National Guard

The National Guard is the moniker given to the bulk of the newly reformed armed forces of the Commonwealth of Lorenthal. Composed of a mix of veterans, cantankerous revolutionaries, and fresh-faced recruits, it is held together largely by the leadership of High Protector Llewellyn Griffith and little else. The National Guard are an experiment of sorts, a standing army composed almost entirely from the lower classes and with no officers from among the ranks of the nobility. The Lorenthalian Civil War saw the will of the people realized, and now few if any knights remain who will risk their heads trying to train hot-headed soldiers only months moved from a violent rebellion. The refusal of the new government to appoint members of the nobility to positions of leadership has resulted in an inexperienced command staff that largely follows the High Protector's every suggestion. They have seen military reforms rarely attempted before, however. The National Guard does not rely upon conscription, for the rate of volunteers is so meteorically high as for there to be no need. They also have reserves that citizens may join, allowing lesser risk and commitment while still maintaining an intimidating amount of wartime soldiers. In addition, the High Protector has removed all class restrictions within the military, theoretically allowing any man or woman to reach the highest positions of power in the Commonwealth if they are talented enough.

The National Guard are untested and largely unskilled, yet what they lack they make up for in high spirited resolve and sheer numbers. The Guard are numerous and eager to show the world that their revolution was lawful and just, the newly sewn banners of the Commonwealth flying high above their ranks. They are largely equipped with wooden or iron-tipped pikes, relying on their infantry core to hold lines long enough for highly skilled longbowmen to deal with threats to the Commonwealth's sovereignty.