Raulie Bushrangers
| Raulie Bushrangers | |
|---|---|
| Rangersbroussoise de Raulie | |
 Insignia of the Bushrangers | |
| Country |  Burgundie |
| Type | Army |
| Role | Chasseur-forestier |
| Part of | Structure of the Army of Burgundie |
| Motto(s) | "If it ain't oak, don't fix it." |
| Colors | burgundy and hunter green |
| Engagements | all of them, (Levantine Creep) |
The Raulie Bushrangers are a unit of Chasseur-forestiers of the Burgoignesc Foreign Legion who were originally founded in the 15th century as various mix matched units to patrol and protect forests owned by the coastal Deric states and their colonies that were harvested for making sailing ships. After the unification of many of the coastal Deric states into Burgundie these units were consolidated into a command called the Chausseuer-Foresteuer Guard d'Elite della Arb Real, (Eng: Chausseur-Forestiers of the Elite Guard of the Royal Wood). This unit was over 100,000 strong and a concerted effort to standardize them was affected under the command of a Vice Admiral, highlighting the importance of these forests. The first Vice Admiral of the Chausseuer-Foresteuers, Prodrungarie Agale-Giles Garnier Freuctise established himself and the unit with a strict discipline and hierarchy. They were considered the best Chausseur-Forestiers in the world from 1884-1903.
After the First Great War, in 1903, the Navy sold off most of its forests because ships were being made of iron and steel almost exclusively, and disbanded the unit. Many of the Guards joined the Burgoignesc Foreign Legion for want of work and were organized into the Raulie Bushrangers after their first colonel Raulie-Evand deVille Sadevocate. Throughout the 20th century they maintained the designation and function of the Chausseur-Forestiers.
Early history
During the late Renaissance period in the coastal Deric states, the soldiers tasked with guarding the various royal, ducal, and county forests played a crucial role in maintaining the stability and security of the principalities they served. Their responsibilities encompassed a variety of tasks associated with protecting the forests, which were often vital resources for the local economies and the sustenance of the ruling elite. They were responsible for safeguarding the royal forests against poachers, illegal loggers, and other unauthorized individuals or groups who sought to exploit the forest's resources for personal gain. This protection was essential to ensure a steady supply of timber for construction, shipbuilding, and other essential purposes. Some of them managed the wildlife within the royal forests, ensuring that the balance of nature was maintained. They controlled the population of predators that could threaten local communities and prevented overhunting that could deplete valuable animal resources. They conducted regular patrols within the forest boundaries, keeping a close watch for any potential threats or disturbances. This included monitoring the activities of neighboring states, rival factions, or any other forces that might pose a threat to the security of the forest and, by extension, the principality. These soldiers were entrusted with enforcing the royal decrees related to the utilization of forest resources. They ensured that any logging or resource extraction adhered to the guidelines set by the ruling princelings, preventing excessive deforestation or misuse of the forest lands. In addition to protecting the forests, these soldiers were also expected to contribute to the defense of the territories controlled by the princelings. They often formed a part of the wider military force, serving as a first line of defense against external invasions and internal uprisings that posed a threat to the principality.
Rise of cities
The rise of free cities and trade cities, along with the emergence of the mercantile-bourgeoisie class, significantly transformed the dynamics of power and economic influence, particularly in regions where forests were owned by the princelings but were necessary for the construction of fleets of merchant ships and navies. The growth of free cities and trade cities led to the concentration of economic power in the hands of non-aristocratic merchant classes. These entities thrived on trade, commerce, and maritime activities, requiring access to timber from the forests for shipbuilding and other related industries. They became instrumental in challenging the traditional authority of the princelings by asserting their economic influence and fostering a sense of autonomy. As the demand for maritime fleets and merchant ships grew, the need for timber from the forests became more critical. The mercantile-bourgeoisie class, lacking direct ownership of these resources, often sought various strategies to secure a steady supply of timber, leading to negotiations, contracts, and, at times, conflicts with the princelings and their forest guardians. The emergence of trade cities and the mercantile-bourgeoisie fostered the formation of new trade agreements and alliances, often transcending traditional territorial boundaries. These agreements facilitated the acquisition of resources such as timber from the forests, enabling the merchant class to strengthen their economic position and challenge the traditional power structures upheld by the princelings. With the mercantile-bourgeoisie gaining significant economic influence, the political dynamics within the coastal Deric states underwent a notable transformation. The princelings, while retaining ownership of the forests, gradually relinquished their direct involvement in maritime affairs. They began to rely on the revenue generated from the sale of timber to the emerging merchant class, thereby shifting their focus towards consolidating their political authority within the territories they governed. The interplay between the forest-owning princelings and the maritime-focused mercantile-bourgeoisie created a complex power dynamic characterized by negotiations, alliances, and occasional conflicts. This interdependence led to the development of intricate networks of power and influence, ultimately shaping the economic and political landscape of the coastal Deric states during this transformative era.
Impact on the Forest Guards
The shifting dynamics between the forest-owning princelings and the rising influence of the mercantile-bourgeoisie, along with the emergence of free cities and trade cities, had several implications for the Forest Guard, who were initially tasked with protecting the forests owned by the princelings for their own navies. With the decline in the direct involvement of princelings in maritime affairs, the primary focus of the Forest Guards shifted from exclusively protecting the forests to ensuring the security of the trade routes and maritime assets that were crucial for the mercantile-bourgeoisie. They were tasked with safeguarding the timber shipments and supporting the princelings in business negotiations with the merchants. In many cases the various units forged new alliances and partnerships with the merchant class and the emerging free cities to ensure the smooth flow of resources and protect the maritime interests of these entities, not just their initial royal masters. This shift required them to adapt their strategies and tactics to meet the evolving demands of their patrons, with less of a focus on forest management and more emphasis on trade negotiations and convoy protection. To effectively address the evolving threats and challenges, the Forest Guard's equipment changed meet their new trade route protection mission, primarily in that they became more militaristic and formally armored and trained. These adaptations ensured that they remained equipped to handle the diverse range of responsibilities demanded by the changing landscape, enabling them to maintain their position as a relevant and indispensable military unit within the transformed coastal Deric states.
Colonial Expansion
Main article: Burgoignesc colonial empire During the colonial period, the expansion of territories and the establishment of colonies by the coastal Deric states significantly broadened the scope of responsibilities for many Forest Guard units. The remit of these units was extended beyond their original roles as forest guardians and protectors of maritime interests, encompassing the incorporation of Chasseur-forestier responsibilities in the newly established colonies. As the coastal Deric states expanded their colonial territories, the Forest Guards found themselves tasked with managing and protecting the valuable forest resources within these newly acquired lands. They were responsible for implementing Occidental forestry practices, preventing illegal logging, and ensuring the conservation of these vital resources for both local use and export back to the home principality. The Forest Guards had to adapt to the unique environmental and geographical conditions of the newly acquired colonies. This necessitated the integration of local practices and knowledge into their existing chausseur-forestier responsibilities, enabling them to effectively manage the diverse ecosystems and address the specific challenges posed by the unfamiliar terrain and wildlife. In addition to their traditional roles, the Forest Guards were often tasked with safeguarding the colonial trade routes, especially those along the Silk Road in Audonia ensuring the secure transport of timber and other valuable resources from the colonies to the home principality. This extended their responsibilities to include the protection of not only the forests but also the logistical infrastructure critical for the economic prosperity of both the colonies and the coastal Deric states. The expansion of the Forest Guards' remit to the colonies necessitated a heightened focus on cultural exchange and diplomacy. They had to engage with local communities, indigenous groups, and other colonial stakeholders, to ensure the effective management of forest resources in an efficient manner. Due to their frontier status they also often served as defacto border guards in many colonies as well. The colonial expansion prompted many Forest Guard units to develop specialized expertise in a range of areas, including tropical forestry, colonial governance, and cross-cultural communication. This diversification of their skill set enabled them to effectively fulfill their extended responsibilities and contribute to the sustainable development and management of the colonial territories, solidifying their role as indispensable guardians of both the forests and the colonial interests of the coastal Deric states.
Colonial collapse
18th and early 19th century, the colonies from various principalities in Audonia collapsed or were abandoned. Those protestant settlers were not welcomed back to the Burgoignesc Metropole so the subsequently consolidated into the colony of Equitorial Ostiecia, among them were many Forest Guards who had served other principalities and trade companies. This led to a complex interplay of cultural, political, and operational dynamics. The Bourgondii Royal Trading Company (BRTC) hired as many of the Forest Guards as would work for them and started to formalize their role and hierarchy. At its peak, the company employed 75,000 Forest Guards in Equitorial Ostiecia alone. There was a concerted effort to learn from the Forest Guards that had been displaced and they formed a cadre of Chasseur-forestiers that was incomparable anywhere in the world. As such the fleets of the BRTC were vast, quickly built, repaired, and updated, and researched.
The head of the cadre in 1853, Captain-General Talebot-Phelippion Lococq Eminance, gathered leaders from each of the Forest Guard troops who came to work for him to foster a rich environment for cultural integration and exchange. He had them share their respective traditions, practices, and values, leading to the formation of a diverse and inclusive community that could draw upon the strengths and experiences of each group. He also formed the Forest Guardsman Home and Bank, a network of barracks and lending facilities that these emigres could use to get on their feet, which made him wildly wealthy. Given the need for coordinated efforts in the face of colonial failures, Eminance established unified command structures that could effectively manage and coordinate their collective responsibilities. He also recognized early on that pooling their knowledge and expertise to sustainably manage the remaining forest resources and ensure the protection of vital trade routes was their greatest strength. This collaborative approach necessitated the development of shared protocols, standard operating procedures, and a collective commitment to their mission. He established a minimum standard but encouraged his men to exceed them in ways they found appropriate for their unit and their jurisdiction.
First Fratricide
Main article: First Fratricide
The First Fratricide marked a tumultuous chapter in the annals of Equitorial Ostiecia, a period marred by internal strife and the fracturing of loyalties among the Forest Guard. As the specter of political discord loomed over the once-united colony, the unit found itself entangled in a bitter conflict fueled by those who supported the unification of the coastal Deric states under the flag of Burgundie and those who opposed it.
The seeds of dissent were sown in the wake of a territorial dispute that escalated into a full-fledged confrontation between the ruling factions of Equitorial Ostiecia. Caught in the crosscurrents of conflicting interests and simmering tensions, the Forest Guard became unwitting pawns in a power struggle that threatened to engulf the entire region in a maelstrom of violence and chaos. Within the ranks of the Forest Guard, the fissures of allegiance and identity began to widen as soldiers from different principalities grappled with the moral and emotional complexities of their divided loyalties. Drawn into a web of conflicting ideologies and regional affiliations, the once-unified unit now found itself fragmented, torn between the imperatives of duty and the bonds of kinship. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, members of the Forest Guard were compelled to choose sides, aligning themselves with the factions representing their ancestral principality. Driven by a potent blend of patriotism, familial ties, and a sense of historical legacy, they took up arms against their former comrades, their actions propelled by a sense of obligation to protect the interests and honor of their respective homelands.
As the hostilities intensified, the forests that were once their sanctuaries became battlegrounds, the tranquil canopies now echoing with the cacophony of conflict and the anguished cries of brethren turned adversaries. The very principles of ecological conservation and stewardship that had defined the Bushrangers' legacy were overshadowed by the relentless pursuit of victory and the defense of territorial sovereignty. The once-prized unity of purpose that had defined the Forest Guard eroded in the face of the all-consuming tempest of civil strife. Bonds forged through shared experiences and a mutual commitment to their noble mission were fractured, replaced by the bitter realities of a fratricidal struggle that threatened to irrevocably shatter the fabric of their storied legacy. Yet, amidst the harrowing tumult and the harrowing clash of arms, there were those among the Bushrangers who refused to forsake the ideals that had guided their predecessors for generations. These stalwart souls, driven by an unwavering devotion to the principles of unity and environmental stewardship, sought to bridge the divisions that threatened to tear their unit asunder.
Through acts of unyielding courage and unwavering compassion, they endeavored to stem the tide of bloodshed and forge pathways of reconciliation and understanding. Drawing upon the wisdom of their forebears and the enduring spirit of camaraderie that had once bound them as brothers-in-arms, they labored tirelessly to rekindle the flames of unity and foster a renewed sense of collective purpose among their disillusioned comrades. As the echoes of the First Fratricide gradually faded into the annals of history, the Forest Guard emerged from the crucible of conflict forever transformed. United by the scars of a shared ordeal and the enduring legacy of their ancestral bonds, they embarked upon a collective journey of healing and redemption, vowing to safeguard the sanctity of their unity and to never again allow the specter of fratricide to cast its dark shadow over the hallowed legacy of their esteemed unit.
20th century
21st century
In the sprawling landscapes of the Burgoignesc thalattocracy, nestled between the verdant canopies of ancient forests and the pulsating rhythms of a modernizing society, the Raulie Bushrangers continued their storied legacy well into the 21st century. Transcending the boundaries of time, their unwavering commitment to the preservation of the natural world and the safeguarding of maritime interests had evolved, intertwining with the complexities of a rapidly changing global landscape. Amid the persistent hum of technological advancements and the ever-shifting tides of political dynamics, the Raulie Bushrangers had become an integral force for ecological conservation, diplomatic mediation, and the protection of vital trade routes. Their journey through the 21st century was one marked by a delicate balance between tradition and adaptation, between the echoes of their historical roots and the demands of a modernizing world. With the onset of the 21st century, Burgundie had emerged as a bustling hub of economic activity, its forests serving as a crucial reservoir of natural resources and a vital source of ecological stability for the region. The Raulie Bushrangers found themselves at the forefront of a multifaceted battle, one that demanded the preservation of the delicate ecosystem while ensuring the sustained growth of the region's burgeoning maritime industries.
In the wake of escalating environmental concerns and the pressing need for sustainable resource management, the Bushrangers had embraced a comprehensive approach to forest protection and ecological stewardship. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and an intricate understanding of the region's diverse ecosystems, they spearheaded innovative conservation initiatives, collaborating closely with environmental organizations, local communities, and governmental bodies to implement robust preservation strategies. Their role expanded beyond traditional forest patrol duties, encompassing initiatives such as reforestation programs, wildlife conservation efforts, and the implementation of sustainable forestry practices that balanced the needs of the burgeoning maritime industry with the imperative of environmental preservation. Through the strategic deployment of advanced satellite monitoring systems, drone technology, and data analytics, the Bushrangers meticulously monitored the health of the forests, preempting threats such as illegal logging, deforestation, and habitat degradation with unparalleled precision.
Moreover, the 21st-century Raulie Bushrangers had evolved into key mediators in the complex web of diplomatic relationships that characterized Burgundie's global interactions. Leveraging their historical expertise in negotiation and conflict resolution, they played a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between competing interests, whether it be resolving disputes between indigenous communities and corporate entities over land use or brokering agreements between neighboring states on the sustainable management of shared maritime resources. As the demands of the modern world continued to reshape the geopolitical landscape, the Bushrangers navigated the intricate nexus of international trade, maritime security, and ecological sustainability. With their unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of environmental integrity and social responsibility, they fostered partnerships with international organizations and advocacy groups, advocating for the implementation of stringent environmental regulations and ethical business practices within the maritime industry. The 21st-century Raulie Bushrangers had become emblematic of a new era of environmental consciousness and global stewardship, transcending their historical roots as forest guardians to emerge as champions of sustainable development and guardians of a delicate equilibrium between human progress and the preservation of nature.
In the face of mounting challenges posed by climate change, unsustainable resource exploitation, and geopolitical complexities, the Raulie Bushrangers stood as beacons of resilience and determination, their legacy etched into the very fabric of Burgundie's past, present, and future. With a steadfast commitment to their timeless principles of honor, duty, and environmental guardianship, they continued to navigate the uncharted waters of the 21st century, leaving an indelible mark on the history of their land and the legacy of their enduring spirit.