The Varangian Guard
The Varangian (vuh-RAN-jee-an) Guard are a long and historied military unit that has undergone several transformations in its history, and currently serves as an elite detective and espionage unit in defense of the Autarch personally and the Empire by extension. Numbering about three thousand persons, with about a thousand in the capitol and the rest deployed in the field, their primary mission is the preservation of the life and fortune of the Autarch, but the interpretation of this role has given them ever greater powers over the centuries. Currently they operate as two distinct units: the Bodyguard, made up of about 200 elite warriors who serve as immediate and proximity guards for the Autarch at all times; and the Home Guard, the remainder of the division which carries out investigations of crimes and other subversive activities of an especially serious or multi-province nature - sort of an FBI analog, though they can be both domestic or internationally focused.
Structure
A number of commissioners reporting to a military General who is the Autarch's Majordomo, who also has power over units in the Khazigur city guard and military units deployed at Fort Kalish. Agents with military ranks report to the Commissioners who have civilian but not military titles as oversight, and to protect the Autarch from any would be military coup from within the Guards. The commissioners report to and communicate up to and down from the Majordomo to the agents in the Bodyguard and in the field.
Public Agenda
Simply put, the defense of the Autarch and the Empire, which in practice gives them enormous leeway and very little restriction on their scope and power.
Type
Government, Secret Service
Alternative Names
The Guards, the Home Guards
Training Level
Professional
Veterancy Level
Decorated/Honored
Demonym
Varangian
Leader
Location
Notable Members
Comments