The Elites

**The Elites** are the main group of soldiers trained under Core.

All Synths created in ARCDA are put through mandatory training as Quartz soldiers initially before they are given aptitude tests and then a choice to go into different fields. As the synths are no standard human army, they use a far simpler and smaller system more akin to levels of school rather than known military ranks.

There isn't a fully linear path through the Elite system as some soldiers can jump ranks or even skip several years of training if deemed good enough. Sometimes Elites can be demoted, this can be common for those between the Quartz and Ruby/Sapphire ranks, but rare for a Diamond Elite to be demoted. Sometimes those participating in the higher levels of the Elite ranks are referred to as being in Project WAR, however this is an outdated term.

## Purpose

The purpose of Elites are essentially to be service personnel, this includes nursing, teaching, military, policing, etc. They are not just mercenaries, however since Core has a high focus on military, they promote their active battle-ready Sapphires and Rubies more often than they display their more practical and grounds working Topaz and Emeralds.

#### **Call Signs**

Call signs are important to all Elites as they are names that are earned or given by teammates and become the official sign that the Elite is capable. Often these names are earnt through a Synth's years as a Quartz; from a growing knowledge of the world as they're educated and they learn new words and meanings, however they might also take a name after a handler or higher ranked elite.

Call signs are not always highly reflective of the person they belong to but they are important to the Elite as it means that they have earned a place in ARCDA, and have been given because it means something to their group or themselves.

Naming themes can vary between groups and locations, with some locations having specific naming styles and others being purely random.

Examples of Call Signs and naming reasons:

* **Bluebird** - Shiny blue feathers on an Avio.
* **Featherhead** - Tore open a pillow and ended up covered in feathers, especially in his hair.
* **Darter** - Quick diving flights and a good throwing arm at darts.
* **Haulier** - A long haul flier and capable of carrying many things.
* **Rainbow** - Named because she was so pale that she needed a bright and colourful name to counter it.
* **Shoe** - Shoe was a funny word at the time and an inside joke between friends.
* **Zyzzyva** - They looked at the very back of an encyclopaedia of insects.

When the Elites reach the rank of Diamond they can choose a new callsign of their own if they so wish.

## Training

Training is essential and mandatory, especially as quartz soldiers as it gives synths basic social understandings, as well as setting them up to function within the community of ARCDA. Without this, many Synths struggled to follow orders and obey rules, often becoming vicious and almost feral.

There are many sub locations however the training locations are the key areas for Elites before they are dispersed elsewhere. This can be within continents or can also be exported to other continents.

### Training Locations

Every Continent has their own locations for training their Elites. After the events of Broken Arrow, when all ranks were trained together in the same locations, they were dispersed into smaller more specific Bunkers. These known locations are not the only places that training takes place however they are the major hubs.

**Quartz, Topaz & Emerald**

* North America - Monongahela National Forest, USA
* South America - Kabalebo, Suriname
* Europe - Arkangelsky, Russia
* Asia - Petye, Myanmar
* Africa -Tassili N'Ajjer, Algeria
* Oceania - Cape Barren Island, Tasmania

**Rubies**

* North America - Jasper, Canada
* South America - Torres del Paine, Chile
* Europe - Schwarzwald, Germany
* Asia - Lake Ayakum, Tibet
* Africa - Chinizuia Forest, Mozambique
* Oceania - Gibson Desert, Australia

**Sapphires**

* North America - La Verendrye, Canada
* South America - Paraná River, Paraguay
* Europe - Hoffell, Iceland
* Asia - Serra da Capivara, Brazil
* Africa - Minkébé, Gabon
* Oceania - Strathgordon, Tasmania

**Onyx, Amethysts, & Diamonds**

* North America - Ouachita Forest, USA
* South America - Isla Grande de Chiloé, Chile
* Europe - Vis, Croatia
* Asia - Polillo Island, Philippines.
* Africa - Kinshasa, Congo
* Oceania - Te Urewera, New Zealand
* Other
	+ Serenity F.F (Ship) - Pacific Ocean

#### **Command Structure**

There is a command structure that the enlisted elites have to respect, though it does not follow standard military ranking with far fewer ranks.

Different commands in chief have different priorities with the higher the level meaning the higher the rank of elite they will manage and have authority over, this also means if an Elite does something wrong and ends up being marshalled for their behaviour, they are brought directly before their chief.

1. Commander
2. Major [Diamonds and Amethysts Only]
3. Sergeant [Rubies, Sapphires, Onyx]
4. Captain [Topaz, Emerald, Quartz]
5. Lieutenant. [All Ranks]
6. Handlers [All Ranks]
7. Team Leaders
8. Elite Team

## Ranks

The ranking system is more of an education system than a sliding scale of who is the number one elite in the world, with a focus on training and being able to support and sustain ARCDA with its own creations rather than having to hire and pay outside workers. Each continent has their own Elites ranking, and so there are multiple Ruby-1 teams world wide.

Although the majority of synths produced do have to go through Elite training, it is perfectly fine for them to only be ranked as a Quartz and there is no pressures for them to move up to Topaz/Emerald or higher as ARCDA would rather have people who aspire to do something and be good at it than force them to do a job they are unfit for.

Rubies and Sapphires have a more competitive nature to their ranking, with subdivisions of different abilities. Often there is competition to make it to the Top 10 teams, though many teams bow-out and choose to just maintain their level rather than rise to become Diamonds.

##### **Badges**

All badges are worn on the lapels of the uniform as well as on the breast pocket along with their callsign. On their arms, they will have their short code of their ID designation, with their role badge below. If a Synth is both a handler and a ranked soldier, their rank will be smaller and above the handler badge.

Quartz SymbolTopaz SymbolEmerald SymbolRuby SymbolSapphire SymbolOnyx SymbolAmethyst SymbolDiamond Symbol
##### **Uniforms**

The uniforms for Elites vary in style and appearance based on if they are casual every day wear, mission uniforms, designed for Synth specifics such as Avios or tailed-Synths, and where in the world they are based.

1. Light Grey - Quartzes
2. Grey - Topaz and Emeralds
3. Black - Rubies, Sapphires, Amethysts, Diamonds.

For non-elite (non-Synths) there is a different uniform all together to separate the human personnel from the Elites.

### Main Ranks

#### **Quartz**

Quarts ranked soldiers are *not* fully classed as elites but do come under the same branch. It became mandatory for all synths to be put through Quartz training (barring those that were produced in Risio) after many social problems arose with big divides in understanding, comprehension, and cooperation.

They consist of any Synth over the age of two (this can wildly vary with the different growth rates of different synths) produced by Core, Atlas, or Aura, and are given a general education where they are taught to read, write, learn mathematics, science, geography, and at least 2 languages. It is in essence, a grade school where the synths are learning the basics of how to function and behave within ARCDA.

Synths stay ranked as quarts for on average between 3-6 years depending on how they develop and how good their grades are. Aptitude tests are given to those in their final year to graduate, so that they can go down paths best suited for them. Many who score low are directed to become porters, those who have high maths and science go towards the STEM, medical, and engineering fields, and those with better language skills go towards a more command and diplomatic field. Some synths may already have a pre-assigned role for them such as being in Crisis Response and will have separate classes to prepare them for their destined role along with others (usually other members of the batch they are created with) who are to be going into that profession.

The remained of those who have good grades in all aspects are sent on to be Topaz and Emeralds.

Quartz Handlers have to at least be Ruby or Sapphires before becoming Quartz handlers.

When out in the field or training, they wear uniforms which are grey, with pale coloured accents depending on where in their training they are:

1. 1st Year - No colour (all grey uniform),
2. 2nd Year - Pale Blue,
3. 3rd - Lilac,
4. 4th - Pale Pink,
5. 5th - Pale Orange,
6. 6th - Pale Yellow.

Quartz Symbol (Colour varies with Year group)Quartz Handler SymbolThe different colours that appear on Quartz ranked symbols
#### **Topaz & Emerald**

Though they are within the same vein, their methods are different. They are elites, though they are considered low level Elites compared to Diamonds. The training and education is tougher than those for Quartz.

* **Topaz** is a faster route, focused more on defence and protecting ARCDA. Topaz Elites usually become either Ruby Elites or head into the various ARCDA units.
* **Emeralds** is a slower pathway, with a longer education and are more field agents and go out on smaller missions as foot soldiers. Emeralds usually end up going on to becoming Sapphires or part of the STEM team.

All of the Topaz and Emeralds are usually within small class teams of 30-50, but live all together in barracks. Each barracks houses between 100-250 elites.

In their education they have lessons which includes: *Science, Language, Maths, Critical Thinking, Technology, Health and Social, Engineering, Design and Media.* There are also smaller vocational lessons such as Forest School, Law and Business, Sociology, Psychology, Music, Drivers Education, and Mentoring. Lessons take place between training days, creating a rotational timetable that is roughly:

Vocational Studies
Vocational Studies
Vocational Studies

Timetables vary depending on year group, and training for both usually lasts between 2-5 years, and again, there are *aptitude tests,* and the opportunity to change roles at the end. With these, they can change to become part of different units rather than further themselves as Elites. Those who change role as Topaz and Emeralds often get higher positions in these other unit roles than those who changed over as Quartzes. In some bunkers this is preferred that their Topaz and Emeralds become part of units and is a useful career choice for many Synths. To help with getting them to think of other roles they are good at, there will often be work experience trips, where a class of emeralds will join a small team of Rubies or Sapphires on a short mission.

> ***See Also**: ARCDA Units.*
>
>

However all final years who wish to move onto Rubies and Sapphires are put into teams of seven where they will learn basic team dynamics. These final years are also the ones who get to take part in minor mission assignments which can be considered Work Experience, and can also boost their performance grade.

All of their tests and grades matters as it goes towards a points system which then will give them an assigned team for when they move up to Ruby or Sapphire which will be different to the teams they are in for their last year of training as an Emerald or Topaz. The uniforms for Topaz and Emeralds also wear grey but have differently styled Armour which is more heavy duty and better armoured and accented in bright green for Emeralds, and bright yellow for Topaz.

#### **Rubies & Sapphires**

Rubies and Sapphires are high level elites.

* **Rubies** are used more shock soldiers and heavy infantry
* **Sapphires** are more stealth based with an alignment towards espionage based work.

There are rankings for both Elite groups, with those within the top 50 teams being those who go forward to become Diamonds. Many teams choose not to go for the ranking of Diamonds, and instead either maintain their ranks to be strong soldiers, or they might choose to become **Handlers** and teachers for lower level Elites.

There are reward points for how well each Elite performs in their education, which they can use to purchase items from a shop. The better they are in their classes and training, the more points they accumulate. This includes clothes, different weapon modifications, classes and workshops for advanced training, food, and leisure items such as books and drawing materials. Because of this reward system, Rubies and Sapphires are ranks that are looked up to with awe and envy by lower ranking Elites.

Their uniforms are different to the lower Elites, with their main colour being black with accents of either deep red or deep blue.

**Ruby Characters**

* Bluebird
* Rainbow
* Featherhead
* Eddie/Faraday
* Fury
* Cinta
* King [Formerly]

**Sapphire Characters**

* Nico [Formerly]
* Westwind
* Friend
* Darter

#### **Diamonds**

The highest ranked elites are the Diamonds. Very few make it to this rank with no more than fifty new recruits globally in a year per continent.

Diamond Elites have a have a lot of duties. They can act as individual agents taking missions posted by both ARCDA and any affiliates, or can be used to assist in training. When working in the field, Diamonds have a lot of freedom to handle missions however they see fit, and are less strictly controlled and monitored. Often there is a missions board with contracts and missions available across the globe that is updated daily, and they are given access to better weaponry and further training. They must report in and complete missions effectively, or else a bounty is placed on them that allows and gives other Diamonds permission to hunt them down and bring them in.

**Skills include:**

* Advanced weapons and self-defence training
* Special reconnaissance and surveillance in hostile environments
* Offensive action
* Counter-terrorism operations
* Sabotage and demolition
* Hostage rescue and negotiations

Any laziness or lax behaviour can also result in bounties being placed upon them. There is a lot of pressure being a Diamond, as much as it has perks they must maintain a high standard of behaviour.

There has only been one case of a Synth being *demoted* from Diamond rank due to exceptional circumstances in which they went rogue.

##### **The Gauntlet**

The Gauntlet is an intense Special Forces-style final exam for the top 10 Ruby and Sapphire teams after their training period.

To join the ranks of Diamond, the top 10 teams from both Sapphire and Ruby have to go through a similar selection process to what humans joining the special forces will have to go through, having to complete nine weeks of physical training in all terrains from jungles to deserts and the arctic, demolitions training, reconnaissance, which involves practicing shooting with live ammunition in killing houses, compete in a month of gruelling physical exercise that tests their endurance, strength and resilience, with the final test being a large event which includes all of the Rubies and Sapphires and any existing Diamonds acting as handlers, called the Gauntlet.

During the Gauntlet, the Synths who have not dropped out or been killed, will be air-dropped into a forest in the middle of the night and get to an extraction point over fifty kilometres away whilst the rest of the local team's Rubies and Sapphires hunt them down. The goal is to get to the extraction point by any means necessary.

If any of the Elites going through the gauntlet are caught then they will be interrogated by the Diamond handlers through sleep, food, and sensory deprivation to which if they give up any information other than their callsign and rank then they are failed. Those who survive the interrogation or make it to the extraction point, after evading snipers and minefields as well as other Elites, get to achieve the rank of Diamonds.

There are exceptions to this trial, though this comes from special treatment by certain doctors and commanding officers within ARCDA. Though it is rare, it has been known for the Diamond rank to be given as an honorary title if an Elite is specifically purchased to serve one person.

Occasionally, the gauntlet is televised upon the inhouse broadcasting systems within ARCDA.

**Diamond Characters**

* Nico
* King
* Griffin [Formerly]

## Other Ranks

#### **Onyx**

Onyx ranks are Elites who are Transhumans, but rather than being trained up as Quartz soldiers first, they come in from former military backgrounds. Usually they are given more freedoms than the lower or mid-ranking Elites and are utilised as handlers to train and give workshops to Elites.

In rank, they are slightly higher than Rubies and Sapphires, but not on the same level as Diamonds. Often they are utilised as Handlers for lower ranks, especially Topaz, Emerald, and Quartz.

Uniforms for Onyx are black with grey accents.

#### **Amethyst**

Amethysts are relatively new in terms of officiality, having only existed for the last 3-4 years and with the majority of ARCDA not actually being aware of the rank. Their priority and use is different to Rubies, Sapphires, and Onyx, in that they are used to investigate and protect. Usually their teams are based of 3-5 people, with a handler leading the team either onsite, or from a remote location if it is a one-synth operation.

They outrank Rubies and Sapphires in the same way as Onyx Elites do, but are a tier below Diamonds. They are more flexible in what they are allowed to do than any other rank, so long as they solve a problem effectively.

Their main role is to work as investigators and protectors, both inside and out of ARCDA, and ensuring that the rules that ARCDA sets down are followed; again by both Synths and Doctors. This can involve investigating claims of corruption or illegal trading, or being a bodyguard to individuals or even entire projects. They are to always try to incapacitate and detain, over killing and have to report from a factual basis at all times. Gathering evidence is a high priority when it comes to investigations, and remaining focused is often a mantra of Amethysts.

Because they are an entity of their own, they are often mistaken for being of the same level as Rubies and Sapphires, and often get spoken down to. However, they fully have the authority to overrule handlers and even doctors and project leads if any signs of corruption or misuse of power occurs. Many doctors despise this and believe that they have too much freedom and power.

Uniforms for Amethysts are black with purple accents, and have light armour.

**Amethyst Characters**

* Griffin
* Mykonos [formerly]

## Group Dynamics

##### **Handlers**

Handlers are important to team groups as they command up to 5 individual groups, whilst also actively participating in their own groups. These Handler teams aren't subject to the same grading systems as other ranks, as they are essentially teachers and managers who resolve issues and monitor the progress of their subordinates.

To become a handler, it can be either that the individual Elite decides they want to train to be a handler, or it can also be that if they don't fully complete their Diamond training it is offered as an alternative.

For all of the mid and low ranking elites, there are Handlers who are usually Onyx, Rubies and Sapphires in rank. They will wear the colour of the group they are assigned to manage and oversee but will wear a black uniform with the colour accent.

The symbol of Handlers
Rubies and Sapphires have a commander who manages their bunker, and an overseer who is their general handler and the one they go to with complaints if they have any.

### **Roles**

Usually a team consists of between 4-6 individuals, with one designated leader and at least one soldier, tank, or support member. The only rank that does not have these rolls is the Amethyst Elite.

* ***Leader***
	+ Usually the Elite who is the best at planning and organising the group. They aren't always the loudest and most confident, but they will be the ones to get the job done.
* ***Soldier***
	+ Soldiers are the hard working main staple of Elites. They are usually in the front of an attack and getting their hands dirty.
* ***Tank***
	+ Usually the hardiest and strongest member is the tank, sometimes referred to as the Defender. They get the toughest armour and are the ones who are capable of carrying all of the heavy equipment and taking the most damage.
* ***Support***
	+ Support members often get additional training as field medics and given the opportunity to learn ranged weaponry and other more subtle tools. Often they will be Second in Command in the case of Sapphires, helping to plan and organise their resources.
* ***Wildcard***
	+ Wildcards often are individuals that wont fit into any other designation, and are trained to be multifunctional. A Wildcard often is such because of their abilities or their species; eg: Bioelectricity that can counter musers.

Leader BadgeSoldier BadgeTank/Defender BadgeSupport/Ranged BadgeWildcard Badge
## Elite Characters

* Wilny Mira - "*Bluebird*" - RUBY-1 - Leader
* Fury - RUBY-1 - Soldier
* Rainbow - RUBY-1 - Support
* Eddie - RUBY-1 - Wildcard
* Featherhead - RUBY-1 - Tank
* Lieutenant Mykonos - Diamond Lieutenant [Ex-Amethyst Handler]
* Griffin - Amethyst
* Nico - Diamond [Ex-Sapphire]
* Roanoke - Sapphire-44, Support.

**Minor Characters**

* Valiant - EMERALD-12
* Diogenes - EMERALD-12
* Frigatebird - SAPPHIRE-1
* Darter - Handler.

## Trivia

* During the initial drafts, the Elites were called Project WAR though this got changed as it became less of a project and more of a general academy for training synths.
* The Onyx rank is not mentioned in Stormbite, however it is still part of the ranks. In roman superstition, warriors carried amulets of onyx/sardonyx engraved with the god of war to give them courage in battle, a small link to the Onyx elites all being ex-soldiers.
* Amethyst stones were reputed to have special virtues of curing intoxication, controlling evil thoughts, increasing intelligence and intuition, and protecting people from harm. A lot of these virtues are exhibited in Amethyst characters such as Griffin and Swift.

## References

 Storm Series
 Synths
 Other