Aurea Ense
Composition
Manpower
There are always exactly nine members of the Golden Swords, one sworn to the Archduke of each of the Hells. Many organizations which keep membership to a set number will also have additional initiates or sub-members to replace any of the true membership should someone die or retire. Such a thing is not necessary for the Aurea Ense; no knight of Hell would refuse to serve a term in its most prestigious mercenary organization, their backfill is nothing less than every mortal sworn to the infernal cause across every plane.
Equipment
Aurea Ense accepts contracts only from the most powerful and wealthiest people in the planes, but always gear themselves as if they will have no access to anything outside their own company for an indeterminate amount of time. They keep their own stock of medical supplies, cooking implements, hunting tools, field repair kits, anything one might need to operate on their own.
Weaponry
Each member of the Golden Swords is an individual and so their equipment and armament varies greatly, but they come by their name honestly. Every member wields a unique golden blade forged specifically for them in the furthest depths of Hell bearing inscriptions that would drive the weak-willed mad to behold and enchanted beyond nearly all mortal capacity.
Vehicles
The Golden Swords are often thought of as infantry because they have often made such extreme impressions while acting as such, but each member can call upon the greatest of Nightmares that Hell can breed if the situation calls for it.
Structure
Nine individuals with the clarity and unity of purpose that can only be found in hellknights do not require an overabundance of hierarchy to cooperate and move towards a common goal, but for ease of interaction with their clients and to ensure a unified response in the unlikely event something happens which would lead to fractiousness, they nominate a captain whose word is law and that captain chooses a lieutenant to ensure their will is done. Both positions are held for life or until their term is up and they do not renew.
History
Historical loyalties
While the Golden Swords are always loyal to Hell, they only take contracts from those approved of by their master, whose temperament is in line with the infernal, and/or who are vital to the machinations of the unholy. No one is certain what King Megakles promised to acquire their services, but whatever it was, any without flexibility in their morals would likely see it necessary to kill him on sight given the chance. A chance that is unlikely to come, given the protection he bought with it.
Type
Escort
Overall training Level
Elite
Assumed Veterancy
Decorated/Honored
Used by
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