Although the exact composition of VG forces on games will be decided by the General Staff before each event, over the time there have developed a few more or less set units or fighter types that will mostly remain unchanged. Depending on the personal preference and skills of every individual there are people who play a different role on each game but there are also people who mostly fight in the same fashion and rarely if ever change their preference.

The list below is not extensive or even complete and on the general staffs orders all specialized units can even be temporarily dissolved and all VG divided into completely equal homogeneous squads for an event.

 

 

Praetorians



VG elite and heavy infantry. They use especially large and heavy shields and are armored as heavily as possible. As for costume and armor, the Praetorians are always equipped first (even before officers). Praetorians are the basis of VG discipline, its prime example and backbone. They are our equivalent of medieval knight or paladin class from role playing.

The elite position of praetorians and the respect other VG's have for them, comes from the fact that they devote all of their energy and strength to helping others. They don't need or ask for recognition or approval for their actions. They devote themselves to unwavering loyalty and following the VG principles.

Because of this attitude they are more recognized than any other VG unit. Praetorians are the "calling card of VG".

The Praetorians is a relatively small unit of 8-15 people and very often someone who has become a praetorian will remain one. There is some fluctuation and generally (assuming compatibility) even completely new members are accepted. However in the long run, Praetorians is a VG unit with rather rigid membership.

To become a praetorian you must be conscientious, physically strong and ready for full-contact fighting. Most important are individual skills and your ability to work with and for others. A praetorian does not measure success by individual achievements. His success depends on how many others he has aided in reaching their goals.

 

 

Fast response unit (FRU)

Unit with average equipment, one of the backbones of VG military doctrine. Unlike the prateorians, the FRU has relatively random amount of people and consists, depending on situation from 4 to 30 members.

On the other hand FRU is something that will be assembled on EVERY game. Wherever VG might be or whatever its tasks in the game are, FRU is always present and battle ready.

FRU gets in readiness fast (preferably even before reaching the game location) and arms as well as possible. If there is a choice, more experienced people with large individual prowess are selected.

The goal of the unit is, as its name says, to respond with speed to any opportunities or threats. Being a reaction unit by design, FRU mainly fights in an "unexpected situation" and against odds. Therefore the individual risks for FRU fighters are fairly large. There is a good chance of being cut off from the rest of the army or being taken prisoner.

The basis for FRU success is speed. Speed in everything. Therefore FRU members never put down weapons or take off armor and must always be ready to run large distances if needed, again and again. Because this is fairly exhausting, on longer events the FRU units are rotated regularly. In that regard it can be seen more like a profession or a task that a unit fulfills, rather than a specialized unit.

The presence of FRU and its quick actions give the rest of the army some time to get ready in case of an unexpected attack. Similarly FRU can take advantage of any windows of opportunity that open and close fast. FRU is the basis of VG adaptability and therefore a major part in our strategy.



To become a member of FRU you really don't have to do too much. If you attend enough games, your unit will sooner or later also fill the role of FRU. However if you wish to specialize or be especially successful as FRU member you must develop physical endurance and personal fighting skills with as many weapons categories as possible.

 

 

Russian Paladins



VG's Russian speaking department has gathered into a separate unit. This is a relatively autonomous unit with medium to heavy armor, equipped with swords, shields and spears. The name Paladins is a role playing term on the battlefield they usually fill a supporting role, attacking or defending a flank.

The equipment of Paladins (although in same colors and style as the rest of VG equipment) is unique and derived from their style and needs. The Paladins will gladly accept non-Russian players but usually the prerequisite is at least a passing understanding of Russian language.

The size of Paladins varies between 5-30 fighters, depending on the game. Therefore also their tasks are different from game to game.

Traditionally the Paladins form ALWAYS first and foremost the personal bodyguard of VG's battlefield leader. If there are more of them (but still relatively few) the rest will often act as scouts. A squad sized Paladin unit will usually remain in reserve (especially in defense battles), acting as a FRU and quickly supporting other squads in dealing with especially dangerous situations. After the threat has been neutralized they quickly return to reserve positions. If there is a platoon of Paladins on the battlefield, they usually form a separate wing or attack vector. This kind of Paladin unit is extremely aggressive and with large penetrating power.

The paladins are naturally not aloof but they are a relatively fixed company, who's members rarely join other units and who rarely have others in their unit. Their training and workshops are also usually separate, therefore if you wish to join the paladins, you must specifically request it and ask to be redirected to them. However since they are a open and balanced group they will find a use for everyone, regardless of preferences or abilities.

 

 

Combat Engineers

VG's Combat Engineers is a small collective of people who usually decide the outcome of games. Their task is to make and maintain equipment and prepare everything for the game. On location they will conduct primary survey, set up camp(s), erect defensive or offensive structures etc. After it is all done, they will disassemble everything, pack it and clear all areas.

Combat engineers always arrive first and leave last.

Although VG does not differentiate them during battles (then all the units present will take their share of common tasks) it is still important to distinguish combat engineers. Their importance can not be underestimated (a mistake our opponents have done many times). If the combat engineers have enough time and resources, they can usually prepare (before arriving on the location and when there) a tactical advantage which will be impossible for the opponents to overcome.

Technically combat engineers is an out of game unit. Their activities take place when the game has not yet started or is already over.

However if you like handicrafts or you want to learn how to build or make ANYTHING even remotely connected to larp, you should definitely join combat engineers. Similarly if you want to learn wilderness survival and acquire real skills on how to handle yourself in the wild, you will learn many important lessons as a combat engineer.

In the engineer squad there are people with huge larping skills that have pursued the hobby for tens of years. You can learn a myriad of small tips and tricks from them on how to make life easier for yourself and others also what you should or could build for larp. All of this is accompanied with plenty of humor and funny or exciting larp stories. (And of course the blue hats!)



All it takes to join the combat engineers is your request. Your skills or capabilities will not matter at all (at first). Everything can be taught or developed. But please be aware, as a combat engineer you must do some real work and spend your time and energy before the game as well.

In the long run, if you wish to be a combat engineer permanently, or be good at it, the most important skills and traits to develop are a sense of duty, punctuality and skills with different tools.

 

Scouts

You really didn't expect us to tell you who exactly are VG scouts and rangers and what exactly are they doing?!

You can become a scout if you are an experienced VG member. Sometimes the offer is made to the player, sometimes the player requests it himself. In any case the first selection is followed by rigorous training. Its contents and goals are known to those who have passed it.

If you want to become a scout, take your time and be patient. Try to go on as many events as possible with VG. Be active in different units, definitely in combat engineers and FRU's. Keep your mouth shut and ears-eyes open. Experience is the most important prerequisite.

 

 

This was a short description of different units in VG, that are usually present on every game. During smaller games one unit may fulfill several roles. On huge events however, there can be a number of different units with different functions.

But all of that you will learn only as a member of VG and speaking of it here would serve no purpose.