The Three or the Thane's Guard
The Thane's guard or the Three, as it is commonly known, is an elite squad of Arkiven dedicated to the protection of the Thane of Alven. When the Arkivon was created by the Thane Thingor 300 years ago (Clan Cobburn. It was stipulated that the Thane would benefit from the Arkivon's protection and the Thane's Guard was created. Being one of the Three is one of the greatest achievements an Arkiven can aspire to.
Composition
Manpower
Only the most skilled and experienced warriors are invited to be part of the eighteen men's strong squad. It is called the Three as the Thane always has three guards around him at all times, from when he gets up in the morning to when he goes to sleep at night. Nowadays, being a Guard of the Three is also an honorific title given to the most prominent Arkiven of the times.
Equipment
The guards have a specific uniform which makes them instantly recognizable. The Guards change the colour of their Pladd to match the colour of the current Thane's clan. If a Thane is yet to be raised to the Chair, the guards keep watch over The Chair itself and make sure that no impostor sits on it until a new Thane is duly elected. The duty guards - as they are generally known - take six-hour shifts a day around the Thane or the Chair.
The guards are also well known for their full-body tattoos or arm sleeves. During religious ceremonies, they are usually bare-chested (women wear a leather band) and display impressive designs.
Weaponry
The guards have a traditional ceremonial short spear that they always carry on their person, usually at their side. However, they are also armed with the latest firearms and are excellent marksmen.
Structure
The Thane's guards only answer to the Thane despite the fact that they are Arkiven and their wages are paid by the Arkive. The Thanes have always been very fond of their guards and have been known to bestow riches and lands to their favourites.
Training
Becoming part of the Three is a dream many young Arkivens aspire to, but the competition is very intense to be named part of the squad. Many young men and women trained very hard to become the best in their field to maybe one day be considered for a post in the 'dream team'.
History
Historically, the Three have played an important role in some of the conflicts of Alven.
Two centuries ago, the Three prevented the impostor Redlee Wanestand to take the Chair for himself. The country at the time was in the throes of a bitter civil war of succession, The Crow Wars. The Arkivon had tried in vain to settle the conflict between Clan Ravensen and Clan Deeryant. The clans were evenly matched and would not concede the thaneship to one or the other.
Redlee of Clan Cobburn, seeing his resources and influence beginning to dwindle, decided to take the Chair by force and stormed The Thane's Keep with his army of clansmen. The Three never had any warning of the incoming force but stood their ground in the Chair room for the best part of a day until the Arkivon despatched its own force to restrain the invaders. After this affront to the Chair and the gods, Redlee was exiled from Alven and his clan was deemed forever unworthy to hold the Thane's Chair. It was the courage and the skill of the Thane's Guard that prevented the Chair from falling in the wrong hands.
Redlee of Clan Cobburn, seeing his resources and influence beginning to dwindle, decided to take the Chair by force and stormed The Thane's Keep with his army of clansmen. The Three never had any warning of the incoming force but stood their ground in the Chair room for the best part of a day until the Arkivon despatched its own force to restrain the invaders. After this affront to the Chair and the gods, Redlee was exiled from Alven and his clan was deemed forever unworthy to hold the Thane's Chair. It was the courage and the skill of the Thane's Guard that prevented the Chair from falling in the wrong hands.
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