The Old Guard

The Old Guard were the security detail for the King of Erdantia from 1411 to 1449. Today, over 100 years after the moving of the capital of Erdantia from the City of Renn to the City of Drago and their replacement by the New Guard, they exist to serve a largely ceremonial role.
They belong to the knightly order the Order of Tyler, which also contains the New Guard and Brooker's Angels.

Structure

The Old Guard are divided into two groups of ten. Each group is led by one Knight and one Sergeant. Historically, the two groups would alternate between guarding the grounds of Renn Castle and escorting the King, but now instead of protecting the King, one of the groups is tasked with patrols around the City of Renn, and assisting in public services.

Equipment, uniform and weapons

The men that make up the Old Guard are well trained in both swordplay and the use of crossbows. They tend to carry a bastard sword, although this can vary between guards. They are recognisable by their red gambeson and surcoat. The guardsmen tend to wear either great helms or kettle helms, depending on the role they are fulfilling, but it is not uncommon to see them without anything on their head. More recently, they have begun to paint portions of their armour red to indicate their special status (and to distinguish them from the Blood Legion, who wear similar armour and also have red gambesons and surcoats).

History

The Guard was first formed in 1411, two years after the resolution of the Great Rebellion. Until this point, guarding the King Ervan Tyler had been left to soldiers from members of the Renn Guard. It was decided that a specialised group was to be created. Soldiers and guardsmen from around the area were brought together and assessed individually for their combat skill, loyalty, and leadership skills. The Guard was born. After Garlan Tyler's takeover in 1427, many of the original members of the guard were either imprisoned or executed, and they were replaced with people loyal to Garlan.
This continued until 1444, with the reclamation of the throne by Richard's son, Markus Tyler. The previously imprisoned guardsmen were brought back (although many had died in prison or become too old to fight by this point, so, in reality, half of the ranks were still open for recruitment). The Guard retained this role until King Markus decided to move the capital to Drago. Rather than move the guard with him, he retired them to a largely ceremonial role and formed a new protective force. These became known as the Old and New Guard. Today, the Old Guard still protect Renn Castle, now inhabited by the Renn Council, but no longer guard the King.

Founding Date

1411

Type

Military, Other

Training Level

Elite

Veterancy Level

Veteran

Parent Organization

The Kingdom of Erdantia

Location

Renn Castle