are never forced into a position where they must fight a battle without proper arms.
Vanguard taking a break, relaxing at the tavern, enjoying Aemich Grandaxe’s refreshing and luscious Dwarven Ale™
BASIC INFANTRY
Steelguard
The Steelguard is the highest rank a Dwarf can achieve without being an actual officer. This is a rank reserved for true veterans of the Vanguard and is composed of some of the most loyal, disciple and fierce warriors. A Steelguard is required to offer full respect to the Upper and Lower Command, but is afforded the right to privately question High and Lower Command. A Steelguard can request armor whenever needed, without any sort of proof.
Ironguard
The Ironguard is a distinguished member of the Vanguard and has been a part of it for a very long time and has proven his worth as a soldier. An Ironguard is required to respect all commands given by the Upper Command, but is afforded the right to privately question a command by Low Command. An Ironguard may request armor when they require it, alongside proper proof that they do need it.
Stoneguard
The Stoneguard is a Guard who has been with the Vanguard for some time and is capable in at least one weapon of their choice. They have proven their loyalty and have shown to be well discipline soldiers. They still must follow orders however, without question. Stoneguards will be issued a standard set of armor for use on and off duty.
Guard
A Guard is a soldier who has undergone basic training and has taken the oath and with it has become an official member of the Vanguard. Guards will be rewarded with higher level training and greater clearance around the capital city of Kal’Tarak. Guards are expected to respect all those in the Upper and Lower Command and follow orders without question, in both private and public circumstances. Guards will be issued armor during specified times.
Grunt
A Grunt is an initiate in the Vanguard, who seeks to prove himself worthy of taking official oaths and proper training. The Grunt can be considered to be under a trial phase for possible entries, and will receive basic training to determine their worth. Grunts are not required to take oaths, and a Grunt is not an official member of the Vanguard and as such his actions do not reflect those of the Vanguard. Upon earning a promotion to Guard, the Grunt is branded with a special sigil to demonstrate his loyalty to Kaz’Ulrah.
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CODE OF CONDUCT
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I. Loyalty must be shown to the Vanguard and the Kingdom it serves - this is typically manifested through the following orders. Any disloyalty by its members will be met with a punishment decided by the Upper Command.
II. If a member of the Vanguard finds themselves in disagreement with a superior, they are still obliged to complete their order and must report their disapproval to a higher authority later on.
III. Never harm another member of the Vanguard unless explicitly ordered by a Captain or higher up.
IV. Never kill another Dwarf unless they are posing a direct threat, or you are ordered by the Upper Command directly.
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HONOR
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In the Vanguard, prowess and competency can be displayed through the gaining of honor. Honor is gained by completing set tasks and reporting it to the Grand Marshal, or one of the two Commanders. To achieve a higher rank, a certain amount of honor must be reached. If a soldier is inactive, their honor will begin to decay. Honor can also be lost for foolish activity and disobedience.
PROMOTION REQUIREMENT:
Grunt:
0 Honor
Guard:
50 Honor
Stoneguard:
150 Honor
Ironguard:
300 Honor
Steelguard:
500 Honor
Captain:
Selected by the Grand Marshal/Commanders. Must be a Ironguard or a Steelguard.
Commander:
Selected by the Grand Marshal, must be a Captain.
Grand Marshal:
Selected by the High King
Members of the Stoneguard policing the gates of Kal’Tarak.
GAINING HONOR:
Gate Guard:
5 Honor per every hour (max of 3 hours a day for 15 honor)
Iron Armor set made:
1 Honor per set (max 5 sets a week)
Weapons (Swords/Arrows/Bows) crafted:
1 Honor per 5 weapons (max 25 weapons for 5 Honor)
Completing assigned tasks from the marshal or commanders:
5-15 Honor
Resolving conflicts in the city and keeping the peace:
3 Honor
Attending Vanguard practice:
10 Honor
Attending a battle with the Vanguard:
15 Honor
Attending a Vanguard event (meeting, guarding, feast, etc.):
5 Honor
City or border patrol:
3 Honor
Winning a Vanguard organized tournament:
10 Honor
Honor can also be rewarded for other exemplary actions.
LOSING HONOR:
Dishonor occurs when a soldier in the service of the Vanguard refuses to do certain actions or shows disrespect to individuals of the Vanguard, in the event this occurs the Dwarf is to be stripped of honor and if the Dwarf is to drop below the requirements of the ranks he or she has earned then they shall be stripped of their rank and medal.
Failure to complete mission:
-3 honor
Speaking against the Grand Marshal or Commander:
-5 honor
Harassment/Assault of fellow Soldiers:
-3 honor
Disobeying the orders of the Commanding Ranks:
-5 honor
Going Stark Raving Mad:
-10 honor
OOC:
Spamming and trolling during practices:
-5 honor
Shouting/provoking trolling:
-3 honor
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WAGES
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The Vanguard is paid on the representation of active service that is done per year, (weekly) the wage increases as one's rank increases as well thus allowing for a higher income on the well performing soldier's behalf. If members miss trainings and are unexcused, the Kingdom reserves the right to withhold pay. ((We are looking for active players)) All members of the Vanguard are offered housing in the barracks.
Grunt:
50 Minas
Guard:
100 Minas
Stoneguard:
125 Minas
Ironguard:
150 Minas
Steelguard:
200 Minas
Captain:
300 Minas
Commander:
Determined upon promotion
Grand Marshal:
Determined by High King
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APPLICATION
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OOC
MC Name:
Discord:
Timezone:
RP
RP Name:
Age:
Ethnicity:
Do you have any experience in combat?: