Thilykae

The Thilyakae of Antioch are the elite guard of the Antiochian Monarchial Republic, specifically the royal family. This exclusive group is comprised entirely of women whose families gave them over to be trained by the state from the age of seven. The rigorous training they are put through makes them one of the most skilled fighting forces in Wyrth. However, it is not a guarantee that they will join the ranks of the Thilyakae simply because they underwent training. When they complete their formative years at the age of sixteen, they are given the choice to undergo a final test and become a Thilyakae or leave the service of the crown for a normal life with the understanding that they are to rise and fight if the time comes.

Composition

Manpower

The Thilyakae operate in three divisions: King, Queen, and royal kin. Extended members of the royal family may receive Thilyakae protection as well, but the monarchs and their children are watched around the clock by the Thilyakae. Sum and total, there are three-hundred in the Thilyakae at a given time.
The group assigned to the King are fifty strong, generally comprised of the best recruits to graduate from training. To be asked to serve as one of those fifty is an honor beyond measure.
To the Queen, twenty-five are assigned, guarding her at all times. However, as it is not uncommon for there to be more than one Queen, there may be more than twenty-five in the "Queen" squads.
For the children, there are over one-hundred warriors assigned. In truth, it's the remainder of the Thilyakae, meaning it could be anywhere from two-hundred and twenty-five down to the record low of just one-hundred when there were six Queens. That is rare, however, as two to three Queens is generally considered the appropriate number of wives for a king to have.

Equipment

The Thilyakae are outfitted in leather and steel hoplite armor with shin guards, bracers, and a breastplate, as well as a frocked helm. Further, they are each given a spatha, spear, and parma. However, all of that is standard issue, and the Thilyakae are permitted to alter their gear as they see fit. If a given warrior prefers a gladius to the spatha, she may choose to use that. If one is particularly taken by the bow, she will be permitted to use that. There is a large amount of freedom owed to the faith placed in the judgement of the Thilyakae.

Type

Special Forces

Overall training Level

Elite

Assumed Veterancy

Experienced

Used by

• Antiochian Monarchial Republic