In the Darkness there is Truth
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: To codify the basic grunts of the Covenant of Uriel.
- Image Credit: Here. From the INfamous game, Militia article. Original Artist unknown.
- Links: Sumiko Tanaka, Covenant of Uriel.
- Unit Name: Militia of Uriel
- Affiliation: Sumiko Tanaka, Covenant of Uriel.
- Classification: Light Infantry, paramilitary militia.
- Equipment: Standard Blasters/Slugthrowers. Standard light/medium armour, grenades, basic vibroblades and vibroaxes. Standard grenade and missile launchers. Officers are armed with standard disruptors. Speeders and swoop bikes.
COMBAT INFORMATION
- Availability: Common
- Deployment: Limited
- Strengths and Weaknesses
Fanatical and loyal
Disciplined
Suited for urban combat and asymmetrical warfare
Common grunts without superpowers or high-tech equipment
Lack the experience, leadership and skill of regular soldiers
Zealotry can be turned against them.
Description:
The Militia of Uriel is the paramilitary arm of the Covenant of Uriel. It is composed of men and women who have pledged themselves to the defence of the Faithful. They take up arms to protect the Covenant from hostile forces both within and without. Their duties include providing security at religious ceremonies and Covenant facilities, temples and affiliated businesses and protecting missionaries. At times, they persuade recalcitrant Covenanters to pay their tithes. After all, salvation does not come cheap.
However, they also have the duty to smite those the Covenant considers to be infidels and enemies of the faith. On Nar Shaddaa, this often translates into fighting gangs. Or at least those gangs their leaders are not doing business with at the moment. The Miltia is not a force that is suited for planetary conquest. While a number of its members have past military experience, many are escaped slaves or were recruited from amongst the downtrodden. Many are disillusioned men and women who fell on hard times grew up impoverished. They have been attracted to the service of the Covenant by the latter's relief efforts or the 'miracles' performed by the cult's 'prophetess'.
This means that the Militia would be at a great disadvantage if it engaged the corporate security forces of a megacorporation or the soldiers or an interstellar nation on an open battlefield. Should such a situation occur, they would almost definitely be wiped out. Thus their best bet would be to conduct a defence in depth and use asymmetrical tactics, compensating for their lack of heavy firepower, armoured fighting vehicles and experience in conventional warfare. Most of their gear is acquired through raids or purchased on the black market, unless the militia member in question brought their own equipment. While the numbers of the Militia are significant, they are commonly deployed in small groups, mirroring the Covenant's cell structure.
Due to this, the members of the Militia are indoctrinated to be fanatical believers in the Covenant's faith. Recruiters look for pious, disciplined individuals who can be moulded by the Covenant. While this slows down the recruitment process, it results in a force that is more cohesive and better trained than that of the average cult or gang. Of course, a number of recruits still join primarily for materialist reasons, since militiamen and women receive perks compared to ordinary Covenanters, such as better housing, childcare and more rapid promotion within the Covenant's hierarchy.
Many are schooled from an early age to submit to rigorous military discipline, and are nurtured in a culture of martyrdom, believing that Uriel has blessed their struggle. Discipline within the Militia is very tight and includes the use of corporal punishment, but then that's par for the course in the cult. According to the Covenant's teachings, those who die on the battlefield in Uriel's name are considered martyrs and will go straight to heaven. Not only will they live in eternal bliss, but also get the opportunity to intercede on behalf of family members and loved ones. Their devotion to the cause endows them with considerable tenacity, determination and ability to endure hardship and casualties. At the same time, it can manifest in a refusal to take prisoners, since Uriel commands that the wicked must be purged. For they are not beings of light, so there is no sin in slaying them. This can complicate matters because it understandably makes enemies reluctant to surrender and can backfire on the Covenant. The same applies to mistreatment of captives.
Little do the members of the Militia know that Sister Sakura, the so-called Chosen of Uriel, is actually a conceited Sith Lady called Sumiko Tanaka and that the Covenant is a farce. Truthseekers, who perform the duties of an ideological thought police, are embedded inside the Militia and recruit informers from its ranks. Moreover, the Truthseekers can call upon the Militia's assistance when it comes to policing the Covenant itself. After all, one must always be on guard against the minions of Azrael, the Angel of Darkness. Furthermore, the common warriors of Uriel are accompanied by Confessors, who provide spiritual guidance...and ensure that Correct Thought is not violated. After all, thoughtcrime is a serious issue.
