Pogranichnik

CODENAME: Pogranichnik

GENDER: Male

AUTHENTICATION: Rhodes Island

DOB: July 23

RACE: Liberi

[ORIPATHY INFECTION STATUS]

Oripathy negative, based on medical examination reports.

[INTEGRATED PHYSICAL EXAMINATION]

PHYSIOLOGICAL STRENGTH: Excellent

COMBAT SKILL: Excellent

TACTICAL ACUMEN: Outstanding

ORIGINIUM ARTS ASSIMILATION: Standard

Pogranichnik (ID name: Khorsyn) is a Rhodes Island liaison and a Banner Commander for the Order of Steel Oath. He spent years at the Polar Circle front in the north of Talos-II. Given the needs of the current situation, Pogranichnik joined Endfield Industries to provide relevant combat support.

Pogranichnik uncompromising looks of a professional soldier left me quite an impression when I first met him. He acts with great decisiveness and alacrity, and never with doubt nor hesitation. Once he promises to take upon a task, no matter how small or severe, he would see it through to the best of his abilities.

Although Pogranichnik displayed no obvious preferences for the Big Three of the Band Accord, he exhibited a special emotional connection to the Mat' Gorodov of the UWST. He would not mind talking to crew mates seeking shade in the city plate construction yards. There were even occasions when he met UWST crew mates confused about life or suffering through the pain of shattered dreams. Pogranichnik is exceptional at boosting morale, even for commoners faraway from the battlefield. He always found a way to instill confidence back into people's hearts. Oathkeepers and UWST crew mates who knew Pogranichnik often highlight his cold, sharp, yet endearing sense of humor.

— Martin Marvin Malen, Assistant, HR Division, Endfield Industries

DOCUMENT: Two Photographs

An old photograph with yellowing edges, featuring Pogranichnik standing amongst a diverse crew of various races. The group stood before a fortified defense works forged of steel and covered by snow. Two Oathkeeper scouts stood atop the defenses, gazing into the far distance with binoculars. BACKGROUND: Contours of a fort could be seen in the slightly blurred horizon, along with large caliber cannons pointing at the skies. CHARACTERS OF NOTE: A particular crew mate standing next to Pogranichnik wore an expression of pride that stood out from the others. The man pointed at the skies where a giant vessel floated above everything. This photograph does not show the entirety of the said vessel.

A photograph of a great hall within a fort, taken from above. Soldiers of the Order of Steel Oath who stood in the middle of the hall raised their cups into the air at Pogranichnik who stood on the stage. UPPER LEFT: Progranichnik placing a fist on the massive map behind him. UPPER RIGHT: A long dining table. A silvery haired old man with a chiseled face, though the features were obscured as he faced the other way. All those seated at the table wore badges and sashes of banner commanders, and like the soldiers, they also raised their glasses. LOWER LEFT: Young recruits rubbing shoulders with each other. One of them played an accordion and those nearby seemed to be singing and cheering loudly with their mouths open. NOTE: The hall is filled with plenty of individuals in festive spirits, but Pogranichnik never showed the picture to anyone, and neither did he frame it.

DOCUMENT: Three Recipes

Entrée Recipe C5: Primal Cut Burdenbeast Steak Set. Courtesy of UWST. A primal cut of burdenbeast shank, nutrient-fortified, smoked. Standard UWST Guards military fare. Winner of the United Workers' Syndicates of Talos II Central Production Planning Committee Awards for 20 consecutive years.

"The Shieldguards are still getting used to the unique taste of the fortifying agents. Besides that, this is most impeccable as field rations. It offers sufficient calories, nutrition, and the fillet has been prepared to provide an excellent texture — I remember tasting something similar before, something from Ursus."

Entrée Recipe C8: Metal Crab Doria Set. Courtesy of TGCC. La Fantoma metal crabs and Kjersch cheese come together in this preparation by master chefs of Neo Tsukushi. This is designed to create explosions of freshness that blend the Talosian hills and oceans. A gastronomic experience fitting for the indomitable Oathkeepers.

"A culinary wonder rarely seen in self-cooking rations. They are quite effective in maintaining the morale of the fighting banners. However, caloric content of this particular item is currently incapable of meeting the Shieldguards' requirements. Please improve upon it."

Entrée Recipe C12: Instant Shangshu Hot Pot. Courtesy of HAS. These words were messily scribbled on the back of the rations crate: "Khorsyn, your soldiers are battle-hardened veterans. And what do you feed them with? Trough slop so stale that they're crying FOWL! Since you've been most respectful to this tianshi, this entire crate is on me. Guranteed to dispel the cold and put heat in your guts. Don't forget to warm the burdo-tallow for the grease dip."

"This entrée has utterly decimated my warriors. Half of the Shieldguards in the entire banner cried out for painkillers. A number of them managed to find strength to crawl on the ground and stuff handfuls of snow in their mouths. However, no one in the banner complained about the cold in the 30-klick foot march."

DOCUMENT: A Map

A massive map illustrated on massive piece of tanned cystybeast hide. It was made just in case all instruments and machinery running on Originium technology fail.

The map is densely marked with Order of Steel Oath defense zones, supply routes, and key strong points. Arsenals of Fort Forgefane have been included as well.

The southern area of the map shows dozens of roads meandering along the contours that connect the various Order forts. A few of these routes pass through Myrkwood — lifelines that connect the Civilization Band to the Order of Steel Oath and the very edge of the Northern Corridor. The northern area of the map shows a jagged battle line that stretches across the land like a scar. It stretches from the main defense zones of the Order and ends only at the fringe of the Aurora.

In the memo section furnished next to the map display rack, Pogranichnik, the author of this map, left this handwritten message:

1,237 names. That's the worth of this.

DOCUMENT: Excerpt of a Conversation Recorded at Fort ████

"Sir Instructor, please wait! That lesson was most engaging. You must be a true expert in fighting the Aggeloi. We just heard those warriors calling you — Khorsyn?"

"The lesson will serve its purpose if it helps you survive an actual engagement. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"

"Oh, this is great! I'm Vadim. Vadim Ignatyevich Smirnov. This one here is Muravyov. We're both from the UW."

"Ignaty? I know this name. Did you leave your home because of your father, recruit? He often showed me pictures of you."

"Yes. When he was around, he often mentioned your heroic deeds in his letters. He was proud to fight along your side against the Aggeloi that tried to breach our defenses — Always. In every letter."

"Yeah! When Vasha and I were kids, we were ... trying to be the heroes described in the letters! We played games pretending to be the fighting Shieldguards. Everyone wants to be as brave as you!"

"We... Well, Muravyov and I passed the selection trials of the Fort. We want to inherit our father's courage, even at the cost of our lives."

"A most respectable goal. But I want you to understand that sacrifice is never the objective. On the contrary, the Order fights to avoid that altogether."

"Instructor Khorsyn, back when I was still at school, I've always been picturing this in my mind! The Aggeloi of the north smashing themselves into the frontlines and the banners buckling under their weight. Just when the buggers were about to breach, the Oathkeepers heard the mighty thud of iron shields slammed into the earth — Khorsyn and his Shieldguards had arrived and they charged forth! That mighty thud told everyone that you were the unbreakable front! The grounds where you stand would never be taken!"

"Vasha is right, instructor. We're not afraid of sacrifice!"

"No. I've seen too many aspirants falling at this place. If you really want to be a true Shieldguard, being a hero or sacrificing your lives are not the qualities you need."

"But you..."

"Son, you must learn to survive. Only then could you appear at places that need you most. Then you must place the shield before you, and —"

"Help the others ... survive?"

"Exactly. You actually listened during class. This is the most basic tactic of the Shieldguard wall. We stand side by side to shelter the others and help them live — We do not care if they're trying to save their skins, inheriting a legacy, or getting ready for an effective tactical counterstrike."

"Your lessons is truly empowering, Instructor Khorsyn! I ... we ... AHEM! Vasha, say something!"

"Yeah! I ... I mean, Muravyov and I will both become Shieldguards! We shall serve in your banner!"

"Then I shall look forward to the day when I fight along your sides."

DOCUMENT: Summary of the Battle of █████ by the TGCC United Services Research Center:

Esteemed representatives attending this joint session of TGCC concerns and corporations, I am Tanner Orrigan, special observer and battle asset insurance agent. I am here to give you a report on the Battle of █████, which I witnessed and experienced as an observer embedded with the Order of Steel Oath.

This high intensity conflict between the Order of Steel Oath and the Northern Aggeloid Host resulted in severe losses of military assets, contributed by all signatories of the Band Accord. Primary asset losses incurred by the Order include: 31 pieces of artillery walkers and other heavy UAVs for reinforcing a number of defenses zones. For details, please refer to the printed annex a3 provided next to you.

Obviously, the sudden appearance of the unknown entity forced the Order to stop their offensive against the Aurora. But I would like to remind all esteemed representatives that all losses incurred in this offensive strongly prove our willingness to further our partnership and provision of unconditional aid to the Order. Once we assist the Order with the construction of industrial production facilities, the North will only need more goods from various companies. There is a healthy chance that the current model of bulk equipment purchases will give way to a new paradigm of a multi-tiered technology and intellectual property partnership, one that is far more beneficial to our interests.

During this battle, I was embedded with a banner that was part of the main offensive. We approached a ridge and made our way towards a forward fort. However, unassisted vision was unable to pinpoint the exact location of the fort as the massive Aggeloid host blanketed the entire topography — This ended when the Banner Commander Khorsyn, the one who had been most uninhibited in expending military assets, began his attack on the other side of the Aggeloid host. The Shieldguards advanced in formation, pushed the battle lines over the ridge, and deployed signal flares at the high grounds to help the fort artillery to direct their firing.

It was during this time that the unknown entity, the very one that blunted the other Banner offensives, re-appeared at the bottom of the Aurora. Esteemed representatives, I would like to take this moment to voice a consensus that I have reached with the Order of Steel Oath: Under no circumstances can we allow any entity of its type to enter densely populated areas. So, back to the topic. When the entity re-appeared, I was in the relative safety of a forward command center. However, Æther activities triggered by the said entity had rendered my recording devices inoperable. At this moment of desperation, Khorsyn led his Banner of Shieldguards and attacked from the very front. The Shieldguards raised their shields and pushed the advance with steadfast determination and valiance. I am afraid I could not describe what I saw next in an objective manner. I saw red flashes hewing apart the greatest Aggeloi, turning them into silent headstones. Every hole that appeared in the bastion of iron shields was quickly sealed by another Shieldguard. After 47 minutes of brutal battle, Khorsyn and his Shieldguards managed to carve a path right through the Aggeloid host and besieged the unknown entity that was responsible for killing hundreds of the Oathkeepers' best soldiers. In a single exchange, Khorsyn split the statuesque carapace right through the median plane. The strange matter encased within the unknown entity attempted escape by ejecting itself into the air. However, fire rained down from the skies as steam vented from the gaps in the armor. The final throes of resistance were extinguished at long last.

Esteemed representatives, the Order of Steel Oath has proved their indispensability through this battle. Our support is more than just supporting the spirit of altruism espoused by the Band Accords. It is an investment towards the crucial strategic resilience of the Northern Front. Another objective of this report is to clarify that the actual legacy of the Order lies not within their Vault of Relics, but amongst key personnel, like Khorsyn. The values of these individuals cannot be appraised, and neither could they be traded. However, "Heroes of the Band" will be a most valuable investment opportunity for the TGCC — That is without question.

Mat' Gorodov.

I've seen this name countless times in UWST art films before my actual visit. She is the heart of the United Workers' Syndicates of Talos II, replete with massive command towers that scraped the skies and integrated city plate construction yards. She resembled the nomadic cities that I've seen in my memories — Solid and absolutely gargantuan.

But when I entered the city, the first thing I saw was not awe-inspiring industrial mega structures. No, it was crew mates carrying building materials and rushing towards their work stations. The crews never seemed exhausted, and they labored to transport the lifeblood of this city to very corner. Every inch of concrete bore the prints of their hands.

I did not seek the service of a local guide as I intended to satisfy my curiosities myself. Instead, I chose to shadow a crew mate who just concluded his day of labor, and followed him into a massive, minimalist building. After a bit of jostling, I arrived at the second floor of the main hall and sat myself down on a soft chair — And I only realized, at that moment, that I was in a crew theater. The crew mate who just finished his shift had already changed into his costume and became an opera performer.

I did not succeed in guessing the plot of the performance. They did not sing praises for the heroes of labor. Instead, it was a comedy that critiqued bureaucracy — The crew of workers tacitly worked together and "misled" the corrupt official into discovering Pure Gold, something that does not exist on Talos-II. In the end, the official ate the bitter fruits of his greed. Of course, the workers remained the heroes of this tale. But these heroes were humorous and shared a boundless passion for a happy life.

The show ended and I left the theater with various thoughts weighing heavily in my mind. It was then when a girl around ten years of age and her twin brother realized who I was. "An Oathkeeper! From the Order of the Steel Oath!" they squealed excitedly. The children stood in front of me and saluted me in the way of the Order. Their parents and other workers pulled them away with some difficulty, as they had an endless stream of questions that I find rather difficult to answer. But I could tell, from their expressions, that these adults would have done the same as the children if they had been younger.

I had a dream before I left Rhodes Island. I dreamed of a banquet. The children of army group nobility were dressed lavishly and kept under the watch of servants and governesses, like intricate dolls meticulously prepared for show. These groomed children exuded the same innocence and passion given off by the twins. But the gazes of these young nobles also carried something else. Was it family honor? Or a desire for power wielded by their elders? I could not tell, but I do know that the taint did not come from their own accord. I witnessed the taint transforming into ambition and shone with the cold glint of schemes and conspiracies. In the end, they became something that I could no longer recognize.

After I left the theater, I trailed the streets of Mat' Gorodov on my own. It was then when a strange sense of freedom caught up to me. I could still recall elite imperial strikers following me in those great charges, the girl with Oripathy, underground clinics reduced to ruin, crowds trying to make a living, and children playing with each other. These memories lingered somewhere within me, but they no longer weighed me down.

A new milestone has been erected upon the grave of days long gone. I concluded my short tour of the city and quickly returned north. Therein lies a battlefield where an entire generation fell. A place absent the dust of the old world nor grand blueprints for the new. A field of carnage where survival was the only objective.

That is where we fight.

— Audio transcript recorded by an anonymous individual, currently archived at Rhodes Island