Regiments Investigating the Strange and Unusual

Often shorthanded as simply RISU, this faction within in British military served to keep track of and study other-worldly and supernatural happenings from the late 1600s to early 1800s before being disbanded after the War of 1812 as the British diverted military funds elsewhere and the advancement of technology made it near impossible to hide the widespread evidence of otherworldly beings.

# Structure

## Ranks

Not counting the base rank of private, there are eight officer ranks within RISU. At the top is Colonel, who reports directly to the military general in charge of the region. Below him, the RISU personnel only have to obey their superior officer within the RISU branch. In other words, a captain of the army does not have permission to give orders to a private within RISU.

A numerical breakdown of each RISU regiment is listed below:

* One Colonel
* Three Majors (One per fort)
* Nine Captains (Three per fort/major, each heading a separate sector [Defense, Negotiation, Exploration])
* Nine Lieutenants (One per captain)
* Nine Ensigns (One per captain)
* Nine Sergeants (One per captain)
* Nine Cadets (One per captain)
* 90 privates (30 per major, 10 per sector)

## Specialty Tracks

Within these forts, there are three captains each overseeing fifteen private soldiers who serve a facet of RISU; Defense, Diplomacy, and Exploration.

Those under the Defense captain train for hard combat, ready to fight and defend their fort or take the fight to the threats. These soldiers are picked for strength, bravery, and strategic minds. Often, Defense soldiers are tall, broad-shouldered, and strong. Enemies will often view them as the primary threat and treat them with overall hostility.

Those serving under the Diplomacy captain are trained to deescalate tense situations or negotiate a peaceful resolution. These soldiers are picked for level-headedness, easy-going temperaments, and genuine natures. Often, Diplomacy soldiers are calm, kind, and steadfast. Diplomats are the least likely to be attacked outright, and are more likely to be tolerated in tense regions.

Finally, those under Exploration captains are trained to scout and investigate reports of unusual activity without engaging in hostile altercations. These soldiers are picked for curiosity, open mindedness, and adaptability to any environment. Often, Exploration soldiers are athletic, energetic, and friendly. Although enemies rightly view them as the second-most threatening due to the reconnaissance nature of their missions, their aversion to open conflict leads many enemies to simply subdue/capture them without seriously harming them.

## Enlistment

The enlisted privates for RISU show notable differences from regular enlisted. Only those who show an open mind to strange things or a nature curiosity are even considered. No recruitment gangs tricking drunk men in taverns, no forceful service, and no criminal draftees. Orphans or those estranged from their family are preferred, although often brothers are recruited together as well as close friends. While there's no forceful recruitment directly into the ranks, soldiers in the normal military (non-RISU regiments) can be drafted into RISU if they witness excess strange activity, even if they had press ganged/tricked into the regular regiments.

# Trivia

* Given the trouble with both obtaining open minded recruits and finding recruits that would stay quiet about their missions, deserters were not subjected to execution but harsh punishment instead.
* As per the usual barriers to entry in the 18th century, women were not permitted within RISU ranks.