Magistrados Power Groups

The Magistrados are divided into four branches. These organizations and their domains of influence are described in detail below. Player Characters that are part of the Magistrados must belong to one of these groups. 

Jaguar Sentinels: Internal affairs, bureaucrats, and Senate security for the Magistrados.

Spider Scouts: Scouts, Investigators, Couriers and Explorers for the Magistrados. 

Sledge Troopers: Ground troops, guardians, and field medics for the Magistrados.

Lance Mariners: Sailors, Engineers, and Gunners for the Magistrados’ ships and naval forces.

Jaguar Sentinels

Inspectors, Sombra, La Inquisición de la Verdad, Guardia-Inquisidor

“The removal of chaos sometimes requires a delicate hand and other times, a headsman’s ax.”

Basic: Internal affairs, bureaucrats,  and Senate security for the Magistrados.

Special Note: Members of these Magistrados can only be played by NPCs, although they often  employ other Magistrados or even non-Illustrados to advance their goals.

Symbol: Beside the three-ringed Sun, a macuahuitl with its blade upward and encircled an almost closed wreath. Macuahuitl make up the insignia of the lower ranking Inquisidores. Some Inquisidores use chainblades that look like macuahuitl. Inquisidores Vayans are black, with gold or grey accents. 

Territory: As the seat of the Senate, the Inquisadores stand watch over the Senatorial holdings and buildings in Ciudad Juanita and the other Illustrados islands. It stands to reason that most of their personnel and their main academy are situated within the Union’s capital. The Inquisidores have little reason to have offices beyond the islands, so their presences are “hosted graciously” by the other branches when they go out of the Union.

Overview: The Jaguar Sentinels are a recent addition to the Magistrados, having formed only approximately three decades ago. They are named after an order of prestigious warriors in the mainland’s ancient past. Crafted as a response to the attack on the Senate, these soldiers and inquisitors focus on ensuring the protection of the Senate and the Cacique-General. While they are under the control of the former, they are not personally directed by them -- this ensures that the Cacique-General can focus on managing the Magistrados while the Jaguars protect them.

The Jaguar Sentinels have never been particularly popular among the Magistrados. Adding to this, they have undergone several controversies since their inception. For example, some of their ranks were accused of being added to the prestigious Jaguar because of familial favors. There is also the belief that they have little respect for the Magistrados that they are supposed to keep in line. While measures have been taken to correct these beliefs (including a mass dismissal of the offending parties), there are still sour feelings and disdain when an Inspector arrives at a garrison. Interestingly, most Guaga do not share this sentiment - their fringe outposts are rarely visited and they understand the necessity of order.

Inspectors are noted by their less battle-worn attire. Their black Vayan with gold or grey tends to be longer than other soldiers, sometimes veering into the potentially dangerous. Unlike their ancient namesakes, they do not wear feathers, preferring instead a wide-brimmed hat when dealing with rain. When not defending the Senate and Cacique-General, they turn toward one-handed weapons and pistols. It is this sense of “genteel” and “softness” that adds to the resident discord of their presence. 

Leadership: The Inquisidor-Coronel of the Jaguar Sentinels is Manouchka Cordova-Ntsame. She is called “Manu” by her close associates, though she does coldly answer to “Manuel”. An Empath Psion, she has exceptional credentials, both in terms of proper conduct and arcane education. 

Coronel Cordova’s strength lies less with her ethics and her magic and more toward her ability to plan ahead and discern abnormalities. Before being offered the position, she was the right-hand of Guaga-Coronel Salomom and learned a great many things under his wing. It is said that she is one of the few individuals to beat him at cards, high praise for anyone of stature.

Her appointment ten years ago was met with no small amount of grumbling from the other Inspectors, but Coronel Cordova soon gained their trust. Though she accepts that being chosen had some roots in politics and appeasing the other Magistrados, Cordova relishes the opportunity for any challenge. She also has deep insight into the other branches and incorporates that knowledge into her plans. 

Lance Mariners

Javelineers, Lanceros, Las Lanzas del Mar, Guardia-Marina

“Peace through honor, discipline, and superior firepower”

Basic: Sailors, Engineers, and Gunners for the Magistrados’ ships and naval forces. 

Symbol: Beside the three-ringed Sun, two barbed spears crossed.  Spears or arrows make up the insignia of the lower ranking Lanceros. Lanceros wear blue and/or grey Vayans.

Territory: Understandably, Vedado in the Coabana island hosts the main strength of the Lanceros -- it hosts the biggest shipyards in the Union. They also share an academy there with the Magistrados. However, the Lanceros also have welcoming ports on the other Illustrados islands, the mainland, and even as far up as Mid-Atla’s Puerto Atlantica and Bridgeboro. 

Overview: The Lanceros began as a militia of outfitted boats and scavenged warships under the command of their city-states. They were the equivalent of coast guard, rescuing lost sailors, evacuating sinking vessels, and driving away deadly sea creatures. The unification of the Illustrados and the efforts General Arellano forged these sailors, mechanics, and gunners into a cohesive unit. By the arrival of the First Juracan, the Illustrados’ losses were greatly mitigated by Mariners darting in to rescue citizens or distracting the Juracan with strafing runs. Incendiary cannonfire from Ciudad Juanita and Lancero warships brought an end to the titanic monstrosity, cementing the Lanceros’ place in Illustrados history.  

Even when the Magistrados are mentioned by outsiders, Lanceros and their ships come to mind first. Their vessels ferried troops and supplies with immense haste. Their gunships scattered the abominable hordes of the Harbingers. The fights against the Juracans and the War over Embers proved that humanity could still triumph over the eldritch and the ineffable. Where the Illustrados are concerned, the Lanceros are their vorpal spears against the horrors of this new world. 

Among the Magistrados, Lanceros are often identified by their blue and grey Vayans. Their seaborne routines and patrols also do much to identify them. They avoid being encumbered, preferring mobility. Despite their reputation as warriors, many Lanceros tend to be mechanics or gunners instead -- thus, they tend toward shortarms or other ranged weapons. Those who do engage in melee like smaller weapons instead of larger ones, due to the cramped spaces they are used to. Long days at sea mean that they have nautical tattoos and/or are adept at music or games of chance. 

Leadership: Marina-Coronel Martina Moreno-Jarral is a Pelagic Seraph. She is known for being a perfectionist, demanding that her ships and soldiers be in top condition and of top quality. Her detractors claim that she is arrogant and considers many things beneath her. Coronel Moreno is thoroughly distant from Mid-Atla and dislikes that her ships have to come up there to guard Illustrados trade or dignitary vessels. Still, she begrudges her General and sends Lanceros and ships to Illustrados controlled/allied locations in that region.

Sledge Troopers

Martilladors, Justicars, Los Martillos del Juezs, Guardia-Martillo

“Fear is for the enemy”

Basic: Ground troops, guardians, and field medics for the Magistrados

Symbol: Beside the three ringed Sun, a flanged mace or hammer on a shield. Sometimes, the head of the weapon is surrounded by a halo. Hammers or maces make up the insignia of the lower ranking Martilladors. Martilladors wear red and/or bronze Vayans.

Territory: The Martilladors have their main headquarters on the outskirts of Cuidad Juanita. They also have their primary military academies there, as well as in Vedado. Ever vigilant for danger, they maintain limited garrisons in Mid-atla and in the mainland but the bulk of their strength remain on the islands. 

Overview: The Martilladors are warriors and protectors foremost among the Macana. In times of conflict, they forge their way through the thickest of danger to strike at the enemy, secure a tactical position, or rescue their comrades. These Magistrados are drawn from persons of resilience, willpower, and righteous bravery -- all the better to defend humanity from encroaching terror. 

In the War over Embers, it was the Martilladors that saw the most action and borne the most casualties among the Magistrados. Upon the Illustrados’ entrance into the war, these individuals were sent far inland to reinforce the other Archfactions. They matched the technological prowess of the Illustrados with their own boldness, leaping into the fray when the time was dire or shrugging off an enemy’s charge. Despite their name, Martilladors are known to carry shields, pairing them with pistols or any other weapon -- the monsters of the World Beyond the Fall are known to charge through fusillades of bullets. 

Martillados tend toward heavier armor (e.g. ornamented plate or layered armor) than other Magistrados, even field medics/support follow this preference. Some wear a pauldron on the opposite shoulder from their Vayan. They also tend toward one-handed weaponry and firearms, wielding a shield or nothing in their other hand -- this is so that they can pull folk out of danger or more easily treat an ally’s injuries. They also tend to be the most people-centric, with any of their assignments being in rescue and protection. A jape often leveled at them is that their Vayans are red and/or bronze to hide immense bloodloss. 

Leadership: The Martillo-Coronel of this branch is Arturo “Caballero” Drakos-Arellano, a recent appointment to the office. His predecessor died in the battle against the Harbinger Hosts and Coronel Drakos continues to hold a grudge against them from miles and years away. The continued Justicar presence in Mid-Atla is at his insistence, his own experiences fighting the Harbingers and hearing of their reincarnations has made him believe that their return is more than a possibility. 

Coronel Drakos is a Metabionic but he displays none of the frostiness associated with that Stigmata. He has led many of the Martillados through hell and brought them back, making him renowned and beloved among his troops. Even though General Roca has ordered most of the Mid-Atla troops back to the Caribbean, he claims to have no qualms with the current Cacique-General. It is believed that the singular garrison in Mid-Atla is the chip that bought his support of the Cacique-General. 

Spider Scouts 

Guaga, Recluses, Los Ojos del Guaga, Guardia-Guaga

“Eight steps ahead, eight eyes watching”

Basic: Scouts, Investigators, Explorers, and Emissaries for the Magistrados. 

Symbol: Beside the three-ringed Sun, eight half-closed eyes in two rows. Daggers make up the insignia of lower ranking Guaga. These folk wear Dark Green and/or Black Vayans. 

Territory: The Guaga have at least two major holdings on the mainland. One is Sao Revardiera far to the south, the main port for any south continental affairs. The other is the Nest, a secret compound that also serves as a main headquarters for the Spider Scouts. Naturally, they have outposts and/or offices in the main Illustrados cities and in a half-dozen Mid-atla settlements. 

Overview: The Guaga trace their beginnings to Delvers and explorers that scouted the mainland. In time, the most learned and disciplined of these individuals would be hired by the Magistrados and eventually join their ranks entirely. Among the Magistrados, they became scouts and investigators, possessed of quickness and insight. Some of these individuals are tasked with the role of emissary or courier. To all of those ends, the Guaga are assigned the fastest ships in the fleet and are given the most independence of the branches. 

In the War over Embers, such ships were of little use. The Spider Scouts served as reconnaissance and intelligence gatherers alongside the Archfactions. What they lacked in local knowledge, they more than made up for in cunning and technological gadgetry. Furthermore, the Guaga studied the techniques and the knowledge of their allies and added these tricks to their branch’s formidable repertoire. Many soldiers credit the Spider Scouts for helping them escape an ambush or tracking down an elusive enemy. 

Among the Magistrados, the Recluses remain the most active in Mid-Atla after the War over Embers. Though the Lanceros can be seen guarding Illustrados vessels and the Martillados go on rescue missions, the Spider Scouts are sent all over to gather information for the next big threat to the Illustrados -- whether it is from the Harbingers or from the other Archfactions. 

Compared to the other kinds of Magistrados, the Guaga like to pack lightly. Beneath their dark green and/or black Vayans, their clothing tends to be functional and durable. If they wear armor, they choose the lightest available to stay mobile (e.g. armored vests, light chain). Some Recluses are fortunate enough to enhance their senses using Prudencia goggles, but most prefer using Chem Vials over Gadgets with their Skill Kits. 

Leadership: Guaga-Coronel Francois “Widower” Salomon directs the Spider Scouts from their headquarters on the mainland. It is said that he is a well-read man, spending his reagents and currency on books of any kind. When he works, Coronel Salomon tends to read his subordinates’  reports from across the Illustrados Union and beyond. 

The attack on the Senate on 60 BTF is a stain on the Guaga’s honor and one they will not repeat. The Widower has many ears and eyes within the archipelago. Moreover, he will not hesitate to turn these assets into assassins if the need is great enough.