Fable - Ask The Black Guard

[Vahra]

They were neither free nor slave. They wore no chains, but were bound nonetheless to their cause, their queen, and their hope to earn their freedom. Some would die in service to the throne, but it was a price they were willing to pay for the chance to cast off their bonds, both literal and figurative, and live out their lives as free men and women once their time was served.

For Vahra, the chance to escape the mines, pull herself and her daughters from the dark underground, was an easily made choice. Grueling training and harsh discipline had equipped her to fight while her own experiences had inured her to the ugliness of blood, conflict, and death. She, along with every other soldier, had been trained in the use of sword, shield, pike, halberd, spear, and crossbow until they could use the weapons in their sleep if needed. Forced marches and sleepless nights had driven her mind and body to new peaks of deprevation and exhaustion, yet they'd come out the other end intact. To fail was to return underground, to pass was to earn freedom for herself and her daughters. She refused to fail and now stood in the armor and uniform of the Black Guard.

Equipped as a form of well trained, well equipped, and highly motivated infantry, the Black Guard was comprised entirely of slaves volunteering for military service. Each unit was led by Drow officers while exceptional volunteers had been commissioned as junior lieutenants with the hope that, eventually, all officers within the Black Guard would be entirely Black Guard. Each company was equipped in thirds with each third armed with swords and shields, pikes and polearms, or crossbows. Each third formed a platoon within the company with a set role based on their weapons, but each soldier had been cross trained in the use of all weaponry available to the Guard which ensured versatility, cohesion, and discipline within the ranks. The Guard swore allegiance to the Queen and the throne and, in a movement of solidarity, the Queen, herself a "slave" to the state, had become Black Guard.

Vahra stood at attention within the ranks of her platoon and company, the newly trained regiments arrayed for inspection upon their parade ground. Four new regiments comprising approximately one thousand soldiers each. Their armor was simple leather with metal plates, excess gear from other military units, but the rumor mill was abuzz that the Guard was to receive its own equipment designed specifically for their new role on the field.

That is, if they passed approval and survived their first taste of combat.

For now, the new regiments, and Vahra, waited. What was to happen, they weren't sure, but for the men and women of the Guard, it had the potential to become a truly momentous occasion for the Guard in the coming years.

 

[Davios Agarwen]

Davios would be standing among a line of officers in the front. His posture was straight and his eyes stern as he looked straight ahead at attention with a burning hole through whatever was in front of his vision. He wore a black guard officer armour with a slightly different trim to it to signify his rank. White tattoos ran up from underneath the collar of his officer armour like the roots of a tree. branching in each direction underneath his armour and clothing. Starting under his left eye and wrapping around his face and both sides of his neck, standing out compared to his blueish grey skin. His helmet would be tucked to his side as he stood at attention. Each officer stood in front of their unit with full respect. The officers were of free backgrounds and different titles. For Davios he spent his entire life in training and of service to the queen. It was all he knew.

Much like the soldiers that had their set roles, officers were exceptional leaders in tactics, combat and planning. They proved themselves to get where they were and were highly taught in the hand-to-hand combat training, weapons training and of course..Making choices under pressure. The Black Guards Commander would be arriving soon for a inspection along with the Officers by his side. The Junior Lt's would be making sure the unit was in tip top shape to report to their Officer. It was trained and trained again. The Jr Lt's were the backbone of the company as they were to lead with a iron fist. Officers would be planning, setting up tactical warfare garrisons, communicating with Command on where they're headed, their situation/manpower, etc.

Davios would tighten up his grip with his hand as the Commander was just about to show up. Davios was confident in himself and the leaders, soldiers beneath him. He was ruthless in his punishment but a leader in being in the front along with his Lt's. Banners hung along in a row on poles as it was a great day. The unveiling of the Guard and it's first inspection. They yet to face combat but that would only be a matter of time, they trained relentlessly over this fact..but for now, they wait.

 

[Vahra]

Shouted orders, barely heard, echoed into the parade ground. The regiments of Guard, already at attention, straightened their spines even more, if that were even possible. While not the overall commander of the Guard itself, General Dhaun'eth Baen'Val was the Guard Commander assigned for the Guard's first inspection. The older Drow officer calmly stepped onto the parade ground, his military uniform crisp and his armor polished. Considered near-elderly by Dark Elf standards, Baen'Val had a reputation of competence and skill on the battlefield tempered only by his more conservative beliefs when it came to traditional Drow culture.

Vahra had quietly hoped the Queen herself would be inspecting them, as the rumors had stated, but even the most hopeful of the Guard knew that was a long shot at best. A Drow officer leading the inspection was a slight let down, but was simultaneously a stamp of confidence in a way. A Drow General was inspecting what had been just a few months ago a rabble of slaves from all over the Underrealm. They were from dozens of races and ethnicities, both men and women, and of various religions united under a single banner.

As the general approached, the newly appointed Lieutenant did her best to stand even straighter. Her armor was polished to a reflective shine and the leather oiled. Her right hand was at her side while her left hand rested on her sword hilt, a spotless shield strapped to her left forearm.

Davios Agarwen

 

[Davios Agarwen]

Davios would stand still as the Drow General approached the the Black Guard all at full attention. Davios's yellow eyes would still be looking forward and not even so much as flickering a inch or making any uncomfortable gestures. It was as if the Drow Officer was of stone and it was all but routine when it came to parade drill and dress. The armour of the black guard (For what its worth of their armour) was polished and of neat placement. The hilt of Davio's sword - the one handed one that was issued for his role- was polished and sheathed in a spotless steel hilt.

It was rumoured that the Queen might make a presence in look of her newly found Guard but Davios never believed in rumours. It would be a honour if she showed up but if not, in time they'll cross paths. His face always carried the look of sternness and a serious tone. While the General moved from regiment to regiment, the Officers would snap at attention and report to the General their name, regiment number of the guard and where they are from. Davios patiently waited as the General made his way through each rank and had a look over the troop.
Vahra