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Thread: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

  1. #1
    Poach's Avatar Civitate
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    Default The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard



    The Dragonpit

    Headquarters of the Blackguard, personal Men at Arms to King Daemon Blackfyre


    The Dragonpit once housed the mighty dragons of House Targaryen, before it was stormed and the creatures slaughtered by the local populace. The great structure fell into decay and ruin, serving unofficially as a den of vice and crime, housing homeless squatters, illegal brothels, shady gambling and drinking establishments, and the dens of organised crime gangs. In the reign of King Aerys II the vast structure was cleared out by the city's goldcloaks and great sums spent rebuilding it into a small fortress, destined to house the forces of the Targaryen King. Now dead and his dynasty overthrown, the new King Daemon Blackfyre has ordered the complex taken over by the Blackguard, his own personal army, and maintained as a holdfast within the city to compliment the Red Keep.


    The Blackguard

    Dressed in black armour with a red trim, shrouded in a red cloak, these men are veterans of Daemon Blackfyre's campaign to seize the Iron Throne. Intimidating in appearance, the soldiers of the Blackguard move with drilled precision, adding to their daunting appearance. Their task is to support the King in maintaining his rule and, while garrisoned in the city during peacetime, to provide a guard for the Dragonpit and the Red Keep.

    The Blackguard are divided into independent Regiments commanded by a Knight-Commander, and further into Companies commanded by Captains. Three senior Knight-Commanders are appointed Chapter Masters due to their increased responsibility, and are second only to the Lord Commander himself. These three are the two who command the Regiments posted outside King's Landing at the Whispers and Sharp Point, and the one who is appointed to overall command of the Black Auxilia.

    Lord Commander:
    Lord Commander Donnel Lefford
    +11 Duels, +3 Survival, +3 Charisma, +3 Battles

    Officer(s):
    Lord Thorgen Pyre, Lord of the Whispers
    +2 Survival, +2 Duel, +2 Battle, +1 Capture

    Soldiers

    750 Dismounted Knights
    3,750 Heavy Infantry
    600 Kingswood Gamekeepers (Archers)
    1,800 Archers
    1,200 Crownlander Knights

    = 8,100 men in total

    The Dragonpit

    Holdfast
    +10 Siege Defence
    6 months holdout time

    Player ownership breakdown of troops


    Though the Blackguard are presented as a single unit, the mechanical ownership of units is split between three players.

    King Daemon: 400 Crownlander Knights, 1,500 Heavy Infantry, 600 Kingswood Gamekeepers
    Donnel Lefford: 800 Crownlander Knights, 150 Dismounted Knights, 750 Heavy Infantry, 600 Archers
    Thorgen Pyre: 450 Dismounted Knights, 750 Heavy Infantry, 1,200 Archers
    Ryker Frey: 150 Dismounted Knights, 750 Heavy Infantry, 600 Archers


    The Regiments of the Blackguard

    The Blackguard is divided up into multiple independent Regiments, based within their own barracks, and operating with their own banners and espirit de corps. The Regiments are sub-divided into Companies, each numbering 150 men. A Cavalry Regiment is comprised of four Companies of Horse, while a Foot Regiment has six Companies of Foot (with the First Company being the longest serving and most experienced troops) and four Companies of Archers.

    The Royal Cavalry Regiment
    (600 Crownlander Knights)

    The premiere and most prestigious Regiment of the Blackguard, these men are the Guards of Honour for the King and Maegor's Holdfast. The largest horses and finest crafted armour available go to this Regiment, ensuring they look impressive and intimidating. Based in the Red Keep, they form part of that fortification's garrison. Their pauldron insignia is the Blackfyre dragon.

    The Heraldic Guards Cavalry Regiment

    (600 Crownlander Knights)

    While the Royal Cavalry are the public face of the Blackguard's duties towards the Royal Household, the Heraldic Guard are the Regiment that carry the Blackguard's own banners. Commanded personally by the Lord Commander when in the field, the Heralds see themselves as the Blackguard's foremost warfighting Regiment, while the Royals are the subject of friendly rivalry, taunted with being "show soldiers" or "statues" for the King's public appearances. Based at the Dragonpit, the Heralds assist in patrolling those parts of the city the Goldcloaks ceded to the Blackguard. Their pauldron insignia is a gauntlet, fist closed, pointing upwards.

    The Dragon's Teeth Foot Regiment
    (150 Dismounted Knights, 750 Heavy Infantry, 600 Kingswood Gamekeepers)

    The first Regiment of Foot, the Teeth form the rest of the garrison of the Red Keep. Where the Royals are often found in Maegor's Holdfast or attending the Royal Household, the Teeth are the Blackguard found throughout the remainder of the keep, on the ramparts and gatehouses. Their duties make them most adept at security and protection, and their location makes them a popular destination for ambitious officers sourced from minor nobility, as they are able to serve and mingle among the King's court. Their pauldron insignia is a dragon's head, the teeth bared.

    The Dragon's Claws Foot Regiment
    (150 Dismounted Knights, 750 Heavy Infantry, 600 Archers)

    The second Regiment of Foot, the Claws are based in the Dragonpit and are the lead Regiment in policing Flee Bottom, where the commoners have come to fear the black-armoured soldiers bearing the claw mark on their pauldrons. Their duties make the regiment the most experienced in policing citizens and has given them the reputation of being no-nonsense and hardened, having dealt with many small riots and altercations. Their pauldron insignia is a dragon's foot, open and angled as it the beast were swooping on prey.

    The Dragon's Scales Foot Regiment
    (150 Dismounted Knights, 750 Heavy Infantry, 600 Archers)

    The third Regiment of Foot, the Scales are also based in the Dragonpit and are raised and maintained by the generosity of the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ryker Frey. The soldiers of the Scales assist the Claws in their policing duties in Flea Bottom and provide much of the guard force for the Dragonpit itself, acting as a counterpart to the Teeth who perform similar duties for the Red Keep. In homage to their founding, the Regimental banner contains a small set of twin towers with a bridge between them, alluding to the role of House Frey in the Regiment's establishment. Their pauldrons differ from those of the rest of the Blackguard: rather than a solid plate piece embossed with a Regimental symbol, the Scales wear hardened leather pauldrons with plate scales woven over the top, giving their pauldrons a distinct and unique appearance among the Blackguard Regiments.

    The Dragon's Mane Foot Regiment

    (150 Dismounted Knights, 750 Heavy Infantry, 600 Archers)

    The fourth Regiment of Foot, the Manes are the first Regiment raised outside King's Landing. Based at Sharp Point, one of two non-King's Landing holdfasts controlled by the Blackguard and the site of the order's naval arm, the Regiment trains extensively on both land and sea, making them a marine force of sorts. Their primary duties are controlling the countryside around the holdfast and managing the small port town that exists along the shores by the keep. A popular regiment among seafarers or fisherfolk that end up in the service of the King. Their pauldron insignia is a dragon's head and neck side on, the many small horns at the back of the skull and down the dragon's spine prominently displayed.

    The Dragon's Breath Foot Regiment
    (150 Dismounted Knights, 750 Heavy Infantry, 600 Archers)

    The fifth Regiment of Foot and second raised outside King's Landing, the Breaths are based at the Whispers under the command of Lord Pyre. Located across the Blackwater Bay from their fellows in the Manes, the Breaths are tasked with policing the Cracklaw Point and are easily within reach of the Black Fleet should they require swift movement along the coasts. Their pauldron insignia is a dragon's open mouth, a column of fire erupting forth from it.

    The Black Fleet
    (5 Narrow Sea Galleons, 10 Heavy Galleys, 10 Levy Ships)

    The small squadron of ships commanded by the Blackguard, based at Sharp Point, are primarily used to patrol the local waters and to train with the Manes on moving the regiment overseas quickly. Combined with the Manes the Blackguard forces stationed at Sharp Point represent a sea-mobile element of the Royal Army, allowing them to very quickly deploy to King's Landing to assist their comrades or along the shores of Westeros on the King's business.

    Regimental Barracks

    The Red Keep: Royal Cavalry, Dragon's Teeth
    Dragonpit: Heraldic Guard, Dragon's Claws, Dragon's Scales
    Sharp Point: Dragon's Mane, Black Fleet
    The Whispers: Dragon's Breath

    The Black Auxilia, the "Redcloaks"

    Following the treason of the Goldcloaks against King Daemon Blackfyre, their officer corps was arrested en masse and interrogated for answers. Though it turned out the attempt on the King's life was the work of the Lord Commander of the Goldcloaks acting alone, the interrogations revealed a number of other minor misdeeds that showed the Goldcloaks to be a corrupt organisation. As a result the King decreed that the Goldcloaks be disbanded and a new organisation, formed under the wing of the Blackguard, be founded to take their place.

    The Black Auxilia were thus founded, adopting the Blackguard's distinctive colour scheme of red and black: black hardened leather armour with a red sword belt and cloak. As they replaced the Goldcloaks, the public began referring to them as the Redcloaks.

    As a check against the corruption that tainted the Goldcloaks, the senior officers of the Auxilia are all Blackguard officers. A Chapter Master is appointed to the overall command of the four Black Auxilia Regiments, while each Regiment has a Knight-Commander in command: these five officers are men of the Blackguard itself, not of the Black Auxilia.


    The Regiments of the Black Auxilia

    Like the Blackguard, the Black Auxilia are formed of Regiments, numbering four in total.

    The Auxiliary Cavalry Regiment

    (500 Light Cavalry)

    Formed primarily to assist with crowd control or as the unit that would be sent out of King's Landing on any business of the Master of Laws, the small cavalry force available to the Auxilia spend most of their time patrolling the open roads around King's Landing itself, where the open country makes mounted men more effective at giving chase. Their unit symbol is a horse rearing up on it's hind legs, teeth bared.

    The First through Third Auxiliary Foot Regiments
    (1,000 Light Infantry, 500 Archers)

    Divided into ten companies, each comprising 100 Light Infantry and 50 Archers, the Auxilia Foot Regiments are responsible for policing the City of King's Landing and manning the seven gates along the city walls. Modelled along the same lines as the Blackguard, the Regiments each have their own banners and symbols and foster a rivalry between each other through regular competition. This has served to improve standards among the men as they aim to out-perform the other Regiments for prestige and for rewards.

    The First Regiment's symbol is a lion on its hind legs, carrying a banner in it's front two paws. The Regiment is housed in the West Barracks in King's Landing.

    The Second Regiment's symbol is two crossed spears. The Regiment is housed in the East Barracks in King's Landing.

    The Third Regiment's symbol is a single stone tower. This Regiment is spread out among the gates: 7 of the companies man a gatehouse each while the remaining 3 patrol the walls between the gatehouses.
    Last edited by Poach; August 04, 2016 at 01:32 PM.

  2. #2

    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    With the Battle of King's Landing being over for several months, Ser Thorgen patrolled diligent with the men under his command and those, whom he originally recruited as the Wildfire men through the street.
    The entire appearence of the man has changed drastically, given that he had now chosen to wear their uniform. He was now rarely seen wearing his regular coat of arms and though he greeted comrades as civilians in the name of R'hllor, he neither made attempts to convert anyone.
    Rather Ser Thorgen helped to keep crime among the citizens reduced, while fighting even corruption among his own soldiers. Five had already been dismissed by him due to them abusing their position in a minor way, while two who committed actual crimes had been arrested by himself, one of them being a trusted adjudant, who hoped to seize Pyre's position by convincing the other Wildfire men.
    However, the vast majority of the men backed him nontheless.

    The bald-shaved man with the scar above his right eye, who was once a boasting, selfish knight, had changed drastically, as the war had left its scars on the Wildfire knight.

    Image of how I presume how the Blackguard looks like




    OOC: I kinda forgot to post about this, but given the last battle at King's Landing, Ser Thorgen Pyre was named an officer of the Blackguard
    He also has now Capture +1.

    If you wish to RP with him, feel free to post so.



  3. #3
    Lucius Malfoy's Avatar Pure-Blood
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    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    A guard comes, requesting the presence of Ser Pyre.
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  4. #4

    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    Ser Thorgen noticed the man, but agreed after some short talk to come with him.



  5. #5
    Lucius Malfoy's Avatar Pure-Blood
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    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    As smoke rises from outside the southern walls of King's Landing, a messenger arrives, bearing an arrest warrant for Captain Trant and those under his command, who are responsible for the fires that occurred outside the city. With their number being around a hundred at the Mud Gate, the King has ordered that 200 heavy infantry and archers of the Blackguards be deployed to arrest him and his confederates. Any who resist must submit must be subdued by force. In addition, due to the fires that had happened, the Blackguard is ordered to keep a diligent watch out around the Red Keep and the Dragonpit. The capital has witnessed terrible fires before and the King knows that the peasants do not take kindly to flames given recent events. Daemon does not riots to happen within the city.
    Last edited by Lucius Malfoy; July 20, 2016 at 10:25 AM.
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  6. #6

    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    One day Queen Serra paid a visit to Donnel Lefford at the Dragonpit, acompanied by her guardsmen and several ladies-in-waiting. Her litter waited outside the building.

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    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    She is taken inside and escorted up to the top floors of the Dragonpit, where the officers' quarters and messes were. She enters an office at the edge of the vast structure to find Donnel sat at a desk, a large window cut into the dome at his back.

    "Your Grace," said Donnel, rising as she entered, ​"How can I serve you?"

  8. #8

    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    "Ser Donnel"

    She sits and scans the room and the man behind the desk.

    "I realized for far too long I have neglected my duties as Queen. I don't know personally how my most faithful vassals are and I am willing to amend that"

    Her liliac gaze is haunting.

    "I am amazed by your work here, Ser. This building was glorious when erected by my forebears, but now it's imposing"

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    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    "I am but the occupier, your Grace," said Donnel, "Your husband the King employed the craftsmen that brought the project to completion."

  10. #10

    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    "What a fine man, my husband. Without his strenght I would be lost in a sea of uncertainty"

    She looked troubled for a second, but dismissed the ill-thoughts with a gesture.

    "You are also a fine man, so to speak. Your prowess in battle and outside it is long-proved"


    He smiled.

    "But tell me, Lefford, are you married?"

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    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    The dutiful look on Donnel's face drained away at the question, left with a blank visage that hinted at pain and anger below the surface.

    "No." he said tersely.

  12. #12

    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    "That cannot be, Ser Donnel"

    Lady Serra reached his hand across the desk. Her gaze was warm, like willing to ease the man's pain.

    "I have a certain lady on my household, unmarried still. Surprisingly for she is both beautiful and virtuous. And also she has to carry her family's legacy..."

    She left the word dancing in the air.

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    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    "... and I'm sure she has suitors." said Donnel, finishing the sentence and standing again, moving away from the Queen and towards the window, looking out over the city. Ilsa's rejection of him and her ploy to ensure his son would grow up never knowing his father scarred him deeply to this day.

    Taking a deep breath, Donnel forced his tone back to normal.

    "What is it you need, your Grace?" he asked, turning again to face her from the window.

  14. #14

    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    "Lady Toyne, as rightful ruler of Summerfield, has many suitors, but none worthy..."

    Said the Queen.

    "I need loyalty, Ser Lefford. Only during my husband's absence in Dorne and the Riverlands I noticed my lack of friends in this city. My world spins around him, my life is his, but I am troubled. My faith and my condition as a member of a weak sex and foreigner do not make it easy for me to be accepted by the realm's' nobility. However, there's nothing I want more than true and faithful vassals, for mine is the blood of Blackfyre and Bittersteel"

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    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    "The Blackguard exists to protect the King and his household," said Donnel, going back into the dutiful frame of mind, "If you fear for your security you need only say the word and I'll have more men made available as your guards. Between us and the Kingsguard your safety will be absolute."

  16. #16

    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    "I would gladly have a guard on my own, Ser Lefford"

    Said Serra.

    "Those men would do greatly for my comfort"

    She moved to leave the room.

    "If you ever feel lonely, Ser, send word to me. One of my maids shall join you in marriage. The past is buried, look forward"

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  17. #17

    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    Once he was allowed to leave by the King, the freshly named Lord Pyre would reappear at Lefford's court, informing him about what the King told him regarding him becoming the new Lord of the Whispers, given his heritage from a minor Cracklaw Point House and the King being in need of a fortress, which can serve the Blackguard as a headquarter. He would also tell, that it would not change anything regarding Pyre's position in the Blackguard.
    "... nor that it would matter anyways", the officer ended grim, "If I can trust anyone in this city apart from Larraq and the King, it's probably you, Lord Commander. I asked the King why he would chose me and if he overthought this idea in terms of my position within the Blackguard, however he seemed to be sure about it. Can only hope that he rewards you as well at some point - during my time in the Blackguard, I learnt a lot from you, Ser, so I hope to continiue my duty. For the safety of the realm and the King."



  18. #18
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    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    This King seemed no different to Aerys from where Donnel now sat. Elevating officers in the Blackguard to a station higher than their Lord Commander while telling them to remain in the service? Was the King trying to undermine his authority?

    "Congratulations, Lord Pyre," said Donnel indifferently, "Take a core of sergeants and officers with you to establish a new Blackguard regiment at your new holdings. Having a position outside King's Landing may prove helpful in future."

    [OOC: Mechanically I'm suggesting you leave the 2,500 points of troops you currently have here and use your promotion and higher points cap (you now have 5,000 points to fill up) to raise 2,500 points more and station them at your new keep.]

  19. #19

    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    "I was suggesting a similiar thing, my Lord Commander", he said with a nod, "In times like these I don't wish to leave the King alone. Especially not when looking who supported us during the recent war and in light of the King having various enemies. Outside the capital as probably inside. You can count on my support nontheless - the lordship should not make any difference."
    He
    made a short pause before daring to ask a question he ever wanted to know.
    "It might be weird that I ask, but what brought you actually into your position?"
    , Pyre asked then after a while, "I only remember that you fought before for the Holy League as I fought for my Red God... were your reasons religious motivation as well? Trust me that I won't judge you for them - I as one, who crawled his way up from the bottom of society has no desire to gather informations for political nonsense. It only wonders me what a Lefford has brought to this snakepit."



  20. #20
    Poach's Avatar Civitate
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    Default Re: The Dragonpit, Garrison of the Blackguard

    "The King elevated me to the post," said Donnel with a shrug, "I never asked why: I accepted on the spot. Perhaps it was to weaken the Holy League, perhaps it was to make enemies friends, perhaps he thought I was the best man for the job. His reasons are his own."

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