Claughta Guard (claw-dah)
The Claughta Guard are a unit of highly trained and dedicated soldiers sworn to protect the Ryuri of the Benroty Clan, Rory Benroty, and his family. The Claughta number nearly 500 men, and when not actively guarding the Ryuri's person, they patrol the streets and walls of Rotrishold to keep the peace.
Primarily an infantry unit, all Claughta are expert riders and are fully trained and capable of moving and fighting from horseback. Nearly 200 swift and sturdy steeds are kept stabled near the Rotrishall specifically for the Claughta, should the need present.
Claughta means "swords" in Colian and is a reference to the unit being the "swords of the Ryuri" himself. Of particular note among the Claughta is the century-old tradition that the best fighters amongst the unit are ranked. The single best fighter as judged by the entire Claughta is titled "First Sword" (Caide Cleave in Colian) and carries that honorific regardless of rank or position amongst the rest of the band. Currently, the First Sword of the Claughta is Tyrnan Fayhee.
Composition
Manpower
The Claughta number 480 souls, all sworn to defend and protect the Ryuri and his family with their lives.
Equipment
All Claughta wear conical steel helms, padded leather armor and carry round bossed shields when on patrol.
Weaponry
There is not much uniformity within the Claughta ranks when it comes to weapons, but longswords and axes are found aplenty.
Structure
The Claughta is broken down into 25-man units called troops, each led by a veteran member referred to as the "top trooper" or just "top" amongst the men. The overall command of the Claughta is with the Master of Guards, a noble of the Benroty Clan that is responsible for the readiness, training and maintenance of the entire Claughta for the defense and support of the Clan and the Ryuri. The current Master of Guards is Liam Whelan.
Logistics
Recruitment
Any member of the Benroty Clan can attempt to join the Claughta. To become a member of the Claughta, an initiate must defend himself against an entire troop of veteran members with only a stick and a shield to protect himself with. If the troop collectively decides that the initiate acquitted himself adequately, then he is presented to the Ryuri with the Claughta's recommendation for admission to the unit.
An initiation test for a new prospective Claughta Guard, armed only with a stick and a shield, facing an entire troop of veteran Swords.
