Glory follows virtue as if it was its shadow

The Shadow Brigade is the Shadow Force's internal security apparatus as well as a militia unit that takes the field with the rest of the Dark Empire's military might. The Brigade specializes in protection of dignitaries as well as more unorthodox military operations.

Structure

Ranks:

Disciple - These individuals are Brigade members in training, under the command of the Weaponsmaster for the duration of their disciple period.
Guardian - These are the rank and file members of the Brigade, they have not yet specialized in their tasks and can be utilized in a range of functions.
Sentinel - These specialized Guardians have chosen the path of special field tactics, and are mostly utilized in conjunction with Steel Force operations.
Watchmen - These specialized Guardians have chosen the path of internal security, and their duties are predominantly composed of bodyguard and internal investigative tasks.

Officer Ranks
Weaponsmaster - This officer deals with the training of the new disciples and Guardians as well as assists the Brigadier.
Senschal - This individual is chosen from the ranks of the Sentinels to be in charge of their continued training and deployment in the field. This officer reports directly to the Brigadier.
Warden - This officer is chosen from the ranks of the Watchmen to monitor their training as well as their missions. Reports directly to the Brigadier.
Brigadier - Overall commander of the Shadow Brigade, ultimately responsible for day to day operations and field operations. Reports directly to the Shadowlord.


Leadership
As the Brigade has an obvious martial bend to it, the unit has a rigid heirarchy. The Brigadier has control of the unit with three officers to assist them in the task. Each officer has a specific function: Warden runs the Watchmen, Senschal runs the Sentinels, and the Weaponsmaster deals with the Disciples and Guardians.

The Shadow Brigade's Uniform Code:
Basic dress uniform is dark gray tunic with black pants, black tefusang leather knee boots, matching gloves, and a long field cloak. Each branch has distinctive markings. Guardians utilize the basic uniform, Sentinels have a crimson stripe down the hemline of their pants, and Watchmen have a gold stripe in the same location. All public members will also have a patch on their left shoulder depicting the Brigade, an obsidian black sword on a field bisected in gules (crimson) and or (gold) in a party per bend sinister style. Officers will have their color outlining their patch (Senechal = Crimson, Warden = Gold, Weaponsmaster = Black), and the Brigadier will have his outlined in silver.

Even out of dress uniform, all members will be required to wear their unit patch on their left shoulder. This could be substituted for engraving onto metal pauldrons or embossing onto hardened leather armor. In short, they will always carry their mark proudly and openly.

Code of Ethics / Rules of Engagement:
1 ) Brigade First. - The strength of the Brigade comes from our unity.
2 ) Respect the hierarchy. - Never publicly disagree with your leaders, use private conversations to express your dissent.
3 ) Do not succumb to taunting or emotions. - Restraint shows inner strength.
4 ) Use your head. - This is your most powerful weapon, if you out think your opponent, you outlive your opponent.
5 ) Be mindful of your actions. - You are always viewed as representatives of the Brigade and the Dark Empire. Act accordingly.
6 ) Continue your training. - Always better yourself.
7 ) Avoid engagement in personal duels. - Personal duels lead to personal grudges. We are united as the Brigade, not individual brawlers.
8 ) Assist other Imperialists in their time of need. - We need to protect our brothers and sisters in cause.
9 ) Vigilance in your tasks. - No matter the task, the Brigade expects success. Even small gains are gains for all.
10) Protect your charges with your life. - Self-explanatory.
11) The Brigade has one commander. - Brigade orders will always come from either the Brigadier personally or though a pre-determined deputy.

Volunteering for the Brigade:

Requirements for Selection:
1) Strong RP skills
2) Mature mindset
3) Quick thinking

Expectations for Shadow Brigade members:
A) Loyalty to the Brigade and the Empire
B) Vigilance in their tasks
C) Constant drive for training
D) Self-reliance

To join the Shadow Brigade, register an account at the Shadow Force Forums and post your application in the letterbox or contact one of the members in game.

Disciple Training:
Consists of two parts.
1) Special task - Task given to disciple by the Brigadier, normally used to test the disciple's thought process or social skills
2) Stat requirements - Due to the physical nature of the position, all Brigade members will need to achieve the following stats: STR: 150 AGL: 150 END: 130 [Does not require Winch Access]

Advancement:
Upon completion of their disciple training, members will attain the rank of Guardian.

Guardian rank will last until the individual has attained a given # of points (25) OR extraordinary service.
Points will be awarded for meritorious service, and deducted for transgressions or errors in judgment.
Awarded in 1,2,or 5 point allotments, and deductions would represent the grievous nature of the offense.
Awards:
1) Objectives Completed
2) Objectives Completed with additional benefits.
5) Major Windfall for the Brigade or Empire

Once the individual had achieved their next step, they choose their branch of service. These individuals are expected to maintain certain standards of discipline and appearance at all times.

Sentinels are the commando members. Their interaction will primarily be with the Steel Force as a fast strike and commando tactical unit.

Watchmen are the bodyguard members, tasked with the personal safety of Shadow Force and other Imperial dignitaries. Also tasked as internal security for Shadow Force.

Imperial Diplomatic Service

Diplomacy is the art of letting someone have your way.

The Imperial Diplomatic Service is the Dark Empire’s mouth and public face. The Envoys assist with communication between the Empire and other various external entities. They specialize in linguistics, mediation, and of course diplomacy.

Structure

Ranks:

    * Aides are Envoys in training, usually working under the tutelage of Envoys and charged with simple escorting or messaging duties;
    * Envoys are the standard members of the Imperial Diplomatic Service with the duty of establishing communication between the Empire and other entities.
    * Consuls are mediators and negotiators, fully aware of the Empire’s needs and resources, therefore capable of representing the Empire’s interests.
    * Emissaries, walking Embassies that coordinate the efforts of the Aides, Envoys and Consuls and assist the Ambassador in managing the Guild.
    * Ambassador is the one who manages the Imperial Diplomatic Service in day to day operations as well as keeps the Shadowlord informed of all political and diplomatic matters.

Leadership:
In the Imperial Diplomatic Service, the Ambassador and the Emissaries are the only ones responsible for handing orders and establishing methods.

Imperial Diplomacy Service’s Uniform Code:
The formal dress code for the IDS is simple and spartan, light gray capes with open-faced hoods over their normal clothing. Officer ranks, Emissaries and the Ambassador, wear pristine white capes over their normal attire. A crimson mantle denotes the Ambassador. The unit’s insignia rides upon the left breast of the cape, a dark black circle trimmed in silver with a silvery lantern and golden flame.

Code of Ethics:
1) Empire First - All of our actions are public extensions of the Empire, don’t dishonor our brethren.
2) Respect the hierarchy - Never publicly disagree with your leaders, use private conversations to express your dissent.
3) Communication is key - Learn all sides of a situation, understanding the environment is important.
4) Use your head - This is your most powerful tool.
5) Calmness is disarming - Always project a safe and confident demeanor, this quells most problems and is your most potent defense.
6) Continue your training - Always better yourself.


Joining

To join the Imperial Diplomatic Service, register an account at the Shadow Force Forums and post your application in the letterbox or contact one of the members in game.

Requirements:
1) Mature mindset
2) Quick thinking
3) Strong Emotional Control
4) Loyalty to the Dark Empire
5) Self-reliance
6) Silver-tongued
7) Extrudes Confidence

Advancement:
Aides will remain in their current rank until they have accumulated a predetermined number of guild points (25). These points are awarded for completing tasks and for enhancing the Dark Empire’s public image, or extraordinary service.

Guild Points are bestowed in 1,2,or 5 point allotments, and deductions will represent the grievous nature of the offense.
Awards:
1) Objectives Completed
2) Objectives Completed with additional benefits.
5) Major Windfall for the Shadow Force or Empire

Once the Aide has accumulated enough guild points, they are promoted to Envoy, where they continue their learning and service. The promotions continue at seventy-five guild points for Consul and promotions to Emissary are at the discretion of the Ambassador.

Rooker emerges from his room on his way out to Oja when he notices something gleaming in the torchlight near his doorjamb.  Bewildered, he picks up the pin.  "Hmm, must of fell off milord's vestments", he thinks.  Shrugging off the oddity, he heads towards Nurahk's chambers. 

Rooker knocks softly, aware of the late hour.  "Milord?", he calls out to the door.  But his hearing cannot pick up movement or sounds from the chambers.  "Milord", he says again while studying the pin again in his hand.  "Weird", he thinks, "this pin still has it's backing..."  Suddenly, a cold realization takes hold in Rooker's mind.  "Nurahk", he whispers to himself.  Rooker's shoulders slump as the weight of the pin magnifies in his mind.  After a few seconds and a few breaths later, Rooker's shoulders come back up as a new wave of emotion wells to the surface.

Rooker looks around the hallway at the few torches illuminating the space.  Using a palpable tendril of darkness, he snuffs most of the torches to puffs of smoke and glowing embers while leaving the torch lighting Nurahk's door untouched.  "To guide your way home, should your journey take you there.", he says aloud to no one at all.  Rooker takes one last look at the door, alit from the torch's firelight, surrounded by flickering shadows and wisps of smoke.  "A fitting statement", he says wistfully.  Rooker then quietly walks into the darkness.

I was wondering if it would be possible to be able to craft arms and armor from the severed body parts of creatures. 

Case in point, the tefusang's tooth could be used as arrow tips or dirks.  Or the Deadly Ulbernaut Claw, at weight 12, should have enough material to make a short sword or similar weapon.

As for the hides and skin, the obvious usage for leatherworking into armor pieces should be a natural extension of progression.