Bluecoat

A Bluecoat vanguard.

A **Bluecoat** is the term attributed to the individuals of the Maldoarvan Commonwealth's standing army and guard forces, on account of their signature blue coats. They typically act as guards for cities and villages, however in times of war perform common military duties. Joining the Bluecoats is an elective choice left up to the individual, rather than being drafted or conscripted by force. As the de facto guards of much of Commonwealth society, Bluecoats often come into conflict with the guard forces of elven houses, such as the Alkinoths.

## Tactics and Training

As the standing military of the Commonwealth, Bluecoats are typically used in a defensive manner. They are rarely sent on incursions into foreign territory and as a result are trained to protect Commonwealth settlements. Typically, a standard contingent of Bluecoats is trained in defensive tactics and cooperation with one another. In their role as guards, the Bluecoats use overwhelming force in order to succeed in combat.

## Organization

### Branches

Bluecoats are organized not dissimilar to most other militaries in Eukitia. The overarching force is split into three primary branches - the Vanguard Corps, the Mage Corps, and the Auxiliary Corps.

#### Vanguard Corps

The Vanguard Corps are the most numerous in the Bluecoats, being your standard men-at-arms. They are the guards and soldiers who make up the majority of the Bluecoats, training with various melee weapons such as swords and battleaxes. Some Vanguards will practice basic cantrips to use in combat, however rarely focus entirely on magic. The Vanguards are what comes to mind to most Commonwealth citizens when they think of a Bluecoat - a stoic individual clad in armor with a billowing blue cape behind them. Most Vanguards are stationed close to where they were recruited, usually within the same town or city. However, it is not rare for Bluecoats to be assigned to serving as bodyguards for diplomats and researchers - in these cases, Vanguards are typically chosen for their versatility.

#### Mage Corps

Like their namesake, the Mage Corps are composed entirely of battlemages and healers that the Bluecoats have recruited to fight in their ranks. These mages are usually trained from Strixhaven and recruited shortly after they graduate, serving as a Bluecoat most of their lives. The Mage Corps contains two main types of magic users - battlemages and healers. Their battlemages focus on control and destruction in the battlefield, supporting Vanguards through their dangerous spells, whereas the healers typically focus on keeping their soldier's alive after a battle and limiting casualties. Mages in the Bluecoats typically wear long, white robes with blue capes billowing down one side of their backs.

#### Auxiliary Corps

The Auxiliary Corps are a very loose group of individuals who occasionally serve in the Bluecoats, but not full time. The wild-cards of the Bluecoat forces, the Auxiliary often are recruited for singular missions and operations rather than serving alongside a particular contingent of forces for a long period of time. The most notable members of the Bluecoat Auxiliary are the many sages who serve in this capacity, acting as powerful weapons for the Bluecoats when they are called upon. Other mages, warriors, bounty hunters and more will sometimes apply to serve the Bluecoats as Auxiliary as well.

### Unit Composition

As contingents of Bluecoats are usually pulled from the local population, the numbers of a particular unit may vary greatly. However, on average, a unit will consist of 5-8 Vanguard Corps members and 1-4 Mage Corps members. These units will usually cooperate regularly, often training and living together, and are usually quite close-knit.