View source for Sworn to Pride Arc

{{LoreArc
|Title = SWORN TO PRIDE
|PrimaryColour = 182d6a
|SecondaryColour = 596a9e
|Border = ccc
|Year = 2026
|StartDate = February 14, 2026
|Lore = [[Tajara|Tajaran]]
|ArcSummary = It is centered around the formation of the New Kingdom of Adhomai's Royal Guard.
}}
{{LoreArticle
|Title =  Queen Shumaila Initiates Feasibility Study for Royal Guard
|Type =  Article
|Publisher =  The Royal Telegraph
|Author/Admin =  CatsinHD
|Date =  14/02/2468
|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.
}}
{{LoreArticle
|Title =  Royal Guard Candidates Submit Bids
|Type =  Article
|Publisher =  The Royal Telegraph
|Author/Admin =  CatsinHD
|Date =  07/03/2468
|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. 
}}