The Grey Guard of Mekonia

One of the most impressive guard forces in the entire known world, the Grey Guard of Mekonia are renowned from corner to corner for their discipline, good equipment and valor in battle or in guardsmen ship. Taken as young foals from their families by Mekonia's elites, they are put through brutal training to protect their tribes in the face of threats. In the older days of Mekonia, the Guard were recruited regardless of tribal allegiances as protectors for the entire nation, defending from the human Jazyart of the east and the Zcarothian kingdoms of the west. With thick grey painted plated armour, long polearms and door sized shields, they weren't the fastest centaur military in the world (though still much faster than human infantry), but their strength and fearless nature made them worthy opponents to even the most hostile forces. When the Dominion successfully conquered Mekonia, it was only through throwing an army more than three times the size of the Grey Guard at it, and this was after throwing an army twice the size the day before! In respect for this institution, the Guard were allowed to be maintained upon conversion, and the Guard were even considered useful in terms of ensuring Phurzic order over Mekonia, centralising leadership around the Governor.

Demography and Population

Consisting all of the Mekonian ethnicity of centaurs, the Grey Guard is a traditional and well regarded order for the most worthy soldiers in the region. In fact, since the Dominion conquered Mekonia, centaurs from across the known world may volunteer to join its ranks, though only the best may be involved.

Military

Consisting of a consistent three thousand strong order, consisting of some of the finest centaurian fighters in the known world, the powerful and well equipped Grey Guard are set in the Mekonian borders to fight off raiders by the numerically superior Jazyart hordes, who focus mainly around light and medium cavalry, with limited infantry and heavy cavalry of their own. Even griffins and ridden murks may be found in hostile forces, and so the fiercely powerful Mekonians are regarded as paramount to protecting the Dominion from Jazyart raiders. Thus over the years, Phurzia has encouraged the growth of the order to three thousand strong instead of the fifteen-hundred the order was in the days of Mekonia’s independence. Riding down infantry or crushing cavalry, the Grey Guards even did better than most against the Zcarothian Earthshaker chariots in historical confrontations.

Foreign Relations

While ancestral tied to their homeland of Mekonia, the Grey Guard and individual members or units may be transported across the Dominion to serve as auxiliaries in battle or to defend political dignitaries.

Education

Given their regard within the Mekonian society, and the known world as a whole, the standards for entry into the order are very high. Of the many recruits who offer to join based off their previous merits, only one in a hundred at best are allowed to participate in the Trial of Iron. They are just not just on physical ability but alertness, willingness to follow orders and valours they have performed among their tribe. The Trial of Iron involves five months of intense physical and mental training for war, teaching selflessness, loyalty, strength, skill in combat and adaptability in dangerous situations. They are conditioned to not fear death and to never retreat in battle unless explicitly ordered to, making them fiercely determined in their actions. Mainly taught to use polearms such as spears and halberds, they are also expected to be fluent with a sword, the bow, the crossbow or in hand to hand. In behaviour, they are taught of virtue and ‘coolness’, so they do not give in to impulses that may rot the minds of other soldiers, especially mercenaries.

We Stand as One

Founding Date

-44

Type

Military Order

Alternative Names

The Greys

Training Level

Elite

Veterancy Level

Decorated/Honored

Demonym

Grey Guard

Government System

Meritocracy

Power Structure

Client state / puppet state

Economic System

Traditional

Currency

While traditionally the Grey Guard would not fight for financial gain but based off the obligations of the tribal elders, in day to day life, they will typically use the griffs currency used throughout the Dominion.

Legislative Body

The Grey Guard’s leadership and written rules over the years are decided by a council of their most well regarded members, whether it be their skill in battle, or their skill at commanding others into battle. Known as the Stone Council, these not only command them into battle, but enact the edicts of the order and determine whether or not recruits may join their ranks.

Parent Organization

The Phurzic Dominion

Location

Mekonia

Notable Members