Sworn to Pride Arc
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SWORN TO PRIDE
This is the overview and timeline page for the SWORN TO PRIDE Arc which began on February 14, 2026 and pertains largely to Tajaran lore.
It is centered around the formation of the New Kingdom of Adhomai's Royal Guard.
Below is a summary of the arc's events, applicable news articles, and additions.
Queen Shumaila Initiates Feasibility Study for Royal GuardNews Article Queen Shumaila Azunja has prepared a committee for the investigation into the creation of a royal guard corps. In a Crown memo, Queen Azunja stated the need to determine the degree to which an exclusive and elite team may be formed for the protection of the Crown, Crown Heir, and other close individuals necessary for the continued safety of the Njarii Azunja and Kingdom leadership. Select national companies and human megacorporations have been approached regarding this effort as part of a “holistic approach” towards the matter. The announcement has come as a shock to prominent figures within the Imperial military, previously the institution assigned the honorable duty of protecting the Crown and other important figures. Grand Admiral Dynhaas was quoted as saying, “It is a grave insult to the Imperial Army that they are not sufficient to protect Queen Azunja. May their reputation make a swift recovery from this illness.” During a gala held the same evening at the Bluetree Villa, Field-Marshal Kluychevsky made the following statement to Telegraph journalists, “The Queen knows what is best. His advisory would be to the contrary, but regardless of the outcome the Imperial army stands ready to perform its duty above and beyond measure, regardless of what Grand Admiral Dynhaas may espouse from his theater stage.” Concerns regarding the funding for such a Royal Guard corps were raised by Parliament. It was indicated by many that the cost of maintaining a remotely well-equipped force would strain the supply for the Imperial military further should the corps be sufficiently sized to provide adequate protection for all notable political figures. Indeed, Royal Firearms confirmed that current production capacities would not be sufficient to equip the new force until their new facility in Baltor is finished, something which may take years to complete given present delays. Queen Shumaila spoke during parliament to soothe these concerns, reassuring that monetary support would be sourced from the Azunja Njariye coffers. Additionally, she stated that sources would not be limited to just Adhomian firms, rather including those off-world such as NanoTrasen Corporation or Zavodskoi Interstellar to ensure an efficient supplier. The Royal Telegraph has been chosen to provide exclusive coverage on all updates relating to this new initiative. Royal Guard Candidates Submit BidsNews Article As part of the continued efforts by Queen Shumaila Azunja, a number of candidates for the proposed royal guard have submitted their bids for the supplies, equipment, and production capabilities of continued support. A number of companies submitted bids into the program, both from the New Kingdom and off-world corporations. Representatives of these candidates gathered at the Kaltir Imperial Palace. Royal Telegraph reporters were invited to cover the proposals to “ensure the participation of the nation in the efforts to protect its most valuable components.” Much to the chagrin of the Chamber of Nobles, invitations to the event were not extended to all members of Parliament. Indeed, very few were invited outside of members close to Queen Azunja and a representative from House Strelitz of the Empire of Dominia. Among the candidates were: Royal Firearms NanoTrasen Corporation Idris Incorporated Hephaestus Industries Dymtrii Security Solutions Zavodskoi Interstellar Kingly Guards Security Co. The varied list of candidates lent to a particularly long day of conferences and presentations. During presentations, candidates were provided an Imperial soldier for showcasing the proposed equipment, design, and appearance. All matters by which Queen Azunja was judging the proposals available. Notable events during the conference were the early removals of NanoTrasen Corporation and Kingly Guards Security Co. Citing problems in both cost and appearance, both companies were denied soon into their presentations by Queen Azunja. It seemed Idris Incorporated was likely to be removed as well due to the color schema of the proposed uniforms, but the Crown Heir had shown a particular liking to the use of cyan highlights. Idris Incorporated elected to remove themselves, seeing the likely result of the conference, however before leaving an Idris Incorporated hat was gifted to the young Heir. Of the remaining candidates, opinions seemed polarized. Royal Firearms had presented a strong candidate based upon reliable, proven firearms history on Adhomai. Despite the use of a prototype select-fire rifle, Royal Firearms promised similar if not superior reliability to the current service rifle. The uniforms, an evolution of the Imperial Army uniform with integrated armor plating and Njarii Azunja coloration, appealed to many of the guests present. Hephaestus Industries and Zavodskoi Interstellar both presented a radical departure from tradition. Both companies presented their own weaponry for use. From Zavodskoi, the Z8 assault rifle, a proven design used across the Spur. From Hephaestus, the KS-40 combat shotgun. The differences in tactics between the two weapons exemplify the differences in mindset between the two companies, between the versatility of the Zavodskoi rifle and the close-range effectiveness of the Hephaestus shotgun. This continued into the uniforms. Hephaestus Industries proposed a heavy set of armor, both with and without their own exoskeleton. Designed around maximum protection at the expense of mobility, it allowed for additional adornments of Njarii Azunja standards alongside the Hephaestus paint scheme. Zavodskoi, however, proposed a balanced design. Protection was focused around key regions, the upper body and legs, while attempting to ensure mobility. Additionally, the armor was incorporated into the uniform at large, which had been based on historical Kaltiran levies. Not to be ignored, Dymtrii Security Solutions proposed perhaps the most radical solution. Based around an experimental super-heavy pistol, with a unique uniform centered around maximizing mobility and aesthetics, however it featured barely any protective elements. The presentation from DSS was not popular among the conference, but remained in consideration until the end. Following the numerous presentations, demonstrations, and discussions, the conference ended with a feast put on by Queen Shumaila. In an odd showing, the menu was a particularly exotic collection of never before seen dishes by the Njarii Azunja head chef. The meals were thoroughly Adhomian despite using techniques rarely having been seen before. The appetizer was a spin on traditional Earthen-root fries. Glazed with a spicy Miranii sauce, served alongside a powerful dirtberry syrup. Despite what expectations may traditionally hold, the combination created a delightful spin on the combination of unorthodox flavors. The main entree followed, featuring a braised Rasvii Hma’trra Zivr fillet served on a spiced Baltoran flat bread. What was notable about the dish was the use of fresh Hma’trra Zivr fillets, rather than preserved fillets. The result was an unnaturally tender meat that brought out the traditional spices of the Baltoran peninsula. Finally, dessert. The primary component was fried Nm’shaan fruit served with the same dirtberry syrup from before, rounding off the meal with a return to the beginning. The feast had positive reception overall, with the Crown Heir notably having taken a liking to the fried Nm’shaan, even taking some pieces from other guests. Queen Shumaila ended the conference with a promise for a timely decision. Zavodskoi Interstellar Chosen for Royal GuardNews Article Queen Shumaila Azunja has contacted the Royal Telegraph to officially announce the winner of the Royal Guard contract. The candidates were presented some time ago at the Kaltir Imperial Palace during a day-long event. Proposals took up the entire spectrum, from reliable options based on proven traditions to radically new designs. Included in the candidacy list were off-world corporations. Following what many Njarii Azunja and Crown government staffers call an “intense decision making process”, Zavodskoi Interstellar was chosen for the new Royal Guard contract. The corporation is an unfamiliar sight on Adhomai, let alone the Kingdom. The Moroz-based company is a large player in the Spurian arms manufacturing market. For many years, Adhomai was not on the map for the megacorporation. However, the recent economic effects across the Spur have seen the arms giant contact national companies such as Royal Firearms. These efforts have thus far not resulted in any investments. NanoTrasen Corporation and Hephaestus Industries, the primary corporations involved in manufacturing across the Kingdom, have left little room in the market. However, that market was nearly a decade ago. The record growth seen in these lands have left a space for the arms manufacturer who now has a foothold with the Royal Guard. The final design set forth by the contract echoes much of the original presented during the conference. Uniforms and armor balance the mobility that remains a hallmark of warfare with the protection of advanced human material science. The design changed slightly to encourage better presentation of the New Kingdom’s standard and colors, which itself was a modification of the Njarii Azunja colors. According to soldiers who have tried the uniform, it “exceeds all concepts of comfort in a uniform.” Weaponry provided to the soon-to-be Royal Guard is the ZI Z8 assault rifle, however this is only temporary according to the corporation. Weapons engineers from Zavodskoi and the Morozian Imperial Armaments Conglomerate, a recent addition to the contract to assist Zavodskoi Interstellar in the production of the Royal Guard’s equipment, are reportedly working with Royal Firearms to create a variant of the Z8 better adapted to Tajaran use and the Adhomian environment, both factors that underperformed during trials. It remains to be seen when this variant will be released. In the same announcement, Queen Shumaila Azunja has officiated the Royal Guard, officially the Raaktiye Pretnarii, as a new division under the Crown Government, and under direct control of the Crown. The formation of this new force eschews standard organizational standards within the Kingdom by establishing the unit as a wholly separate command from the Imperial Military. The specification of control over the Royal Guardians under the Crown has resulted in some concerns raised by those within Parliament, however Queen Azunja reassured those concerned with the development that this decision was made with caution in mind, but necessary for the protection of the Kingdom’s most vital persons. Field-Marshal Vyakelas Klyuchevsky has announced the beginning of the Royal Guard selection trials. Individuals within the Crown Government and Imperial Military are eligible to apply for the trial process. Trials reportedly take four days, during which candidates are tested for marksmanship, survival skills, physical fitness, mental aptitude, and public relations. To quote Field-Marshal Vyakelas Klyuchevsky, the trials are “gruelling and intense.” The first Pretnarra are expected to complete training within the next two months, starting the next chapter of the New Kingdom’s progress towards the future. May the Suns bless the Raaktiye Pretnarii. Corporations in Turmoil! Hephaestus Ends Operations, Zavodskoi Takes Up the Slack!News Article Turmoil today in the industrial sectors as Hephaestus Industries makes a scene of the recent agreements made between the Njarii Azunja and Zavodskoi Interstellar. The dispute centers around the introduction of the weapons manufacturer following Her Majesty’s decision regarding the supplier of her Royal Guard soon after the controversy of the Crown Government's response to a longtime Hephaestus Industries partner, the Izweski Hegemony. The primary contractor, Zavodskoi Interstellar, alongside Royal Firearms and Morozian Imperial Armaments Conglomerate, have been chosen to design, manufacture, and supply the Raaktiye Pretnarii. Numerous businesses across the Kingdom have since approached the interstellar corporation regarding contracts, notably resource extraction sites and mills seeking the lucrative contracts supplying materials for the corporation’s manufacturing efforts. This has produced friction with Hephaestus Industries, a long-time competitor to Zavodskoi Interstellar, which has come to a head recently. Closed-door discussions occurred between the Crown Government and industrial partners recently, at the request of Hephaestus Industries. Reportedly, grievances with the direction of the Crown Government in regards to corporate partners would create unnecessary inefficiencies in the system, at the detriment of Hephaestus and the Kingdom. However, sufficient testimony from domestic industrial leaders alongside the promises of NanoTrasen, Idris, and Zavodskoi put a strong rebuttal to the industrial giant both in the claim of inefficiencies and in the concerns of higher costs incurred on the Kingdom’s budget. According to economists, Hephaestus-run operations have seen stagnation. Costs associated with maintaining Hephaestus equipment present prevent domestic nobility from taking over their operations. As a result, the lack of pressure to maintain competitiveness has seen stagnating output and economic drives from the corporation. NanoTrasen Corporation has promised further expansion of resource extraction operations, however manufacturing remains a tenuous industry with the unreliability of phoron supply and costs needed in building up the supporting infrastructure within the Kingdom. Since being selected for the Royal Guard contract, Zavodskoi has begun the investment and construction of multiple factories, facilities, and logistics structures required to start production. Interest in contracts with the Imperial Army, Royal Firearms, and Mercantile Flotilla have been expressed by representatives of the corporation and its subsidiary, Ingkom. While no additional contracts have been signed as of yet, according to representatives of the Crown Government and the corporation, talks are active across numerous industries and fields. Hephaestus Industries, according to corporate representatives, has declared the New Kingdom a ‘hostile environment’ towards their continued operations. Many executives had concerns following the Kingdom’s response to the tearing down of the Izweski nobility by their fraud Karszekan, a noted response against a long-term partner with the industrial giant. However, Hephaestus contracts remained active within the Kingdom. It has only been in recent developments that the corporation has made the final decision and declared the New Kingdom a toxic operational environment, electing to cease operations within the Kingdom and cut losses. In the coming weeks, all citizens holding contracts within Hephaestus Industries are on notice of termination. Operations within the Kingdom have begun ramping down, with equipment being shipped out and offers available for any wishing to take over their soon-to-be terminated industries. Zavodskoi Interstellar and Ingkom have collectively come forward, offering to take on those contracts that will be terminated by Hephaestus, offering competitive pay and benefits for any willing to transition to the new corporation. Hephaestus Industries Strengthens Contracts with Orbital Navy, Ministry of EconomyNews Article Following the concerning developments originating from the regressive Kingdom’s lands, Hephaestus Industries approached the Party regarding the numerous contracts presently signed between the Republic and the industrial giant. A debate was sparked among Party officials regarding potential dependencies with off-world corporations, notably those with a need for phoron. NanoTrasen Corporation, the main off-world contractor for the Republic, has seen a stagnation and, recently, a decline in operations within the Republic. The Biesel-based corporation has since resolved to expand mining and research operations with the Party to counteract this trend. This stands in contrast to many concerns brought up by Hephaestus Industries during the industrial contractor meeting this week. The industrial giant noted concerns with the infrastructural demands required to ensure efficient operations within S’rand’marr. The mineral wealth of Adhomai and the system have, by their admission, been inefficiently extracted, in spite of the record high output of the various extraction industries. In trying to resolve this issue, Hephaestus Industries noted a need to strengthen the contract with the Ministry of Economy, increasing Hephaestus operations within S’rand’marr and streamlining logistics. This offers cheaper and better operations overall, as compared to a diverse contractor base, such as splitting engineering operations between Hephaestus, domestic companies, and Ingkom. Recent examples, as provided by Hephaestus, would be the Mercantile Flotilla, the Kingdom’s claim to a space fleet. Inefficiencies in a divided contractor base, especially as Ingkom and Zavodskoi Interstellar make an entry into the Kingdom’s market, result in a much lower output of resources, goods, and economic growth. The exact details of initial offers made during the meeting remain undisclosed by request of Hephaestus Industries and the Party. However, the final results have been approved for release. The notable aspects of the new series of contracts to be signed with the industrial corporation is with the Orbital Navy. As part of the Ministry of Defense’s efforts to reduce operating costs of the Fleet, Hephaestus Industries will be signed on as a corporate partner in shipyard, maintenance, and weapon system operations. Sharing this position with the remaining NanoTrasen Corporation contracts, and renewing shipbuilding operations, Hephaestus will be working alongside the Ard’iin Kosmoshumtra, the People’s Space Station, in future operations, ideally reducing costs by nearly an eighth. Additional contracts were signed with the Ministry of Economy for the streamlining of Hephaestus Industries expansion into the resource extraction, light manufacturing, and industrial research sectors. Twenty new factories are expected to be constructed within Tampiska, Al’mari, Nal’tor, and B’urr as part of these contracts, as well as an expansion of workforce vacancies to shore up labor surplus within the urban districts. Multiple universities have since approached Hephaestus Industries on future sponsorships and collaborations within academic labs, further bolstering the Republic’s research sector. Concerns of over-dependence on off-world corporations was a noted concern among Party officials during the meeting. Despite a willingness within the Ministries to collaborate with external partners, Sub-Ministers within the Ministry of Economy noted the concerns regarding a possible recession should reliance on phoronic supply lines be expanded further. While domestic industries are not to the scale of the off-world corporations, an additional point was made that with the current labor surplus, vast expansions in domestic industries to shrink the gap would assist in Party goals to eliminate the labor surplus. Some voices raised concerns that strengthening contracts with Hephaestus Industries would all but eliminate opportunities for other external partners to enter the Republic’s market, locking in a partnership with the industrial corporation. However, following discussions among upper-Party officials, the decision to continue with strengthening ties with Hephaestus was approved, so long as it was in partnership with domestic industries. |
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