The Aureus Contingent
The Aureus Contingent* is an elite sect of the Aurelian military reserved for sensitive, high-priority missions. They are said to be some of the very same warriors who were with Aurelius when he founded the empire, though there is a high population of half-eladrin among them that brings this claim into question, however long-lived they may be. They are amongst the foremost defenders of Aurelia, the greatest of Aurelius' soldiers. It is said that they are untouchable by plague or disease, and can suffer wounds that would kill a lesser being several times over, and live to fight again. Their devotion to the empire and Aurelius' rule is unyielding, their faith in their emperor paramount to none.
The Aureus Contingent are physically stronger, more psionically resilient, and often mentally far removed from other Mortals. It is rumored that they are numbered among the First of Souls, if the Library of Alexandria's notations on the Aureliad are to be believed. Their actions during the Golden War are the makings of legend, and most feel a combination of awe and fear in their presence.
As the prolonged war dragged on, many hopefuls joined the ranks of the Contingent. Many hopefuls perished in the process. But those who survived wrote a new chapter in the histories of Aurelian's Fist. Modern estimates speculate the current enlistment at the mid-five thousands.
Following the death of their emperor, the Aureus Contingent went to ground. Many entered a prolonged meditation, sealing their barracks to await the next emperor. Those that still wake remain the stalwart defenders of Helorix, and serve at the will of the Sovereign.
*Formerly known as the Golden Gauntlet.
Comments