The New Guard

"Knights from the New Guard are undoubtedly some of the finest warriors that Erdantia has to offer. That said, they don't quite keep the same charm as their predecessors. Makes me miss 'em

— S

The New Guard is the current security detail of the King of Erdantia, preceded by the Old Guard, led by Sir Edward Black. It has been active since 1441 to the present day. Their members sleep and train in a barracks directly adjecent to the castle of Drago, within the castle walls.
They are part of the Order of Tyler, which also incorperates the Old Guard and Brooker's Angels all of whom have protected the King at some point in time.

Structure

The New Guard is composed of four groups of eight men. At any one time, one group is ordered to rest, one to train, one to escort the King about his duties, and one to patrol the castle grounds. Each of the four groups are led by a well-distinguished Knight. There is also a small arbalist group of five that can be called on to support any of the other groups at any time, for example if a fight breaks out and more weaponry is required.

Equipment, uniforms and weaponry

Knights of the New Guard are instantly recognisable by their navy blue gambeson and surcoat, while the arbalist group wear a vibrant orange. They tend to wear pike helmets, with ornate silver "wing" decorations on either side. Soldiers in the New Guard tend to carry longswords or halberds but very occasionally carry other weapons, such as greatswords. Their armour is much more practical than those of the Old Guard, mostly driven by a more practical versus ceremonial role. For example, members of the Old Guard often paint their armour and do not usually wear helmets, whereas knights of the New Guard would never be allowed to do such a thing.

History

With the moving of the capital of the Kingdom of Erdantia from the City of Renn to the City of Drago in 1441, it was decided that the guard unit previously protecting the king was to be left behind and replaced with a new unit. This new unit kept the high entry requirements and system of small teams, and indeed many of the New Guard are from the Old Guard. The New Guard's armour was loosely based on the armour of the travelling knights of Ober, with their navy blue surcoats and silver decorations screwed into their steel plate armour, both hallmarks of travelling knights.

Founding Date

1449

Type

Military, Other

Training Level

Elite

Veterancy Level

Decorated/Honored

Parent Organization

The Kingdom of Erdantia

Location

Drago

Sir Edward Black

Sir Edward Black was born in Timra, north of Drago. From an early age, he took an interest in law enforcement, becoming the only person in Timra to work full-time in the militia. After successfully saving the King of Erdantia from an assassination attempt in 1443, he was brought to work as captain of the Drago Guard. After the creation of the New Guard, he received a knighthood and was made the head. Today, he remains unparalleled in his devotion to the King and is always seen at his left-hand side.