The Gold Hands

The Gold Hands are the special unit of the Palace Guard who remain with the Archon at all times. While it is the duty of all Palace Guard to protect the Archon, it is the Gold Hands who remain with the Archon at all times, regardless of where he/she is in the system.
The Gold Hands are the most veteran soldiers of the Palace Guard, and the leader of the Gold Hands (the Praetorian) is the head of the whole Palace Guard. It is commonplace for Gold Hand to lead elements of the Palace Guard both within the Archon's Palace and beyond its walls.

Composition

Manpower

The Gold Hands are 100 active soldiers in number, with another 100 trainees or reserve soldiers as a backup force (typically fellow Palace Guard) There are five squads of soldiers (10 men per squad) of active Gold Hand at all time, with no less than one squad (preferably two) in the proximity of the Archon at all times. There is typically another five squads who will either be performing a particular task for the Archon (such as guarding a personal envoy of the Archon) or training/resting back in the Palace.

Structure

The command structure of the Gold Hands is very simple. The leader of the Gold Hands is the Praetorian (who also leads the Palace Guard). If he cannot be present to protect the Archon, then active command of the present Hands is placed in the most senior Commandant (who has the appellation of Senior attached to his title to clarify the chain of command). Each of squad is led by a Commandant (equivalent to a sergeant).

History

The Gold Hands were established roughly one century after the formation of the Palace Guards as a whole. For this first century, the immediate guardians of the Archon were given the informal title of "Companions" to mark those soldier who were charged with the perpetual active protection of the Archon.

Type

Infantry

Overall training Level

Elite

Assumed Veterancy

Decorated/Honored

Parent Formation

Palace Guard