The Crown Guard
Founded by King Eric II in 703 MH, the Crown Guard are the escort to the monarch in Palingvyre. Exceptionally well trained, loyal, and equipped to the teeth, they have been known to route enemy force merely by appearing on the battlefield. It is said that there is always at least one guardsman at the monarchs side and they hold the unique privilege as the only military force legally allowed to enter the House of the Lords Advocate. Internationally, they are one of the most efficient non-magically proficient fighting forces, and even then, can give elite magical combatants a run for their money.
The only true weakness one could attribute to the Guard would be numbers as the gruelling and extraordinarily difficult training required to join put many off before they even apply. Soldiers are selected in their prime then pushed to their limits, given mental conditioning to resist magical intrusion, pain conditioning to extreme degrees, including deliberately breaking bones, and drills which involve being charged by shock cavalry. By the end of the regimen, a guardsman is not a man but stone, and coupled with their crimson tabards, they have come to be known as ‘the Red Wall’ or just ‘Bricks’.
At full strength the company numbers three hundred, although there is often little need than to have more than a dozen to escort the monarch, so they rarely mass at full strength. In order to ensure discipline does not lapse, when not needed at full colour, ‘off-duty’ Bricks will be assigned to oversee smaller companies, often as sergeants or colonels.
Organisation
The Crown Guard are trained to operate entirely independent of any command structure through a strict hierarchical doctrine that is instilled in them throughout training. Their upmost goal is to protect the Crown, and while most commonly they will obey the monarch as the embodiment of this, the Guard have been known to take matters into their own hands. They have no designations of rank internally, instead letting the natural leaders command, meaning they can effectively divide themselves and maintain their organic command structure. All soldiers are tested on intellect prior to selection and even the lowliest are passable tacticians and medics. Overall, adaptability is the goal, with an end to combat any potential threat that threaten the Crown.
Equipment
The Crown Guard are one of the few companies entrusted the magical equipment, and a large portion of their arsenal is enhanced by the arcane. Starting with their basic uniform, when not in dress armour, they wear loose fitting shirts and silk-lined leather trousers. Both are magically enhanced to be resistant to mundane dirt and dust, as well as retardant to water in order to prevent being weighed down by difficult terrain. They also have a ruff collar which is enchanted to provide additional resistance to magical influences.
There is no distinction for ceremonial dress so anything worn will also be taken to the battlefield. This predominantly consists of enhanced pard leather armour, tanned and treated to be incredibly tough, and a metal conical helmet. The pard leather also has its inherent magical nullification, preventing it from being subverted by arcane means. The armour is studded with gold alloy, the braces on the arms weighted to provide better striking force. Completing this is is the crimson tabard with the royal colours. Symbolically, this is plain, representing loyalty to the Crown and nation, not just the monarch.
Weaponry is varied. The iconic Brick is armed with a bill, the polearm used to dislodge mounted combatants, but they are not limited to this. In battle, their left hand side bears a longsword and rondel dagger, with a hand axe and compact crossbow on their right. Five bolts are tucked on the inner belt, two of which rest in adder venom, the precise two varies between guardsmen. Inside the helm, the guardsmen will often have their left ear pierced from which hangs a small signal whistle, although this is hidden from view and their is an internal strap on the back where a scalpel can be kept, high above any dirt below.
On the march, the guard carry light packs with basic survival gear. Most of their gear means they do not require heavy items like tents, but cooking equipment, tinderboxes, and certain other items are expected to be shared throughout. While one may think this leave the Guard vulnerable to disorganisation, this would underestimate the level of preparedness the Red Wall strive to attain. They are aware of every deployment and will plan accordingly.
The Royal Ward
The Royal Ward is a relic that projects a magically nullifying field around the holder. It was categorised by the Reliquary as a unique magical artefact owing to the effect that the enchantment upon it was not only potent, but also could not be removed. It takes the form of a small drop of silver, and is given to the guard charged with the personal protection of the monarch. While in possession of this, the guard may choose where to store it upon their person, but so precious has it become, that it has become a tradition to seal it within the base of the neck of the guard. This cannot be healed magically and so permanent stitches are used to hold the wound closed until such a time as the guard is relieved.
The Ward also nullifies any enchantments upon the armour of the guard, so extra care must be taken by the individual. The effective range is only a few meters in radius, so still allows for a relatively tight formation around the monarch for the rest of the Guard.