The Shield will surround us and protect us, like the hand of Ranoh himself.|King Jiten, 8th King of Orsholon
History
The Shield was formed in 3079 BTG by Jiten Torgaro, 8th King of Orsholon. At the time, the Kingdom of Orsholon had been at war with Baduhm Sovereignty for decades. Jiten wanted this war to end, and he would lead it. But he was aware that the Baduhm were likely to try to infiltrate Orsholon in an attempt to assassinate him.
Jiten hand-selected members of the Royal Guard for an elite group that would act as protection for himself and the rest of the Royal Family. The size of the group, 30 members, was chosen as it allowed for smaller groups to carry out individual protection missions while still leaving a larger group surrounding King Jiten and the Royals.
The Shield has been maintained for nearly 4,300 years.
Loyalties
Manpower
Thirty individuals strong, The Shield maintains this number at all times. If for some reason a member is unable to perform their duties, they are immediately replaced by another elite Royal Guard member.
Recruitment
Structure
Training
Culled from the best of the Royal Guard, members of The Shield include the brightest and most skilled of the branch. Candidates spend six months training in the mountains north and west of the capitol, enduring the heat and cold and learning tactics for protection of the Royal Family of Orsholon.
Upkeep
Very little has ever been made public about The Shield. It is known that as the most elite group in the Royal Guard, their cost must be substantial. In addition, their base of operations and in fact all supply information is kept secret. It is believed, however, that they have a stronghold deep in the sewers of Orsholon City.