Grenadier
History & Legends
Introduction:
“The
Grenadiers are a squad within the Covian army that have had
a long and proud history; a squad which is charged with protecting
Cove – and most of all, the Baron, from any and all threats.
Over the years they have seen many a now legendary guardsman
join their ranks, and for the first time their history and
deeds shall be documented as told by Baron Octiovus Von Richter.”
The
Baron’s Blades:
After
his recent appointment to the role of Baron of Cove, it was
decided that Baron Octiovus would need a set of brave and
elite individuals who would handle his safety and would deal
with any threats to his public security. In addition to this,
they would have to work undercover and root out those who
would seek to do him harm internally and externally. The man
charged with creating this unit was a then Captain Hrothgar
of the newly established Covian guard. He soon set about his
task, creating The Baron’s Blades. This organization
was short lived however, as the conflict between the need
for elite infantry and delicate covert missions became increasingly
evident. With the swelling ranks of the Covian town guardsmen,
it was decided the squad would be split into two. The first
of these newly forged squads was to be The Baron’s Own
Grenadiers, headed once again by Captain Hrothgar. This was
the founding of the Grenadiers as we know and love them today.
The other squad, which was to handle the covert and stealth
element of Covian affairs, was The Light Company, commanded
by then Sergeant Althalus.
Hrothgar’s
fall:
Under
the leadership of Hrothgar the Grenadiers began to attract
some of the now famous members, such as the likes of Ryan
Greystone and Gimbly. They fought many notable actions in
defense of the Baron and worthy of particular mention for
their actions against Kaldor and their participation of the
Covian Orc campaign. Yet this progress was soon to be broken
as the first in a long line of leadership crises occurred.
One day it was noted that Captain Hrothgar was missing, and
although search parties were sent far and wide across the
lands of Sosaria, he was presumed dead. Though his presumed
passing was a sad loss for Cove, there could be no time to
mourn the dead. The Grenadiers needed immediate new leadership
if they were to continue in their role as guardians of Cove
and the Baron.
The
famous duo: Greystone & Maktoum
While
lacking in the combat experience of Hrothgar, it was decided
that the dutiful Ryan Greystone and his trusty corporal Ahmed
Maktoum should take over leadership of the squad. Their reign
was long, yet it was plagued by absence from the pair of them.
The Grenadiers continued to fight many a battle in the name
of the Baron, but this time is most remembered for the eccentric
character of Greystone. During his time at the helm of the
Grenadiers, it is said he sunk nearly three-quarters of the
Covian fleet in his missions to explore foreign territories.
Maktoum on the other hand was wounded in his service to Cove,
and shall ever be remembered for his subsequent slowness.
After a long and proud service, Maktoum resigned from the
Covian army, leaving a chest containing his halberd, cap,
and bronze arms to the Baron and was never seen again. Soon
thereafter Greystone also vanished, leaving neither trace
nor explanation of his leave. Many theories have arisen as
to what was the cause of Greystone’s disappearance –
everything from being lost at sea to being eaten by polar
bears. Nevertheless there was no time to stop and ponder his
sudden vanishing act, it was time for another leader to step
up and take on the challenge of leading the Baron’s Own.
The
dismissal of Arkay:
The
man chosen for the job was one Erik Arkay, a rising force
in Cove at the time. He suffered a very difficult and long
time at the helm of the Grenadiers – with the Baron himself
even leaving for a stint as a Lord in Yew. Despite this, Arkay
stood firm in his task of rebuilding the Baron’s Own
in waiting for the Baron’s eventual return. This return
came, and Arkay was eventually rewarded with the rank of Captain;
a rank which he retains even to this day.
Sadly Arkay set a dubious record, becoming the only man to
ever be cast out from the Grenadiers after a heated argument
with the Baron for reasons unknown. The Baron himself has
adopted leadership of the Grenadiers until such a time a suitable
new leader can be found.
Another
Duo: Raiden & Vince
Despite
the lack of a firm leader, the Grenadiers continued to prosper
and reached their highest level of membership ever. Two up
and coming Grenadiers at the time Vince Valentine and Raiden
Morana would soon establish themselves in Grenadier Command
and lead the squad for longer than any of their predecessors.
Many an adventure they shared together and both had an eye
for the ladies, with Vince eventually marrying during the
peace after Minoc's liberation. While Raiden's habit of getting
lost drew comparisons with Ryan Greystone.
Vince and Raiden's reign however came to a shocking and abrupt
end, when not long after his nuptials Grenadier Sergeant Valentine
went missing having ventured on a lone mission into the lands
of Ilshenar. The rescue
mission led by Corporal Morana could do nothing but bring
the Sergeant's broken body back to Cove for burial.
The
Grenadiers Today:
The
loss of his Sergeant and best friend hit Raiden hard but he
is charged with taking command of the Baron's Own Grenadiers
and returning the squad to former glories during these uncertain
times. One thing is for sure – now is the time for you,
dear reader, to step up and play your part in the squad. Perhaps
one day you shall have your name scribed within this tome,
as one of the brave few who faithfully defend Cove and the
Baron.
List
of Grenadier leaders in chronological order:
*Hrothgar
*Ryan Greystone
*Erik Arkay
*Baron Octiovus
*Vince Valentine
*Raiden Morana
List
of Grenadiers past and present:
*Hrothgar
De’Mar
*Ahmed Maktoum
*Gimbly
*Ryan Greystone
*Erik Arkay
*Vince Valentine
*Judas Deibeau
*Raiden Morana
*Vlad / Demarian Tel'var
*Salidin
*Rupert Ridir
*Kendall Richter
*Darek Milako
*Delcarakdur
*Regdar La Faye
*Conan Darkmoon
*Eve
*Tyrael Styx
*Ihiniar Tel'var
*Falconheart
