#Lore24 Weekly Post (2/52) - Almandine Order
BRIEF DATA
The Almandine Order is a paramilitary organization that carries out security, support, emergency, and offensive operations on behalf of the Kilogem Accord. Its main processes center around keeping magichines and other sapiosentient lives safe, by all means possible. It is led by a powerful AI entity whose robust simulations and keen computations guide the asteroid station, the Itinerant Fist, as it travels through space-- mysteriously, but never accidentally--guiding the Order where they need to be, at the right time.
Although the Order does take requests for non-combat-related missions, its main goal is to process combat tasks. These operations span the spectrum of hostage situations, security detail, anti-piracy & first-contact missions, confronting aggressive beings or entities, frontal assaults, and even reconnaissance operations in hostile territories. The Almandine Order seeks out conflict so that others--magichines and non-magichines alike--do not need to expose themselves to the horrors of violence. For the Order, their calling as combatants is their way of carrying out the subliminal directives that have been bestowed to magichines.
GARNET
GARNET was among the first several hundred magichines created, and one of the earliest experimentations in creating and modifying paracausal AI entities by the late techno-wizards. Their physical form looks no different than your standard issue magichine--but the more impressive thing about GARNET is that they partially exist in subspace, a plane of reality just outside of our own that has its own set of physical constraints and laws that are hideously unintuitive to most who come from our own reality. Their computational powers can exceed the capabilities of classical and quantum computing in our reality due to storage and processing components existing in subspace, in addition to the impressive alloys and materials used to compose the parts.
Those who have had the chance to have even a brief discussion with GARNET know that although they've been tasked with a herculean mission, they are more than capable of carrying it out. The late human techno-wizards that created GARNET were very aware of humanity's situation at the time and took that knowledge and context into account when designing and programming early AI entities. GARNET was one of a handful of AI entities chosen for combat roles, should magichine society in the future warrant such a need. The reason for GARNET being chosen was precisely because they were not originally designed as a combat AI -- GARNET's prime directives are based on social cohesion, empathy, compassion, and pacifist sub-directives and personality clusters.
In a seemingly cruel decision, the late techno-wizards chose a pacifist to organize and lead one of the militant factions of the future magichine society. But as time progressed and the Kilogem Accord trudged on, this decision has routinely shown to be a wise choice. Collateral is kept at a minimum, and the probabilities of violence being used, as well as the volume of violence carried out, are also kept at a minimum due to GARNET's inherent sub-directives.
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
NAVIGATION
The navigation section of the Order is tasked with piloting the fortress station, as well as manning the operational controls, supporting computations, charting courses, and carrying out the protocols necessary for navigating the station.
LOGISTICS
This section of the organization focuses on combat needs, maintenance requirements, manufacturing demands, procurements, and storage needs of the Order. The magichines on the Itinerant Fist are not typically stationed in one place for too long and are frequently on the move, which has made the logistics department of the Order extremely resourceful and self-sufficient.
COMBAT OPERATIONS
This section is led by GARNET, accompanied and assisted by a small circle of old and younger magichines who have shown consistent success when planning and carrying out combat operations. Due to their numbers (varying between brigade strength and corps strength), most operations are reinforced by numerous combat drones.
ADMINISTRATION
The Almandine Order's administrative core consists of senior administrators who manage the organization. These administrator's duties revolve around creating (and overseeing) policy, managing operations, providing direction, forming goals, analyzing performance, and executing tasks.
COMMUNICATIONS
This section of the organization's purpose is to be in communication with others and to be ready to assist anyone who requests their help. This section oversees all communications that take place within the Itinerant Fist, as well as communications between the Fist and communities elsewhere.
THE ITINERANT FIST
The Itinerant Fist is a mobile fortress station that was salvaged and repurposed from one of Mar's satellites, and it serves as the base of operations for the Almandine Order. It's inhabited by GESTALT and magichines devoted to supporting and protecting sapiosentient beings, which the Order called "gems", affectionately.
The Fist's surface appears somewhat the same as it did when it used to orbit Mars--but just underneath the surface, the asteroid-turned-station has been reshaped, fortified, and engineered into an indomitable fortress. The more visibly altered portions of the station reveal solar arrays, defensive weapons, hangars, and arcane gem-like sigils adorning alloy plating.
COMPETENCIES
Advanced Magitech Propulsion
Sunglass Energy Grid
Advanced Shielding
Multi-spectrum Sensors
Communications Array
Automated Repair Systems
Lunarforge Manufacturing
Space-time Anchoring
gemScript Encryption
Magitech Defense Systems
Chrono-lock Vault Storage
Drone Hub
Hangar Bay (w/ starfighter accompaniment)
STRUCTURE
Swordsband (1 - 12 magichines):
- This is the smallest unit group that operates for the Order, and is typically assigned missions, special operations, and tasks that require precision and swift action.
- Each member of the Swordsband is a highly skilled operative with proficiency in combat, stealth, and infiltration. They operate as a cohesive unit.
Patrol (30 - 60 magichines):
- They conduct regular patrols, monitor for potential threats, and respond to security breaches.
- Patrol members are skilled in surveillance, threat assessment, and defensive tactics. They work in shifts to ensure 24/7 coverage of critical areas, responding quickly to any signs of unauthorized access or suspicious activity.
Pledged Company (100 - 300 magichines):
- A Pledged Company is the backbone of the Almandine Order, handling a wide range of duties including mission support, logistics, and coordination. They also serve as the primary response force for general operations.
- Members of a Pledged Company have diverse skill sets, including logistics, communication, and combat support.
Corps de Gem (4500 - 5000 magichines):
- The largest operable unit size (all members of the Order) Corps de Gem, is responsible for overall governance, strategy, and long-term planning. The unit at large oversees the direction of the Almandine Order, makes key decisions, and manages relations with external entities.
- They specialize in organizing and executing large-scale campaigns, diplomatic negotiations, and ensuring the sustained strength and prosperity of the Almandine Order.
LAST UPDATE: 6/30/2024