Imperial Guard
The rulers of the Hegemony cannot rely solely on their army for protection. They need a unit solely dedicated to the protection of their lives. I suggest we create one in the image of the Feran Kingsguard. A guard of the Hegemony. An Imperial Guard!Without a doubt, one of the most influential organizations of Vardanian imperial history. Many names have been given to them. Silent Guardians. Masked Warrior. Kingmakers. They have protected many a ruler from perilous fates and influenced Vardanian history in many ways. Be it good or bad, there is no doubt that their influence can still be felt today.
Organization
The Imperial Guard is not a subset of the Imperial Army but rather seen as a separate military branch entirely. Its members are recruited from the best fighters the Hegemony has to offer and, in times of war, are recruited from veteran army units. Every single member had to excel in all things martial and needed to undergo an extra one-year training period to become experienced with personal protection. How many soldiers serve in the guard has varied, from around 500 soldiers under Honorian I. (1330-1335) to over 3000 under Julia the Golden (2005-2069). They possessed their barracks, which were part of the imperial palace as well as a private training ground. Monthly payment was ten times as high as a soldiers regular. Additionally, members of the guard enjoyed a status comparable to that of minor nobles, one which they retained upon retirement.History
As an organization, the Imperial Guard came into existence around the same time as the first Tarquinnian Empire, also known as the First Hegemony from 1320 DA on. Honorian's reforms, which turned the Hegemony into a hereditary monarchy had made him many enemies, among the powerful senatorial class and he could not rely on the army as many soldiers were staunchly pro-republic. The Guard served as his and his heir's shield, against any coup or assassination attempt. Over the centuries, the Guard had part in many events, both good and bad. In 1391, their support meant that Toaris I. could ascend to the imperial throne, ushering in the reign of the Mecarian Dynasty. In 1489, the assassinated Emperor Iscarion, helping to end the War of the Four Emperors. During the 22nd century, they became kingmakers, and without them, no one could hope to claim the throne. Finally in 2219, they took part in the Usurpation of Vespasian and following a disastrous war, assassinated him in 2220. The organization was purged by Seron the Red following his rise to power in 2214 DA and rebuild from scratch. This second incarnation lasted till the final fall of the Second Hegemony in 2245. Post Second Hegemony writers often gave the Guard the image of a shady and corrupt, almost criminal organization. An accusation which was only partly true. This negative image, as well as their rather heavy maintenance, are the reason why future emperors did not revive it, instead letting themselves be guarded by army regiments.
Type
Infantry
Founding
1330 DA
Dissolution
2245 DA
Overall training Level
Elite
Used by
All that remains to say is that the Guard was nothing but a blight upon the Hegemony. One of the purulent wounds from which rot started to seep into the Empire.
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Great work, definitely draws on a theme and gives the impression of an organisation that at various times has been the heroes and the villains.