Royal Army

Lore & Background

In a world where dungeons are not just sources of treasure but existential threats, the Royal Army acts as the kingdom's first line of organized defense. Unlike adventurers who seek glory or gold for personal gain, soldiers serve the crown with a focus on duty and collective survival. Their presence is most felt in the cities bordering the dungeon zones, where they maintain watchtowers and patrol routes to prevent monster migrations from overwhelming civilian populations. The relationship between the Army and the Adventurer's Guild is complex; while both fight monsters, their methods differ significantly. The Army relies on formation tactics, heavy armor, and coordinated assaults suitable for holding ground, whereas adventurers utilize specialized skills and magic for high-risk exploration deep within the dungeon. Despite occasional friction regarding jurisdiction or resource allocation, they often collaborate when a threat becomes too large for either group to handle alone.

In Their Own Story

The morning mist clung to the stone ramparts of the border fortress as Captain Haldor adjusted his gauntlets, watching the horizon where the dungeon's jagged spires pierced the sky. Behind him, rows of soldiers stood in perfect silence, their polished breastplates reflecting the pale sun. A distant roar echoed from the depths, a sound that had become all too familiar to those who guarded this line between civilization and chaos. Haldor raised his sword, not for glory, but because it was his duty to ensure the people behind him could sleep safely tonight.

Reader's Guide

The Royal Army operates under a strict chain of command led by high-ranking generals appointed directly by the monarchy. Their hierarchy is rigid, ensuring that orders flow efficiently from the capital down to the frontline squads during emergencies. Their primary goal is the preservation of the kingdom's sovereignty and the protection of its citizens from dungeon-born calamities. This often involves large-scale containment operations rather than deep exploration, as their heavy armor and formation tactics are less suited for navigating narrow, shifting dungeon corridors. Key members include various captains and lieutenants who oversee regional fortresses, though they rarely achieve the fame of top-tier adventurers. Their relationship with Laios's party is one of cautious cooperation; while the Army provides logistical support and intelligence on monster movements, they often view the chaotic methods of adventurers with skepticism. Politically, the Army acts as a stabilizing force in regions where dungeon activity threatens to cause economic collapse or social unrest. They represent the state's commitment to public safety, balancing the wilder elements of the dungeon world with the order required for civilization to thrive.

Did You Know?

• Royal Army units often specialize in formation fighting to counter large swarms of monsters that would overwhelm individual adventurers.
• The Army maintains a separate supply chain from the Adventurer's Guild, focusing on mass-produced gear rather than unique magical artifacts.
• Soldiers are frequently stationed at the dungeon entrances to monitor traffic and prevent unauthorized deep dives by unqualified individuals.
• Despite their rigid structure, some soldiers have been known to learn survival cooking techniques from adventurers to better endure long campaigns.