The Red Duke’s Private Army

Though the L.A.S.T. is not a military power, some of its members maintain paramilitary armies. The Red Duke is one such member. When asked why he maintains such a force, he usually replies “Necessity” and elaborates no further. Once, when a certain Mr. Malone had the temerity to question him and asked the Duke how many men he retained under arms, the Duke’s response was that “they are sufficient to the tasks appointed them.” The extent of the Red Duke’s forces is unknown.

Forces of the the Red Duke

The core of the red Duke’s army is his masked minions. He also maintains specialized elite units as well.

The Red Duke’s own design for a steam car is the most common form of vehicle seen in action with his forces. However, as the Duke is something of a technological genius, he is forever trying out new designs — not all of which are successful.

Troops

Masked Minions

• Helmet: light gray
• Mask: chamois leather and brass
• Coat: medium gray
• Buttons and buckles: brass
• Gloves: chamois leather
• Belt: brown
• Equipment: brown
• Trousers: gray
• Boots: black

This masked minion is typical of the bulk of the Red Duke’s forces. He wears the great coat and a helmet/breathing mask combination. He carries a Mauser bolt-action rifle.

Bodyguard Minions

• Helmet: red
• Mask: chamois leather and brass
• Coat: dark red
• Buttons and buckles: brass
• Gloves: chamois leather
• Belt: black
• Equipment: black
• Trousers: black
• Boots: black

This fellow is a member of the elite minion squad who usually serve as the Duke’s personal bodyguard. He carries a Mauser bolt-action rifle.

Special Strike Force

• Hood: black
• Goggles: leather with red lenses
• Coat: red
• Buttons and buckles: brass
• Trim and rank markings: yellow
• Gloves: chamois leather
• Belt: black
• Equipment: black
• Trousers: brown
• Gaiters: tan
• Shoes: black

These soldiers moving through a Martian temple are examples of the Red Duke’s “special strike force.” They are armed with bolt-action rifles and their officers are, like the Duke himself, renowned swordsmen.

Steam technology

Steam Cars

The Red Duke’s Steam cars are painted gray. He seems to use a system of colored trim to distinguish individual vehicles.

A minion team leader exorts his troops from atop one of the Duke’s steam cars during a recent uprising in Parroom. The car model itself is converted from a toy.