The Priest Guard

Purpose and Essence

Purpose:

The Priest Guard exists to provide unparalleled protection to the High Priests and Head Priests of The Dragonlands. This elite force ensures the safety and security of the spiritual leaders who guide the nation, acting as both shield and sword in defence of the divine order upheld by Bahamut and Moradin. The Priest Guard's mission is to safeguard the sanctity of the religious hierarchy, maintaining stability and order within The Dragonlands.

Essence:

At its core, the Priest Guard embodies the highest ideals of duty, honour, and sacrifice. It is a revered institution known for its unyielding loyalty and exceptional skill, symbolizing the divine protection of the spiritual heart of The Dragonlands. Members of this elite force are not merely soldiers; they are guardians of faith, enforcers of divine will, and symbols of the unwavering commitment to the gods they serve.

Structure

Leadership:

Captain of the Guard: The highest-ranking officer in each city's Priest Guard Platoon, responsible for overall command and strategy.

Lieutenants: Officers who lead individual platoons within The Priest Guard, ensuring the execution of orders and maintaining discipline.

Ranks:

High Commanders: Senior leaders overseeing the broader strategic directives of the Priest Guard.

Elite Guardsmen: Veteran members with extensive experience and advanced training, often assigned to the most critical tasks.

Guardians: Standard members of the Priest Guard, trained rigorously in both combat and protective duties.

Divisions:

Close Protection Unit: Specializes in the immediate protection of high-ranking priests during public appearances and private moments.

Intelligence and Reconnaissance: Gathers information on potential threats and advises on security measures.

Rapid Response Team: A mobile unit ready to respond to emergencies and neutralize threats swiftly.

Values and Code of Conduct

Values:

Loyalty: Absolute devotion to the gods and the religious leaders.

Honor: Conducting all actions with integrity and respect.

Courage: Facing danger without fear to protect the sanctity of their charges.

Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in all aspects of duty.

Unity: Working together as a cohesive and supportive force.

Code of Conduct:

1. Duty First: Always prioritize the protection of the High Priests and Head Priests. 2. Sacrifice: Be prepared to lay down one's life in service to the divine order. 3. Confidentiality: Maintain the utmost discretion in all matters pertaining to the priests. 4. Justice: Act in accordance with the divine laws and principles of Bahamut and Moradin. 5. Respect: Show unwavering respect to superiors, comrades, and the religious hierarchy.

Significance

Within The Dragonlands:

The Priest Guard holds a position of immense significance, both symbolically and practically. They are the ultimate enforcers of religious law, embodying the divine mandate that governs The Dragonlands. Their presence ensures the stability of the religious hierarchy, providing the spiritual leaders with the confidence to guide the nation without fear.

Impact on Members:

Being a member of the Priest Guard is a mark of great honor and prestige. It demands the highest levels of discipline and commitment, shaping individuals into paragons of loyalty and valor. The rigorous training and strict code of conduct instill a deep sense of purpose and belonging among its members.

Impact on Society:

The presence of The Priest Guard reinforces the sanctity and inviolability of the religious leadership. Their vigilant protection allows the High Priests and Head Priests to perform their duties without fear, thereby maintaining the religious and social order. The Priest Guard also serves as a symbol of the divine justice and protection that underpins the society of The Dragonlands.

Unique Traits

Elite Training:

The training regimen of the Priest Guard is second to none, encompassing advanced combat techniques, strategic planning, and deep religious education. This prepares them to handle any threat with precision and efficiency.

Unyielding Loyalty:

The loyalty of The Priest Guard is legendary, with members taking solemn oaths to protect the High Priests and Head Priests at all costs. This loyalty is both their greatest strength and their defining characteristic.

Symbolic Uniforms:

The distinctive armor, cloaks, and insignia worn by the Priest Guard symbolize their elite status and divine mandate. These symbols not only identify them but also command respect and authority wherever they go.

History and Goals

History:

The origins of The Priest Guard trace back to the early days of The Dragonlands, when the need for a dedicated protective force for the religious leaders became apparent. Over centuries, they have evolved into a highly organized and revered institution, with traditions and practices passed down through generations.

Goals:

Protect the Divine: Ensure the safety and security of the High Priests and Head Priests.

Uphold Divine Order: Enforce the religious laws and principles of Bahamut and Moradin.

Maintain Stability: Act as a stabilizing force within The Dragonlands, preventing chaos and unrest.

Operations and Context

Within The Divine Hand:

While the Priest Guard is part of The Divine Hand, their elite status and specific role set them apart. They operate with a high degree of autonomy, focusing exclusively on the protection of the religious hierarchy.

In the Larger World:

The Priest Guard's influence extends beyond the borders of The Dragonlands, but their reach doesn't. Their reputation for excellence and unwavering loyalty makes them a formidable force, respected and feared by allies and adversaries alike. Their operations are marked by precision and effectiveness, ensuring that the divine mandate of The Dragonlands is upheld without compromise.

Composition

Manpower

Each city within The Dragonlands has a Platoon of The Priest Guard.
Each Platoon is around 30-50 soldiers strong.

Type

Special Forces

Overall training Level

Elite

Assumed Veterancy

Veteran

Used by

• The Order of the Twin-Temples