LEGION OF THE DIVINE SUN

Note: The religion is called the Divine Tradition. The believers are called "Sunseekers" by their allies or people who are sympathetic to them, while they are called "sunstruck zealots" or "Sun worshipping fools" by their enemies or those who hate or mock them. Meanwhile, the Legionary of the Divine Sun is a militaristic Legionary Order that has its traditions dating back to the Old Midgarian Kingdom. The Kingdom of Midgar is a kingdom famous for its militaristic capabilities and the home of the most renowned Dark Knights.

The role of the Legionary of the Divine Sun, or as the militaristic organization is known, "Solar Guards," is to defend the believers of the Divine Tradition who are persecuted and suffer deprivation under the influence of the Ruinous Powers. Their role, at its core, is to combat darkness by any means necessary, no matter who the manifestations of this darkness are. Nobles, Kings, Princesses, Vampire Queens, Beastkins, and corrupted elves—if they are corrupted by the Ruinous light, the Solar Guard will come for them and fight them openly.

The Solar Guard opens its arms to everyone as long as they are sunseekers, but they focus more on the youth. Youth, after all, is the foundation of every faith. The Legion does not discriminate based on position or the social strata they belong to, but merely on their faith and their will to act.

THE LEGIONARY FLAG

The Legionary Flag is the symbol of the whole Legion itself. It is a symbol that the Divine Tradition is not silent amidst the suffering.

The color of the flag is stark black. In the middle of the flag is the Golden Sun Cross. And on the horizontal bar of the golden cross, there lies a sword on each end of the horizontal bar. What makes it different from the normal sun cross, which is the symbol of the Divine Tradition, is the presence of Sword.

If a Legionary flag is besmirched or taken down by traitorous or malicious means, either by enemies or anyone else hostile, the Legionaries themselves will hunt down the perpetrators and put them to death for their dishonor, no matter the cost.

UNIFORMS

The Legion of the Divine Sun has a distinct uniform that will make them distinguishable from other simple sunseekers. But since the Solar Guard, at first, lacks the necessary funds to create standardized uniforms, as long as the following Legionaries wear these colors, they will be seen as either legitimate members or supporters of the Legion.

I. Gold Tunic and Black Trousers

- The gold tunic symbolizes the purity of the sun, while the black trousers symbolize the darkness where the sun shines. Anyone who wears this outfit is a symbol that he or she, if not a legionary, supports the Divine Tradition. But later on, as the Solar Guard gained more members and centralized, the funds increased, and standardized uniforms were issued.

II. Bladed Sun Cross Armband

- This is the most important part of the Legionary's apparel. The color of the armband is stark black, while in its middle is the Golden Sun Cross. In the cross, the horizontal bar has a sword on each end. This is the most striking symbol that will identify the person as a Solar Legionary. After all, the golden sun cross with blades surrounded by darkness is the flag of the Solar Guard itself. Every legionary is REQUIRED to have their armbands present on their left arm when doing parades or going into combat.

LEGIONARY STRUCTURE

First Brother

+The Commander of the whole Legion. He is the guide of the Solar Guard. His orders are absolute. He is a figure revered and respected by all members of the organization. He embodies the ideals and principles of the Divine Tradition, serving as a beacon of unwavering faith, courage, and leadership.

*The Sunbeam System

The Sunbeam is a small cohort comprised of eight to thirteen individuals, led by a commanding figure known as the Beam Marshal. In this unique framework, there exists no notion of solitary members, for every individual is an integral part of a sunbeam, forging unity and solidarity.

The Sunbeam system, with its manifold advantages, assumes a pivotal role in the legionary movement. It activates the collective membership, ensuring the unwavering commitment and tireless endeavors of all participants. While other organizations often witness only a select few committee members shouldering the burden of work, the Sunbeam system harnesses the wide-ranging initiative of sunbeam leaders and obliges each sunbeam to inscribe glorious chapters upon the record of their deeds. Hence, within this paradigm, every legionary becomes an active contributor, fully engaged in the pursuit of shared objectives.

The sunbeam structure also offers an ingenious solution to local predicaments. A myriad of small-scale tasks, too onerous for a lone individual and too inconsequential for the scrutiny of a larger organization, find their resolution within the sunbeam's purview. Be it the digging of a village well or the repair of a modest bridge, the sunbeam of six, eight, or ten individuals emerges as the most apt and capable unit to execute such undertakings.

Adding to that, the sunbeam system possesses a remarkable trait of adaptability. It seamlessly transitions from a combat-ready force to a diligent workforce, adjusting its function to suit the exigencies of the moment. This fluidity not only augments the effectiveness of the organization but also nurtures the development of specialized leadership skills among its members, fostering a cadre of adept leaders versed in the art of guiding their comrades.

The essence of the sunbeam structure lies in its localized impact. Even in the face of defections or betrayals, the repercussions remain confined, unable to disseminate chaos throughout the entirety of the legionary movement. This containment bolsters resilience and ensures the continuity of operations, shielding the organization from the perils that would accompany widespread disloyalty.

Also, the sunbeam serves as a crucible of education, where legionaries receive their formative training. It is within this small legionary family that bonds are forged, fortified by love and guided by six foundational laws. These laws advocate discipline, unwavering commitment to labor, restraint in speech, cultivation of knowledge, reciprocal assistance, and above all, the unwavering adherence to honor. The sunbeam, thus, becomes not only a bastion of camaraderie but also a sanctuary where legionaries can unburden their souls, find solace, and strengthen their faith in their people.

*Ironheart Policy

The Ironheart Policy is a strategic directive within the Legionary Structure that entails the mustering of all Sunbeams in a stronghold and transforming them into a cohesive force. This policy is typically enacted in response to a significant threat, imminent danger, or critical mission that requires the full mobilization and concentrated strength of the Legion.

When the Ironheart Policy is implemented, all Sunbeams are called upon to gather at a designated stronghold or central location. The purpose of this mustering is to consolidate the individual Sunbeams into a unified and formidable force, combining their unique skills, expertise, and collective efforts.

Once the Sunbeams have been mustered, efforts are made to create a cohesive force out of these disparate units. This involves fostering a sense of unity, cooperation, and shared purpose among the members of different Sunbeams. Training exercises, joint operations, and collaborative activities may be undertaken to enhance teamwork, coordination, and mutual trust within the force.

Under the Ironheart Policy, strict discipline, adherence to protocols, and effective communication are emphasized to ensure the smooth functioning and optimal performance of the consolidated force. Clear chains of command and reporting structures are established to streamline decision-making and enable efficient execution of orders.

The purpose of creating a cohesive force through the Ironheart Policy is to maximize the Legion's combat effectiveness, strategic maneuverability, and ability to overcome challenges. By consolidating the Sunbeams into a unified force, the Legion can leverage their collective strength, diversified skills, and shared commitment to achieve their objectives.

The mustering of all Sunbeams in a stronghold and the creation of a cohesive force enhances the Legion's defensive capabilities. It allows for concentrated defensive positions, effective utilization of available resources, and coordinated responses to external threats.

The Ironheart Policy serves as a mechanism to harness the full potential of the Legion by bringing together its individual units, fostering cohesion, and transforming them into a powerful and united force ready to face the challenges at hand.

Ironheart Policy can only be enacted by the First Brother. The First Brother will first consult with his Legionary Generals. If the Legionary Generals agreed, then the First Brother can institute the Ironheart Policy.

Ironheart Policy Structure

UNITS

Sunbeams

+The most basic unit of the Legion. It is composed of eight to thirteen individuals. They are the only official unit when the Ironheart policy is not enacted. Each sunbeam is commanded by a Beam Marshal.

Photons

+Comprised of about at least ten sunbeams. Each photon is numbered among 100 or more legionaries. It is commanded by a Photonar.

Solar Wings

+Consists of at least ten Photons. Each Solar Wing is expected to have around 1000 or more legionaries. It is commanded by a Solar Guardian.

Solar Legion

+Highest level of formation in the Ironheart policy. It is composed of multiple Solar Wings. Can only be commanded by a Legionary General or the First Brother.

CHAINS OF COMMAND (Ironheart Policy)

First Brother

+He has the total command of the entire Legion, whether in Ironheart Policy or not.

Legionary General

+The acting commanders when the First Brother is not present or if he gives them the task of managing. They are in the highest position in Ironheart Policy when the First Brother is not at the site or if he gives them authority. A Legionary General controls a single Solar Legion

Solar Guardians

+Highest officer beneath a Legionary General. He has the command of a single Solar Wing.

Photonars

+The commander of a Photon unit. He has at least 100 legionaries at his behest.

Beam Marshals

+The most basic unit commander. Whether in Ironheart Policy or not, he has complete authority within his sunbeam, which is composed of 8–13 members.

REMINDER: When Ironheart Policy is enacted, the hierarchy of Command must be RESPECTED. Anyone who does not follow the orders of the superior officer during the policy will be severely punished.

The Sunbeam Handbook (A Preface) by First Brother

1. A Sunbeam has no committee. A sunbeam has only one leader, and that is the Beam Marshal, who was approved by the other members of that sunbeam. The Beam Marshal should possess the Solar Principle. The command of the Beam Marshal is absolute in order to foster order and unity.

2. Every sunbeam must adhere to the Solar Principle, of which the main tenets are honor, loyalty, purity, and virtue. The qualities that were present in men during the olden times up until now.

3. Every sunbeam must have its own flag. They must have the flag of the Solar Guard, the Bladed Sun Cross, present at every meeting they have in their headquarters. A sunbeam that has no flag in their headquarters WILL NOT start the meeting unless there is one present.

4. When all of the members are in the Sunbeam headquarters, as determined by the Beam Marshal and the Sunbeam members, all must drop their personal worries and maintain harmony. A sunbeam headquarters is a SACRED PLACE. Therefore, it must be a place where the gathered members of the Sunbeam can forge their brotherhood and offer their gratitude to the Divine Tradition.

5. Punctuality is a must. Be punctual for the meeting at the designated time, neither too early nor too late. Keep your word as a legionary, for empty promises tarnish our honor. Think carefully before making commitments, and if unable to fulfill them, be honest about it.

6. Recitation of the Solar Creed. Before the start of every meeting, reciting the Solar Creed is a must. It is a reminder of the Sanctity of Divine Tradition and why we have to fight against the coming darkness. When one does not recite the Solar Creed before starting the meeting, the meeting is considered null and useless.

7. The day of the gathering. Every Legionary Sunbeam that the Legion of the Divine Sun has gathers on the Sixth solar day (Saturday). However, if required, the Beam Marshal can change the time and day of the meeting when deemed necessary by an enemy attack or unexpected circumstances.

8. The Role of the Sunbeams. When not called to fight by the First Brother or by the Legionary Generals, every sunbeam and the legionaries within that sunbeam are expected to WORK. Work is Holy. Every Legionary must sweat to BUILD something. The sunbeam, when not fighting, is expected to help in CONSTRUCTION of their local village, EDUCATION of the young, CARING of the sick, and all other labors that can help their village. In this way, a "Good Heart" can be fostered while, at the same time, building a sense of community. To Work is to Honor the Divine Tradition. A sunbeam that does not know the sanctity of work and does not help their own struggling place is not a true sunbeam of the Legion.

9. DEEDS not words. Every legionary, when they make a promise or make a grandiose speech, is expected to fulfill it. He must show that he is a man of action and not of talk.

10. The most essential part that every legionary and every sunbeam of the legion must have is loyalty. Loyalty to the Divine Tradition, loyalty to their brothers, loyalty to their sunbeams, loyalty to the faith, and loyalty to their family. TREACHERY is HERESY. Any form of treachery will be SEVERELY PUNISHED.

11. Every Legionary must be TRAINED on how to fight. They must be trained on Martial skills and TACTICS. For the enemies of the Divine Tradition are not silent and always lurking.

WEAPONS

The weapon of a legionary is always changing and adapting. The First Brother always insisted that warfare is an ever-changing field of learning. There are always new weapons, new inventions, and new tactics at every moment. The Legion will use whatever tool is available and whatever is most efficient.

But there is a one tool that should always be present in a Legionary.

Solar Knife

+A knife that is entrusted to every legionary and commissioned to every sunbeam. It's an ornate knife that has complicated carvings—runes per se. It is said that this is the most important weapon for a legionary. In fact, it is rumored that the First Brother himself carved those runes into the knives. Some say the knife contains some mystical elements, giving the wielder a great boost of strength when they are desperate. Some said that it was just a design. Whether it's mystical or not, no one can really determine.

THE SOLAR HEART DOCTRINE

The Solar Heart Doctrine is the foundation of the Legion's approach to combat, embodying unwavering resolve, disciplined tactics, and unyielding determination. This doctrine emphasizes the Legion's unbreakable spirit and commitment to achieving victory through relentless perseverance and strategic acumen.

Key Tenets of the Solar Heart Doctrine:

1. Unyielding Defense: The Legion prioritizes defensive fortifications and steadfast resilience. They meticulously plan and construct robust defensive positions, fortresses, and barriers to withstand enemy assaults. They believe in holding ground against overwhelming odds and launching counteroffensives from positions of strength.

2. Disciplined Coordination: The Legion places great emphasis on disciplined coordination and synchronized operations. Units operate with precise coordination, exploiting enemy vulnerabilities and maintaining a cohesive front.

3. Tireless Endurance: The Legionaries are instilled with a culture of enduring hardship and persevering in the face of adversity. They are trained to withstand grueling conditions, displaying unwavering resolve and indomitable willpower. This tenacity enables them to weather storms of battle and overcome challenges that would break lesser forces.

4. Strategic Depth: The organization employs strategic depth by maintaining reserve forces and conducting deep operational planning. They anticipate enemy movements, deploy forces in depth, and employ flanking maneuvers and envelopment to outmaneuver and surprise adversaries. This approach ensures their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and exploit tactical opportunities.

5. Offensive Resurgence: While primarily defensive in nature, the Legion embraces the concept of offensive resurgence. They seize opportunities to launch decisive counterattacks, striking at the heart of enemy formations with calculated aggression. These offensive actions are characterized by speed, precision, and overwhelming force, aimed at crippling enemy morale and shattering their resistance.

The Solar Heart Doctrine reflects the Solar Guard's unbreakable spirit, disciplined approach, and unwavering determination to achieve victory on the battlefield. It embodies their commitment to defending their cause, enduring the harshest trials, and emerging triumphant against all odds.

MOTTO:

++++++"Our Deeds Anoint Our Honor."++++++