Post by ratbastard on Feb 22, 2010 19:49:48 GMT -5
As the Platinum Shield has a large amount of Mages at their disposal the medals and pips marking rank are usually magical. When a soldier in the Platinum Shield gains rank or performs an service above and beyond the normal call of duty he generally receives a medal or rank pip to commemorate his service and to aid them in their duties.
Many of these items are Talismans or Amulets enchanted by the Lord Maguses in service to the city of New Alexandria. In the case of Talismans it takes 1d4 months for the Talisman's spells to be replaced after they are used up. The spells the Talisman's can cast are always decided by the recipient, the recipient may always opt for a PPE storage talisman instead of a spell.
Rank Pips are a series of bars on the left shoulder on the Uniform of the New Alexandrian Uniform (both the core armor suit and the dress uniform) and are defined as follows:
Enlisted Decorations:
Private: A chevron that is an amulet of see the invisible.
Private First Class: A Chevron that is a amulet of see the invisible with a bottom loop that also acts as a Talisman of a 1-3 level spell, caster level 1d4+1.
Corporal: As above plus one additional chevron that is an amulet of protection against sickness. Body armor forcefield upgraded to a heavy forcefield (110 MD).
Sergeant: +One Chevron that is a Talisman with a 1-5 level Spell, caster level 4-7 (1d4+3)
Staff Sergeant: as above but with one additional loop that is a Talisman with a 1-5 level Spell, caster level 1d4+3
Gunnery Sergeant/Master Sergeant: As above but with one additional loop that is an Amulet that Protects against Insanity. Body armor forcefield upgraded to a super heavy forcefield (160 Mega damage).
First Sergeant: The Chevrons and Loops are joined by a Diamond that can cast Multiple image twice daily for 20 minutes.
Sergeant Major: The chevron and loops of a First Sergent are joined by a star that allows the wearer to create a lessor circle of protection with a 20 foot diameter once per day, caster level is equal to the wearer's level.
Officer's Decorations:
2nd Lieutenant: A brass bar that is an amulet of see the invisible.
1st Lieutenant: a second brass bar that is a Talisman with a 1-5 level Spell, caster level 2-5 (1d4+1).
Captain: Brass bars are replaced with two silver bars that act as a amulet of see the invisible, protection against sickness and protection against insanity. Also acts as a Talisman with a 1-5 level Spell, caster level 2-5 (1d4+1). Body armor forcefield upgraded to a heavy forcefield (110 MD).
Major: A Brass Millennium tree Leaf pin that sits next to the two silver bars. This medal can make the wearer immune to horror factor for 30 minutes at a time 3 times a day.
Lt. Colonel: A silver millennium tree Leaf pin that sits next to the two silver bars. has all the powers of the major pin and provides a +5% to all skill checks. Body armor forcefield upgraded to a super heavy forcefield (160 Mega damage).
Colonel: A Silver Dragon pin (A great horned dragon) that has all of the powers of the silver leaf in addition to +2 Int and +1 to all saving throws.
Brig General: A Silver Star that combines the powers of the Colonel pin with the ability to use the psionic power Mind Block three times a day (using the wearer's class level to define the duration of the power).
Major General: A second Silver Star that protects the wearer with a constant invulnerability spell.
Lt. General/Field Marshall: a Third Silver Star that acts as a PPE/ISP battery (holds up to 200 points of either) or converts the wearer into an MDC creature.
Full General: A fourth Star that provides the wearer with a +10% to all skills.
Minister of Defense: The full effects of the fifth star are known only to the Minister of Defense and the Lords of Magic (who created it) it is however believed to provide a conditional immortality and compel loyalty to New Alexandria.
Medals for Qualifications:
Well not all of these medals are magical they are important to the uniform of the Platinum Shield and a very important part of their esprit de corps. These Medals usually take the form of a small patch of ribbon with a metal trinket stamped into the center. Its not uncommon for a experienced soldier to have nearly a dozen of these without seeing genuine combat.
Soldier has passed Basic training: Instead of a medal or a pin he receives a Naruni Automag with Tri-tops Ivory Grips carved to meet the shape of his hand. It is considered in poor taste at best and absolutely insulting at worst for a non soldier or veteran to have an automag with these specific grips. As a result Naruni does not sell them with the grips, the Platinum Shield uses independent craftsmen to make the custom grips. This weapon is part of the formal uniform of the Platinum Shield.
Soldier has a Melee Weapon Proficiency and has passed Basic: The soldier receives either a vibra weapon (in the case of slashing/piercing weapons) or a neural weapon (in the case of blunt weapons with the Tree of Hope Etched on the handle. This weapon is part of the formal uniform of the Platinum Shield and silvered.
Soldier has unusual talent with a melee weapon (either through training or high PP: starts with a melee weapon as above but it is balanced for the soldier so that in his hands it receives a +1 to strike and Initiative and a +2 to parry.
Soldier has seen action against the Coalition: receives a pin with a black cracked skull on it.
Soldier has seen more than ten combats against the Coalition and survived without resurrection: Black skull with one silver lighting bolt behind it.
Soldier has performed above and beyond the call of duty against the Coalition: Black Skull with crossed silver lighting bolts in the background. This pin is a Talisman of any spell level 1-6 caster level 5-8. Traditionally this is something that either repairs or confounds technology.
Soldier has Seen Action against vampires: Receives a Pin with a brass cross on it.
Soldier has seen more than ten combats against vampires and survived without resurrection: one of the two grip panels in his automag is replaced with a amulet of turn the undead.
Soldier has performed above and beyond the call of duty against vampires: one of the two grip panels in his automag is replaced with a talisman of globe of daylight caster level 1-6 (1d4+2).
Soldier has seen Action against Xitixix: Pin with a brass insect on it
Soldier has seen more than ten missions against Xitixix: Pin with a silver insect on it.
Soldier has performed above and beyond against Xitixix: Pin with a gold insect on it, this item is a Talisman, spell level 1-6 caster level 5-8.
Black Jackal head: Soldier has served in a the African front.
Silver Jackal head: Soldier has served ten successful missions in the African front.
Gold Jackal head: Extreme valor in the Africa front, this item is a Talisman, spell level 1-6 caster level 5-8.
Black Wings: Pilot (Skycycle, Dragonfly hovercraft, SAMAS or other flying power armor)
Brass Wings: Pilot (Jet fighters)
Silver Wings: Pilot (Dragonfly, Silver Hawk, light transports)
Gold Wings: Pilot (Space Fighters)
Gold wings with Diamond: Pilot (Space craft -forthcoming)
Blue Gear: Blue Squad
Red gear: Red Squad
Brass Gear: Battlefield Construction
Black Gear: Black Squad
Brass Gear with dragon wings: SAMAS
Silver Gear with dragon wings: Wild Weasel
Silver Broken Hourglass: All data on what this award is for has been redacted. This medal has only been given Posthumously.
Wounded in Service: this takes the form of a Red diamond shaped pin
Defense Superior Service Medal: A ribbon and metal in the form of a silver great horned dragon rewarded to those who who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility."
Star of Valor: Third Highest honor available to military personnel. A silver star with bronze highlights.
Bronze Tree of Distinguished Service: The Second highest available medal which take the appearance of a bronze millennium tree on a red ribbon. Usually enchanted as a Talisman.
Silver Tree of Distinguished Service: The highest available military honor which take the appearance of a silver millennium tree on a blue ribbon. Usually enchanted as a Talisman.
Many of these items are Talismans or Amulets enchanted by the Lord Maguses in service to the city of New Alexandria. In the case of Talismans it takes 1d4 months for the Talisman's spells to be replaced after they are used up. The spells the Talisman's can cast are always decided by the recipient, the recipient may always opt for a PPE storage talisman instead of a spell.
Rank Pips are a series of bars on the left shoulder on the Uniform of the New Alexandrian Uniform (both the core armor suit and the dress uniform) and are defined as follows:
Enlisted Decorations:
Private: A chevron that is an amulet of see the invisible.
Private First Class: A Chevron that is a amulet of see the invisible with a bottom loop that also acts as a Talisman of a 1-3 level spell, caster level 1d4+1.
Corporal: As above plus one additional chevron that is an amulet of protection against sickness. Body armor forcefield upgraded to a heavy forcefield (110 MD).
Sergeant: +One Chevron that is a Talisman with a 1-5 level Spell, caster level 4-7 (1d4+3)
Staff Sergeant: as above but with one additional loop that is a Talisman with a 1-5 level Spell, caster level 1d4+3
Gunnery Sergeant/Master Sergeant: As above but with one additional loop that is an Amulet that Protects against Insanity. Body armor forcefield upgraded to a super heavy forcefield (160 Mega damage).
First Sergeant: The Chevrons and Loops are joined by a Diamond that can cast Multiple image twice daily for 20 minutes.
Sergeant Major: The chevron and loops of a First Sergent are joined by a star that allows the wearer to create a lessor circle of protection with a 20 foot diameter once per day, caster level is equal to the wearer's level.
Officer's Decorations:
2nd Lieutenant: A brass bar that is an amulet of see the invisible.
1st Lieutenant: a second brass bar that is a Talisman with a 1-5 level Spell, caster level 2-5 (1d4+1).
Captain: Brass bars are replaced with two silver bars that act as a amulet of see the invisible, protection against sickness and protection against insanity. Also acts as a Talisman with a 1-5 level Spell, caster level 2-5 (1d4+1). Body armor forcefield upgraded to a heavy forcefield (110 MD).
Major: A Brass Millennium tree Leaf pin that sits next to the two silver bars. This medal can make the wearer immune to horror factor for 30 minutes at a time 3 times a day.
Lt. Colonel: A silver millennium tree Leaf pin that sits next to the two silver bars. has all the powers of the major pin and provides a +5% to all skill checks. Body armor forcefield upgraded to a super heavy forcefield (160 Mega damage).
Colonel: A Silver Dragon pin (A great horned dragon) that has all of the powers of the silver leaf in addition to +2 Int and +1 to all saving throws.
Brig General: A Silver Star that combines the powers of the Colonel pin with the ability to use the psionic power Mind Block three times a day (using the wearer's class level to define the duration of the power).
Major General: A second Silver Star that protects the wearer with a constant invulnerability spell.
Lt. General/Field Marshall: a Third Silver Star that acts as a PPE/ISP battery (holds up to 200 points of either) or converts the wearer into an MDC creature.
Full General: A fourth Star that provides the wearer with a +10% to all skills.
Minister of Defense: The full effects of the fifth star are known only to the Minister of Defense and the Lords of Magic (who created it) it is however believed to provide a conditional immortality and compel loyalty to New Alexandria.
Medals for Qualifications:
Well not all of these medals are magical they are important to the uniform of the Platinum Shield and a very important part of their esprit de corps. These Medals usually take the form of a small patch of ribbon with a metal trinket stamped into the center. Its not uncommon for a experienced soldier to have nearly a dozen of these without seeing genuine combat.
Soldier has passed Basic training: Instead of a medal or a pin he receives a Naruni Automag with Tri-tops Ivory Grips carved to meet the shape of his hand. It is considered in poor taste at best and absolutely insulting at worst for a non soldier or veteran to have an automag with these specific grips. As a result Naruni does not sell them with the grips, the Platinum Shield uses independent craftsmen to make the custom grips. This weapon is part of the formal uniform of the Platinum Shield.
Soldier has a Melee Weapon Proficiency and has passed Basic: The soldier receives either a vibra weapon (in the case of slashing/piercing weapons) or a neural weapon (in the case of blunt weapons with the Tree of Hope Etched on the handle. This weapon is part of the formal uniform of the Platinum Shield and silvered.
Soldier has unusual talent with a melee weapon (either through training or high PP: starts with a melee weapon as above but it is balanced for the soldier so that in his hands it receives a +1 to strike and Initiative and a +2 to parry.
Soldier has seen action against the Coalition: receives a pin with a black cracked skull on it.
Soldier has seen more than ten combats against the Coalition and survived without resurrection: Black skull with one silver lighting bolt behind it.
Soldier has performed above and beyond the call of duty against the Coalition: Black Skull with crossed silver lighting bolts in the background. This pin is a Talisman of any spell level 1-6 caster level 5-8. Traditionally this is something that either repairs or confounds technology.
Soldier has Seen Action against vampires: Receives a Pin with a brass cross on it.
Soldier has seen more than ten combats against vampires and survived without resurrection: one of the two grip panels in his automag is replaced with a amulet of turn the undead.
Soldier has performed above and beyond the call of duty against vampires: one of the two grip panels in his automag is replaced with a talisman of globe of daylight caster level 1-6 (1d4+2).
Soldier has seen Action against Xitixix: Pin with a brass insect on it
Soldier has seen more than ten missions against Xitixix: Pin with a silver insect on it.
Soldier has performed above and beyond against Xitixix: Pin with a gold insect on it, this item is a Talisman, spell level 1-6 caster level 5-8.
Black Jackal head: Soldier has served in a the African front.
Silver Jackal head: Soldier has served ten successful missions in the African front.
Gold Jackal head: Extreme valor in the Africa front, this item is a Talisman, spell level 1-6 caster level 5-8.
Black Wings: Pilot (Skycycle, Dragonfly hovercraft, SAMAS or other flying power armor)
Brass Wings: Pilot (Jet fighters)
Silver Wings: Pilot (Dragonfly, Silver Hawk, light transports)
Gold Wings: Pilot (Space Fighters)
Gold wings with Diamond: Pilot (Space craft -forthcoming)
Blue Gear: Blue Squad
Red gear: Red Squad
Brass Gear: Battlefield Construction
Black Gear: Black Squad
Brass Gear with dragon wings: SAMAS
Silver Gear with dragon wings: Wild Weasel
Silver Broken Hourglass: All data on what this award is for has been redacted. This medal has only been given Posthumously.
Wounded in Service: this takes the form of a Red diamond shaped pin
Defense Superior Service Medal: A ribbon and metal in the form of a silver great horned dragon rewarded to those who who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility."
Star of Valor: Third Highest honor available to military personnel. A silver star with bronze highlights.
Bronze Tree of Distinguished Service: The Second highest available medal which take the appearance of a bronze millennium tree on a red ribbon. Usually enchanted as a Talisman.
Silver Tree of Distinguished Service: The highest available military honor which take the appearance of a silver millennium tree on a blue ribbon. Usually enchanted as a Talisman.