The Golden Guard

The Golden Guard is an elite unit specifically designated to protect the King or Queen of Rizia. Traditionally, the unit consists of 12 captains embedded within the royal household, and an equal number of cohorts stationed throughout Rizia Imperii. The number of guardsmen in each cohort has fluctuated depending on the needs of the individual monarch. They are recognizable by their gold-colored attire – once a solid gold breastplate, today a simple jacket. Though recruited by the War and Security councilor, they are answerable only to the country's monarch. The Guard was founded in 1650 by King Felicio Rubaz shortly after the Kingdom of Rizia was established. The most promising recruits from the military and provincial lawkeeping forces were given extensive special training in combat, self-defense and investigative skills until they were deemed fit to serve the King. The first instance of the Golden Guard enforcing security outside Palas Rezna was in 1820, when recently crowned king Jonas Toras hired members specifically to investigate potential threats in the Montaklar and Brenas provinces. By the time Lyza Toras was crowned queen in 1860, the Guard had nearly 15,000 members and far-ranging powers that superceded those of domestic security forces. Concerned about their reach, Queen Lyza discontinued the Guard and replaced her bodyguard force with plainclothes contractors. The institution was resurrected by Lyza's son Valero in 1945, who ordered the reopened of the training facility outside Camp Domus and the recruitment of twelve 170-men cohorts assigned to protect the royal family. Since then, it has been overseen by Captain Titus Gordion.