The Old Guard

Amongst the city watch of Sylvahn, the Sea Guard, there is an elite squad that are tasked with the most difficult and dangerous missions. Established shortly after Captain Cyril Varant took charge of the Guard, this group consisted of less than savoury individuals. Dubbed the Old Guard, the original members were all members of the crew that sailed with the Captain aboard The Decadence, back in Cyril's days of piracy. Now, following their former Admiral into law enforcement, these former criminals now use their superior experience, gained through many years of being on the other side, to dole out justice to any that break Sylvahn's laws.
The veterans that make it into the Old Guard are most commonly assigned on noble protection duty, which is one of the most deadly roles to fill in all of Bastique. This is due to the fact that high society is rife with poisonings, surreptitious stabbings and other assassinations and thefts, all done in the name of the great “game” that the nobles make out of politics.
It is an incredibly thankless task, attempting to keep the government going and the city-state running when the nobility who should be doing so seem more interested in tearing it down. However, Captain Varant takes this responsibility seriously and, as such, so do his loyal Old Guard.

Composition

Manpower

The Old Guard is made up of around 130 veterans. The majority of the Guardsmen and women are former members of the Captain's crew when he sailed as a pirate, however, more have been recruited into the unit as they have demonstrated their experience in the field.

Equipment

While the rest of the Sea Guard wear the standard-issue armour and uniform, the Old Guard wear more specialised armour that they used during their time serving under Bloodwrath. This consisted of a thick, leather, ankle-length coat, worn over a chest plate made out of a light, Serpéan metal.
The Old Guard are the only unit in the Sea Guard permitted to use the Gauntlet. Contrary to its name, the Gauntlet is actually a vambrace that doubles as a miniature crossbow and grappling hook. This provides them with increased mobility and additional ranged potential, once they have mastered its use.

Weaponry

In addition to the Gauntlet, the Old Guard make use of swords that are slightly shorter than those issued to the rest of the Sea Guard. These blades were originally designed for the close-quarters combat one would find onboard the deck of a ship. However, they have been found to be incredibly useful when coupled with the increased mobility provided by the Gauntlet.

Tactics

Due to the defensive nature of the Old Guards duties, their tactics often emulate that. Many of the methods that they utilise in the protection of their primary involve getting themselves between an attacker and their primary. The Captain has often received complaints from nobles who have been manhandled by the Old Guard or received minor injuries as they have been dragged around the city or forced behind barricades or into safe houses. Captain Varant has always responded by reminding them that because of the Old Guards methods, they are still alive to be able to complain.

Type

Security

Overall training Level

Semi-professional

Assumed Veterancy

Veteran