Golden Spear

Structure

• Gilded Lance The leader of the Golden Spear, responsible for strategic oversight and the overall security of Stonegard, reporting directly to the king.
• Lance Senior officers who oversee major divisions and operations under the Gilded Lance.
• Gilded Glaive Mid-level leaders managing specialized units, guiding Enforcers, and ensuring operational effectiveness.
• Glaive Regular officers who lead patrols and tactical teams, enforcing the law and maintaining discipline.
• Silvered Pike Experienced members who take on leadership roles within teams, mentoring newer members and ensuring high standards.
• Pike Active members of the Golden Spear who uphold the law, engage in patrols, and respond to emergencies.
• Silvered Javelin Dedicated members demonstrating exceptional skill and commitment, often taking on more responsibilities.
• Javelin Regular members who actively serve in the Golden Spear, enforcing laws and participating in city security.
• Harpoon New recruits undergoing training, learning the values and skills required for full membership.
• Hasta Junior members assisting Javelins in various tasks while undergoing basic training and evaluation.

Culture

Core Beliefs:

1. Order Above All: The Golden Spear believes in strict discipline and unwavering loyalty to their hierarchy. The dethronement of the previous tyrant was a traumatic moment for Stonegard, and the organisation perceives its role as critical to ensuring such chaos never happens again.
2. Loyalty to King Varroock: Their identity is deeply tied to the reign of King Varroock. They see themselves as enforcers of his will and saviours of Stonegard from its dark past.
3. Mistrust of Dragonborns: The organisation's distrust of dragonborns runs deep. They view dragonborns as symbols of tyranny and oppression, leading to institutional discrimination. This belief is rooted in their desire to prevent history from repeating itself.
4. Militaristic Honour: They have a strong code of conduct emphasizing honour, bravery, and discipline. Their hierarchy reflects a clear respect for rank and experience, and their members are expected to embody these virtues.

Customs and Practices:

1. Initiation Rites: New recruits undergo rigorous trials, both physical and psychological, to ensure their loyalty and resilience. Passing these trials often includes public ceremonies that reinforce the values of the Golden Spear.
2. Anti-Dragonborn Enforcement: They actively monitor and regulate dragonborn activity within Stonegard, often justifying their actions as "proactive safety measures." Their patrols may treat dragonborns with suspicion, even when no wrongdoing is evident.
3. Gilding Ceremony: Promotions within the ranks are celebrated with a Gilding Ceremony, where the promoted member is given a weapon associated with their new rank. This weapon is a symbol of their achievements and responsibilities, reinforcing the hierarchy and their martial prowess.

Perception and Worldview:

1. Guardians of Peace: Members of the Golden Spear see themselves as Stonegard's shield, protecting its citizens from external and internal threats. They view their strict methods as a necessary burden for maintaining peace.
2. Reluctant but Rigid Progressives: While loyal to King Varroock's more progressive leadership, they struggle to reconcile this with their conservative roots and anti-dragonborn stance. Their culture often clashes with the king's vision for a more inclusive Stonegard.
3. Distrust of Outsiders: The organisation tends to be wary of foreigners, viewing them as potential threats. While not overtly hostile, their suspicion shapes their interactions with travellers and newcomers.

Symbolism and Identity:

1. The Golden Spear Emblem: Their emblem—a golden spear piercing a tyrant's crown—symbolises their role in overthrowing oppression. Members wear this emblem with pride, often incorporating it into their armour or personal items.
2. Uniforms and Discipline: Uniforms are impeccably maintained and serve as a visual representation of their order and discipline. The rank-specific titles and regalia further emphasize their hierarchical culture.
3. Language and Phrases: Members use militaristic jargon and metaphors in everyday speech. Phrases like “Pierce the chaos” or “Hold the line” are common among their ranks, reinforcing their collective mindset.

Public Agenda

1. To Protect and Preserve the Peace: The Golden Spear declares its primary goal to be the protection of Stonegard’s citizens from both internal threats and external dangers. They present themselves as the guardians of order, ensuring the city remains safe and stable under King Varroock’s reign.
2. To Uphold the Will of King Varroock: Publicly, the Golden Spear positions itself as an extension of the king’s authority. They promise unwavering loyalty to his vision for Stonegard and claim to operate within his mandate to restore the city to prosperity.
3. To Prevent Tyranny from Returning: The Golden Spear frequently reminds the public of their role in dismantling the tyranny of the previous ruler. They aim to reassure the populace that their vigilance will prevent such oppression from ever taking root again.
4. To Enforce Fairness and Justice: Officially, the organisation claims to enforce laws impartially, holding all citizens to the same standard. Their public message is one of fairness and justice, though this often conflicts with their underlying cultural biases.
5. To Strengthen Stonegard's Defences: The Golden Spear publicly advocates for a strong and unified Stonegard. This includes bolstering the city’s fortifications, training its militia, and maintaining readiness against potential invasions or uprisings.
6. To Safeguard the Legacy of Freedom: As part of their rhetoric, the Golden Spear often speaks of their mission to protect the hard-won freedom achieved when the previous tyrant was overthrown. They frame their actions as essential to preserving this legacy for future generations.

Assets

Specialized Units within the Golden Spear

• 1. Dragon Slayers
  • Rank: Specialized Pike-Glaives
  • Role: Expert units specifically trained to combat Dragonborn and draconic creatures.
  • Training: In-depth knowledge of draconic lore and combat techniques.
  • Assets:
    • Dragonbane Weapons: Weapons imbued with properties that deal additional damage to draconic foes.
    • Draconic Armor: Specialized armor designed to withstand fire and other elemental attacks.
  • Deployment: Deployed when facing Dragonborn enemies, dragons, or during missions where draconic threats are likely.
• 2. Shell Core
  • Rank: Juggernaut Class Silver Pikes
  • Role: Heavily armored frontline troops designed for shock and awe.
  • Training: Trained for endurance and resilience in battle.
  • Assets:
    • Steel Exoskeleton Armor: Heavy armor providing near-impervious protection, significantly reducing mobility.
    • Siege Weapons: Equipped with breaching tools or heavy weapons for sieges and crowd control.
  • Deployment: Called upon during riots, invasions, or situations requiring overwhelming force.
• 3. Cleansers
  • Rank: Glaives and above
  • Role: Support and healing units within the Golden Spear.
  • Training: Skilled in both combat and magical healing techniques.
  • Assets:
    • Spell Scrolls: Carry spell scrolls for healing and curing ailments.
    • Potent Healing Potions: Enhanced versions of standard healing potions for more severe injuries.
  • Deployment: Deployed in extended engagements, during major battles, or in support of frontline troops needing immediate medical assistance.

Summary

The Golden Spears possess an impressive array of assets that bolster their effectiveness as a military force in Stonegard. Among these are their Armory and Training Grounds, where members can access an extensive selection of weapons, armor, and specialized equipment tailored to their roles within the ranks. The armory houses everything from standard issue pikes and lances to enchanted gear designed for specific threats, such as dragon-slaying weapons and anti-magic armaments. The Training Grounds are state-of-the-art facilities equipped with simulators and practice dummies that allow recruits and veterans alike to hone their skills in a variety of combat scenarios, ensuring that all members are prepared for any challenge they may face. In addition to their physical assets, the Golden Spears benefit from a robust network of Intelligence Gatherers and Scout Units. These operatives are responsible for gathering information about potential threats to Stonegard, conducting reconnaissance missions, and reporting on enemy movements. Their intelligence capabilities ensure that the Golden Spears are always one step ahead, allowing for strategic planning and timely responses to emerging dangers. This network works closely with the city's Royal Council, providing crucial insights that help in decision-making processes regarding the deployment of troops and resources, further solidifying the Golden Spears' role as the city's elite guardians.

By Honor, We Serve. By Steel, We Remain Golden

Founding Date

1098 PA

Type

Military Order

Alternative Names

Guards of Stonegard

Leader

Valorian Goldblitz

Ruling Organization

The Kingdom of Varroock

Leader Title

Gilded Lance

Parent Organization

The Kingdom of Varroock

Location

Stonegard

Notable Members

• Valorian Goldblitz