Redplate Guard
| Redplate Guard | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Leadership | |
| Commander-in-Chief | Lambertus VII |
| Manpower | |
| Active personnel | 6 000 |
The Redplate Guard is the national royal guard serving King Lambertus VII of Great Morstaybishlia, that protects the interest of the royal family. The unit acts as the fourth branch of the armed forces, with it's origins coming from the Union of the Thrones in 1515. The guard is usually brigade sized, with a full battalion set aside to directly serving as the monarch's guards and as the protection of the Prime Minister. This specific battalion has been known as the Palatine Guards since the
Modern Redplate guards use the most advanced gear Great Morstayblishia has to offer, usually produced by Ferrus industries. Three of it's four battalions, often called "The battling three", have taken part in every major war and peacekeeping operation since the 18th century and the War of Joralesia. Between them the battalions have more distinguished service citations than any other Regiment of the MBE. Redplate Guard's recruits are chosen with stricter standards than normal with specific interest being mental fortitude and loyalty alongside with good physical health. The recruits go through grueling 42 week training program in Fort Berbatov, some thirty miles southwest of Kladmere. Though the Redplate Guard's have hold several locations across Staynes, Valeria and Caltharus, Fort Berbatov act's as the Brigade's main training camp and thus carries the name of the Guard's progenitor Berbatov Haligan.
Origins
The roots of the Redplate Guards are forged in the blood spilled during the Caltharusian Throne war. In the prelude to the Battle of Aurus a group of Calthian knights approached the Staynish army, wishing to join the monarchist cause in the coming battle. They agreed to paint their armour with red dye, in order to distinguish them from their rebellious counterparts.The battle began well for the Staynish, but by midday their advance was halted and center left reeling from Calthian crossbow salvos. As his men begun to retreat, king Lambertus III himself rode to the frontline, determined to stop the rout before it could begin. The king personally grabbed several running soldiers, turned them around and exclaimed: There is the enemy! Though certainly brave, this action left him dangerously close to the weakened frontline. When rebellious Calthian knights charged in order push their advantage in the center, King Lambertus III was caught in the chaotic melee.
Everyone watching the events afar could see how the golden figure of the Staynish king was struck from his horse, disappearing to the ground. For a fleeting moment it seemed like the battle, or even the whole war, was decided just then and there, with the King either caught or captured. Suddenly the sound of charging horses filled the battlefield once more. Reciting the Calthian words of honor and loyalty, the knights in red charged towards the crazed melee. Despite the battle seeming lost, the knights had decided to follow through with their promise, no matter the result.
Lances pierced armour, swords cut flesh and hammers crushed bones. Then the Staynish king was lifted from the ground and given a new horse. Bolstered with the knights in red, the tattered remains of Lambertus IIIs bodyguard fought past the rebels and brought their king to safety. After the battle Lambertus III decreed that from that day onwards, his and his family’s guards would wear red armour, in honour to those who had done: As their honour advised and as their loyalty demanded.