Ebon Defense Force

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The **Ebon Defense Force** (衛士隊) is a military force that occupied Crossbell under Supreme Leader Rufus Albarea's command.

## Background

The Ebon Defense Force was formed out of disgruntled members of the Imperial Army of Erebonia who were not satisfied with how the Great War concluded, as well as several members of Rufus Albarea's personal guard in Crossbell which were loyal to him. Their state of mind was taken advantage of by the pseudo-Erebonian Curse created by Elysium and its simulacra to take over Crossbell as a distraction from its construction of the Retributive Tower.

### *Trails into Reverie*

What was left of the Imperial Defense Force in Crossbell City, otherwise known as Rufus's personal guard, continued to rule it as if it was a province of Erebonia. On February 14th, S.1207, these remnants were attacked by Crossbell's police/military forces and the Special Support Section to liberate the city from their rule. Despite their best efforts, they ultimately surrendered when their leaders were apprehended by the SSS and sent to Aurochs Fort for their crimes.

Some of these members ended up joining the Ebon Defense Force. They first make their appearance as an organization when what appears to be Rufus Albarea launches a coup on the City, with the soldiers appearing with many Helmord units. The soldiers profess that it has been a long time since they fought the SSS and that they are much stronger now, having been tasked with the sacred duty of defending their master. Something akin the the curse manifests around them. Rufus claims they are the sword that will defend Crossbell.

At sometime beforehand, they had traveled to the prison in Aurochs Fort and freed the imprisoned rogue IDF members, and attempted to assassinate the real Rufus. They had also been in and out of the Reinford Military Factory where the new Zauber Soldats were being manufactured. Garcia Rossi was invited to train the Ebon Defense Force, in exchange for resources to help rebuild Revache.

The Ebon Defense Force attempt to take the trunk of Nadia Rayne and Swin Abel. They are foiled when Nadia uses an explosive stuffed bear. East Patrol unit 27 also encounters Rixia Mao and Lloyd Bannings and invites them to come quietly which they decline, leading to a confrontation. A unit was also seen meeting with disgruntled elements of the Imperial Army in the Catacombs beneath Heimdallr where they deliver a Gospel II. The Ebon Defense Force storm the IBC and take Erika Russell. They also take Professor Seiland as she was about to leave for Remiferia.

Lloyd is also able to drive them back from Mainz with the help of Harold Hayworth and Randy Orlando. Confrontations between the Ebon Defense Force and Resistance forces come to a head when they pin down Sonya Baelz in the Moon Temple. Forces led by Lloyd and Estelle Bright relieve them and defeat several units in the tunnels. Whilst this is happening, Duvalie also confronts a unit in the Knox Forest. The Ebon Defense Force are finally routed in Crossbell City when all of their foes unite and Cao Lee, Garcia, and Dieter Crois, who has hired the Red Constellation, turn on them and uncover their plan against them. Garcia had also been returning some of them to their senses who joined in the efforts. After their defeat and the nature of the Supreme Leader unveiled, the remaining elements accept arrest. The true Rufus is able to return the last few soldiers to their senses.