Sic transit gloria mundi
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
Intent: Further flesh out Order of Fire and Firemane forces. Unlike the Forcer units I've subbed in the past, this is a mixed unit of both Force-users and Non-Force-Users, with the latter being in the majority. They trade specialisation for greater versatility and availability.
Image Credit: Here. Kalsifer by Fetsch on Deviantart.
Role: Shock troops, commandos.
Links: Firemane Industries.
Unit Name: Fireguard
Affiliation: Order of Fire, House Kerrigan-Alcori, Siobhan Kerrigan, Tegaea Alcori, Firemane.
Classification: Infantry.
They can use Abregado-Rae Guild of Hammers equipment due to Firemane gaining access to ARGH tech in this thread. Firemane obtained a supply contract that allows it to use Fire for Effect gear here.
- ACS-004 Olympian Battle Armor (Permission requested here, obtained here). Commlink uses CD-X cryptologic key (available for Firemane per this thread).
- Lightsabres (Force-users only).
- Vibroblades, vibroknives.
- Cylix bolt pistol, Magnetic Revolver, Blaster Pistol or Sonic Wave Pistol.
- Reaper Plasma Shotgun, MKI Boltgun, Magnetic Repeater or ACS-205 Blackblade Modular Rifle (storefront request here, permission here).
- ACS-205 Advanced Dual Weapon System (storefront request here, permission here).
- ACS-202 Vanquisher Light Repeating Blaster, for automatic rifleman (storefront request here, permission here.)
- Shattergun rifle (limited to sharpshooter).
- Limited: Lance missile launcher. Limited to heavy weapons specialist. Two max per squad.
- ACS-207 Aerosolblaster (purchase request here, approved here). ACS-207 Cryoban Gun (storefent request here, permission here)
- ARGH flamer (Wrist variant), Wrist Bolter, ACS-208 Wrist Ion Beamer (storefront request here, permission here), ACS-208 Wrist Tensor (storefent request here, permission here). Two wrist weapons per soldier max.
- Neural bandhttp://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Neural_band (limited to NFUs)
- APE Roundshttp://starwarsrp.net/topic/35413-ape-boltgun-ammunition/
- Grenades, thermal dets, det charges. Misc equipment such as lifeform scanners and medkits.
COMBAT INFORMATION
Availability: Rare
Deployment: Limited.
Being light, mobile infantry, the Fireguards are are vulnerable to 'heavy' units such as formations of tanks and walkers, long range bombardment via artillery or airpower. They have portable missile launchers to deal with armoured vehicles or attacking aircraft, but these are only available on a limited basis. Their focus on mobility means that they do not carry weapons such as rotary cannons, heavy repeating blasters or e-webs, and will thus have to rely on support units to provide that sort of firepower.
The Fireguard is also a rather small unit, which limits how many soldiers can be deployed in any given situation. They can lead a charge, seize a bridgehead or carry out commando actions, but they would be hard-pressed to hold territory for a prolonged period without support, especially when confronted with superior enemy numbers. Their body armour is good, but only has minor lightsabre resistance. The NFU soldiers are well-trained and experienced, but they are normal mortals who lack cybernetic or genetic enhancements. Thus they must rely on skill, teamwork and ingenuity rather than superhuman abilities.
Description:
The Fireguard is the unit most members of the martial arm of the Order of Fire end up in. One of the sources of inspiration were the Clone Wars and the Jedi's role in the Grand Army of the Republic - and the issues arising from it. From the point of view of Firemane's leaders, the Jedi were ill-suited to act as Generals, as they lacked the necessary training and mind set. However, they did well commanding small units, such as by leading clone troopers in a charge across enemy lines to seize a tactical position, or by directing squads of commandos. If used the right way, Force-users can be force multipliers on the battlefield, increasing the chance of victory and the survival rate among their non-Force-using comrades. However, this requires mutual respect, discipline and a knowledge of small unit tactics.
Another source of inspiration were Siobhan Kerrigan's own experiences with Omega Pyre. Siobhan joined the paramilitary corporation after becoming disillusioned with the Republic's Jedi Order. Here she was a soldier, not a paladin or a space monk. She served along 'common' soldiers and officers, earned their respect by sharing their struggles and rose through the ranks. Force-users were integrated directly into the military hierarchy. She tried to apply the lessons she had learned during this time after founding the Order of Fire, Firemane's Force-using branch. Thus Force-users and Force blind soldiers live together, train together and fight together. They are also subject to the same type of military discipline, up to and including punishments for deviation from it. The basis of the Fireguard is the squad. Each squad is commonly composed of one Knight, one or two Apprentices and seven to eight elite Force blind soldiers.
Any Force-using Fireguard is taught some basic, but essential rules. Such as not running in front of her unit and charging off on her lonesome, not violating the chain of command, not assuming that the Force blind should treat her with reverence because she is a Force-user and the apprentice of an important Master of the Order, not playing mystic in front of her troops and not carelessly activating her lightsabre while advancing on an enemy position. They are also instructed to find ways to integrate their mystical powers into a squad structure. The use of healing and Force barriers is probably self-explanatory, but even physical enhancement and telekinesis specialists can find ways to be helpful for the group as a whole. Awe-inspiring, lone wolf acts of bravado are frowned upon, as they tend to be suicidal.
All Fireguards, no matter whether they can use the Force or not, wear full armour, including a helmet. Force-Sensitive Fireguards usually carry a lightsabre, a combat knife, a sidearm, some grenades, rifle and a wrist weapon of some sort. A squad's automatic rifleman would provide fire support and suppressive fire with a squad automatic weapon. Heavy support weapons are utilised by heavy weapons specialists. These are usually left to NFU grunts, but a Force-user who is physically strong or good at physical enhancement is likely to carry the heavy support weapon or squad automatic weapon or spare ammunition for either.
More lightly armed Force-Sensitive comrades can make themselves by carrying essential items such as comms and sensor gear, spare ammo packs and medical supplies. Spreading the load lightens the burden for the entire team and makes it more mobile overall. Force-Sensitive Fireguards are taught to listen to the Force blind NCO. This especially applies to Apprentices, as a battle-hardened Sergeant will know far more about war than they do. Should the Knight in command of a squad fall in combat or be otherwise incapacitated, the Sergeant will take charge until a replacement can be designated. The Apprentice can advise on matters they have expertise in, such as certain preternatural phenomena. But they are expected to obey their superiors. For this reason the Fireguard looks for confident, experienced NFU troopers who can hold their own and will not be awed by space magic tricks. Practicality aside, this is also a security in case a Force-user decides to go rogue for this or that reason. Fireguard training emphasises disciplined fire over blazing away. It also teaches skills in melee combat and hand-to-hand. Above all, it stresses the importance of teamwork.
Compared to say the Order of Fire Silencers or the Circle of Yarkul, the skill set of Force-Sensitive Fireguards is far less exotic. They are taught the Core Powers that would be familiar to most classical Jedi or Sith. Their strength does not lie in exotic powers, but in their discipline, resolve, equipment and a good mix of conventional and preternatural powers. Many members of the Order of Fire's martial arm spend at least some time in the Fireguard before they move on to perform more specialised roles. This gives them an idea of military life and enhances cohesion. Meritorious service in the Fireguard also looks good on the record, which is helpful for promotions and pay raises. Moreover, it builds trust and respect on both ends. Common Firemane soldiers gain a better understanding of the Force - and its limitations. This also helps them combat hostile Force-users. They also get to know the Order of Fire members as comrades instead of distant space wizards. Like the other formations of the Order of Fire, the Fireguard uses a dual rank system for its Force-users. Thus they have both a rank in the Order and in the army. They are expected to refer to themselves and their comrades using their army ranks though, as this makes everyone's place in the chain of command transparent. For instance, Tempest would be addressed as Major, not Master or Mistress. Outside of the battlefield they wear Firemane uniforms, as Order of Fire members only don robes on ceremonial occasions.
The Fireguard has been involved in most conflicts Firemane fought in. Examples include the second Cleansing of Gehenna, the Eldorai Exodus, the Xioquo War, the Kaeshana Rebellion and the Discovery of Tephrike. They can also be hired out to other parties provided their pay well and Firemane does not find their beliefs and methods disagreeable. Lady Kerrigan still takes a strong personal interest in the Fireguard. Tempest and Leonina Varkathras are senior field officers in the unit and have often led elements of it in battle. Elpsis Kerrigan-Alcori is presently a brevet Second Lieutenant. The famously foul-mouthed, tough and strong Sergeant Freya Solveig has done tours of duty with the unit. She is notorious for not being awed by Force-users and for disabusing uppity apprentices of any notions of superiority. Sometimes in the boxing ring. On the whole, the Fireguard's perception of the Force is rather demystified. It is regarded as a source of strength that can be used for good or ill. There is a tendency towards what could be termed secularism, though individual members are free to believe in whatever higher powers they like, provided they do not espouse principles that stand in conflict with Firemane's laws and mission statement.
It is common for Force-Sensitive Fireguard to train while being exposed to ysalamiri, so that they learn how to fight even in situations where they are deprived of their biggest advantage. Joint training sessions between Force-users and Non-Force-Users are very common. It is an unofficial rule in Firemane that apprentices – especially unusually strong ones – get paired with extremely gruff, demanding NCOs as part of their education. If they pass this trial, it shows they're good. If not, they don't have what it takes and are sent back home.
