Gem Soldier

Written by tempestwolf

This position is given in most cases to one or two people who serve their master wholeheartedly. They do not care if their masters are evil or good, what consequences will come or anything else other then how to best carry out their orders. The true definition of true devotion. Gem Soldiers can only serve monarchs or the next in line for the throne. They are picked and trained from birth to serve one master although once older the ruler can pick to raise a gem soldier, however it isn't common due to the time and effort required when they already have at least on Gem. Normally only 1 or 2 Gems serve any single ruler and when a monarch manages to acquire more than that through a rare method they are viewed as wise and amazing rulers for generations. This is because that method is to have someone vow to serve as a gem soldier, this is rare and a hard feat due to the huge amount of loyalty needed. Not just a loyal servant or trusted ally but much more. Each soldier is assigned a particular gem which they keep till their death. No soldier can have the same gem at the same time. There are two ranks of gems although mostly only one is used, Natural Gems and Crafted Gems. Natural Gems are those raised with the monarch, loyal from birth. Crafted Gems are a rare rank used only twice in the history of the country. These are those who swear loyalty as a gem of their own volition, raised in the outside world and not brought up to be a loyal follower as they age. This rank is nearly impossible to achieve as the shear amount of trust and loyalty is not something easy to instill in one who has been exposed to outside views and morals. This is not the same as swearing to simply serve their master or offering loyalty as a trusted servant but complete devotion to their very soul. Crafted Gems are often viewed with wariness as it is hard to believe they are willing to accept such an oath. Thus a ceremony was created to absorb Crafted Gem into Natural Gems. However this ceremony as another use, to grant them power. When a Natural Gem is selected they are bound to their masters souls causing a unique phenomenon. It changes the nature of both parties structure creating an opening for something new, an ability to manifest and share powers. Each member gains a power and is able to share that power with their master/servant. This power can be anything and the ceremony for Crafted gems changes their oath from a spoken promise to a bound soul allowing them to manifest a power of their own. Generally a power is only used by the original owner unless in emergencies as it is more efficient and powerful in the original body than in the shared party. This is just the normal use though and the concerned parties can generally figure out how to use and share the powers as they see fit.

Requirements

Strong capability for fighting capability, intelligence, and loyalty.

Appointment

Chosen from birth to serve their master and trained to have complete devotion with no chance of wavering. (A rare exception is when one pledges such loyalty however it has almost never happened because this rank requires loyalty that is so strong that absolutely nothing can bring even an idea of rebellion and no regard of whether it is right or wrong.

Duties

Help new gems with orders and care for their master mentally, physically, and emotionally. They must also train regularly as they generally take part in any wars that take place on the continent

Responsibilities

To follow any orders from their masters.

Benefits

They have a huge amount of power, second only to the monarch as well as any luxuries of a royal due to living next to their masters since youth.

Accoutrements & Equipment

A formal knight uniform is used for any special occasions however it is designed by their masters to be unique from any others in both the military as well as from any other gem.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Death

History

No one knows of who created this position and the traditions that go with it as it has been many years and it's history has been lost in time

Cultural Significance

A symbol of loyalty and the monarchs themselves. They are the face of the royals, sometimes called the royal guard dogs. Most of the time they are viewed with pride and admiration by the people, even more so when they use their strength and intelligence for miliarial or scholarly achievements.

Notable Holders

The Protagonist has 4 gem holders making both her and the gems extremely revered and respected.

Type

Nobility, Military

Status

A revered and honorable position that is second only to the current monarch they serve

Form of Address

Sir/Lady

Alternative Naming

Knight

Equates to

Second to monarch in military command and viewed to have approval to use power equal to the master they serve

Source of Authority

The ruling monarch or royalty first in line for succession

Length of Term

Lifelong (Normally begins training shortly after birth of at youngest age possible)