♛ Last update: October 2025 ♛
The Helheim Guard operates under a structured Chain of Command. Each rank has its own set of responsibilities, and understanding where you fit within that structure is key to ensuring the success of the Guard!
However, flexibility is just as important as structure. At times, duties may overlap depending on the needs of the Guard. For example, the Colonel, Captain, or a Leftenant may step in to conduct basic training if required, or they may delegate tasks to ranks lower than their own when necessary. The Guard is a living, breathing organism that must adapt and respond to the situation at hand. Officers are expected to exercise sound judgment, remain adaptable, and assist where needed to ensure the efficiency and strength of the Guard as a whole.
Follow the Law and Military Rules and Regulations
Rules exist for a reason. They keep us organised, effective, and fair. Officers are expected to know them, follow them, and enforce them without bias. This means not only upholding the Laws of Helheim but also adhering to the internal rules and regulations of the Guard itself. These protocols exist to maintain discipline, ensure proper conduct, and uphold the reputation of the Guard as a force of order and justice. Ignorance is not an excuse - familiarise yourself with them, and follow them without exception. They keep us organised, effective, and fair.
Be Active
An Officer who isn’t present can’t lead. You are expected to be engaged, show up when needed, and stay involved. This doesn’t just mean being available, though that is expected and important - it means being proactive, taking initiative, and ensuring things get done, as well. ((Officer ranks are more than a badge of service, but positions of responsibility in keeping the group active and fun for all.))
Communicate
A Guard that doesn’t communicate isn’t strong. Reach out to each other, relay information clearly, and make sure all Officers know what’s happening. Miscommunication and lack of communication leads to mistakes, and in our line of work, mistakes can be costly.
Follow the Chain of Command
The Guard functions as a disciplined and structured law enforcement and military force, and that structure is upheld by the Chain of Command. Officers are expected to respect and listen to their superior Officers, following orders as given unless they violate the laws of Helheim or the integrity of the Guard. Understanding and respecting the hierarchy ensures efficiency, prevents disorder, and maintains the effectiveness of our ranks.
Respect & Professionalism
Officers are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism at all times. Speaking negatively about fellow Officers, especially in public, undermines morale and the integrity of the Guard. If concerns arise, they must be addressed through the proper channels within the Chain of Command. You are not required to like every other Officer, but respect is non-negotiable. A unified Guard is a strong Guard, and maintaining professional conduct strengthens our ranks. ((This includes both IC and OOC!))
Set an Example
As an Officer, remember that the Guards are looking up to you. Your behaviour sets the standard for the rank-and-file members, and they will model their conduct based on what they see. While everyone makes mistakes, including Officers, when on duty, you must always be aware that your actions, words, and decisions demonstrate what is considered acceptable within the Guard. Lead with integrity, discipline, and professionalism, ensuring that your example strengthens the Guard rather than undermining it.
Work as a Team
The Guard values teamwork and cooperation. Rank is earned through skill, dedication, and leadership, not tenure. Within a rank, every Officer is considered equal - no one should claim superiority based solely on time served. Officers are expected to support one another, collaborate effectively, and strengthen the Guard as a unified force
Political Officers
Though not members of the Royal Guard, magistrates, usually members of the Queen's Council, judge crimes of those who have been arrested and can advise Guards when a crime is being committed, where a difference in opinion may be experienced.
Though not members of the Royal Guard, overseers and foremen judge crimes of those who have been arrested and can take criminals in to the labour force. They are always subordinate to Guards.
Royal Guard Officers
Field Marshal and High-Admiral are the head of each military department.
Duties of the Field Marshal:
Supreme Commander: Commands the Royal Guard, Royal Naval Forces and Army of Helheim. Retains the ultimate authority in the realms of promotions and orders.
Strategic Oversight: Sets the kingdoms highest level strategic orders
Army Deployments: Authorises the Royal Guard to operate outside of the kingdoms boundaries as The Helheim Army.
Assignment of Senior Officers: Interviews and assigns all Officers of Captain and Colonel, overseeing their performance.
Commander of the Queen's Guard: Oversees an elite cadre of Guards that are assigned primarily to Guarding the Queen and Princess along with the keep and its guests.
The Colonel is the second highest-ranking officer in the Royal Guard and is responsible for its overall strategic and tactical leadership. They are the secondary authority in military operations, setting the vision for the Guard’s structure, readiness, and execution. Their decisions shape the force as a whole, ensuring discipline, training, and operational success.
Duties of a Colonel:
Strategic Leadership: Set overarching goals, policies, and strategies for the Guard, ensuring military effectiveness and alignment with the needs of the Kingdom.
Operational Command: Lead large-scale military action and coordinate with Captains and Leftenants to ensure effective execution of operations.
High-Level Decision-Making: Make crucial judgments on matters of security, training, and personnel management, resolving disputes and maintaining order at all levels.
Commanding Officers: Directly oversee the Captains and Leftenants, ensuring that leadership beneath them is competent, well-prepared, and executing their duties efficiently.
Crisis Management: Work with the Field Marshal in times of emergency, ensuring that Guard forces are deployed effectively and that threats to Helheim are neutralized.
Battalion Organisation : Mans and ensures Battalions II through IX are manned and ready for deployment
Captains are important leaders within the Guard, responsible for translating high-level strategies into actionable plans. They directly manage Leftenants and Sergeants, ensuring that discipline, training, and readiness are upheld. Their role requires a combination of tactical acumen, leadership, and adaptability. In the absence of the Colonel, Captains are directly in command of the Royal Guard
Duties of a Captain:
Leadership & Coordination: Oversee day-to-day operations of the Guard, ensuring smooth execution of training, patrols, and enforcement duties.
Tactical Planning & Execution: Develop and implement tactical strategies for both defensive and offensive operations, ensuring that Guardsmen are effectively deployed.
Training & Readiness Oversight: Ensure that all training programs are effective, monitor the performance of Leftenants and Sergeants, and identify areas for improvement.
Maintaining Discipline & Standards: Enforce Guard policies, manage internal conflicts, and ensure that all personnel uphold the expectations of the Guard.
Bridging High Command & Field Officers: Act as the key link between the Colonel and lower-ranking Officers, ensuring that orders are understood and carried out effectively.
Crisis Response: Lead Guard forces in response to unexpected threats or security breaches, making swift tactical decisions when necessary.
Leftenants serve as the crucial link between field operations and high command. Their role is centred on overseeing and refining the Guard’s efficiency through advanced training, tactical coordination, and operational oversight. They ensure that training standards are met, protocols are enforced, and the Guard remains a well-disciplined force.
Duties of a Leftenant:
Operational Oversight: Manage training programs, monitor patrol effectiveness, and ensure that the Guard functions smoothly in both routine and high-alert situations.
Advanced Training & Specialisation: Conduct more advanced combat training, refine patrol strategies, and provide specialised instruction beyond the foundational teachings of Sergeants.
Field Investigations & Tactical Assessments: Conduct and oversee investigations into security breaches, criminal activities, and potential threats, ensuring that intelligence is gathered and acted upon effectively.
Mentoring Sergeants & Supporting Command: Act as a guiding force for Sergeants, ensuring their leadership and training efforts align with Guard expectations. Assist Captains and Colonels by managing field-level concerns before they escalate.
Enforcing Protocols & Standards: Ensure that regulations are upheld, discipline is maintained, and that Guardsmen consistently meet the high expectations of the Helheim Guard.
Bridging the Chain of Command: Serve as an intermediary between Sergeants and higher command, providing critical insight and ensuring that directives are executed efficiently while reporting significant matters to Captains and Colonels.
Sergeants serve as the backbone of the Helheim Guard’s hands-on operations. They are responsible for the direct basic training of lower ranks, ensuring that Guardsmen are proficient in combat, patrol procedures, and discipline. Their role is highly involved directly with the rank-and-file, demanding both leadership and mentorship to strengthen the Guard at its core.
Duties of a Sergeant:
Training & Mentorship: Conduct basic combat training, oversee drills, and ensure that Guardsmen understand proper procedures and protocols.
Enforcing Discipline: Maintain order within the ranks, ensuring that Guardsmen uphold the standards of the Guard. Address minor infractions and escalate serious matters to higher-ranking Officers.
Leading Patrols: Organise and lead patrols, ensuring that security is maintained within Helheim.
Reporting & Communication: Act as a direct link between rank-and-file Guards and Leftenants, relaying concerns, observations, and operational updates.
Readiness & Morale: Ensure that Guardsmen are battle-ready and maintain a strong sense of duty, cohesion, and camaraderie within the Guard.
Supporting Higher-Ranking Officers: Sergeants assist higher-ranking Officers by executing their orders efficiently, managing assigned duties, and ensuring that directives from them are carried out effectively. Their ability to adapt and support is essential to maintaining structure and operational success.
Royal Guard Rank and File
Praetorians are soldiers of high skill and moral being, inducted by Royal Decree in to the First Battalion. These are often experienced soldiers focusing on this illustrious role, rather than leading. Due to the proximity to Royal Duties, the behaviour of Praetorians is expected to be without fault and loyalty absolute.
Duties of a Praetorian:
Protection of The Crown: The first duty of a Praetorian is protection of The Crown, The Keep and the Royal's family.
Shock Trooper: Praetorians are, without exception, veteran warriors and may be tasked with dangerous or essential tasks.
Noble Stability: They can be called upon to aid in settling noble disputes.
Specialist Duties: They hold all of the other roles in which a Constable can expect to conduct and is the ultimate position for non-Officers to advance to
Constables are experienced Guards, respected for their service to the kingdom, but are not seeking advancements in to the Officer ranks.
Duties of a Constable:
Mentor: Constables pass on their knowledge to Guards and Recruits during the course of their patrols and training and advise senior officers.
Supporting the Guard Structure: Constables play a vital role in maintaining the Guard’s stability and operational effectiveness. While they do not hold Officer authority, they are expected to lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, discipline, and tactical awareness.
Patrol Leadership: Constables often lead patrols, offering their experience to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the field.
Specialist Duties: Based on their demonstrated skill and knowledge, Constables may be called upon by Officers to assist in specialized tasks, such as training evaluations, field assessments, or providing stability in times of transition. Their aptitude makes them valuable assets in ensuring that Guard operations run smoothly under Officer direction.
Upholding Standards: Constables serve as a living example of discipline, duty, and professionalism, embodying the values of the Guard and reinforcing its traditions among the rank-and-file.
Basic Training Assistance: They may conduct basic training sessions, ensuring that fellow Guards develop foundational skills while reinforcing discipline and procedures.
Corporals are those recognised for their achievements as a rank and file Guard and granted additional responsibilities.
Duties of a Corporal:
Guidance: Corporals are expected to provide guidance to Recruits and help facilitate their training. They are on the route to Officership, but do not yet form policy.
Patrols: Work with other Guards while on patrol, providing guidance and experience.
Seniority: When no officers are present, Corporals have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership and guidance.
Upholding Standards: Being examples of professionalism and courtesy, embodying the values of the Guard.
Basic Training Assistance: Corporals who wish to advance should provide training assistance and pass on their expertise.
Guards make up the majority of the Royal Guard, deployed to all corners of the kingdom, enforcing the laws and keeping the Queen's peace.
Duties of a Guard:
Ambassadors: As the first representative of The Crown any foreigners will meet, they act as guides and a welcoming presence while informing all who walk the kingdom's streets of the rule of law.
Patrols: Guards are the most visible components of the military, on the look out for crimes, enforcing warrants and assisting those in trouble.
Investigations: With a keen eye for detail, Guards are assigned to solve crimes or uncover clues in the pursuit of justice.
Royal Guard: All Guards have the over-riding mission of defending The Crown, escorting Royals and sometimes nobles in their official duties.
Military Deployments: Guards form the core of the Helheim Army and Navy, keeping the kingdom's enemies at bay.
Basic Training Assistance: They may conduct basic training sessions under Officer guidance, ensuring that fellow Guards develop foundational skills while reinforcing discipline and procedures.
All new members of the military begin as Recruits, regardless of previous foreign service so that they can learn the specifics of Helheim Military rules and culture, integrating and advancing.
Duties of a Recruit:
Studying: The sole task of the Recruit is to ensure that the tasks laid down in the Recruit Manual are complete
The Helheim Navy
Officers and sailors serve in many capacities aboard the Navy's ships, keeping the waters of Helheim safe.
OOC:
Guards: Any Guard can board a Naval ship as either a soldier-at-sea or to aid in on board duties.
Alt characters: Guards may make an alt at the same rank as their main character to play as a sailor or Officer.
Citizens: Citizens of Helheim can sign on as sailors for individual voyages/events but are under Naval authority.
Authority: Sailors have no authority ashore, but may have a blind eye turned if they are acting in Helheim's best interests.
Pay: Pay often comes in the form of booty - the plundered kind.