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THE STORMURAI
The Stormurai (Commonly known as Praetorian Guards or Sovereign Protectors) are a secondary infantry unit mainly utilized by the Sith Empire. Founded in ancient times, during the Era of the First Sith, the Stormurai were the first Soldiers of the Sith. Servants of the Dark Side from all corners of the Galaxy that claimed the title of Sith even without the force as their ally. Though at the time they simply were referred to as Stormtroopers, due to their preference for utilizing melee weapons and the unit's fanatical devotion to Sith Leadership garnering them such a title.
Unit History
"Fall seven times, and rise eight" - The Stormurai Unit Motto
Stormurai do not surrender.
This is the first and only known fact of the unit. Throughout the Galaxy, they are NOT known as exceptional warriors. Rather, their sheer suicidal combat strategies make them a force to be reckoned with. There is no instance in the unit's history where a Stormurai battalion returned defeated. It was much more common for the entire unit to fight until death, taking as many opponents as could be with them.
Sourced from races naturally attuned to the Dark Side, and raised to follow the tenants of the Sith proper with zealous fervor, the Stormurai do not consider themselves part of the larger Sith military. They consider themselves separate, as it is not uncommon for them to serve as Royal Guards, or shock-troopers utilized to break an enemy's frontline. The casualty rate for this unit sits at 72%, with 60% falling in battle and an additional 12% from a second source. Stormurai commonly took their own lives when they believed they failed in their duty. Even victory is sometimes not enough to satiate their pride - if the unit did not accomplish it's mission, the victory was pyrrhic and their lives forfeit.
The deaths were sometimes politicized, and often done in the presence of a Sith Lord. The leader of the unit is commonly assigned to their unit commander as a personal guard, with the Stormurai adopting the role of Deathtroopers among the remnants of Sidious' Empire.
They lived on through the First Order as Praetorian Guards, though abandoned the motif for a reborn Sidious, who had enlisted them as cultists. Usually, Stormurai are not Force-Sensitive, but come from races that are traditionally born with the Force. This allows non force-sensitive zealots an opportunity to fight in the manner of the object of their devotion, despite being viewed (rightfully so) as wholly lesser to the mystic order.
They are alike in doctrine and beliefs, as it is not uncommon for Stormurai to duel among themselves, defending the honor of their commanders and furthering their combat prowess. A rite of passage for prospective Stormurai was to duel each member of their entire unit, sometimes ending in the death of several combatants.
Unit Formation
Alone, and outnumbered, 500 Stormurai charged the breach of Alzoc against overwhelming numbers with superior firepower. None survived. It is said they charged into the blaster fire without hesitation, absorbing the blasts with their bodies.
Millenia ago, the Stormurai came to be under the Ancient Sith Empires of Old. Since that time, they have maintained a loose rank structure. By default, due to their beliefs, any who utilize the Dark Side outrank a Stormurai, no matter their current position in the Empire.
It is important to note that Stormurai do not follow regular military hierarchy. Regular Sith Soldiers do not have any sway over Stormurai units unless directly assigned, with them traditionally falling under the command of a Champion or greater. Regular Sith Warriors must request a unit from their respective Lord if they wish to be accompanied by a unit of Stormurai.
RANK STRUCTURE
Emperor / Empress of the Sith - Commander in Chief
Dark Lord of the Sith - General
Sith Lord - Commander
Champion - Lieutenant
--- Note that the ranks above cannot be achieved by non Force-Sensitive Stormurai, these ranks automatically apply to the ones commanding them, respective to this unit's hierarchy only. ---
Hyoho - Warrant Officer
Niten - Sergeant
Kenin - Corporal
Ronin - Private/Recruit
Emperor / Empress of the Sith - Commander in Chief
Dark Lord of the Sith - General
Sith Lord - Commander
Champion - Lieutenant
--- Note that the ranks above cannot be achieved by non Force-Sensitive Stormurai, these ranks automatically apply to the ones commanding them, respective to this unit's hierarchy only. ---
Hyoho - Warrant Officer
Niten - Sergeant
Kenin - Corporal
Ronin - Private/Recruit
Intent
Please Note that Stormurai Characters, as in Player Characters, will suffer In Character repurcussions if you decide to use this as a basis for disobeying Sith Leadership. The reason the casualty rate is at 60% is because many Stormurai are executed for refusing to follow orders.
It's so common, that it's a public spectacle.
Keep that in mind.
To add some backstory to the god awful Praetorians, and make them something more, and to give a little flavor for optional NPC/PC royal guards. I feel the Sith Empire has come far enough that such a unit's resurgence would actually have come long ago during the initial expansion of the Sith. This is also based off of a comic plot point I would like to introduce. I'm not entirely sure what other parts I should add, please let me know so that I can add them as necessary.
Note: Format by @Mockingjay
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