Imperial Guard

Sigil of the Imperial Guard

The Imperial Guard is one of two Guard Regiments devoted to protecting the Imperial Family. The other, the Avosai Guard, is part of the Rusai National Guard and only operates on the island of Rusan. The Guard, excluding a brief eight-year period from 1872 until 1880, has existed in one form or another since 1096 CE, making it in effect the longest-serving formation in the Imperial Armed Forces and one of the longest-serving guard units in the world.

The Imperial Guard is divided into four battalions which comprise of two infantry battalions, a cavalry battalion, and an artillery battalion. Members of these battalions are special among the military not only for their skill, but for the title each of them possess. These soldiers are referred to as "Zharai" (though it lacks a proper translation, it is often translated incorrectly as "Warrior"), a title formerly held by the nobility of Ikhan prior to the 1880's. Indeed, it is because of this status that *all* members of the unit possess *at least* a Sikhos (straight, single-edged sword) or Vahraš (Curved, single-edged sword), an honor typically only granted to high-ranking officers of the Imperial Military (who also hold such status).

## Mission

The Imperial Guard's mission is, first and foremost, to protect the Imperial Family and their residences across the Empire, at least in the case of the First and Third Battalions. The Second Battalion's duties are to conduct memorial affairs for fallen soldiers, perform ceremonies, and conduct events that represent the Imperial Military, communicating it's story to Imperial Citizens and to the world.

Though it operates in a ceremonial role, the Imperial Guard is still an infantry unit and is thus required to meet certain standards in it's combat role. The unit often trains for it's support role to civil authorities in Ikan and the lands around it, as well as for scenarios in which it is necessary to be deployed overseas. On order, it can conduct defense in support of civil authorities in the region around the Imperial Capital.

## Uniform

As of 2020, the Imperial Guards uniform comprises of the following pieces:

* A Crimson-red peaked cap with a black band and brim. A gilt "Star of Ishen" marks the front of it as a badge.
* A black single-breasted jacket with red and white epaulets as well as an aiguillette. Ranks are denoted by a pin on the left-hand side of the uniform, near to where the medal ribbons would be placed.
* Black trousers with a single white stripe running down each side towards the boots.
* Blackened-leather jackboots.
* A black belt with silver fittings and a buckle bearing the symbol of Clan Sherkoz imprinted upon it.
* A Vahraš (for lower ranked personnel) or a Sikhos (for officers) fastened to the belt in the traditional style.

## Trivia

* The Imperial Guard's symbol represents four of the five states of Ikhan: Vrashe, Kairan, Khushai, and Hashtai.
	+ The Swords in particular represent the pledge that the rulers of these states made to Khorai I ve Hailun.
	+ The Ring around the swords represent the unification of the Empire.
	+ The red color of the symbol represents the blood-oath taken by the Imperial Guard to serve the Emperor and to preserve the Nation's honor.
* The current commander, Ikos Sarakhot, is a distant blood-relative of the current leader of Clan Khasa, Arkan Viras ve Khasa.