Redplate Guard

Redplate Guard
Leadership
Commander-in-Chief	High-King Lambertus VII
Manpower
Active personnel	6 000

Redplate guards in parade dress uniforms

The Redplate Guard is the national royal guard service of the serving King Lambertus VII of Great Morstaybishlia, that protects the interest of the royal family. The Redplate Guard is also responsible for the protection of the Prime Minister.

Ever since the 18th century and the War of Joralesia, the Redplate guard has had a military branch that has gained a elite force status in it's many wars. Currently this military branch consists of four motorized divisions and one armoured division. The Jomsguard divisions are known for their harsh training, that demands for physical and mental strength. It is also noteworthy that it doesn't matter what religion you come from, when joining the military branch, only physical and mental attributes together with absolute loyalty for the empire matter. This can also be seen in the motto of the Redplates: "It's better die for the empire than to live for your self."

Modern Redplate guards use the most advanced gear the United Kingdom has to offer, usually produced by Ferrus industries. One of the divisions is armed with the Ferrus Weapon system that combines a modified SC-AR4 rifle with a host of other electronics, clothing, pouches, and body armour. The helmet is an integral SPECTRE helmet fitted with real-time positioning and information system, and with light amplifiers for night vision.

File:Ferrus program jomsguard.jpg

Redplate guards using the Ferrus Weapon system

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.(edited)